“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Serving One Another!

“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.  I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
John 13:14-15 (NIV)

This week our prayer emphasis will focus on serving one another like Jesus.  When we are in Christ, we are one family.  When I think of those closest to Jesus, it is His disciples that first come to mind.  Even as Jesus faced the cross, He loved those who were His own by serving them as an example of how we ought to serve one another.  As you pray this week, ask God to fill you with an awareness of the family He has called you into.  Pray that you would notice specific ways you can serve others.  Pray that you would look for the opportunities to help others according to their need.  Pray that you would know the love of Jesus in a way that  helps you to love His family.

“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 serving one another.

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: Share With One Another.  Pray that you would understand and practice your responsibility to share with God’s family in need.  Pray for wisdom to know how to do that well.  Pray about how God would have you share not only the material goods He has blessed you with, but also the love He has shown to you.  “Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”  Romans 12:13 (NIV)

Tuesday: Equipping One Another.  Pray that you would be a student of God’s Word so that you would be equipped for every good work.  Pray that you would use God’s word accurately in serving others.  “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)

Wednesday: Rebuking One Another.  Pray for the wisdom and grace to rebuke others in love and to repent when you are rebuked.  Pray that you would pay close attention to the details of your interactions with others.  Pray that any rebuking you give or receive would always be in line with God’s Word and according to need.  “So watch yourselves.  If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him.”  Luke 17:3 (NIV)

Thursday: Visiting One Another.  Pray that you would notice the stranger, the needy, the sick, and the imprisoned and visit them as if you are visiting Christ.  Pray that you would carry God’s peace and joy with you as you visit others.  “When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?  When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’”  Matthew 25:38-39 (NIV)

Friday: Encouraging One Another.  Pray that your life would be an encouragement to others as you meet together on a regular basis.  Pray about how God would have you encourage others even when you are apart for a time.  “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”  Hebrews 10:25 (NIV)

Saturday:  Serving One Another Like Christ.  Pray that you would follow the example of Christ in serving others for their benefit.  Pray that God would help you deal with any selfishness that keeps you from serving like Jesus.  “Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave — just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”  Matthew 20:26-28 (NIV)