Author: Tom

January 14, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Immeasurably More Love!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Immeasurably More Love!

“Love must be sincere.  Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.  Honor one another above yourselves.  Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.  Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” 
Romans 12:9-14 (NIV)

As we consider the immeasurably more that God wants to do in us and through us, we discover in God a love that is immeasurably more than the love this world offers.  If God’s love abides in us, it is supposed to show in our words and actions so that others will see Jesus through us.  How we live life doesn’t earn us favor with God, but it does reveal our love for God.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you grow in the way your love for Him is expressed.  Pray for the wisdom to make loving choices in all of your interactions with people.  Pray for the humility needed to see others as God sees them.  Pray for the courage to value people simply because they have been created in the image of God.  Pray for a total transformation of your heart and mind in order to love others like Jesus loves you.  Pray for a covering of grace for yourself, and others, when the love expressed needs improvement.

“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 the immeasurably more He wants you to give and receive.

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:  A Loving Righteousness.  Pray that you would grow in a righteousness that can distinguish between good and evil.  Pray for a sincerity in hating evil in your own life as much as you hate it in the lives of others.  Pray for eyes that see and cling to the good that God produces in your life and in the lives of those around you.  “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.”  Romans 12:9 (NIV)

Tuesday:  A Loving Devotion.  Pray that you would grow in the way you care about and honor others.  Pray for a love that results in a devotion to others that would put their needs above your own.  Pray for a willingness and practice of honoring others in ways that lift them above yourself.  “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.”  Romans 12:10 (NIV)

Wednesday:  A Loving Eagerness.  Pray for a freshness of spirit that results in an ever-increasing desire to serve God.  Pray that you would be eager to serve, knowing that it is the Lord you are serving.  Pray for a refreshing from God that overcomes the weariness of your flesh when you serve.  “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”  Romans 12:11 (NIV)

Thursday:  A Loving Attitude.  Pray for a prayerful attitude that helps you to be joyful and patient even when circumstances are less than ideal.  Pray that God would fill you with hope that is seen and shared by the joy others see in you.  Pray for the ability to live with patient endurance as you experience the many afflictions this life brings with it.  “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”  Romans 12:12 (NIV)

Friday:  A Loving Generosity.  Pray for eyes that see the needs of others and for a loving heart that overflows with generosity.  Pray for a sincere awareness of all that God has given you for the purpose of sharing with others.  Pray for God’s help in overcoming all of your excuses that keep you from being hospitable.  “Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”  Romans 12:13 (NIV)

Saturday:  A Loving of Your Enemies.  Pray for the humility needed to treat your enemies just as Christ treated you while you were an enemy of His in your own mind.  Pray for wisdom in knowing tangible and meaningful ways to bless those who persecute you and those you disagree with.  Pray for a sincere love that seeks the best for those who would be considered enemies.  “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”  Romans 12:14 (NIV)

January 7, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Immeasurably More Prayer!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Immeasurably More Prayer!

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” 
1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NIV)

As we consider the immeasurably more that God wants to do in us and through us, prayer seems to be one of the foundational pieces in experiencing God.  We live in the midst of a world that is filled with very angry people.  Rarely does a day go by without the anger of someone else spilling into your life.  But if you examine closely, how often does your anger spill out into the lives of others?  God commands us to pray — not so we can get our way or establish our opinion as the law of the land, but so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives.  This week our prayer focus will be wrapped around the prayer instruction that God has given us through Paul’s letter to Timothy.  As you pray, ask God to change your heart concerning those around you.  Pray that you would live with the same desire as God — that all people would be saved through a knowledge and acceptance of the truth.

“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 the immeasurably more He wants to do in your prayer 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: Pray in All Ways.  Ask God to help your prayer life to grow as you go to Him with your requests and prayers for yourself and on behalf of others.  Pray that God would help you to be thankful in all of your communication with Him.  “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone.”  1 Timothy 2:1 (NIV)

Tuesday: Pray for Everyone.  Ask God to help you have compassion for everyone as you pray for both friends and enemies.  Pray that your love for God would be seen in the way you demonstrate His love toward both those you agree with and those you disagree with.  “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”  Matthew 5:43-44 (NIV)

Wednesday: Pray for All Authority.  Ask God to help you know how to pray for those in authority on this earth.  Pray that you would learn to submit to all authority — especially His authority.  “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”  Romans 13:1 (NIV)

Thursday: Pray for a Peaceful and Quiet Life.  Ask God to help you be a peacemaker.  Pray that you would seek to live at peace with all people in a way that helps them to see the peace of God dwelling within you.  “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”  Romans 12:18 (NIV)

Friday: Pray for Godliness and Holiness.  Ask God to help you exhibit more of His qualities in the way you live each day.  Pray that you would know the value of preparing to live a life of godliness and holiness.  “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”  1 Timothy 4:8 (NIV)

Saturday:  Pray that People Would Come to Know God.  Ask God to fill you with a desire to see all people come to know Him.  Pray that you would have patience with people as God continues His work in their life.  “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)

December 31, 2023 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Good News Will Grow!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Good News Will Grow!

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
Ephesians 6:10-11 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about some important elements that exist in increasing measure as the good news of Jesus grows in us.  We can be strong in the Lord because of the power of God at work through our weaknesses.  But that doesn’t mean that we can sit back and take a passive role in growing strong.  No, God has work for us to do as we grow in the characteristics that His Spirit produces in our life.  We grow strong when we put on the full armor of God so that we are equipped to stand against the schemes of the devil.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you see strength from His perspective.  Pray that you would not only put on the full armor of God, but that you would check it each day to make sure you are still using it.  Pray that you would pursue the things of God that make you strong — not necessarily strong by the world’s standards, but strong according to God.  Pray for the wisdom to live with the strength only God can give.

“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 good news of Jesus to grow in you.

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:  Grow Submissively.  Pray that you would have the strength to submit not only to Christ, but also to the needs of others.  Pray that your strength will allow you to submit even when others fail due to weakness.  Pray that your desire to please God would continually grow.  “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.”  Romans 15:1 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Grow Truthfully.  Pray that you would grow in godly strength as you pursue truth.  Pray that you would grow strong as you speak the truth in love and as you listen to truth spoken in love.  “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.”  Ephesians 4:15 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Grow Repentantly.  Pray that you would grow strong as you learn to repent of sin and of all the times you fail to do what you have received and heard from God’s Word.  Pray that your strength in repentance would prepare you for the return of Jesus.  “Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.”  Revelation 3:3 (NIV)

Thursday:  Grow Obediently.  Pray that you would gain strength as you grow in the practice of obey the commands of God.  Pray that the strength of obeying God’s laws would keep you from being afraid or discouraged as you learn success from God’s perspective.  “Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the LORD gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”  1 Chronicles 22:13 (NIV)

Friday:  Grow Naturally.  Pray that you would have the strength to “wait upon the Lord” and grow naturally as you live life in Christ.  Pray that you would be filled with wisdom and strength as you enjoy the natural process of growing as a child of God.  “And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.”  Luke 2:40 (NIV)

Saturday:  Grow Gracefully.  Pray that you would know the grace of God that is given through His Son, Jesus.  Pray that the grace you have received would be the grace you give to the people around you.  Pray that you would live with the strength that comes from sharing God’s grace with others.  “You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”  2 Timothy 2:1 (NIV)

December 24, 2023 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Good News Is Born!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Good News Is Born!

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

As we pray this week, our focus will be wrapped around the present that was given to us — Jesus!  The good news of God took on flesh and dwelt among us as the one born King of the Jews.  Each day we will focus our prayer time on a different name, title, or description that was given to the Son of God as He came to earth in human form.  As you pray, ask God to help you consider, not only what child is this that we worship, but how you will worship Him throughout your life.  Pray each day about that specific aspect of who Jesus is, not only who He is in history but who He is in your life.  Pray that you would know Jesus not just by name, but in a personal relationship that equips you to share Him with others.  Pray that you would live with a greater appreciation of what Jesus accomplished on our behalf through His role in each aspect of who He is.  Pray about how God would have you reflect the nature of Jesus to everyone you meet.

“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 share the good news of Jesus.

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: Wonderful Counselor.  Pray that your relationship with Jesus reveals His presence, the Wonderful Counselor, living in you.  Pray that you would seek God’s counsel in everything you do.  Pray that you would accept the counsel of God given to you by the presence of Jesus through His Spirit.  “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”  John 14:26 (NIV)

Tuesday: Mighty God.  Pray that your life submits fully to the authority and might of God.  Pray for clarity in how you respond to Jesus as the mighty One of God.  Pray that your life would show to others that you believe in a mighty God.  “But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God.”  Luke 22:69 (NIV)

Wednesday: Everlasting Father.  Pray that your life shows a trust in an eternal Father and Savior.  Pray that the eternal nature of Jesus would help you live with confidence in His promises.  Pray that the people around you would know true hope because of an everlasting Father.  “’I tell you the truth,’ Jesus answered, ‘before Abraham was born, I am!’”  John 8:58 (NIV)

Thursday: Prince of Peace.  Pray that you would seek peace with God who desires to bring all people to peace with Him through Jesus.  Pray that you would grow as a peacemaker because of the presence of Jesus in your life.  Pray that the people around you would see God’s peace evident in your life.  “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”  Luke 2:14 (NIV)

Friday: Jesus.  Pray that you completely experience the cleansing power of the name of Jesus who came to save His people from their sins.  Pray that the people around you would call on the One who saves.  “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners — of whom I am the worst.”  I Timothy 1:15 (NIV)

Saturday:  Immanuel.  Pray about how God would have you express appropriate awe and praise because of His presence with you.  Pray that the presence of Jesus in you would be a help to others.  Pray that your life is a constant reminder to those around you that God is with us and has come to help His people.  “They were all filled with awe and praised God. ‘A great prophet has appeared among us,’ they said. ‘God has come to help his people.’”  Luke 7:16 (NIV)

December 17, 2023 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Good News of Song!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Good News of Song!

“Praise the LORD.  Sing to the LORD a new song,
his praise in the assembly of the saints.”
Psalm 149:1 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is on the songs that fill our heart as well as those that come from our mouth.  The Christmas story itself is filled with songs of praise to God from people who are transformed by the events taking place.  The songs that fill our soul, and are expressed in a variety of ways, reflect off the waters that run deep within us.  I believe we ought to carefully guard the songs we allow into our heart and mind as they greatly influence the song we sing to our God.  Throughout scripture God talks about us singing a new song.  I think His call for us to sing a new song is because just as His mercies are new every day, our expressions of appreciation and worship should be new every day.  As you pray, ask God to help you evaluate the songs of your life.  Pray that you would not just sing, but live your life as a new song to God.  Pray that the song of your life would be acceptable worship to God in every circumstance.  Pray for a greater understanding and expression of the new song God desires to put in your mouth.

“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 sing to Him a new song.

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:  A Song of Praise.  Pray that your life would be a song of praise to God.  Pray that your praise would be more about offering your life to God than giving any other sacrifice.  “I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.  This will please the LORD more than an ox, more than a bull with its horns and hoofs.”  Psalm 69:30-31 (NIV)

Tuesday:  A Song of Wonder.  Pray that eyes and ears would be open to see and hear the wonders of God.  Pray that you would consistently express to others the marvelous work God has done in bringing salvation to you.  “Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.”  Psalm 98:1 (NIV)

Wednesday:  A Song of Obedience.  Pray that the songs you allow to fill your heart and mind would be reminders of God’s decrees.  Pray that you would live obediently to the laws of God as you keep them on your lips.  “Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge.  In the night I remember your name, O LORD, and I will keep your law.”  Psalm 119:54-55 (NIV)

Thursday:  A Song of Strength.  Pray that your songs about God would strengthen you in times of trouble.  Pray that you would be filled with courage through your songs.  Pray that you would share the good news of salvation through your song of strength.  “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid.  The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.”  Isaiah 12:2 (NIV)

Friday:  A Song of Joy.  Pray that God would fill your heart with joy as you sings songs of comfort.  Pray that your awareness of God’s compassion would fill you with joy.  Pray that you would share the joy which comes from God’s comfort.  “Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; burst into song, O mountains!  For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.”  Isaiah 49:13 (NIV)

Saturday:  A Song of Thanksgiving.  Pray that God would help you let go of the things you cling to which have no lasting value.  Pray that God would fill you with a song of thanksgiving as you recognize it is your relationship with Him that has greatest value.  “Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.  But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good.  Salvation comes from the LORD.”  Jonah 2:8-9 (NIV)

December 10, 2023 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Good News of Joy!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Good News of Joy!

“The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.’”
Luke 1:28 (NIV)

As we continue in this Christmas season, I reflect on the joyous news brought to Mary by an angel — not just news of Jesus, but the proclamation that she was highly favored by God!  This week’s prayer focus will be about how we live with the presence of that great joy as we too have been favored with the great news of Jesus. Because of God’s favor, we choose to let the joy of Christ be seen in us each day that we live.  The joy that comes from a relationship with Christ should supersede the circumstances that we face each day.  In fact, one day this week we will pray specifically about considering it pure joy when we face trials of many kinds.  As you pray this week, ask God to reveal His joy in you so that you would reveal His joy to the people around you.  Pray that you would live with a joy produced by God’s Spirit that doesn’t depend on circumstances.  Pray that your joy would be made complete through your obedience to the commands of God.

“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 to live with greater 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: Joy That Produces Generosity.  Pray that you would have a joy that is not dependent on your possessions.  Pray that the joy you have in Christ would result in great generosity toward others.  Pray that God’s Spirit would fill you ways to be generous even in difficult times.  “Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.”  2 Corinthians 8:2  (NIV)

Tuesday: Joy That Comes From God’s Spirit.  Pray that you would allow God’s Spirit to produce a joy in you such that nothing could stand against it.  Pray that your joy would be expressed to others in ways that reveal God’s Spirit in you.  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”  Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)

Wednesday: Joy That Is Complete.  Pray that you would know a joy that is made complete by being united with others in Christ.  Pray that God would help you to live with the attitude of Christ in order to have a joy that is complete.  “Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.”  Philippians 2:2 (NIV)

Thursday: Joy In the Midst of Trials.  Pray that you would look beyond the hardships of various trials and be able to see the joy God wants you to have.  Pray that your joy would grow as you see how God uses trials in your life to increase your faith.  Pray about how God would have you represent Him with joy.  “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds.”  James 1:2 (NIV)

Friday: Joy From a Faith in Christ.  Pray that your faith in Christ would produce joy that is beyond words.  Pray that your love of Jesus would be expressed with such joy that others would seek Him.  “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.”  1 Peter 1:8 (NIV)

Saturday:  Joy In Seeing Others Walk in Truth.  Pray that you would know the joy of instructing others in how to walk in the truth of God’s Word.  Pray that your children — whether physical, spiritual, or both — would always walk in the truth and bring you great joy.  Pray that your life would bring joy to those who instruct you in God’s Word.  “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” 3 John 1:4 (NIV)

December 3, 2023 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: The Fullness of Time!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

The Fullness of Time!

“But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.”
Galatians 4:4-5 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about recognizing the fullness of time and how we ought to respond to God.  When I think about God acting throughout history at just the right time, it is generally hindsight which makes that clear.  As we enter the Christmas season, we find the arrival of Jesus was not some haphazard event but rather one that had been carefully planned by God to happen at just the right time.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you understand the current times so that you would know what to do.  Pray for courage to make the most of the time which God has given you.  Pray not only for a general understanding of the times, but also pray each day for a greater awareness of what it is time for that day.  Pray each day for a godly commitment to do the things which need to be done now and for the patience to wait upon the Lord regarding the times He says to wait.  Pray that you would trust God to do all things at the right time.

“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 understand the times and know what 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:  Time To Believe.  Pray that you would live with each moment of your life being a time to believe.  Pray that your belief in the good news of Jesus would always lead you to repent.  Pray about how you take the good news to others in a way that they would understand the time is now.  “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!”  Mark 1:15 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Time To Worship.  Pray that God would always be at the center of your worship.  Pray that the ways you express to God His worth to you would always come from a heart filled with His truth.  “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.”  John 4:23 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Time To Be Generous.  Pray that you would have an accurate view of what plenty and need look like from God’s perspective.  Pray that you would know this as a time to be generous and as a time to have your needs met generously.  “At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need.”  2 Corinthians 8:14 (NIV)

Thursday:  Time To Prepare for Harvest.   Pray that you would know each moment as a time to do good in a way that prepares for the time of harvest.  Pray for a persevering spirit that continues to do good in all circumstances as you trust God to bring about the harvest at the right time.  “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”  Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

Friday:  Time For Discipline.  Pray that you would accept the discipline of  God as you long for the harvest of righteousness and peace that it produces.  Pray that your interactions with others would be marked by the training of God’s discipline.  “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”  Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)

Saturday:  Time To Be Humble.  Pray that your desire to be lifted by God would help you know now as a time of humility.  Pray for God’s help in seeing yourself, and Him, accurately in relationship to one another.  Pray about how you humility can grow as you choose to live under God’s mighty hand.  “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”  1 Peter 5:6 (NIV)

November 26, 2023 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Well Done!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Well Done!

“’Well done, my good servant!’ his master replied. ‘Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.’”
Luke 19:17 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about being faithful.  I know of no greater pursuit in life than to live in such a way that when my time on earth is complete I hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”  It seems as if every day we are faced with one test or another regarding our decision to be faithful.  Being faithful requires a commitment beyond all others because it demands that we don’t give up.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine how faithful you are even in the “little things” of life.  Pray that you would grow each day as you seek to be faithful in the things that matter to God.  Pray that you would look forward to the happiness that comes from being faithful, even if the journey toward that happiness seems long and difficult.  Pray that you would pay attention to the areas in your life that where faithfulness often seems elusive.  Pray for the courage to be faithful in all things — whether large or small.  Pray that you would know the joy of hearing Jesus say, “Well done!”.

“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 a life of faithfulness.

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:  Faithful in Prayer.  Ask God to help you develop a lifestyle of prayer that keeps you from giving up.  Ask God to help you know how to pray in times of hope and in times of affliction — and in all times in between.  “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”  Romans 12:11 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Faithful in Trust.  Pray that you would live in such a way that others trust you because you have been proven faithful.  Pray that you would remain steadfast in your trust of God because He has been proven faithful.  Pray that you would be faithful with the trust God has shown to you.  “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.”  1 Corinthians 4:2 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Faithful in Service.  Pray that you would seek God for the strength required to be faithful in serving.  Pray that you would grasp the importance of being chosen by God to be one of His faithful servants.  Pray that you would serve faithfully.  “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.”  1 Timothy 1:12 (NIV)

Thursday:  Faithful in Testimony.   Pray that you would be faithful regarding your testimony of God’s work in your life.  Pray that you would faithfully speak not only of the things God has done in your life, but also of the things He has promised to do.  “Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house, testifying to what would be said in the future.”  Hebrews 3:5 (NIV)

Friday:  Faithful to Strangers.  Pray that you would be faithful in doing what God has called you to do for others regardless of how well you know them.  Pray that you would know the joy of doing good for strangers — perhaps even “entertaining angels unaware”.  “Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you.”  3 John 1:5 (NIV)

Saturday:  Faithful to Jesus.  Pray that you would patiently endure all of the trouble that comes in this life as you remain faithful to Jesus.  Pray that you would not follow the path of those who are headed for eternal torment.  Pray that God would give you the courage needed each day to remain faithful to Jesus.  “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)

November 19, 2023 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Time To Pray!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Time To Pray!

“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.”
Luke 18:1 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about our need to pray!  I suspect one of the big reasons we need to seek God’s help in our prayer life is the instruction to “always pray”.  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 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 relationship with God would grow as your devotion to prayer grows.

“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 pray as you ought.

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:  Pray Earnestly.  Ask God to help you pray earnestly for those whose situations may seem hopeless.  Pray that you would be serious in the content of your prayers and in the expectation that God will act for the good of His children.  Ask God to help you always keep on praying without giving up.  “So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.”  Acts 12:5 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Pray With Joy.  Ask God to fill you with joy about Him and about those you pray for.  Pray that your joy would be expressed, and even increased, because of the way you pray for all of those around you.  Pray that you would live in such a way that others would be filled with joy in their prayers for you.  “In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.”  Philippians 1:4 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Pray For Restoration.  Ask God to help you notice those who are distant and need to be restored.  Pray that you would not only be restored to God, but that you would seek God’s help in seeing people restored to one another.  Pray about specific individuals and situations in which you need to be restored.  “I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you soon.”  Hebrews 13:19 (NIV)

Thursday:  Pray During Times of Trouble.  Ask God to help you look to him in times of trouble — whether it is trouble you face or trouble those around you experience.  Pray that you would know the praise of peace that comes to those who seek God in times of trouble.  Pray for the courage to have others pray for you during times of trouble.  “Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.”  James 5:13 (NIV)

Friday:  Pray With a Clear Mind.  Ask God to help you overcome distractions that keep you from praying as you ought.  Pray that you would recognize in the brevity of life the importance of praying with a clear mind and with self control.  “The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.”  1 Peter 4:7 (NIV)

Saturday:  Pray In the Holy Spirit.  Ask God to make you more aware of His Spirit’s presence in your life as you pray.  Pray that your faith would be built up as you allow God’s Spirit to intercede for you when it seems your words of prayer are inadequate.  “But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.”  Jude 1:20 (NIV)

November 12, 2023 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Not So Ordinary Life!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Not So Ordinary Life!

“The LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.”
Genesis 2:7 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer time on living a not so ordinary life!  Our relationship with God, and our view of His creation of us, greatly influences the value we place on life and how we live the life we have been given.  Life has inherent value because it is a part of God’s creative handiwork.  We can see the result of a society that rejects God — life quickly loses value because we have nothing left to base that value on.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you see the fullness of life which Jesus came to give.  Pray that your relationship with Jesus would help you see your life as more than ordinary.  Pray that you would see yourself, and all people, as part of the creative nature of God.  Pray that you would value life and speak up for those who can’t speak for themselves.

“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 a life beyond ordinary.

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:  Choose Life.  Pray that your value of life would be seen in the choices you make.  Pray that the people around you would choose life for the benefit of future generations. “This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.”  Deuteronomy 30:19 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Path of Life.  Pray that you would seek God as the path that leads to life.  Pray that the people around you would see God’s joy in you as you follow His path.  Pray that your life would set an example to help others walk this path of life.  “You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”  Psalm 16:11 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Blameless Life.  Pray that your trust of God would lead you in a blameless life.  Pray that you would trust God to vindicate you when enemy uses people to attack you.  Pray that the people around you would see your faithfulness to God and have no valid accusations against you.  “Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have led a blameless life; have trusted in the LORD without wavering.”  Psalm 26:1 (NIV)

Thursday:  Fountain of Life.  Pray that God’s presence would spring up within you as your fountain of life.  Pray that you would live with clarity as God’s light illuminates your way.  Pray that God would be the source of light and life within you.  Pray that the people around you would see the light of God through you.  “For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.”  Psalm 36:9 (NIV)

Friday:  Fleeting Life.  Pray that your understanding of a fleeting life would cause you to value each opportunity God gives you.  Pray that you would know the importance of today as the time to honor God. In all things.  Pray that the people around you would know how fleeting life is and not put off the important decision of pursuing God.  “Show me, O LORD, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life.”  Psalm 39:4 (NIV)

Saturday:  Preserved Life.  Pray that you would experience the protection of the Lord through your complete surrender to Him.  Pray that the people around you would have life that is preserved through their relationship with Jesus.  “The LORD will protect him and preserve his life; he will bless him in the land and not surrender him to the desire of his foes.”  Psalm 41:2 (NIV)