“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Soul Rest!

This is what the LORD says:
“Stand at the crossroads and look;
     ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
     and you will find rest for your souls.
     But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’” 
Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV)

Throughout scripture God invites us to find rest not just for our body, but rest for our soul.  The prophet Jeremiah shared God’s invitation to find rest for the soul with the people of Israel, and with us.  Sadly, even if we hear the invitation of God, our response indicated by our actions is often the same as that of Israel — “We will not walk in it.”  This week we will spend time praying each day about God’s instructions and about the rest for our soul that He desires.  As you pray, ask God to help you not just hear and understand His word, but to live it.  Pray that your obedience to walking in “the good way” would not only help you find rest for your soul, but would keep you from experiencing God’s discipline.  Pray each day for the individuals of your congregation as well as for the body of Christ as a whole.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”
Ephesians 6:18 (NIV) 

Please pray each day for God’s help in pursuing Him in a manner that brings rest to your soul.

Sunday: Pray for your church staff, the preaching and teaching that takes place, the church leadership, the volunteers that are helping in so many areas, the spiritual and financial health of the congregation, and the work of the missions ministry of the church.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.  

Monday: Stand at the Crossroads.  Pray that you would have the patience and courage to stop and stand when faced with decisions that the crossroads of life bring.  Pray that you would be still and know the peace of God as you stand at the crossroad.  “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”  Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

Tuesday: Look.  Pray that you would take the time to look at the works of God as you stand.  Pray that your time of standing would help you to find peace and rest as you consider the direction God is leading.  “I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.”  Psalm 143:5 (NIV)

Wednesday: Ask for Ancient Paths.  Pray that you would ask God to show you the value of His path that is from “the ancient of days”.  Pray that you would ask God to daily direct you in the paths that brings peace with Him that He established in days long ago.  “I remember your ancient laws, O LORD, and I find comfort in them.”  Psalm 119:52 (NIV)

Thursday: Ask for the Good Way.  Pray that you would ask God to show you the good way that He has called you to.  Pray that you would pursue the way of God in a manner that causes people glorify Him.  “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”  Matthew 5:16 (NIV)

Friday: Walk.  Pray that God would help you to walk in the ancient paths and good ways that you find as you seek Him.  Pray that you would learn from God’s Word with the desire to put into practice the things that God teaches.  “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”  James 1:22 (NIV)

Saturday:  Find Rest.  Pray that you would learn from God how to find rest for your soul as you live in relationship with Him.  Pray that you would share with others about the rest you find as you seek to know and follow His unchanging ways.  “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”  Matthew 11:29 (NIV)