“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Home of Hope!

“There is one body and one Spirit — just as you were called to one hope when you were called — one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” 
Ephesians 4:4-6 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will have us praying about the element of hope within the body of Christ — the home God has called us to.  As we are welcomed home into God’s family, and welcome others to join us, we find a hope that doesn’t fail.  A Christian’s hope is all about a confident expectation that God has, does, and always will keep His promises.  In the above passage, God says that hope is one of the things Christians have in common that should unite us.  As you pray this week, spend time reflecting on true hope — the hope that is found through Jesus Christ.  Pray that you would seek greater unity with fellow believers because of your common hope.  Pray that you would have such confidence through your hope in Christ that it would fill you with the courage to share that hope with others.  Pray that your hope would be based on the things God has done as you look forward to the things He will do.

“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 and sharing the hope found in Jesus.

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: The Hope of Glory.  Pray that Christ’s presence in you would fill you with the hope of glory.  Pray that you would be involved in making others aware of the glorious riches that are a mystery to those without Christ.  Pray that you would welcome people home to the revealed glory of Christ.  “To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”  Colossians 1:27  (NIV)

Tuesday: A Hope that Inspires.  Pray that your hope in Christ would inspire you to endure all things as you live a life in Christ.  Pray that this hope would be an inspiration to others as they see your hope put into action.  “We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”  1Thessalonians 1:3 (NIV)

Wednesday: A Hope that is Steadfast.  Pray that God’s faithfulness would cause your hope to remain steady through all things.  Pray that you would hold onto the promises of God as you refuse to waiver in proclaiming your hope in Him.  Pray that you would know the faithfulness of God even when your hope is shaken.  “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”  Hebrews 10:23 (NIV)

Thursday: A Hope that Prepares You.  Pray that hope would always be part of your preparation for the actions God is calling  you to take.  Pray that hope would prepare you fully for the grace to be given when Christ is fully revealed.  Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.”  1 Peter 1:13 (NIV)

Friday: A Hope that Has a Reason.  Pray that you would always be aware of the reason for the hope within you.  Pray that you would always be ready to share that reason in appropriate ways.  “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”  1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

Saturday:  A Hope that Purifies.  Pray that you would allow the hope of God within you to purify your life.  Pray that the hope of Christ in you would be as pure as He is.  Pray for the humility to understand becoming pure is a process for you and for others.  Pray that you would welcome home those who need to experience the hope of Christ.  “Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.”  1 John 3:3 (NIV)