“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Life of Sharing!

“For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” 
1 Corinthians 4:7 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus will be on God’s instruction that we share what we have been given.  Sharing is not usually an easy concept to do or to teach.  James says that it is our selfishness that often keeps us from receiving from God the things we ask for.  Many times we live by two standards.  One that sets forth what we believe God ought to share with us — everything.  And the other standard is what we feel we ought to share with others — only what we decide they deserve.  It is when we begin to see everything we have as gifts from God that we realize we are only being called to share His gifts.  My gifts and abilities are limited, so any gift that would originate with me has limits as well.  God, however, is not limited so His gifts are able to accomplish their purpose as He shares them with us and we share them with others.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you learn to share in the way He would desire.  Pray that your sharing would be done in ways that benefit the needs of 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) 

Please pray each day for God to help you grow in the ways you share.

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: Share With Those In Need.  Pray for wisdom in knowing how God would have you share with those in need.  Pray that you would use the things God has given you in a way that benefits others.  Pray that God would help you learn and practice hospitality as a means of sharing with others.  “Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”  Romans 12:13 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Share What You Have.  Pray that you would be able to clearly see from God’s perspective what you have so that you would know what you can share.  Pray for a willingness to share the things you have which exceed what others have.  that He wants you to share.  “John answered, ‘The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same.’”  Luke 3:11 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Share the Gospel.  Pray that God would fill you with a love for people that makes it a delight to share the gospel with them.  Pray that the way you live your life would complement your sharing of the gospel.  “We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.”  1 Thessalonians 2:8 (NIV)

Thursday:  Share Generously.  Pray that you would learn to give generously, not just with things and money, but with your time and good deeds.  Pray that God would fill you with a willingness to share in a way that expresses God’s generosity to you.  “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”  1 Timothy 6:18 (NIV)

Friday:  Share Sacrificially.  Pray that you would always remember to do the good that God requires of you, especially when dong so costs you more than you really wanted to give.  Pray that your sharing with others would be offered to God as a pleasing sacrifice to Him.  “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”  Hebrews 13:16 (NIV)

Saturday:  Share With Those Who Teach.  Pray that your sharing with them would honor those who instruct you in God’s Word.  Pray that you would find ways to share with those you learn from.  Pray that you would share instruction with those who would listen.  “Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.”  Galatians 6:6 (NIV)