Author: Tom

June 2, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Hearing the Word!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Hearing the Word!

“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.  But I ask: Did they not hear? Of course they did: ‘Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.’”
Romans 10:17-18 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about hearing God’s Word in a way that makes it useful in our life.  In Paul’s second letter to Timothy, we have a list of some of the things that God says Scripture is useful for if we were to hear it and apply it to everything we do.  Sadly, many have come to view Scripture as more inspirational than transformational.  In reality, it is only truly inspirational if it inspires us to draw near to God and be transformed.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you accurately evaluate how much time you spend hearing through your reading, studying, and meditating on the Word of God.  Pray that your love for God’s Word would grow as your understanding of its usefulness grows.  Pray that the usefulness of  God’s Word in your life would cause you to share it at every opportunity.  Pray that you would not only be a hearer of God’s Word, but that you would also be a doer and sharer of it.

“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 faith as you hear His Word.

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: Hearing the Origin of God’s Word.  Pray that you would hear Scripture as coming from God and not from man.  Pray that God’s Spirit would give you insight into what He has spoken through His Word.  Pray that your response to  God’s Word would reflect its origin.  “For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”  2 Peter 1:21 (NIV)

Tuesday: Hearing the Teaching.  Pray that you would hear God’s Word as useful in teaching how to live a life pleasing to God.  Pray for wisdom in putting the teaching of God’s Word into practice.  Pray that your devotion to the Word of God would prepare you to teach.  “For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.”  Ezra 7:10 (NIV)

Wednesday: Hearing the Rebuking.  Pray that you would hear the wise rebuke of God’s Word in your life.  Pray that you would always have a proper response when you hear the rebuke of God’s Word.  Pray that you would use God’s Word in wisely rebuking others when it is necessary.  “It is better to heed a wise man’s rebuke than to listen to the song of fools.”  Ecclesiastes 7:5 (NIV)

Thursday: Hearing the Correction.  Pray that you would hear the correction that God desires to give you through His Word.  Pray that you would learn to welcome the correction of God’s Word in your life.  Pray that God’s Word would be the basis for any correction of others that you do.  “Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.”  Job 5:17 (NIV)

Friday: Hearing the Training.  Pray that you would hear the training God wants to do in you through His Word.  Pray that you would reject the myths of the world and seek to be trained by God’s Word.  Pray that you would cling to God’s Word as the true source of training in godliness.  “Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.”  1 Timothy 4:7 (NIV)

Saturday:  Hearing the Equipping.  Pray that the application of God’s Word in your life would equip you for every good work He desires.  Pray that you would make God’s Word the very core of equipping others for the work God has created for them to do.  “May the God of peace . . . equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”  Hebrews 13:20-21 (NIV)

May 26, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Remembering To Do Good!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Remembering To Do Good!

“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
Hebrews 13:16 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about our need to remember, and do, the things God instructed through His Word.  The Bible contains many examples of God giving instructions for specific days, feasts, memorials, and other reminders so His people would not forget Him and His work.  Even when we know and experience the goodness of God, we need reminders to help us remember to share that goodness with others.  This week as we remember the sacrifices made by people on behalf of a nation, we will also spend time praying about remembering some things that God doesn’t want us to forget.  Things that we know, or have known, but would be good for us to remember . . . again.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you remember.  Pray that you would remember the sacrifice of Jesus on your behalf.  Pray that you would remember the sacrifices of those whose lives paid for the freedoms you enjoy each day.  Pray that you would remember the things God wants you to never forget.  Pray that your remembering would lead to your doing.

“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 remember the good you ought to do.

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:  Remembering to Be Generous.  Pray that you would remember the generous nature of God.  Pray that you would remember to be generous with the things you sow into the lives of others.  Pray that your generosity would result in an abundance of godly fruit.  “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”  2 Corinthians 9:6 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Remembering the Poor.  Pray that you would remember how God responds to your spiritual poverty.  Pray that you would be eager to remember, and care for, the poor.  Pray that God would fill you with the wisdom necessary to care for the poor as you ought.  “All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.”  Galatians 2:10 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Remembering To Pray For Others.  Pray that you would remember that God has given One to intercede on your behalf.  Ask God to help you remember to pray for the people He has placed in your life.  Pray that your prayers would be filled with thanks as you remember others.  “I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.”  Ephesians 1:16 (NIV)

Thursday:  Remembering Your Victories.  Pray that you would remember the victory obtained when God’s light first came upon you.  Pray that you would be able to stand firm as you remember the victories God has given you.  “Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering.”  Hebrews 10:32 (NIV)

Friday:  Remembering Those In Prison.  Pray that you would remember how God has always been with you.  Pray that you would be filled with compassion as you remember those who are in prison — whether in a literal or figurative prison.  Pray that you would share in the sufferings of those who are imprisoned and/or being mistreated.  “Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.”  Hebrews 13:3 (NIV)

Saturday:  Remembering Your Leaders.  Pray that you would hold fast to the teachings of the leaders who have shared the word of God with you.  Pray that you would imitate the way of life of godly leaders so that your life is also worth imitating.  “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.”  Hebrews 13:7 (NIV)

May 19, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Standing Firm!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Standing Firm!

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”
Ephesians 6:13 (NIV)

As we continue to pray about what it will take to build for revival, this week our prayer focus will be on our need to stand firm in our relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  We have an enemy that constantly tries to knock us off our feet to disrupt our walk with Christ.  When the storms of life come, it will be a life built on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ which will be able to stand firm.  God has not only given us armor to help us be able to stand our ground, He gives instructions on the how, when, and why we ought to stand firm.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you to stand firm in your daily walk with Christ.  Pray that you would be equipped through the armor of God to stand against the schemes of the devil.  Pray that God would fill you with the wisdom to know exactly what standing firm should look like in each situation you face.  Pray that the people around you would know the power of God because of His ability to help you stand firm in difficult times.

“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 stand firm in the ways you ought to.

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:  Standing Firm in the Lord’s Work.  Pray that your commitment to the work of the Lord would remain steadfast through all obstacles.  Pray that you would stand firm and never lose sight of the eternal reward that awaits you when your work is completed.  “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”  1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Standing Firm in Christ.  Pray that your faith in God would help you stand firm in Christ.  Pray that the people around you would know that it is your trust in God that enables you to stand firm when difficult times come.  Pray for wisdom in building your life on the foundation of Jesus.  “Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ.”  2 Corinthians 1:21 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Standing Firm in Freedom.  Pray that you would experience the fullness of the freedom you have in Christ.  Pray that you would stand firm in that freedom and  not be drawn back into the bondage of sin.  “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”  Galatians 5:1 (NIV) 

Thursday:  Standing Firm in the Will of God.  Pray that you would constantly seek God for the wisdom to stand firm in His will.  Ask God to fill you with a desire to wrestle in prayer for other so they would also stand firm in the will of God.  “Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.”  Colossians 4:12 (NIV)

Friday:  Standing Firm on the Word of God.  Pray that you would hold fast to the teachings of Scripture.  Pray that you would be a student of the Word so that you would know what is good and right.  Pray that you would teach and follow God’s Word with accuracy.  “So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.”  2 Thessalonians 2:15 (NIV)

Saturday:  Standing Firm with Patience.  Pray that you would never give up in your desire to stand firm.  Pray that God’s Spirit would produce in you a patience that allows you to stand firm until the Lord’s coming.  Pray for a willingness to endure as you recognize the impending return of Jesus.  “You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.”  James 5:8 (NIV)

May 12, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Giving Help!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Giving Help!

“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”
Hebrews 6:10 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about giving help to others.  Helping others is not just a good idea, it is a God idea!  God continually sets the example by helping us in our times of need and did so in the ultimate way by sending His Son, Jesus, to redeem us from our greatest need.  As we build for revival, it is important that we not only ask for God’s help, but that we would give help so we can all be revived together.  In times of great disaster, many people are convicted of their need to help and are often eager to find ways to do so.  I believe God wants us to not overlook those times, but to look beyond the disasters and see how He would have us help others each day even without a news team showing us how bad things are.  As  you pray this week, ask God to fill you with a compassion that leads to a desire to help others.  Pray that this desire would take root and grow into an action that produces fruit.  Pray that God would be honored in the way you help others.  Pray that God’s work in you would lead you to help others in ways that make Jesus visible.

“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 reveal how He desires for you to help others.

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:  Give Help According to Your Ability.  Pray that God would help you to accurately evaluate your ability to help others.  Pray that you would free yourself from the trap of comparison as you help others according to the ability God has given you.  Pray that your ability to help would be multiplied by God’s ability in you.  “The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea.”  Acts 11:29 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Give Help To the Weak.  Pray that you would be mindful of the many ways in which a person might be weak.  Pray that you would have the courage to do the hard things that help those who are weak.  “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'”  Acts 20:35 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Give Help By Your Prayers.  Ask God to help you to remember to pray for those who need His help.  Pray that you would pay attention during your prayer time for how God would have you help others.  “He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers.”  2 Corinthians 1:10-11 (NIV)

Thursday:  Give Help According To Need.  Pray that it would not only be  your actions, but also your words that help others according ot their need.  Pray that you would seek wisdom in knowing what others really need before you try to offer help.  “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”  Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

Friday:  Give Help In Conflict.  Pray that you would be a peacemaker when the people around you don’t get along.  Pray that your help would encourage others to resume their work for the gospel.  “Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel.”  Philippians 4:3  (NIV)

Saturday:  Give Help Through Encouragement.  Pray that you would be a help to those who encourage you.  Pray that you would know the encouragement of being a helper to all you encounter.  Pray that your testimony of God’s grace would encourage others.  “With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.”  1 Peter 5:12 (NIV)

May 5, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Keep Watching Out!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Keep Watching Out!

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”
Matthew 26:41 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about our need to keep watch as we build for revival!  Much of the watching that most people do tends to be very passive.  We go through our daily life casually observing our surroundings, but rarely paying enough attention to list at the end of the day all that we have seen.  When God calls us to watch and pray, He has something much more deliberate in mind.  He wants our watchfulness to be very active as we pay attention to the troubles and temptations the enemy surrounds us with in an attempt to make us choose anything other than God.  Much of what we’ll pray about this week are things that easily sneak into our lives if we are not watching out for them.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you pay attention to how you watch.  Pray that you would watch out for the opportunities God brings your way.  Pray that you would watch out for the many things that the enemy is trying to use to derail you from a fruitful walk with God.  Pray that you would watch out for the people around you, just as you watch out for your own interests.

“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 always watch and pray.

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:  Watch Out for Greed.  Pray that you would be on guard against all kinds of greed that seeks to destroy you.  Pray that you would always watch out so that your possessions do not possess you.  “Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.’”  Luke 12:15 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Watch Out for Deception.  Pray that you would stay in relationship with Jesus so that you would not be deceived.  Pray that you would watch out for those who would claim to represent Jesus, but don’t.  He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them.”  Luke 21:8 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Watch Out for Division.  Pray that you would recognize the things that cause division and obstacles within the body of Christ.  Pray that you would watch out for the people whom the enemy uses to spread such divisions and obstacles.  “I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.”  Romans 16:17 (NIV)

Thursday:  Watch Out for Destructive Behavior.  Pray that you would pay attention to how you treat others.  Pray that you would watch out for the destruction caused by internal bickering and conflict.  Pray that you would be deliberate about building other up rather than tearing them down.  “If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.”  Galatians 5:15 (NIV)

Friday:  Watch Out for Temptation.  Pray that you would be aware of the things which are enticing temptations to you so that you don’t get caught up in them.  Pray that you would watch out for how the sins of others can be contagious.  “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.”  Galatians 6:1 (NIV)

Saturday:  Watch Out for Eternal Loss.  Pray that you would pay attention to all that you have in Christ.  Pray that you would watch out for what you have worked for in Christ so that your eye would always be on the eternal prize.  Pray that you would be faithful to Christ to the end of this life.  “Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully.”  2 John 1:8 (NIV)

April 28, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Task For Everyone!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Task For Everyone!

“If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” 
Romans 12:7-8 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on talking with God about the individual work He calls each person to, and ask for His help in finding our own task even as we value the unique tasks of others.  The work of revival is accomplished by the power of God through His Spirit and His Word, but it also involves each person doing the task God calls them to.  God calls all who take on the name of Christ, as Christian, to be workers in His kingdom!  For the body of Christ to function effectively, each member must do their part.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you know the “good works” God created in advance for you to do.  Pray that you would seek to accomplish your tasks by the power of God’s Spirit rather than in your own strength.  Pray that God would help you value the work He does through others, whether that work is similar to what you do or vastly different.

“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 be your help you use the gifting He has placed in your 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: Serving.  Ask God to help you understand your task when it comes to serving Him in the way you serve others.  Pray that God would help you see, and do, your part in serving the physical needs of the church property and of one another.   “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”  Mark 10:45

Tuesday: Teaching.  Ask God to help you take on the task of teaching the truth of God’s Word with both your words and your actions.  Pray that you would recognize your responsibility from the Great Commission to teach the things of Christ.  “. . . and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  Matthew 28:20

Wednesday: Encouraging.  Ask God to help you know how your current actions encourage others and how to continually be involved in the task of encouraging people regardless of how well you know them.  Pray that your attitude, words, and actions would be an encouragement to the people around you.  “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”  1 Thessalonians 5:11 

Thursday: Giving.  Ask God to help you grow in your understanding and practice of all aspects of the task of giving.  Pray that your giving of time, money, and ability would be done cheerfully and in response to God’s great gift of everything through His Son.  “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”  2 Corinthians 9:7

Friday: Leading.  Ask God to help you recognize that the task of leading involves both a willingness to follow Christ and a humility to lead in the appropriate times, places, and ways.  Pray that all areas that you would lead in would be lead from the very heart of God.  “Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.”  Jeremiah 3:15

Saturday:  Mercy/Visiting.  Ask God to help you excel in the task of caring for people in very real and practical ways.  Pray for the ability to see Jesus in the lives of people as you extend mercy to them through your acts of visiting, sharing, and kindness.  “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’”  Matthew 25:40

April 21, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Asking For Help!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Asking For Help!

“I lift up my eyes to the hills — where does my help come from?  My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about learning to ask for help as we build for revival.  The work of revival is accomplished by the power of God through His Spirit and His Word, but it often begins with our recognition that we need help.  It is in the most difficult of times that we often learn most clearly what our needs really are — and where our real help must come from.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you.  Pray that you would keep your eyes fixed on Him as you seek the help you need.  Pray for the ability to notice His hand at work in all of the help you receive, and in all of the help you give to others.  Pray that God would meet your needs according to His riches in glory.  Pray for the humility to both request and accept help from God through others and to give help from God to others.  Pray that your testimony of God’s goodness and help would be clear and visible as you “do your good works so that people see them and glorify your Father in heaven.”.

“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 be your help in time of need and for the humility to ask for help.

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:  Asking For Help When Distressed.  Pray that God would remove the stress from your distress as you cry out to Him for help.  Pray for the confidence in knowing that God has heard your prayers and His help is on the way.  “In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help.  From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears.”  Psalm 18:6 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Asking For Help When Weak.  Pray that you would always turn to God for help, but especially so when you recognize your own weakness.  Pray for an awareness of God’s nearness to you when you feel you can go no further.  Pray that you would know the perfect timing of God’s help when you need His strength.  “But you, O LORD, be not far off; O my Strength, come quickly to help me.”  Psalm 22:19 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Asking For Help When Needing Mercy.  Pray for a greater realization of just how much you are in need of God’s mercy.  Pray that a proper understanding of what you do, and what you don’t, deserve would fill you with gratitude for God’s mercy.  Pray with thanksgiving for a God who hears and is merciful in your time of need.  “Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me; O LORD, be my help.”  Psalm 30:10 (NIV)

Thursday:  Asking For Help When Needing Protection.  Pray that God would fill you with great hope as you wait for Him to act with perfect timing.  Pray for God’s presence within you to be the shield of protection you need.  Pray that your patient endurance would be rewarded by a protection that can only come from God.  “We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.”  Psalm 33:20 (NIV)

Friday:  Asking For Help When Feeling Estranged.  Pray for a greater practice and desire to draw near to God, especially at times when you feel distant.  Pray for a confidence in knowing that God hears you and responds to you when you call out to Him from wherever you are.  “Hear my prayer, O LORD, listen to my cry for help; be not deaf to my weeping.  For I dwell with you as an alien, a stranger, as all my fathers were.”  Psalm 39:12 (NIV)

Saturday:  Asking For Help When Afraid.  Pray that God would fill you with His peace when the things of this world are frightening.  Pray that you would recognize the comfort of God holding your hand in the midst of fearful situations.  Pray that your walk with God would be a comfort to others when they are afraid.  “For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”  Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)

April 14, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Foundation of Prayer!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Foundation of Prayer!

“When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.”
Nehemiah 1:4 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about our need to build for revival on a foundation of prayer!  I suspect one of the big reasons we need to seek God’s help in our prayer life is the command to “devote yourselves to prayer”.  If God had said to simply pray when you feel like it, or when it’s convenient, most of us could handle that.  But devoting ourselves to prayer is an entirely different task.  When confronted with the devastating condition of Jerusalem, Nehemiah  laid a foundation of prayer in order to see God’s perspective of what was needed.  When we go to God about our prayer life, we open our self up to His instruction and guidance in the way we relate to Him.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine just how devoted to prayer you are.  Pray that you would understand your need for God’s  help in this part of your relationship with Him — as in all other parts.  Pray that you would be always watchful and thankful as you pray — both qualities that will require God’s help.  Pray that your desire for revival would be built upon a foundation of prayer.

“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 each of us build with a foundation of prayer.

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: Pursue.  Spend time with God considering, even writing out, what it would look like for you to pursue God wholeheartedly.  Pray that your whole heart would be involved in seeking God.  Pray that you would pursue God in a conversation with Him which leads you to a right foundation for revival.  “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”  Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)

Tuesday: Repent.  As you pray, listen for God to reveal not just actions, but even thoughts for which you need to turn to Him in repentance.  Pray that you would turn to God for the strength and courage to change the things that need revived in your life.   “Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart.”  Acts 8:22 (NIV)

Wednesday: Act.  Spend the necessary time listening to God so that your prayers result in God-led action.  Pray that you would see and respond to the opportunities that God gives you.  Pray about how your action of spending time with God prepares you to build.  “If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?”  James 2:16 (NIV)

Thursday: Yield.  Empty yourself daily of your will so that the focus of your prayers would be fully yielded to God.  Pray that God’s will would not only be done, but that it is your priority.  Pray for a desire to build on the foundation laid by Jesus.  “He went away a second time and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.'”  Matthew 26:42 (NIV)

Friday: Encourage.  Pray that you would be filled with, and share, encouragement as you cry out to God as a way of life.  Pray for wisdom in using the stories of your struggles to encourage others.  Pray that you would be encouraged, even as you encourage others, in pursuing a revived life.  “You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry.”  Psalm 10:17 (NIV)

Saturday:  Rejoice!  Recognize, and rejoice, in the greatness of God being found by all who would seek Him.  Pray for a heart that constantly rejoices as you live in the presence of God.  Pray that your desire to build on a solid foundation of godly wisdom would result in rejoicing by you and those around you.  “Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.”  Psalm 105:3 (NIV)

April 7, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Missions For Everyone!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Missions For Everyone!

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

As we continue our Lifestyle of Prayer emphasis, this week’s focus is a reminder to pray for the mission work supported by you and your congregation.  God expects every believer to be involved in sharing the good news of Jesus everywhere we go.  For some, that calling is to a coworker in a community that you’ve spent your entire life in.  For others, that calling is to take the gospel message to a people group in a distant land that you’ve never been to until responding in obedience to God’s calling.  For many, that calling is somewhere between those two examples as we carry the gospel message everywhere we go.  As we pray about the spread of the gospel, we also pray about our part in taking the message of Jesus to all the world.  Our involvement in missions ought to be an integral part of who we are as a Christian.  We give financially to missions so that their work would not be hindered by a lack of resources.  We pray fervently for missions so that we would hear how God wants to work through them, and through us in partnership with them.  As you pray for the missions and missionaries you know, pray that they would have fruitful labor as you ask God to fill them with the characteristics listed below.

“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 the work of full-time missionaries, as well as your work as a missionary.

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: Encouragement.  Pray that God would help you find ways to encourage those directly involved in mission work throughout the world.  Pray that you would be known as one who refreshes the hearts of others.  Pray that those being served by our missions would be encouraged.  “Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.”  Philemon 1:7 (NIV

Tuesday: Provision:  Pray that each mission would have all that is needed for their work as Christians around the world are “credited” with being the instrument God uses to meet the needs of missionaries.   Pray that  you would know God’s provision as you give to others.  “Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account.  And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:17,19 (NIV)

Wednesday: Wisdom:  Pray for a wisdom that comes from God as our missionaries make decisions.  Pray for the patience that is required to know God’s wisdom.  Pray that the good news of Jesus being shared through our missions would be accepted as godly wisdom.  “Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him.”  2 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

Thursday: Effectiveness:  Pray that the work of missionaries would be effective in reaching people with the good news of Jesus.  Pray for a knowledge of doors which have been opened for effective work.  Pray that an obedience to those open doors would bear much fruit for the kingdom.  “But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.”  1 Corinthians 16:8-9 (NIV)

Friday: Boldness:  Pray that the missionaries, and yourself, would be filled with a boldness to proclaim the gospel as we ought.  Pray for the courage to fear God more than the threats of men.  Pray for a spirit of love to fill the bold message of the gospel.  “Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.”  Acts 4:29 (NIV)

Saturday: Faithfulness:  Pray for missionaries to be great examples of faithfulness and that they would be filled with joy by the faithfulness of those who hear the message from them.  Pray for a faithfulness to the knowledge of the truth in both message and practice.  “It gave me great joy to have some brothers come and tell about your faithfulness to the truth and how you continue to walk in the truth.”  3 John 1:3 (NIV)

March 31, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Final Words!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Final Words!

“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.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” 
Hebrews 12:2-3 (NIV)

Our “Lifestyle of Prayer” emphasis this week will focus on a return to the words of Jesus from the cross.  As we spend the week reflecting on Resurrection Sunday, it is fitting to not only consider the sacrifice Jesus made, but to apply His very words to how we pray.  As you pray this week, use the topics to help you pray through difficulties, through weakness, through loneliness, through concern for others, and most importantly through the eyes of Jesus.  Pray for a greater awareness of the things Jesus went through to bring salvation to you.  Pray about how the words of Jesus will help you know the fullness of His love for you.  Pray that you would realize how you are part of the joy that was set before Jesus as He endured the cross.  Pray that your life would reflect the message of the cross to the people around you.

“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 learn from the words spoken by Jesus from the cross.

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: Father, Forgive Them.  Pray for a growing awareness of the fullness of God’s forgiveness extended toward you.  Pray that you would learn to forgive others, just as in Christ you are forgiven.  Pray that the people you see today would realize and accept the Father’s forgiveness.  “Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.”  Luke 23:34

Tuesday: You Will Be With Me.  Pray that you would live each day with a knowledge of God’s presence with you through His Spirit.  Pray that your life and words would be an invitation for others to live in the presence of Jesus.  Pray that the people you interact with today would have a desire to know, and be known, by Jesus.  “Jesus answered him, ‘I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.’”  Luke 23:43

Wednesday: Behold, Your Son.  Pray about how God would have you respond to those with no family.  Pray that you would know of God’s care for you when you feel alone.  Pray that you would live as God’s family with those who have no other family.  “When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, ‘Dear woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.”  John 19:26-27 

Thursday: Why Have You Forsaken Me.  Pray for the courage to cry out to God whenever you feel discouraged.  Pray for those who feel forsaken by God; that you would represent Jesus well to them.  Pray for the humility to love and serve those who feel abandoned.  “About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?’–which means, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’”  Matthew 27:46

Friday: I Thirst.  Pray that you would always hunger and thirst for righteousness so that you would be satisfied.  Pray that you would know the value of God’s completed work in satisfying your thirst.  Pray that the people you see today would have a real thirst for the things of God.  “Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, ‘I am thirsty.’”  John 19:28

Saturday:  It Is Finished.  Pray for an increasing appreciation for the work completed by Jesus on the cross.  Pray that you would be filled with a wisdom from God that helps you live life to the full each day that God gives you.  Pray that you would be actively involved in helping people be ready for the time their life on earth is finished.  “When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”  John 19:30 (NIV)