“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Vision of Mourning!

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
Matthew 5:4 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer emphasis on God’s promise that those who mourn will find comfort from God in all circumstances so that we can share that comfort with others.  When life is a struggle for you, take the time to notice how God comforts you so that you would be better prepared to comfort others in their difficulties.  We also must learn to mourn and be sorrowful about the sin in our life.  It is in our godly sorrow that we repent and find God’s comfort.  As you pray this week, ask God to make you more aware of the comfort that He has provided to you.  Pray that you would actively look for ways to share that same comfort with others.  Pray that the troubles of this world would not overwhelm you or the people around you.  Pray for the wisdom needed to share God’s comfort with those experiencing the troubles of this world.  Pray for discernment and wisdom to see beyond and through the divisiveness of this world so that you would love others as God loves both you and them.

“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 mourn and be comforted.

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:  Finding Comfort When Facing Death.  Pray that the guidance and discipline of God would bring you comfort when the shadow of death surrounds you.  Pray that the people around you would be comforted by the presence of God when they mourn.  “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”  Psalm 23:4 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Finding Comfort During Suffering.  Pray that you would be comforted by God’s promises during times of suffering.  Pray for a greater understanding of how God’s promises preserve your life beyond your current suffering.  Pray that you would share God’s promises with the people around you who are suffering.  “My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.”  Psalm 119:50 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Finding Comfort In God’s Laws.  Pray that your knowledge of, and obedience to, God’s laws would bring you comfort.  Pray that the foundation and stability of God’s Word would dwell within you in such a way that you find comfort in remembering His truth.  Pray that you would comfort others through God’s laws.  “I remember your ancient laws, O LORD, and I find comfort in them.”  Psalm 119:52 (NIV)

Thursday: Finding Comfort Through God’s Love.  Pray that God’s love would fill you with great comfort.  Pray that you would find comfort in the unfailing nature of God’s love that endures beyond our worthiness.  Pray that you would have opportunity to share God’s love with others to bring comfort to them.  “May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant.” Psalm 119:76 (NIV)

Friday:  Finding Comfort Through Our Relationship with Christ.  Pray that you would experience overflowing comfort through your relationship with Christ.  Pray that your identity in Christ would be reflected in the comfort you share.  Pray that the comfort you have received will overflow into the lives of others.  “For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.”  2 Corinthians 1:5 (NIV)

Saturday:  Finding Comfort Through Forgiveness.   Pray that you would be comforted by the process of forgiveness.  Pray that you would find comfort in knowing the forgiveness that first comes from God so that you would fully forgive yourself and others.  Pray that your forgiveness of others would be a comfort to them.  “Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.” 2 Corinthians 2:7 (NIV)