“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Finding Hope

“There is one body and one Spirit — just as you were called to one hope when you were called — one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
Ephesians 4:4-6 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis is about living as those who have been called to one hope.  We live in a time when hope seems to be in short supply . . . at least that is what the world would want us to believe.  As Christians, this is an incredible time to not only live with hope, but to share it in such a way that others can find the hope that we have in Christ.  A Christian’s hope is all about a confident expectation that God has, does, and always will keep His promises.  In the above passage, God says that hope is one of the things Christians have in common that should unite us.  As you pray this week, spend time reflecting on true hope — the hope that is found through Jesus Christ.  Pray that you would seek greater unity with fellow believers because of your common hope.  Pray that the hope you find in Christ would be such that others would see it in you and desire it for themselves.  Pray that you would have such confidence through your hope in Christ that it would fill you with the courage to share that hope with others.  Pray that your hope would be based on the things God has done as you look forward to the things He will do.  Pray each day for the individuals of your church family 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 to fill you with a genuine hope that is available in Christ.

Sunday:  Pray for your church staff and leadership as they navigate the many complexities of leading and shepherding in these uncertain times.  Pray for the spiritual and financial health of the congregation to remain strong during this time of not being able to meet together physically.

Monday: Finding the Hope of Glory.  Pray that Christ’s presence in you would fill you with the hope of glory.  Pray that you would be involved in helping others to know of, and find, the glorious riches that are a mystery to those without Christ.  “To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”  Colossians 1:27  (NIV)

Tuesday: Finding Hope Which Inspires.  Pray that your hope in Christ would inspire you to endure all things as you live life in Christ.  Pray that this hope would be an inspiration to others to seek God fully and find the hope that endures.  “We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”  1 Thessalonians 1:3 (NIV)

Wednesday: Finding Hope that is Steadfast.  Pray that God’s faithfulness would cause your hope to remain steady through all things — both known and unknown.  Pray that you would hold onto the promises of God as you refuse to waiver in proclaiming your hope in Him so that others can find that same hope.  “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”  Hebrews 10:23 (NIV)

Thursday: Finding Hope that Prepares You.  Pray that hope would always be part of your preparation for the action God is calling you to take.  Pray that your hope in Christ would prepare you fully for the grace to be given when He is fully revealed.  Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.”  1 Peter 1:13 (NIV)

Friday: Finding Hope that Has a Reason.  Pray that you would always be aware of the reason for the hope within you.  Pray that you would always be ready to share that reason in appropriate ways so that others would find the hope we all desperately need.  “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”  1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

Saturday:  Finding Hope Which Purifies.  Pray that you would allow the hope of God within you to purify your life.  Pray for a purity of thoughts and actions which are made sure by your hope in Christ during these uncertain times.  Pray that the hope of Christ in you would be as pure as He is.  “Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.”  1 John 3:3 (NIV)