“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Sacrificial Service!

“The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.  Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.”  
John 12:25-26 (NIV)

As we continue to grow in A Lifestyle of Prayer, it is important to remember prayer should be a lifestyle, not an event.  This week’s prayer focus will be on serving sacrificially.  As we commemorate Memorial Day weekend here in the U.S., it is good to remember those who gave their life on behalf of their country and fellow-man.  It is also good to follow that example of sacrifice as we serve within the kingdom of God.  Serving sacrificially is difficult because it requires that we humble ourselves and consider the needs of someone else to be greater than our own.  Serving sacrificially is not without reward, however.  Not only does it benefit those we serve, it brings honor from God as we serve Christ in our service to others.  As you pray this week, thank God for those who have served their country, and you, sacrificially.  Pray that you would grow in the humility necessary to serve others as you should.  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 in learning how He would have you serve Him sacrificially.

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: Serve In The Spirit.  Pray that you would know the joy that comes by serving through the way of God’s Spirit.  Pray that each believer would experience the freedom found by serving in the Spirit.  “But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.”  Romans 7:6 (NIV)

Tuesday: Serve With Power.  Pray for the courage to serve in God’s power even when you feel weak.  Pray that those you serve would see the power of God at work in you.  “For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God’s power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God’s power we will live with him to serve you.”  2 Corinthians 13:4 (NIV)

Wednesday: Serve One Another.  Pray for the compassion needed to serve one another even when you think you are free not to.  Pray for the wisdom and courage to deny yourself as you serve others.  “You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.”  Galatians 5:13 (NIV)

Thursday: Serve Wholeheartedly.  Pray that you would serve others with a whole heart, just as you would if it were Jesus you were serving.  Pray that the way you serve would help people see Jesus in you.  “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men.”  Ephesians 6:7 (NIV)

Friday: Serve Faithfully.  Pray that you would be faithful in using God’s gifting in your life to serve others.  Pray that your service to others would be known as a gift from God.  “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”  1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)

Saturday:  Serve Eagerly.  Pray that you would eagerly desire, and look for, opportunities to serve.  Pray for those who serve as shepherds, that their motives are always pure.  “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers — not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve.”  1 Peter 5:2 (NIV)