“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Be Prepared

“He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me,
and he prepares the way
so that I may show him the salvation of God.”
Psalm 50:23 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about our need to be prepared!  A long time ago I had a mentor tell me that everything I was currently going through should be used as preparation for whatever God would lead me to next.  I believe that is a very good lesson for these current times of uncertainty.  For most of us, that is much easier to do when our circumstances are pleasant and desirable.  Live through the massive restrictions of a global pandemic and we’re more apt to spend our time looking for whatever is next, and in so doing miss the preparation time thus delaying the next step because we are not prepared.  God’s desire is that we would not only be prepared for an eternity with Him, but that we would also be prepared for our journey of life through this world we live in.  When we are prepared with an open heart that honors God, we are more likely to see the salvation He offers.  As you pray, ask God to help you do the things necessary for you to be prepared for the salvation which comes from Him.  Pray for wisdom in living today as preparation for tomorrow.  Pray that you would not be so anxious for whatever is next that you miss the preparation necessary.  Pray for the endurance necessary to put in the preparation work that is needed in your life.  Pray that you would do the things God has prepared for you.  Pray for a spirit of unity within your church congregation and within the body of Christ as a whole.  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 help you use this time to be prepared for now, the future, and eternity.

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.  Pray that God would work through you in a mighty way to encourage others this week.

Monday:  Be Prepared For An Inheritance.  Pray that you would use this time in history to prepare yourself, and others, for a kingdom inheritance.  Pray that you would know the blessings of God as you seek first His kingdom and share that good news with others.  “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.’”  Matthew 25:34 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Be Prepared For Glory.  Pray that you would continually see the riches of God’s glory on display even in these times.  Pray that you would know the preparation God has already done in order for you to receive His mercy.  “What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory — even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles?”  Romans 9:23-24 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Be Prepared For Good Work.  Pray that you would use the current times to not only be prepared, but to do good work.  Pray that you would allow God’s cleansing to prepare you for the good work He has for you now and into the future.  “If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.”  2 Timothy 2:21 (NIV)

Thursday:  Be Prepared At All Times.  Pray that you would always be prepared to share the Word of God with those who need to hear it.  Pray that your times of preparation would include both “great patience and careful instruction” for yourself and then for others.  “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage — with great patience and careful instruction.”  2 Timothy 4:2 (NIV)

Friday:  Be Prepared For Action.  Pray that you would be prepared to act on the things God calls you to do today and throughout this pandemic.  Pray that you would be prepared by the grace of God to realize, and share, His grace which has been given to you.  “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)

Saturday:  Be Prepared To Give an Answer.  Pray that your life of preparation would begin by setting apart Christ as Lord in your life.   Pray that your answers would be given with the gentleness and respect that people 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)