“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Time to Gather and SERVE!

“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. ”  
Hebrews 3:13 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on our responsibility after the resurrection.  We live a resurrected life as we join with Christ in the power of His resurrection.  The result should be a transformation that changes us in such a way that what we do is different whether when we are alone or together with  others.  The very heart of a time to gather is a time to serve one another.  As you pray this week, ask God help you to renew your commitment to serving Him as you serve others.  Pray that you would know how He is equipping you to serve within the church body and within your community.  Pray for the courage to serve in ways that may stretch your comfort zone . . . or take you completely out of it.  Pray that God would direct your obedience to Him in the ways you gather with others.  Pray that you would be an active part of encouraging others when you come together as part of the body of Christ.

“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 others as you gather together.

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 Time to Share.  Pray that you would understand and practice your responsibility to share with those in need.  Pray for wisdom to know how to share well and discernment in understanding needs.  Pray that your sharing would be done not just with your stuff, but also with your time and abilities within the body of Christ.  “Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”  Romans 12:13 (NIV)

Tuesday: A Time to Equip.  Pray that you would be a student of God’s Word so that you would be equipped, and be able to equip others, for every good work.  Pray that you would come together with God’s people in ways that equip each member of the body.  “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: A Time to Rebuke and Repent.  Pray for the wisdom and grace to rebuke others in love and to repent when you are rebuked.  Pray that you would be filled with humility when it is necessary to correct others.  Pray that the same humility would fill you when you need to repent.  Pray for a spirit of forgiveness.  “So watch yourselves.  ‘If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him.’”  Luke 17:3 (NIV)

Thursday: A Time to Visit.  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 value time spent with others who may be different than you.  “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: A Time to Encourage.  Pray that your life would be an encouragement to others as you meet together on a regular basis.  Pray that you would value the opportunities which exist for fellowship.  Pray that you would share the encouragement you receive from Christ.  “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:  A Time to Serve Like Christ.  Pray that you would follow the example of Christ in serving others for their benefit.  Pray that you would put into practice al the elements of serving one another.  “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)