Author: Tom

June 8, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Growing Encouragement (Week 2)!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Growing Encouragement (Week 2)!

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

This week we look at part two of a two week focus on being encouraged for the purpose of encouraging one another.  The distractions of this world are more than enough to bring discouragement to anyone, so it is important that we keep our eyes focused on the power of God to encourage us so that we can encourage others.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you be encouraged through your relationship with Him.  Pray that you would know God as the source of courage in the midst of any and all discouragement.  Pray that you would be open to the encouragement God sends your way through the people around you.  Pray about how God would use you to be a more effective encourager to the people in your life.  Pray for discernment and wisdom to see beyond and through the divisiveness of this world so that you would love others as God loves both you and them.

“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 the way you are encouraged and the way you encourage 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:  Be Encouraged by God.  Pray that you would follow Christ in such a way that you experience the encouragement that comes from God. Pray that the encouragement  you receive from God would fill you with a spirit of unity with fellow believers.  “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus.”  Romans 15:5 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Be Encouraged by Good News.  Pray that you would be encouraged by the good news that is reported to you about others.  Pray that you would be a bearer of good news about people, and about God, that would be an encouragement to others.  “I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you.”  Ephesians 6:22 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Be Encouraged by Being United With Christ.  Pray that you would daily know the comfort and encouragement that comes from being in Christ.  Pray that the encouragement you have from being united with Christ would compel you to live like Christ in encouraging others.  “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion.”  Philippians 2:1 (NIV)

Thursday:  Be Encouraged by Sound Doctrine.  Pray that you would be encouraged as you hold firmly to the sound doctrine of scripture.  Pray that you would share sound doctrine in such a way that it encourages others.  “He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.”  Titus 1:9 (NIV)

Friday:  Be Encouraged by Love.  Pray that you would know the encouragement that comes from being loved.  Pray that your love for people would be an encouragement to them.  Pray love would bring joy and refreshment to you and to the people around you.  “Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.”  Philemon 1:7 (NIV)

Saturday:  Be Encouraged by Meeting Together.  Pray that you would always see value in meeting together for encouragement.  Pray that you would find ways to meet with others to be encouraged and to encourage them.  “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”  Hebrews 10:25 (NIV)

June 1, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Growing Encouragement (Week 1)!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Growing Encouragement (Week 1)!

“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” 
Hebrews 3:13 (NIV)

This week we begin a two week focus on being encouraged for the purpose of encouraging one another.  The distractions of this world are more than enough to bring discouragement to anyone, so it is important that we keep our eyes focused on the power of God to encourage us so that we can encourage others.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you be encouraged through your relationship with Him.  Pray that you would know God as the source of courage in the midst of any and all discouragement.  Pray that you would be open to the encouragement God sends your way through the people around you.  Pray about how God would use you to be a more effective encourager to the people in your life.  Pray for discernment and wisdom to see beyond and through the divisiveness of this world so that you would love others as God loves both you and them.

“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 the way you are encouraged and the way you encourage 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:  Be Encouraged by the Lord.  Pray that you, and the people around you, would be encouraged by a God that listens to your cries.  Pray for the courage to cry out to God when you are in distress.  Pray that God’s presence in you would make you a better listener to those who cry out.  “You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry.”  Psalm 10:17 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Be Encouraged by the Holy Spirit.  Pray that the encouragement received from the Holy Spirit would bring godly strength and spiritual growth into your life.  Pray that you would allow the Spirit to work through you in encouraging others.  “Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.”  Acts 9:31 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Be Encouraged to Remain True.  Pray that God’s grace would be an encouragement to you to remain true to the Lord.  Pray that you would grow in being a minister of God’s grace.  Pray about how you will encourage others to remain true to God.  “When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.”  Acts 11:23 (NIV)

Thursday:  Be Encouraged by Words.  Pray that you would hear encouraging words from the people you learn from.  Pray that the words you speak would be an encouragement to those who hear.  Pray that God’s Word would be at the heart of the words you are encouraged by and that you encourage others with.  “He traveled through that area, speaking many words of encouragement to the people, and finally arrived in Greece.”  Acts 20:2 (NIV)

Friday:  Be Encouraged by the Faith of Others.  Pray that you would take notice of those around you who live by faith and be encouraged by their examples.  Pray that  your faith in God would be an encouragement to others as their faith is an encouragement to you.  “That you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.”  Romans 1:12 (NIV)

Saturday:  Be Encouraged by Scripture.  Pray that you would consistently spend time in God’s Word to find the encouragement it contains for you.  Pray that you would use the truth of Scripture to encourage others with a hope in Christ.  “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”  Romans 15:4 (NIV)

 

May 25, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Learning To Care!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Learning To Care!

“’I will strengthen them in the LORD and in his name they will walk,’ declares the LORD.”
Zechariah 10:12 (NIV)

This week our prayer guide will return to a previous prayer emphasis on living with a growing understanding of God’s care for us so that we would reflect that care to others.  When we gaze into God’s Word, we discover the ongoing example of His care for people.  In love, God calls us to Himself and takes care of the sin which separates us from Him.  When we care for people the way God cares for us, we walk with Him.  As you pray this week, consider they many ways you have experienced God’s care.  Pray that your care for others would grow as you desire for them to know God’s care.  Pray that you would know how to care for the things which are your responsibility and how to trust God with the things which aren’t your responsibility.  Pray that God’s care, and your care, would strengthen people in the Lord so that together we may walk in His name.  Pray that the body of Christ would grow in the ways we experience and express God’s care.

“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 the way you care.

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:  Care For Creation.  Pray that you would know how to care for the things God has created and has given you stewardship of.  Pray that you would understand how much God cares for His work as He gives value both to creation and to the one He calls to care for it.  “The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”  Genesis 2:15 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Care For the Place of Worship.  Pray that you would know how to be involved in caring for the places we gather at to worship God.  Pray that you would care about God being represented well in your life.  Pray that you would care for yourself as the sanctuary of God’s Spirit.  “Others were assigned to take care of the furnishings and all the other articles of the sanctuary, as well as the flour and wine, and the oil, incense and spices.”  1 Chronicles 9:29 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Care For the Poor.  Pray that you would have a right attitude toward things being made right for the poor.  Pray that you would know how to live with godly justice toward all who might struggle to be seen and heard.  Pray that you would be filled with compassion and concern for the poor.  “The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.”  Proverbs 29:7 (NIV)

Thursday:  Care For God’s People.  Pray that you would consider the needs of others to be more important than your own.  Pray that those under your care would know you one who cares for them even more than you care for yourself.  “’This is what the Sovereign LORD says: ‘Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock?’” Ezekial 34:2 (NIV)

Friday:  Care For the Hurting.  Pray that you would be moved to compassion in a way that compels you to help the hurting.  Pray that you would be willing to give of yourself to care for the hurting rather than expect someone else to do it.  “He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him.”  Luke 10:34 (NIV)

Saturday:  Care For Your Family.  Pray that you would be diligent in caring, to the best of your ability with God’s help, for the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of your family.  Pray that the care you have for your family would be an example of how God wants His family cared for through you.  “If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?”  1 Timothy 3:5 (NIV)

May 18, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Knowing the Son!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Knowing the Son!

“While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!’”
Matthew 17:5 (NIV)

As we grow in following Jesus, our prayer focus this week will be on knowing Him.  We often think of the various aspects of Jesus as expressed in the Christmas story, but it doesn’t end there.  In fact, without the life, death, burial, and resurrection, the birth of Jesus is little more than an interesting event in time.  We celebrate not just a baby being born, but the coming of God to redeem mankind as He reconciles us to Himself.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you grow in your relationship with Jesus.  Pray that your celebration of Jesus would be magnified by who Jesus is in your life today.  Pray that you would be clear about who Jesus is, and what He has done for you, as you share Him with others.  Pray for a greater desire and practice of celebrating Jesus each day that you live.  Pray for a spirit of unity among brothers and sisters in Christ as we grow in our love for one another.

“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 really know Jesus as you follow Him.

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: The Messiah.  Pray about how knowing Jesus as the One anointed by God should compel you to tell others about Him.  Pray for the courage, and urgency, to share the good news about the One you have found to be sent from God.  “The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ).”  John 1:41 (NIV)

Tuesday: The Son of God.  Pray about how knowing Jesus as the Son of God helps you to have confidence and trust in His ability to do what He has said He will.  Pray that your life would give Jesus the honor that is due to Him as God’s Son.  Pray for a life of greater obedience to Jesus as God’s Son.  “I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God.”  John 1:34 (NIV)

Wednesday: The Bread of Life.  Pray about how knowing Jesus as the bread of life will help you to be filled and satisfied.  Pray that you would be generous in sharing the bread you have found with the people around you who are in need.  “Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.’”  John 6:35 (NIV)

Thursday: The Way, the Truth, & the Life.  Pray about how knowing Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life will provide you with necessary direction each day you live.  Pray that your life, and words, would always direct people to Jesus as the true way to eternal life.  “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”  John 14:6 (NIV)

Friday: The Good Shepherd.  Pray about how knowing Jesus as the good shepherd will provide you with the comfort and protection that only He can.  Pray with gratitude as you consider how Jesus cares for you in your times of need.  Pray that you would share the good news of a good shepherd.  “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”  John 10:11 (NIV)

Saturday:  The Lamb of God.  Pray about how knowing Jesus as the Lamb of God will give you confidence in His ability, and desire, to forgive your sins.  Pray that you would be bold about sharing the good news of forgiveness of sins that is made possible by the sacrifice of Jesus as the Lamb of God.  “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’”  John 1:29 (NIV)

May 11, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: The Right Track!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

The Right Track!

“The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,
     shining ever brighter till the full light of day.”
Proverbs 4:18 (NIV)

Our prayer emphasis this week will be to pray about being on the right track as you travel in life.  The Bible makes it clear that there is a way, a track, that leads to life eternal and one that leads to destruction.  The track we choose to travel each day reflects where we are headed and helps others to see the goodness of God as we follow His path.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you stay on track with the path that grows brighter each day.  Pray that you would always look for, and stay on, the track of the righteous.  Pray about how your choices in life reflect the track you are traveling on.  Pray that God would help you avoid the distractions and detours the enemy uses in an attempt to get you derailed off the track which is right.  Pray that the people around you would know of the good path and that they would stay on track as they observe your life in Christ. 

“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 stay on track with Him.

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: On Track With Life.  Pray that you would be filled with joy as you walk the path of life.  Pray that your joy would lead others to seek the path of life through Jesus.  Pray that the path you travel would seek pleasures that last through eternity.  “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)

Tuesday: On Track With Protection.  Pray that you would follow God’s path and trust Him to broaden it beneath your feet so that your walk is steady.  Pray that those around you would not stumble on the path they are choosing to travel.  Pray for God’s protection from both physical and spiritual dangers that exist as you travel through life.  “You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn.”  Psalm 18:36 (NIV)

Wednesday: On Track In God’s Way.  Pray that you would be a student of God’s way so that your path would not be disrupted by the enemy.  Pray that you would teach others the way of God.  Pray that those who stand against you would actually help you travel in a way that pleases God.  “Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.”  Psalm 27:11 (NIV)

Thursday: On Track In Freedom.  Pray that you would daily experience the freedom of walking in the path of God’s commands.  Pray that the people around you would see a heart set free in Christ.  Pray that you would learn to run free from bondage as you travel in the path of God’s commands.  “I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.”  Psalm 119:32 (NIV)

Friday: On Track In Light.  Pray that you would use God’s Word to illuminate the path you walk each day.  Pray that you would shine the light of God’s Word on the path that those around you walk.  Pray for the wisdom and desire to shine the light of God’s Word upon the path you travel so that your way would be clear.  “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”  Psalm 119:105 (NIV)

Saturday:  On Track With Justice.  Pray that your practice of administering mercy and justice would lead you on a path that is good.  Pray that you would continually grow in your understanding of God’s definition of justice.  Pray that you would treat the people around you in a way that helps them desire a path that is good.  “Then you will understand what is right and just and fair — every good path.”  Proverbs 2:9 (NIV)

May 4, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Living With Faith!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Living With Faith!

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”  
Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)

This week we will pray about living with faith.  Each day our prayer time will focus on an aspect of our faith and how critical it is to our relationship with Jesus . . . and to our relationship with others.  Since faith is required to please God, it is vital that we hold on to the seeds of faith which have been planted in us and nurture them so they grow into an ever-increasing active faith.  As you pray this week, ask God to increase your faith.  Pray that your faith would guide how you do every aspect of life.  Pray that a growing faith would increase your trust of God regardless of the circumstances which surround you.  Pray that you would be wise in living life by faith and not use faith as an excuse for foolish decisions.  Pray that your life of active faith would be centered in a relationship with God as you seek to represent Jesus well to those around you.  Pray that choosing to live by faith would make your witness for Jesus more visible to others. 

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”
Ephesians 6:18 (NIV) 

Please pray each day for God to help you live with faith.

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:  Living With a Growing Faith.  Pray that you would want your faith to grow regardless of how big or small it may seem to you today.  Pray that your faith in God’s ability would be seen as great from His perspective.  Pray that the people around you today would be impacted in a positive way because of your growing faith.  “The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith!'”  Luke 17:5 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Living With a Saving Faith.  Pray that you would always live by faith in a God who saves.  Pray that you would have a greater practice of a faith that saves you.  Pray that the people around you today would experience a faith in  Christ that saves them.  “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”  Ephesians 2:8 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Living With a Powerful Faith.  Pray that you would see how your faith in God has equipped you to powerfully do His will.  Pray that the people around you today would experience the power of God at work in their life.  “Who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions,  quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies.”  Hebrews 11:33-34 (NIV)

Thursday: Living With a Uniting Faith.  Pray that your faith would be both the bridge and glue that unites you with other believers.  Pray that the people around you today would see a greater unity among Christians because of their faith.  “Until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”  Ephesians 4:13 (NIV)

Friday:  Living With a Communicated Faith.  Pray that you would grow in faith through the hearing of God’s Word.  Pray that the people around you today would be open to hearing God’s Word so faith can grow in their life.  Pray that you would be active in communicating your faith.  “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.”  Romans 10:17 (NIV)

Saturday:  Living With an Active Faith.  Pray that you would build your life upon a faith that is active in doing God’s will.  Pray that your faith would cause you to care for people as you should.  Pray that the people around you today would not only hear of faith, but they would see your faith in action.  “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”  James 2:17 (NIV)

April 27, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Jesus In Your Boat!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Jesus In Your Boat!

“And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.  Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’”
Matthew 14:32-33 (NIV)

Our prayer emphasis this week will focus on living life with Jesus in our boat.  While we often focus on Peter getting out of the boat to walk toward Jesus, we tend to miss that Jesus not only lifted Peter from sinking but He then got in the boat with all the disciples to calm the sea.  Imagine living life with an awareness of Jesus in your boat . . . or in your car, or home, or workplace, or anywhere else.  As you pray this week, consider some of the work Jesus did when He came to earth — work which Isaiah prophesied about and work we ought to be doing as His representatives!  Pray that the storms of life would be calmed by the presence of Jesus with you.  Pray that God’s Spirit in you would be the calming presence of Jesus to the people you encounter everywhere you go.  Pray that you would be actively involved in doing the things Jesus came to earth to accomplish on His way to the cross. 

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”
Ephesians 6:18 (NIV) 

Please pray each day for God to help you live with Jesus in your boat.

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: Jesus In Your Anointing.  Pray that your life would always reflect the anointing of God’s Spirit that is given to all Christians.  Pray that the divine blessing of God’s Spirit would always fill you with truth which comes from God.  Pray that bringing Jesus into your “boat” would produce the evidence of His Spirit in your life.  “But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.”  1 John 2:20  (NIV)

Tuesday: Jesus In Your Treatment of the Poor.  Pray that you would be eager to share the good news in all ways possible to the poor.  Pray that you would notice the different ways of being poor.  Pray that bringing Jesus into your “boat” would change how you treat the poor.  “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: Jesus In Your Dealing With the Brokenhearted.  Pray that you would be an encourager to the weary as you help the brokenhearted find healing within a relationship with Jesus.  Pray that you would know the healing of Jesus in your brokenness.  Pray that bringing Jesus into your “boat” would open your eyes to the broken.  “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”  Psalm 147:3 (NIV)

Thursday: Jesus In Your Message of Freedom.  Pray that you would live as one who is free and actively proclaim that freedom to all who live in bondage.  Pray that you would walk by the Spirit in such a way that people can see a way to freedom.  Pray that bringing Jesus into your “boat” would announce freedom.  “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”  2 Corinthians 3:17 (NIV)

Friday: Jesus In Your Restoration of Sight.  Pray that your eyes would be opened fully to the work of God in your life so that you would help others see the truth of Jesus.  Pray that you would understand rightly the judgments of Jesus.  Pray that bringing Jesus into your “boat” would help you to see.  “Jesus said, ‘For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.’”  John 9:39 (NIV)

Saturday:  Jesus In Your Favor To People.  Pray that you would daily recognize the Lord’s favor in your life and proclaim that same type of favor to those around you.  Pray that your involvement in the lives of others would allow His favor in their lives to spill over to you.  Pray that bringing Jesus into your “boat” would result in you showing His favor to others.   “Remember me, O LORD, when you show favor to your people, come to my aid when you save them.”  Psalm 106:4 (NIV)

April 20, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Time To Rise!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Time To Rise!

“He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’”
Revelation 21:5 (NIV)

Our “Lifestyle of Prayer” emphasis this week will return to a focus on the resurrection of Jesus and the new life we have in Him.  In considering a time to rise, we will focus on some of the aspects of living a risen life which is made new by Christ.  Whether you feel new or not, if you have been adopted into God’s family He has made, and continues to make, you new!  As you pray this week, ask God to help you not only experience the newness of being in Christ but that you would share that newness with the people around you on a daily basis.  Pray that you would rise from the deadness of sin and live a new life each day.  Pray that the power of God’s Spirit within you would help you to rise above the distractions and cares of this world as you reflect Christ in the way you live.  Pray that the power of the resurrection of Jesus would be on display in your life as you live a life that has been made new. 

“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 the risen life which is found in Christ.

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: Rise to a New Command.  Pray that you would live out this new command in a way that your love rises above the ordinary in order to be Christ-like.  Pray that your obedience to the command to love one another would help others see you as a disciple of Jesus.  “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

Tuesday: Rise to a New Life.  Pray that the new life you experience in Christ would help you to rise above the things which would keep you from sharing the message of that new life with others.  Pray that your life and your words would always tell the full message of the resurrected life you live.  “‘Go, stand in the temple courts,’ he said, ‘and tell the people the full message of this new life.’” Acts 5:20

Wednesday: Rise to a New Teaching.  Pray that you would always be prepared to give an explanation of the teaching of Jesus that you follow.  Pray  that you would live in a way that others would want to rise and follow the new teaching that you follow.  “Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, ‘May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting?’”  Acts 17:19

Thursday: Rise to a New Covenant.  Pray that you would fully live by the Spirit which gives life according to the covenant God has made with His people.  Pray that you understand fully rise to the competence you have been given to share the new covenant with others.  “He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant — not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”  2 Corinthians 3:6

Friday: Rise as a New Creation.  Pray that you would know the power of the resurrection in making you a new creation in Christ.  Pray that your life as a new creation in Christ would not be held back by a past that has been forgiven.  Pray that you would rise above the old in order to live as new.  “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”  2 Corinthians 5:17

Saturday:  Rise with a New Attitude.  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

April 13, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Cross Training!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Cross Training!

“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 return to a focus on the words of Jesus from the cross.  As we spend the week preparing to celebrate 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 appreciate the work accomplished by Jesus on 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)

April 6, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Sowing Good Seed!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Sowing Good Seed!

“The wicked man earns deceptive wages,
but he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.”
Proverbs 11:18 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on some things we ought to be sowing in our life and in the lives of others.  Growing up on a farm, I spent many winter evenings going through the various seed catalogs deciding what I would like to harvest the next summer.  Even as a child it didn’t take long to realize that if I wanted a specific harvest I would have to sow a specific seed.  Likewise, the harvest that is produced as we go through this life, and beyond, is related to what we do with the seed which has been planted within us and what kind of seeds we are sowing each day that we live.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine how the seed of His Word is growing in your life.  Pray that you would be careful with what you allow to be sown in your life and with what you are sowing that eventually produce a harvest.  Pray that you would keep your eyes focused on Jesus to the extent that everything you sow with your words and actions would point others to Him.  Pray that the good seed of God’s Word would find good soil in your life and in the lives of those 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 sow good seeds as you live life for Christ.

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:  Sow Righteousness.  Pray that you would seek the Lord in all things as you sow righteousness which produces a harvest of love.  Pray for softened and prepared lives that would allow the seeds of righteousness to grow and flourish.  “Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers righteousness on you.”  Hosea 10:12 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Sow Generously.  Pray that you would learn to sow according to the expectation you have for an abundant harvest.  Pray that your generosity with God, and with others, would produce an abundance for all who follow your example in following Christ.  “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”  2 Corinthians 9:6 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Sow What Is Supplied.  Pray that you would always look to God as the One who supplies, and increases, the seed which you sow.  Pray that you would be faithful in using what God has supplied as He multiplies the fruit of His righteousness in your life.  “Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.”  2 Corinthians 9:10 (NIV)

Thursday:  Sow What You Want To Reap.  Pray that you would consider the outcome God desires for you in this life so that you would sow accordingly.  Pray that God would help you accurately evaluate what you are currently reaping in order to consider if you need to change what you are sowing.  “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”  Galatians 6:7 (NIV)

Friday:  Sow To Please the Spirit.  Pray that you would be ever mindful of God’s Spirit within you as you choose what to sow in this life.  Pray that your desire would always be to sow the things which please the Spirit as you look toward the harvest of eternal life.  “The one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”  Galatians 6:8 (NIV)

Saturday:  Sow Peace.  Pray that you would seek to sow seeds of peace at all times and in all situations.  Pray that you would desire the reputation of a peacemaker as you sow with an eye toward a harvest of righteousness.  “Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.”  James 3:18 (NIV)