“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Prepared For Trial!

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.” 
1 Peter 4:12 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about asking for God’s help in being prepared for the trials you will face in life.  After His arrest in the garden, Jesus was tried and sentenced to death.  As we consider the various elements of what was going on in the pretense of a trial which found Him guilty, we see things that we face on a regular basis.  It is in these daily trials that we are tested to see how prepared we really are.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you be aware of the various testings and trials you will face.  Pray that you would be prepared for each trial as you consider how Jesus endured all that He faced.  Pray that your response to those who appear to be the source of your trials would be a godly response.  Pray for the courage and wisdom to speak when needed and to be silent when needed.  Pray that you would learn any and all lessons that God desires to teach you through the trials of life.  Pray that your life would be a witness to others of how God helps His children in the midst of their trials.

“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 being prepared for the trials of life.

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:  Prepared For Testimony.  Pray that you would not be puffed up by flattering testimony nor torn down by false testimony about you.  Pray for a life which becomes a true testimony of Jesus within you regardless of the testimony of others.  “Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, ‘Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?’”  Matthew 26:62(NIV)

Tuesday:  Prepared For Rejection.  Pray that the acceptance of you by Jesus would protect you from the damage caused by people’s rejection.  Pray for the proper response of godly sorrow when you discover you’ve rejected Jesus by your denial.  “Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: ‘Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.’  And he went outside and wept bitterly.”  Matthew 26:75 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Prepared For Insults.  Pray that pride would not keep you from repentance when you feel insulted by the actions of others.  Pray about how God would have you live with a purity of thoughts and actions which would speak over the insults of others.  “The chief priests picked up the coins and said, ‘It is against the law to put this into the treasury, since it is blood money.’”  Matthew 27:6 (NIV)

Thursday:  Prepared For Accusations.  Pray that you would live in such a way that the accusations against you have no cause to stick.  Pray for a confidence in what God has done in your life so that you would not need to defend yourself against every accusation.  “When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer.”  Matthew 27:12 (NIV)

Friday:  Prepared For Loneliness.  Pray that you would live with an awareness of God’s presence to help you when you feel all alone.  Pray for the peace which comes from being chosen by God when others might choose anyone else over you.  “Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.”  Matthew 27:26 (NIV)

Saturday:  Prepared For Trial.  Pray that you would hold fast to God’s promise in the midst of every trial that you face.  Pray that you would keep your eyes fixed on Jesus as the One who gives the crown of life to all who are faithful to the end through all of the trials and tests of life.  “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”  James 1:12 (NIV)