“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Following the Promised Child!

“’She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’  All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:  ‘The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ — which means, ‘God with us.’”
Matthew 1:21-22 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus will be wrapped around the present that was given to us — the promised child, Jesus!  Each day we will focus our prayer time on a different name, title, or description that was given to the Son of God as He came to earth as the One promised from God.  The promise of Jesus began in the garden of Eden in response to the sin of mankind.  We celebrate the birth of Jesus as the beginning of the fulfillment of God’s promise to crush the head of Satan.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you consider not only what child is this that we worship, but how you will worship Him throughout your life.  Pray that each aspect of who Jesus is would impact your life in such a way that you experience Him more fully each day.  Pray that you would live with a greater appreciation of what Jesus accomplished on our behalf.

“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 follow Jesus as the One who was promised to us.

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: Wonderful Counselor.  Pray that your relationship with Jesus reveals His presence, the Wonderful Counselor, living in you.  Pray that you would seek God’s counsel in everything you do.  Pray that God’s Spirit would continually remind you to share the good news of Jesus.  “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”  John 14:26 (NIV)

Tuesday: Mighty God.  Pray that your life submits fully to the authority and might of God.  Pray that all people would experience salvation which comes through the might of God working in Jesus.  Pray that your life would show to others that you believe in a mighty God.  “But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God.”  Luke 22:69 (NIV)

Wednesday: Everlasting Father.  Pray that your life shows a trust in an eternal Father and Savior.  Pray that the eternal nature of Jesus would help you look to the future with confidence.  Pray that the people around you would know true eternal hope because of an everlasting Father.  “’I tell you the truth,’ Jesus answered, ‘before Abraham was born, I am!’”  John 8:58 (NIV)

Thursday: Prince of Peace.  Pray that you would seek peace with God who desires to bring all people to peace with Him through Jesus.  Pray that the “Prince of Peace” would reign in your life as you find in Him a peace that surpasses all understanding.  Pray that the people around you would see God’s peace evident in your life.  “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”  Luke 2:14 (NIV)

Friday: Jesus.  Pray that you completely experience the cleansing power of the name of Jesus who came to save His people from their sins.  Pray about how you can make the name of Jesus known.  Pray that the people around you would call on the One who saves.  “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners — of whom I am the worst.”  I Timothy 1:15 (NIV)

Saturday:  Immanuel.  Pray that you would know the help of God with you in the midst of every aspect of life.  Pray that God’s help would fill you with awe as you praise Him..  Pray that your life is a constant reminder to those around you that God is with us and has come to help His people.  “They were all filled with awe and praised God. ‘A great prophet has appeared among us,’ they said. ‘God has come to help his people.’”  Luke 7:16 (NIV)