Author: Tom

by

Lifestyle of Prayer: Needing One Another

i

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Needing One Another

 

“As it is, there are many parts, but one body.  The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you!’ And the head cannot say to the feet, ‘I don’t need you!’”
1 Corinthians 12:20-21 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will bring back one of the first topical scripture-based prayer guides I published back in the year 2013.  In the midst of this COVID-19 pandemic it is good to be reminded to pray for one another and to pray about our need for one another.  The Bible has much to say about our need for one another, so this will be week one of a two week series on this topic.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you consider your need for others and their need for you.  As you pray each day, ask God to help the individual qualities to be ever-increasing in your life and in your interactions with others.  Pray for a greater sense of value for all parts of the body of Christ.  Pray about how you view others, especially those who are different from you in personality, responsibility, and gifting.  Pray that even as we value one another based on God’s instructions, that we would never forget that our real value comes from God rather than from people.  Pray about how you can be the “one another” that others need — particularly in these times of great uncertainty.  Pray for the humility to accept and serve one another according to their need and according to God’s gifting in your life.   Pray for a spirit of unity within your church congregation and within the body of Christ as a whole.  Pray each day for the individuals of your church family as well as for the body of Christ as a whole.

“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 how much you need others and how much they need you.

Sunday:  Pray for your church staff and leadership as they navigate the many complexities of leading and shepherding in these uncertain times.  Pray for the spiritual and financial health of the congregation to remain strong during this time of not being able to meet together physically.  Pray that God would work through you in a mighty way to encourage others this week.

Monday:  Love one another.  Pray that your love for people would help them to know you as a disciple of Jesus.  Pray that God would increase your love for others in response to knowing His love for you.  “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”  John 13:34-35 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Be devoted to and honor one another.  Pray that you would show proper devotion and honor to others.  Pray that you would see beyond your own needs to know how to properly honor others.  Pray for a confidence in being cared for and honored by others, and by God, as you devote yourself to others.  “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.”  Romans 12:10 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Accept one another.  Pray that God would be praised because you accept others in the same way Christ accepted you.  Pray for a greater understanding of how God has accepted you even as He transforms you into the likeness of Christ.  Pray for a better reflection of Jesus in the way you accept others.   “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”  Romans 15:7 (NIV)

Thursday:  Serve one another.  Pray that you would be eager to serve others with the freedom you have in Christ.  Pray that you would reject the temptation to sin as you exercise the freedoms you have in Christ.  Pray that love would always guide you in the way you serve.  “You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.”  Galatians 5:13 (NIV)

Friday:  Bear with one another.  Pray that you would “put up” with others as they “put up” with you.  Pray that you would grow in humility and gentleness as you live by God’s Spirit.  Pray for patience with one another as you pray that they would have patience with you.  “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.  Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”  Ephesians 4:2-3 (NIV)

Saturday:  Be kind and compassionate to one another.   Pray that your words and attitude would show kindness to others.  Pray that God would show you the things in  your life that need to be gone so that  you can be kind and compassionate to one another.  “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”  Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)

 

by

Lifestyle of Prayer: Finding Help

i

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Finding 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 looking to God to find the help we need for each day.  I believe one of the things this global COVID-19 pandemic is teaching us is that human ingenuity on its own is severely lacking when it comes to meeting our every need.  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 that God would help all of those researching COVID-19 and the countless other diseases, viruses, and calamities . . . and pray that they would look to and recognize God as their help.  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.”   Pray for a spirit of unity within your church congregation and within the body of Christ as a whole.  Pray each day for the individuals of your church family as well as for the body of Christ as a whole.

“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 look to Him at all times for the source of the help you need.

Sunday:  Pray for your church staff and leadership as they navigate the many complexities of leading and shepherding in these uncertain times.  Pray for the spiritual and financial health of the congregation to remain strong during this time of not being able to meet together physically.  Pray that God would work through you in a mighty way to encourage others this week.

Monday:  Finding 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:  Finding 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:  Finding 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 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:  Finding 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:  Finding 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:  Finding 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)

 

by

Lifestyle of Prayer: Be Prepared

i

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Be Prepared

 

“He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me,
and he prepares the way
so that I may show him the salvation of God.”
Psalm 50:23 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about our need to be prepared!  A long time ago I had a mentor tell me that everything I was currently going through should be used as preparation for whatever God would lead me to next.  I believe that is a very good lesson for these current times of uncertainty.  For most of us, that is much easier to do when our circumstances are pleasant and desirable.  Live through the massive restrictions of a global pandemic and we’re more apt to spend our time looking for whatever is next, and in so doing miss the preparation time thus delaying the next step because we are not prepared.  God’s desire is that we would not only be prepared for an eternity with Him, but that we would also be prepared for our journey of life through this world we live in.  When we are prepared with an open heart that honors God, we are more likely to see the salvation He offers.  As you pray, ask God to help you do the things necessary for you to be prepared for the salvation which comes from Him.  Pray for wisdom in living today as preparation for tomorrow.  Pray that you would not be so anxious for whatever is next that you miss the preparation necessary.  Pray for the endurance necessary to put in the preparation work that is needed in your life.  Pray that you would do the things God has prepared for you.  Pray for a spirit of unity within your church congregation and within the body of Christ as a whole.  Pray each day for the individuals of your church family as well as for the body of Christ as a whole.

“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 use this time to be prepared for now, the future, and eternity.

Sunday:  Pray for your church staff and leadership as they navigate the many complexities of leading and shepherding in these uncertain times.  Pray for the spiritual and financial health of the congregation to remain strong during this time of not being able to meet together physically.  Pray that God would work through you in a mighty way to encourage others this week.

Monday:  Be Prepared For An Inheritance.  Pray that you would use this time in history to prepare yourself, and others, for a kingdom inheritance.  Pray that you would know the blessings of God as you seek first His kingdom and share that good news with others.  “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.’”  Matthew 25:34 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Be Prepared For Glory.  Pray that you would continually see the riches of God’s glory on display even in these times.  Pray that you would know the preparation God has already done in order for you to receive His mercy.  “What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory — even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles?”  Romans 9:23-24 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Be Prepared For Good Work.  Pray that you would use the current times to not only be prepared, but to do good work.  Pray that you would allow God’s cleansing to prepare you for the good work He has for you now and into the future.  “If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.”  2 Timothy 2:21 (NIV)

Thursday:  Be Prepared At All Times.  Pray that you would always be prepared to share the Word of God with those who need to hear it.  Pray that your times of preparation would include both “great patience and careful instruction” for yourself and then for others.  “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage — with great patience and careful instruction.”  2 Timothy 4:2 (NIV)

Friday:  Be Prepared For Action.  Pray that you would be prepared to act on the things God calls you to do today and throughout this pandemic.  Pray that you would be prepared by the grace of God to realize, and share, His grace which has been given to you.  “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.”  1 Peter 1:13 (NIV)

Saturday:  Be Prepared To Give an Answer.  Pray that your life of preparation would begin by setting apart Christ as Lord in your life.   Pray that your answers would be given with the gentleness and respect that people need.  “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”  1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

by

Lifestyle of Prayer: Living With Perseverance

i

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Living With Perseverance

 

“Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
James 1:4 (NIV)

In a world where the layers of pretense regarding mankind’s ability to control the details of life are continually being peeled away, this week’s prayer focus is about living with perseverance.  I originally wrote and published this prayer guide a couple years ago but felt our current circumstances make its return useful.  In a world that is always in a hurry, perseverance can be a rare and little sought characteristic in our life.  God not only wants us to persevere, He wants us to find purpose and joy in doing so.  God promises an eternal reward not to those who are just faithful for a while, but to those who are faithful to the end.  Perseverance is the quality that keeps us pursuing God even in the midst of a global pandemic.  It is through these tough times that God works to mature us into the people He knows we ought to be because it is who He created us to be.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you to not give up.  Pray that you would look ahead to the end result of perseverance as  you struggle through the daily difficulty of life.  Pray that you would not be the cause of someone wanting to give up.  Pray for the humility needed to look past the criticism and doubts of others so that you can see the eternal value of perseverance as you seek to live a life that is faithful to the end.  Pray that the people around you would be encouraged by your words and actions to persevere in their faith and pursuit of God.  Pray for a spirit of unity within your church congregation and within the body of Christ as a whole.  Pray each day for the individuals of your church family as well as for the body of Christ as a whole.

“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 strengthen you in faith and perseverance.

Sunday:  Pray for your church staff and leadership as they navigate the many complexities of leading and shepherding in these uncertain times.  Pray for the spiritual and financial health of the congregation to remain strong during this time of not being able to meet together physically.  Pray that God would work through you in a mighty way to encourage others this week.

Monday: Perseverance that Produces.  Pray that you would have a good and noble heart that readily accepts the Word of God.  Pray that you would give God’s Word time to grow and produce a crop in your life and in the lives of others.  “But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.”  Luke 8:15 (NIV)

Tuesday: Perseverance In Suffering.  Pray that you would know the value of perseverance to such an extent that you would rejoice in the things that produces it in you.  Pray that you would help others grow in their faith as they see the sufferings of life producing perseverance in you.  “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance.”  Romans 5:3 (NIV)

Wednesday: Perseverance Because of Love.  Pray that you would pursue a greater love that helps you to always persevere.  Pray that the people around you would know more of God’s love as they see it in you.  Pray that God would fill you with a love that perseveres even among those you find unlovable.  “[Love] always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”  1 Corinthians 13:7 (NIV)

Thursday: Perseverance Which Gets Noticed.  Pray that you would be encouraged in your faith as you observe the perseverance of others.  Pray that you would find ways for the difficulties you face in life to be an example to others of godly perseverance.  “Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.”  2 Thessalonians 1:4 (NIV)

Friday: Perseverance In Life and Doctrine.  Pray that you would pay close attention to what you believe and how you do life.  Pray that nothing would sway you from living a godly life that holds fast to the teachings of Jesus.  “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.”  1 Timothy 4:16 (NIV)

Saturday:  Perseverance that Is Rewarded.  Pray that you would not lose sight of the eternal reward promised to those who persevere in doing God’s will.  Pray that you would help others know the importance of seeking and doing the will of God in all circumstances.  “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.”  Hebrews 10:36 (NIV)

by

Lifestyle of Prayer: Resurrection Power

i

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Resurrection Power

 

“I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.”
Philippians 3:10-11 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on knowing and living by the power of the resurrection.  As we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, the magnificence of the event and what it accomplished can often overshadow how it was accomplished.  Paul understood that it was in the fellowship with the sufferings of Christ that he would know more of the power of the resurrection.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you know the power of the resurrection in a way that gives you the courage to grow through the fellowship of suffering.  Pray that God would bring an end to this COVID-19 virus, but until He does so that we would pay attention and learn the lessons the He continually teaches even through this.  Pray for a view of life that can see beyond the grave and into an eternity in God’s presence.  Pray for a growing love for one another that will find ways to help them accept and live by the power of the resurrection.  Pray that the resurrection power in your life would produce a contentment of such magnitude that it could only come from God.  Pray that you would be a comfort to others as you care for them with the same comfort you have received from God in the midst of your suffering. Pray each day for the individuals of your church family as well as for the body of Christ as a whole.

“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 fill you with an awareness of the resurrection power that we have in Jesus Christ.

Sunday:  Pray for your church staff and leadership as they navigate the many complexities of leading and shepherding in these uncertain times.  Pray for the spiritual and financial health of the congregation to remain strong during this time of not being able to meet together physically.

Monday: Resurrection Source.  Pray that you would know Jesus as the only source of eternal life.  Pray that your belief in Jesus would give you the confidence of knowing your life will not end at the grave.  Pray that the resurrection of Jesus would be the source of comfort you offer to those who suffer.  “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies.’”  John 11:25 (NIV)

Tuesday: Resurrection Testimony.  Pray for the courage to testify of the resurrection of Jesus.  Pray that you would live life in such a way that you are a testimony of the transformational power of the resurrection.  Pray that your testimony of the resurrection would result in much grace.  “With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all.”  Acts 4:33 (NIV)

Wednesday: Resurrection Certainty.  Pray that your confidence in the power of the resurrection would never waiver.  Pray that your obedience to being united with Christ in His death would give you a certainty in being united with Him in His resurrection.  Pray that your certainty of the resurrection would encourage others.  “If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection.”  Romans 6:5 (NIV)

Thursday: Resurrection Teaching.  Pray that the truth of the resurrection would be a part of the foundational teaching you believe about God.  Pray that you would use the foundational teachings, including that of the resurrection, to build your life upon in order to be a household of faith.  Pray that the resurrection would be part of the foundation you teach others about Jesus.  “Instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.”  Hebrews 6:2 (NIV)

Friday: Resurrection Hope.  Pray that you would live with great hope through the power of the resurrection.  Pray that your praise of God would never lose sight of the victory of the resurrection.  Pray about how you can share the hope of Jesus with those who need the new birth that is found in Christ.  “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”  1 Peter 1:3 (NIV)

Saturday:  Resurrected Attitude.  Pray that the resurrection of Christ, and His power in your life, would fully transform the attitudes of your mind.  Pray that the removal of your old self would be complete as you live fully in a new attitude when you allow Christ to complete a renewing of your mind.  “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;  to be made new in the attitude of your minds.”  Ephesians 4:22-23 (NIV)

by

Lifestyle of Prayer: Finding Hope

i

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Finding Hope

 

“There is one body and one Spirit — just as you were called to one hope when you were called — one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
Ephesians 4:4-6 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis is about living as those who have been called to one hope.  We live in a time when hope seems to be in short supply . . . at least that is what the world would want us to believe.  As Christians, this is an incredible time to not only live with hope, but to share it in such a way that others can find the hope that we have in Christ.  A Christian’s hope is all about a confident expectation that God has, does, and always will keep His promises.  In the above passage, God says that hope is one of the things Christians have in common that should unite us.  As you pray this week, spend time reflecting on true hope — the hope that is found through Jesus Christ.  Pray that you would seek greater unity with fellow believers because of your common hope.  Pray that the hope you find in Christ would be such that others would see it in you and desire it for themselves.  Pray that you would have such confidence through your hope in Christ that it would fill you with the courage to share that hope with others.  Pray that your hope would be based on the things God has done as you look forward to the things He will do.  Pray each day for the individuals of your church family as well as for the body of Christ as a whole.

“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 fill you with a genuine hope that is available in Christ.

Sunday:  Pray for your church staff and leadership as they navigate the many complexities of leading and shepherding in these uncertain times.  Pray for the spiritual and financial health of the congregation to remain strong during this time of not being able to meet together physically.

Monday: Finding the Hope of Glory.  Pray that Christ’s presence in you would fill you with the hope of glory.  Pray that you would be involved in helping others to know of, and find, the glorious riches that are a mystery to those without Christ.  “To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”  Colossians 1:27  (NIV)

Tuesday: Finding Hope Which Inspires.  Pray that your hope in Christ would inspire you to endure all things as you live life in Christ.  Pray that this hope would be an inspiration to others to seek God fully and find the hope that endures.  “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)

Wednesday: Finding Hope that is Steadfast.  Pray that God’s faithfulness would cause your hope to remain steady through all things — both known and unknown.  Pray that you would hold onto the promises of God as you refuse to waiver in proclaiming your hope in Him so that others can find that same hope.  “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”  Hebrews 10:23 (NIV)

Thursday: Finding Hope that Prepares You.  Pray that hope would always be part of your preparation for the action God is calling you to take.  Pray that your hope in Christ would prepare you fully for the grace to be given when He is fully revealed.  Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.”  1 Peter 1:13 (NIV)

Friday: Finding Hope that Has a Reason.  Pray that you would always be aware of the reason for the hope within you.  Pray that you would always be ready to share that reason in appropriate ways so that others would find the hope we all desperately need.  “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”  1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

Saturday:  Finding Hope Which Purifies.  Pray that you would allow the hope of God within you to purify your life.  Pray for a purity of thoughts and actions which are made sure by your hope in Christ during these uncertain times.  Pray that the hope of Christ in you would be as pure as He is.  “Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.”  1 John 3:3 (NIV)

by

Lifestyle of Prayer: Finding Peace

i

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Finding Peace

 

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about finding peace in the midst of uncertain times.  As I write this, there is much going on in this world that can be quite troubling if our eyes stay focused on the problems rather than on Christ.  While the uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 virus, the financial markets, and many other things add up to a great deal of trouble, Jesus promises that He has overcome the troubles of this world in a way that can bring us real peace.  His peace is a peace that carries us through the troubles as it brings hope to each of us — and helps the world to see Jesus in us.  As you pray this week, continue to pray for the health and safety workers who are on the front lines in dealing with this virus.  Pray for those who are sick and need both healing and peace.  Pray that God would help you to find His peace even as you live in the midst of trouble.  Pray that God would grant wisdom and success to those working to find effective treatments and vaccines.  Pray for one another as we each deal with the circumstances surrounding us with the wisdom and courage we receive from God.  Pray that the peace you experience from God would be lived out in such a way that others would see and seek Jesus.  Pray for a spirit of unity within your church congregation and within the body of Christ as a whole.  Pray each day for the individuals of your church congregation as well as the body of Christ as a whole.

“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 fill you with His peace in the midst of chaos.

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:  Finding Peace in Times of Trouble.   Pray that you would look to God for a peace that will sustain you in these uncertain times.  Pray that you would be filled with, and share, God’s peace when trouble and fear come your way.  “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”  John 14:27 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Finding Peace as You Trust in God.  Pray that you would put your hope in God so that He would fill you with a peace that comes from having a complete trust in Him.  Pray that this peace would overflow with a hope that the world will notice.  “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”  Romans 15:13 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Finding Peace through God’s Spirit.  Pray that you would live a Spirit-filled life that would give you a peace that cannot be taken from you.  Pray that you would incorporate the fruit of God’s Spirit into your daily practice of living with peace.  “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)

Thursday:  Finding Peace that Brings Unity.  Pray that the unity of the Spirit would lead you to peace with others in the midst of these uncertain times.  Pray that you would work diligently at maintaining unity as God’s Spirit binds you together in peace.  Pray that your interactions with other believers would present a picture of unity through a common peace.  “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”  Ephesians 4:3 (NIV)

Friday:  Finding Peace that Prepares You to Move.  Pray that you would be prepared to take the gospel message with you everywhere because of its message of peace.  Pray that your readiness to go wherever God leads you would come from a belief in the gospel of peace.  “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.”  Ephesians 6:14-15 (NIV)

Saturday:  Finding Peace that Surpasses Understanding.  Pray that your prayer life would fill you with a peace that surpasses understanding.  Pray that God’s peace would always guard your heart and mind.  “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

 

by

Lifestyle of Prayer: Holding On and Letting Go! (Week Two)

i

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Holding On and Letting Go!
(Week Two)

 

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.”
Romans 12:9 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis is week two of a two week series based on devotions I have written in the book, “Holding On and Letting Go”.  In this time period filled with much unknown, it is likely that life will feel rather chaotic at times.  As we enter another week of schools being closed where I live and people voluntarily distancing themselves from one another, I pray often for the children among us who found school to be the one safe and consistent place in their life.  I also pray for those who are easily forgotten and have lost even the limited contact they had with others.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you have eyes that see the people who are the most at risk during this time — whether the risk comes from the virus or their surroundings.  Pray that you would find ways to reach out to others with meaningful help and encouragement.  Pray for the wisdom to know when your mind is full and for the courage to turn off the news at such times as you seek the fullness of God’s presence to bring peace in the midst of chaos.  Pray for those working with the sick.  Pray that God would have mercy and compassion on each of us that would be visible to the world in the way we show mercy and compassion to others.  Pray for a spirit of unity within your church congregation and within the body of Christ as a whole.  Pray each day for the individuals of your church congregation as well as the body of Christ as a whole.

“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 fill you with wisdom as you learn to hold on and let go.

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: Hold On To Righteousness.  Ask God to help you to always see and do the things which are right.  Pray that your mind would not be clouded by the fog of chaos as you make decisions each day.  Pray that you would not only know the right things to do, but that you would do them.  Pray that the eternal reward of holding on to righteousness would fill you with hope today.  “I will maintain my righteousness and never let go of it; my conscience will not reproach me as long as I live.”  Job 27:6 (NIV)

Tuesday: Let Go Of Fear.  Ask God to help you identify the different fears you have in the midst of your current situation.  Pray that you would have wisdom to know which fears are helping to protect you and which fears are holding you back from what you need to do.  Pray that you would learn to trust God enough to let go of your fears that are stealing your hope.  “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”  1 John 4:18 (NIV)

Wednesday: Hold On To Sound Teaching.  Ask God to refresh your mind with the sound teaching you have learned from Him — and of Him.  Pray that you would see through all the bad advice and hold on to sound teaching as you find hope in the midst of your chaos.  “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)

Thursday: Let Go Of Greed.  Ask God to help you examine your heart and mind for any seeds of greed that you need to let go of.  Pray that you would look to the needs of others even above your own.  Pray that you would know the hope God desires to give as you let go of greed and learn to share.  “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)

Friday: Hold On To The Goal.  Ask God to help you examine the goals you think most important.  Pray that you would evaluate all of your goals in light of the eternal goal that God has taken hold of you for.  Pray that you would hold on to the goals that God has for you even as you endure the chaos of life.  “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”  Philippians 3:12 (NIV)

Saturday:  Let Go Of Doubt.  Ask God to help you evaluate how much the uncertainties of life have grown into doubt in your mind.  Pray that you would learn to face the unknown with faith rather than doubt.  Pray that God would help you seek His will as you walk, and ask, by faith each day.  “But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”  James 1:6 (NIV)

by

Praying in Times of Uncertainty

Praying in times of uncertainty, such as we are currently facing in the midst of this COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, can be difficult because the actual facts of what is going on is difficult to distinguish from all of the opinions — both negative and positive.  The following photo, and text version below it, outlines some of what I’ve been praying in regard to our current situation and was written to help individuals have some “starting points” in their conversations with God as they responded to the president’s call for a national day of prayer on Sunday, March 15, 2020. 

COVID Prayer

Praying in the midst of uncertainty.

  • I pray that the virus would weaken and its spread would be halted. 
  • I pray that God would be with those who become ill and that they would seek out His presence to be their stronghold. 
  • I pray for courage and protection for those who serve our communities in ways that put them on the front lines of exposure. 
  • I pray for those who research ways to combat not only this virus, but also the many other diseases that exist. 
  • I pray that God would be made known through His children to those who are frightened and unaware of where to turn. 
  • I pray for the courage to live with joy in such a way that God’s love is spread to the fearful — especially to the children who so quickly pick up on the fears of the adults around them. 
  • I pray that our love for the most vulnerable among us would guide our decisions that may require sacrifice from us. 
  • I pray for a spirit of compassion and understanding to replace the one of judgment that seems so prevalent in today’s culture. 
  • I pray that the uncertainty and fear that seem to be battering this country would serve to ignite a spirit of love that will overcome the spirit of darkness and hatred that often gets so much air time. 
  • I pray that a heart of compassion would be awakened within God’s people in such a way that He is made visible to all. 
  • I pray that my eyes, ears, heart, and mind would be open to how He would have me respond in an individual way. 
  • And I pray for a revival to ignite within the people of God so that Jesus would be lifted up and even more people would come to Him in repentance and find salvation in Him.

Impact Prayer Ministry

http://www.impactprayerministry.com

 

In prayer,
Tom Lemler
by

Lifestyle of Prayer: Holding On and Letting Go! (Week One)

i

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Holding On and Letting Go!
(Week One)

 

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”
James 1:5 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will begin a two week series based on devotions I have written in the book, “Holding On and Letting Go”.  As we enter into a time period filled with much unknown, it is likely that life will feel rather chaotic at times.  The full devotions behind each of these daily prayer starters were written for those recovering from the all too common disasters of earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, and such; but I believe the same principles of holding on and letting go will serve each of us well in this current season of COVID-19 chaos.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you trust Him in the midst of whatever chaos surrounds you and is in you.  Pray that you would find wisdom from Him in how to respond in ways that represent Christ well.  Pray for greater understanding and compassion for others who may be responding to the chaos differently than you.  Pray that your eyes would be open to ways you can love and serve people who may be searching for hope they have not yet found.  Pray for those working with the sick.  Pray that God would have mercy and compassion on each of us that would be visible to the world in the way we show mercy and compassion to others.  Pray for a spirit of unity within your church congregation and within the body of Christ as a whole.  Pray each day for the individuals of your church congregation as well as the body of Christ as a whole.

“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 fill you with wisdom as you learn to hold on and let go.

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: Let Go Of Anger.  Pray that you would not simply attempt to hide anger, but address it in ways that allow you to let go of it.  Pray that you would know the hope that comes through letting go of anger after it has been dealt with.  “‘In your anger do not sin’: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”  Ephesians 4:26-27 (NIV)

Tuesday: Hold On To What Is Good.  Ask God to help you see beyond the difficulty to find the good that remains.  Pray that you would hold on to the good that you find in life and in people.  Pray for the courage to be the good that others can hold on to in their time of need.  Pray that you would find hope as you hold on to God’s goodness.  “Test everything. Hold on to the good.”  1 Thessalonians 5:21 (NIV)

Wednesday: Let Go Of Worry.  Ask God to give you a peace that dispels harmful worry as you trust in Him.  Pray that your concern for today would drive you to a responsiveness to God rather than to a mindset of worry.  Pray that you would know the great hope that God wants to give you as you let go of worry.  “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”  Matthew 6:34 (NIV)

Thursday: Hold On To Instruction.  Ask God for wisdom to discern between instruction which is good and that which is not.  Pray that you would be active in holding on to instruction as you put it into practice.  Pray for courage to share the instructions you are holding on to when it will help others.  “Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.”  Proverbs 4:13 (NIV)

Friday: Let Go Of Selfishness.  Ask God to help you see any seeds of selfishness that may exist in you.  Pray that you would continue to share freely, even in chaotic situations, as you learn to let go of all traces of selfishness.  “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.”  (Philippians 2:3 NIV)

Saturday:  Hold On To Courage.  Ask God to help you understand the things in your current situation that cause you to be filled with fear.  Pray that you would live with courage from God that helps you to face each day’s fears and keep going.  Pray that you would draw courage from being a part of God’s eternal family.  “But Christ is faithful as a son over God’s house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast.”  Hebrews 3:6 (NIV)