“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Facing Trouble!

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34 (NIV)

Trouble.  The “gift” no one asks for but we all receive.  Jesus made it clear in His teaching that His followers would not be exempt from trouble in this life.  In fact, He says there will be trouble that exists simply because of following Jesus completely.  While trouble is inevitable, Jesus says that we should not add to each day’s trouble by worrying about the trouble of the next day.  When we look to God’s Word, there is much to learn about how to pray during times of trouble.  We begin by seeking first God’s kingdom and His righteousness.  When that is the one thing we seek each day, then we begin to get a glimpse of the temporary nature of our troubles.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you face trouble with a wisdom and strength that only He can give.  Pray that you would learn and grow during times of trouble as you rely on the power of God’s Spirit within you.  Pray that you would not add to your day’s trouble things that do not belong and pray that your actions would not add to the trouble faced by others.   Pray each day for the individuals of your congregation and 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 as you face, endure, and overcome trouble.

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: A Stronghold During Times of Trouble.  Pray that you would seek God’s righteousness to be  your stronghold of protection when you experience trouble.  Pray that you would see through the trouble to the salvation that awaits those who remain in the Lord.  “The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their stronghold in time of trouble.”  Psalm 37:39 (NIV)

Tuesday: Delivered During Times of Trouble.  Pray that your care of the weak would grow in proportion to your desire to be delivered from trouble.  Pray that the regard you have for those who struggle would result in both you and them being delivered by God.  “Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble.”  Psalm 41:1 (NIV)

Wednesday: An Answer During Times of Trouble.  Pray that God would fill your mind and spirit with the desire to call on Him first when you experience trouble.  Pray that your calling out to God would include times of listening as you anticipate His answer to the trouble you face.  “In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me.”  Psalm 86:7 (NIV)

Thursday: Peace During Times of Trouble.  Pray that you would be filled with peace through your remembrance of the Word of God.  Pray that the victory won by Jesus would fill you with peace.  “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33 (NIV)

Friday: Comfort During Times of Trouble.  Pray that you would allow God’s comfort to fill you during times of trouble.  Pray that you would be active in comforting others with the comfort God has given you.  “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”  2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)

Saturday:  Pray During Times of  Trouble.  Ask God to help you turn to Him in prayer during times of trouble.  Pray that you would have the courage to enlist others to pray with you as you wait upon the Lord.  “Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.”  James 5:13 (NIV)