“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Godly Instruction!

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.  Do everything in love.”
1 Corinthians 16:13-14(NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on some godly instruction that Paul gives as he wraps up his first letter to the Corinthians.  Many times when we get to the end of a conversation or letter we become much more intentional and concise in trying to get our point across.  It seems to me that Paul has that same tendency as he gets to the end of this letter we know as 1 Corinthians.  These are not really new instructions he is giving but rather they are worded in order to convey urgency and importance to his readers then and to us.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you know the value of receiving, and living by, godly instruction.  Pray that you would seek God’s wisdom as the center of the instructions you live by.  Pray for a heart of understanding for yourself and for those that you share godly instruction with.  Pray that you would not only understand the instructions that are found in God’s Word, but that you would seek God’s help in doing what His Word says.

“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 living according to the instructions of God’s Word.

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:  Be On Guard.  Pray that you would be on guard against the attacks of the enemy and all of his deceitfulness.  Pray for an alertness that helps you to not be caught off guard.  Pray for the courage and strength necessary to resist temptation as you guard your heart and mind.  “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”  1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Stand Firm.  Pray for a growing awareness of God’s ability to lift you out of whatever pit you are in.  Pray that you would always find the foundation of God’s Word to be a solid place where you can stand firm.  Pray that your testimony would help others know they can stand firm.  “He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.”  Psalm 40:2 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Take Courage.  Pray that you would live with a courage that comes from the presence of Jesus through His Spirit.  Pray for a courage that helps you to do what is right even when fear wants to lead you in a different direction.  Pray that your life would show others how to take courage when they find themselves fearful.  “But Jesus immediately said to them: ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.’”  Matthew 14:27 (NIV)

Thursday:  Be Strong.  Pray that you would seek a strength that comes from God so that His power can be seen through you.  Pray that you would be consistent in putting on the full armor of God in order to find a strength which has a spiritual basis.  Pray that your actions would lead others to seek out a strength that comes from the Lord.  “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.”  Ephesians 6:10 (NIV)

Friday:  Love One Another.  Pray for a full acceptance of the greatness of God’s love for you.  Pray that your realization of God’s love would direct the way you love others.  Pray that your love for others would continue to grow deeply as you practice giving and receiving forgiveness.  Pray for a love that helps you to forgive the sins done against you just as God forgives the sins you commit against Him.  “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”  1 Peter 4:8 (NIV)

Saturday:  Show Honor.  Pray for a humility in your life that is willing to recognize those who bring refreshment to your spirit.  Pray for a sincere heart which genuinely appreciates those who are encouragers.  Pray for pure motives both in the way you refresh others and in the way you honor those who refresh you.  “For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.”  1 Corinthians 16:18 (NIV)