“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Vision of Judgment!

“For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?”
1 Peter 4:17 (NIV)

This week our prayer emphasis will focus on some of what the Bible says about judgment.  The Bible has a lot to say about the judgments that God makes as well as the judgments that we ought to make.  Because the Bible says, “judge not lest you be judged”, there are many who think it is unfair to make any kind of determination as to right and wrong.  Yes, not only is there a judgment to come, God equips us with His Word and His Spirit to make judgments every day so that we would grow in our alignment with Him.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you to understand the topic of judgment from His perspective.  Pray that you would be involved in making godly judgments and that you would be ready for God’s judgment.  Pray that the people around you would realize that God has made a way for there to be no condemnation in judgment for those who are found in 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 to help you live as one with good sense of judgment, both now and in regard to the judgment to come.

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:  Impartial Judgment.  Pray that you would seek to hear the whole story before making judgments in matters brought before you.  Pray for wisdom to know the difference between decisions which are yours and those which belong to God.  “Do not show partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be afraid of any man, for judgment belongs to God. Bring me any case too hard for you, and I will hear it.”   Deuteronomy 1:17 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Righteous Judgment.  Pray that you would look to God for the foundation of righteous judgment.  Pray that you would follow His judgments wholeheartedly.  Pray that the judgments you must make each day would be according to the righteousness of God.  “Judgment will again be founded on righteousness, and all the upright in heart will follow it.”  Psalm 94:15 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Good Judgment.  Pray that you would learn good judgment as you believe and follow the commands of God.  Pray that your life would reflect to others the goodness of God’s judgments.    Pray for a knowledge that is both good and godly in content and practice.  “Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I believe in your commands.”  Psalm 119:66 (NIV)

Thursday:  Sound Judgment.  Pray that your life would exemplify sound judgment and that you would allow nothing to take if from you.  Pray for a steadfast spirit that would help your judgments stand up to the test of God’s Word, as well as to the test of time.  “My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight.”  Proverbs 3:21 (NIV)

Friday:  Favorable Judgment.  Pray that you would experience the favorable judgment of God as one who belongs to Him.  Pray that you would share with others the good news of receiving favorable judgment from God.  “As I watched, this horn was waging war against the saints and defeating them, until the Ancient of Days came and pronounced judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came when they possessed the kingdom.”  Daniel 7:21-22 (NIV)

Saturday:  Truthful  Judgment.  Pray that you would always speak truth, especially in matters of judgment.  Pray for a justice system that would honor God in the way judgments are decided and given.  Pray about how God would have you involved in making truth known.  “These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts.”  Zechariah 8:16 (NIV)