“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Turning Around!

“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)

This week our prayer emphasis will focus on God’s desire that we recognize our own sin and turn around . . . in other words, repent.  The Bible says all have sinned but the unfortunate truth is that we not only have sinned, we still sin even after coming to Christ.  Therefore, repentance is not only for the unsaved, but perhaps more importantly, it is for those of us who seek to walk with Christ daily.  Repentance is more than a change of action, although the Bible is clear that it must be visible in our actions.  It is a complete change of heart — a change of thinking about that which we are repenting of.  As you pray this week, pray that you would see the need for repentance in your life and that you would learn to see the things you are repenting of from God’s perspective.  Pray that you would also learn patience with others, just as God is patient with you and them.  Pray for an attitude of compassion that desires people to avoid condemnation as they turn to Jesus. 

“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 to help you experience the gift of repentance.

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:  Repent in Godly Sorrow.  Pray that the sorrow you experience when doing wrong would be godly sorrow that leads you to repentance.  Pray that the transformation you receive through Christ would lead you to a life lived to the full.  Pray that God would help you live with no regret.  “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”  2 Corinthians 7:10 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Repent in Obedience.  Pray that you would be obedient to God’s command to repent even of acts done in ignorance.  Pray that your life would be an example to others regarding the importance of repenting.  Pray for a spirit of repentance to spread everywhere.  “In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.”  Acts 17:30 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Repent of Pride.  Pray that God would help you to identify and repent of all traces of sinful pride in your life.  Pray that you would have the courage to lead others through humility rather than pride.  “Then Hezekiah repented of the pride of his heart, as did the people of Jerusalem; therefore the LORD’s wrath did not come upon them during the days of Hezekiah.”  2 Chronicles 32:26 (NIV)

Thursday:  Repent of Wickedness.  Pray that  you would turn to God and repent of all aspects of wickedness — even wickedness that currently only resides in your thoughts.  Pray for a gentleness of spirit that helps you find forgiveness when you turn from all wickedness.  “Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart.”  Acts 8:22 (NIV)

Friday:  Repent for Refreshment.  Pray that your repentance would bring a time of refreshment in your life as you experience the penalty of your sins being wiped away.  Pray that your turning toward God would bring about a time of refreshing which spreads to those around you.  “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.’”  Acts 3:19 (NIV)

Saturday:  Repent for Restoration.  Pray that you would experience God’s restoration in your life as you turn to Him in repentance.  Pray that you would know the value of using worthy words which represent the Lord accurately.  Pray that the people around you would hear God’s Word through you.  “Therefore this is what the LORD says: ‘If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman.”  Jeremiah 15:19 (NIV)