“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Powerful Wisdom!

“My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.”
1 Corinthians 2:4-5 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on knowing a wisdom that is powerful because it comes from God.  If you have ever been talked into something that you later regretted, you should have great appreciation for the message of the gospel which relies on the power of God at work in those who hear.  Because the power of God does not reside in the wisdom of man, our actions and words speak with power when they rely on His Word rather than our desires.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you evaluate whose version of power you live by.  Pray that you would choose to live by a faith which grows from the power of God’s Word.  Pray for the humility which chooses not to complicate the message of the gospel.  Pray for the patience needed to allow God’s Spirit to do the work of conviction and transformation needed in your life and the lives of others.  Pray that your life would be a demonstration to others of the power of God’s Spirit.

“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 having a wisdom which comes from Him.

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 Wisdom Of Maturity.  Pray that you would grow in a maturity which understands the wisdom of God’s Word.  Pray that your sharing about Jesus would always choose the path of God’s wisdom rather than the wisdom of this world.  “We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.”  1 Corinthians 2:6 (NIV)

Tuesday:  A  Wisdom Of Glory.  Pray that you would seek out a wisdom that has been hidden from those claiming to be wise — a wisdom that results in God’s glory being reflected in you.  Pray that you would share with others about a wisdom that endures all time.  “No, we speak of God’s secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.”  1 Corinthians 2:7 (NIV)

Wednesday:  A Wisdom Of Understanding.  Pray that the power of God’s wisdom would fill you with an understanding that only He can give.  Pray that God’s wisdom living in you would transform you from being an enemy of Christ to a child of God.  “None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.”  1 Corinthians 2:8 (NIV)

Thursday:  A Wisdom Of God’s Word.  Pray that you would know the “hidden wisdom” that has been made known in God’s Word.  Pray that you would live in the midst of God’s great love as He prepares for you things which are indescribable.  “However, as it is written: ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him’”  1 Corinthians 2:9 (NIV)

Friday:  A Wisdom Of the Spirit.  Pray for a willingness to be still and know the presence of God’s Spirit within you.  Pray for a desire to understand the things revealed by God’s Spirit to those who are His children.  Pray that you would seek a wisdom that could only come from God’s Spirit as you share the good news of Jesus with others.  “But God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.  The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.”  1 Corinthians 2:10 (NIV)

Saturday:  A Wisdom Of God’s Thoughts.  Pray that you would pursue a pure wisdom which has its foundations in the very thoughts of God.  Pray that you would live with a greater awareness of the Spirit of God, who knows His thoughts, living within you. Pray that this powerful wisdom living in  you would direct your life.  “For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.”  1 Corinthians 2:11 (NIV)