“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Knowing the Invitation!

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”  
Matthew 4:19 (NIV)

Our prayer emphasis this week will focus on knowing the invitation of Jesus to come, follow Him.  This invitation of Jesus to follow Him is not meant to be a passive following like is often done on social media.  No, it is a call to action as we come to where He is and then we follow His actions in regard to both where He goes and how He lives.  In fact, Jesus says that if we wish to come after Him we must take up our cross daily and follow Him even in our dying to self.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you grow in your desire to come and follow Jesus.  Pray that you would understand the need for an active following of the ways and teachings of God’s Word.  Pray for an eagerness to become more like Jesus in all your ways.  Pray that your response to God would daily be an active movement toward Him.  Pray for wisdom in living a life that invites others to come and follow Jesus.  Pray that your following of Jesus would result in a great catch of people for God’s kingdom.

“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 know and respond to the invitation of Jesus 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: Come and Find Rest.  Pray that you would respond to the call of Jesus to find a place or rest in Him.  Pray for all who are weary, that they would find rest in Jesus.  Pray that you would always find the burdens of your life to be lightened as you place them in the care of Jesus.  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”  Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

Tuesday: Come To Your Senses.  Pray that you would recognize the deceptiveness of sin as you come to your senses with the help of God’s Spirit.  Pray that you would not be ignorant of God or His ways so that you would not be brought to shame.  “Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God — I say this to your shame.”  1 Corinthians 15:34 (NIV)

Wednesday: Come and Be Cleansed.  Pray that you would have the courage and wisdom to leave the things of sin as you approach Jesus to be cleansed.  Pray for a growing desire to live a life set apart to honor God.  Pray for a purity of mind to keep yourself holy.  “Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord.  Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.”  2 Corinthians 6:17 (NIV)

Thursday: Come Near To God.  Pray that your desire would always be to come near to God in your thoughts and actions.  Pray that you would know the nearness of God’s response as you approach Him by faith.  Pray for a steadfast mind that desires the nearness of God.  “Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”  James 4:8 (NIV)

Friday: Come To Repentance.  Pray for a growing understanding of God’s patience, both with you and with those around you, as He calls all people to repentance.  Pray that you would learn patience with those who still need to repent.  “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”  2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)

Saturday:  Come and Drink Life.  Pray that you would always desire to drink of the water of life.  Pray that you would call others to come to Jesus and drink life.  Pray for a growing thirst for Jesus and the life which He gives.  “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.”  Revelation 22:17 (NIV)