“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Good News!

“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”
Luke 2:10-11 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on the good news that is available to all people.  In a time when it seems most of the news being shared from every news source imaginable is bad news, the good news of Jesus ought to stand out like the beacon of hope that it is.  As you pray this week, ask God to continually remind you of the good news that is meant for all people.  Pray that you would both accept and share the good news that Jesus came to bring.  Pray that the good news would fill you with a peace and joy that shines in the darkness of this world.  Pray that your life would represent the good news of Jesus in all of your interactions with others.  Pray that the message of Jesus would be good news that is accepted by the people around you.  Please continue to pray for one another in the midst of these confusing and changing times.  Pray for discernment and wisdom to see beyond and through the divisiveness of this world so that you would love others as God loves both you and them.

December Prayer Focus:  “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”  Romans 12:9-13 (NIV)

“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 live and share the good news of Jesus.

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: The Beauty of Sharing Good News.  Pray that you would always appreciate the beauty of those who have shared the good news of Jesus with you.  Pray that you would shine with beauty as one who is involved in the sending and sharing of the good news.  “And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’”  Romans 10:15 (NIV)

Tuesday: Benefits of Good News.  Pray that you would always be careful in the way you convey the message of Christ to others.  Pray that you would live with a greater health and joy because of the good news of Jesus.  Pray that others would be made whole because of the good news you share with them.  “A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.”  Proverbs 15:30 (NIV)

Wednesday: Refreshed By Good News.  Pray that you would know the refreshing that comes from hearing good news.  Pray that you would be intentional about encouraging others through the good news that you share.  Pray that the good news which arrived from the kingdom of heaven would encourage all who hear it.  “Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.”  Proverbs 25:25 (NIV)

Thursday: Respond To Good News.  Pray that you would always realize how timely the good news of God’s kingdom is.  Pray that your response to God’s good news would always be one of belief and transformation.  Pray that your sharing of good news would be believed and acted upon.  “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” Mark 1:15 (NIV)

Friday: Proclaim Good News.  Pray that God would give you the courage and wisdom to proclaim the good news of Jesus everywhere you go.  Pray for discernment to know the most effective means of sharing the good news in every situation you are in.  Pray that God’s Spirit would produce much fruit in the lives of the people you proclaim good news to.  “He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.’”  Mark 16:15 (NIV)

Saturday:  The Good News of Scripture.  Pray that you would be a consistent student of the Word of God so that the good news you share about Jesus would be accurate.  Pray that God’s Spirit would help you understand and retain the truths of scripture so you can share its good news with everyone.  “Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.”  Acts 8:35 (NIV)