“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Road of Understanding!

“Men of Issachar, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do — 200 chiefs, with all their relatives under their command.” 
1 Chronicles 12:32 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be to pray about growing in our understanding — our understanding of the things of God as well as our understanding of one another.  In a nation full of division, perhaps our understanding of the times would lead us to a greater understanding of God and then to a greater understanding of people.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you grow in understanding.  Pray that you would seek an understanding of the things of God in order to have a greater perspective on the things of this life.  Pray that you would learn to listen for the purpose of understanding — both in your listening to God and in your listening to others.  Pray that the knowledge and wisdom that you seek would be found through a fear of the Lord and that He would increase your understanding as you learn from Him.  Pray that an understanding of the times in which we live would help you to live in such a way that your life bears much fruit for God’s kingdom.  Pray for humility so that the understanding provided by God in response to your prayers would not become a source of pride.

“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 as you grow in understanding.

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:  Understanding the Deity of Jesus.  Pray that your understanding of Jesus as God would form the way you respond to His teachings and actions.  Pray that you would understand how the presence of God was made known to man through Jesus.  “But if I do it, even though you do not believe me, believe the miracles, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.”  John 10:38 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Understanding the Gifts From God.  Pray for a greater understanding of the gifting that is made known through God’s Spirit.  Pray that your understanding of the grace of God would lead you to share what He has freely given to you.  “We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.”  1 Corinthians 2:12 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Understanding the Lord’s Will.  Pray that you would understand the will of God as revealed through His Word, through the example of Jesus, and through the power of His Spirit.  Pray for wisdom in understanding how God’s love and compassion shape His will for you and for everyone you meet.  “Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”  Ephesians 5:17 (NIV)

Thursday:  Understanding the Good Things Christ Provides.  Pray for the courage to live and share you faith so that others would see and hear it.  Pray for a growing understanding of the good things  you have in Christ.  Pray that the sharing of your faith will increase your understanding of the goodness of God.  “I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.”  Philemon 1:6 (NIV)

Friday:  Understanding the Source of Scripture.   Pray that you would always view God’s Word as sacred because you understand its real source.  Pray that your response to scripture would be based on you understanding and acceptance of the fact that it is “God-breathed”.  “Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation.”  2 Peter 1:20 (NIV)

Saturday:  Understanding God’s Patience.   Pray that you would understand how God has been patient with you.  Pray that your interactions with others would be formed and molded by your understanding that God’s patience with them is equal to the patience He has shown you.  “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”  2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)