“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Just Keep At It!

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” 
Philippians 3:12 (NIV)

This week’s lifestyle of prayer emphasis will focus on God’s desire that we not only know His Word and will, but that we keep doing it!  In the midst of a seemingly endless list of things you can’t do, shouldn’t do, and are encouraged not to do; it is far too easy to forget to keep doing what you can do.  God’s desire is that we would be faithful to the end — which means we keep on keeping on with the things of God until our time on earth is through.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine fully the things that you can and should do.  Pray that you would not be distracted by the things which can’t be done.  Pray for wisdom each day to accurately evaluate what you should, and shouldn’t, keep on doing.  Pray that you would live in such a way that you would take hold of the things of God and help others to do the same.  Pray for a greater understanding of the individual nature of the journey each of us are on in Christ.  Pray for the ability to remain focused on the common goal rather than be distracted by the differences of the individual steps we each take.

“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 grow in perseverance as you keep doing the things He calls you to.

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:  Keep On the Right Path.  Pray that you would be one who listens to God and gains wisdom from His Word.  Pray that your obedient response to God’s Word would keep you on the right path.  Pray that your heart would be inclined to the things of God so that you would not be led astray.  “Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path.”  Proverbs 23:19 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Keep On Watching.  Pray that you would live a life ready for the return of Jesus as you work and watch for Him.  Pray that you would not be distracted by the things of this world which tempt you to take your eyes off of Jesus.  Pray that your life would help others to keep watch and be ready for Christ’s return.  “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”  Matthew 24:42 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Keep On Speaking.  Pray that you would not let fear keep you from speaking about your relationship with God.  Pray that your words and actions would match and represent Jesus well.  Pray that you would use gentleness and respect as you keep on speaking about what Jesus has done in your life.  “One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: ‘Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent.’”  Acts 18:9 (NIV)

Thursday:  Keep On Being Blameless.  Pray that you would turn to God for the strength you need each day.  Pray that you would live a blameless life as you trust in God’s ability and power to cleanse you from all unrighteousness through the blood of Jesus.  “He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  1 Corinthians 1:8 (NIV)

Friday:  Keep On Praying.   Ask God to help you listen to His Spirit as you pray at all times.  Ask God to help your prayer life to grow as your alertness makes you more aware of the needs of others.  Pray that you would never become weary of praying for others.  “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)

Saturday:  Keep On Loving One Another.   Pray that your love of God would keep your love for one another alive and growing.  Pray for the wisdom to love others as the brothers and sisters in Christ that they are.  Pray about how God’s love for you is expressed by you to the people around you.  Pray that love would be the foundation of how you treat one another regardless of how many opinions you agree, or disagree, on.  “Keep on loving each other as brothers.”  Hebrews 13:1 (NIV)