“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

An Enduring Joy!

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is on living with exceedingly great joy even when life requires endurance.  Jesus is not only the author and perfecter of our faith, He set the example of enduring all things because something better was coming.  God has surrounded us with faithful witnesses who have shown us how to live life with endurance.  Endurance as we journey through this life is a big deal because Jesus has said it is those who are faithful to the end who will receive the crown of life.  As we grow in endurance, God has not only given us an example but has given us the tools necessary to endure with great faith.  As you pray this week, ask God to fill you with an enduring joy that helps you to endure whatever your day brings.  Pray that your faithful endurance would lead you in paths of righteousness.  Pray that your life would encourage others and help them to turn to Jesus for the strength to endure.  Pray that you would not become weary as you endure today with your eyes set on the joy ahead.

“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 live with an enduring joy.

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: An Enduring Fear of the Lord.  Pray that you would always hold fast to a healthy fear of the Lord that endures through all things.  Pray that a proper fear of the Lord would lead you to follow God’s commands with confidence.  “The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever.  The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.”  Psalm 19:9 (NIV)

Tuesday:  An Enduring Inheritance.  Pray that you would keep your mind and eyes focused on the inheritance that awaits those who belong to God.  Pray that your blameless walk would be the result of the goodness of God and lead you to an enduring inheritance which cannot be taken away.  “The days of the blameless are known to the LORD, and their inheritance will endure forever.”  Psalm 37:18 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Trusting Endurance.  Pray that your trust of God would endure through all things.  Pray that your faith would not be shaken by the troubles which you face in this world.  Pray that you would stand firm in the Lord because of your enduring trust.  “Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever.”  Psalm 125:1 (NIV)

Thursday:  Truthful Endurance.  Pray that your words and life would speak truth which endures forever.  Pray that you would reject the temptation of momentary untruthfulness.  Ask God to help you endure in truthfulness as you reject the lies of this world in both the speaking of such lies and the acceptance of them.  “Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.”  Proverbs 12:19 (NIV) 

Friday:  Hopeful Endurance.  Pray that you would work with endurance because of your hope in Christ.  Pray that you would remember and honor those who have lived lives of hope-filled endurance through their faith.  “We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”  1 Thessalonians 1:3 (NIV)

Saturday:  Patient Endurance.  Pray that your obedience to God’s commands would help you learn to endure patiently as you wait for the day of Christ’s return.  Pray that your faithfulness would fill you with a patient endurance as you serve others. “This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God’s commandments and remain faithful to Jesus.”  Revelation 14:12 (NIV)