Author: Tom

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Satisfied!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Satisfied!

 “Abraham breathed his last and died in a ripe old age, an old man and satisfied with life; and he was gathered to his people.” 
Genesis 25:8 (NASB)

How would you rate your level of satisfaction with life?  Would the people closest to you agree with your assessment?  This week’s prayer focus is about being satisfied.  In a statement that is easy to read right past as you read about the family line of Abraham in Genesis 25, God says that Abraham was “satisfied with life” when he died.  In a society where our satisfaction often depends on our accomplishments, it is important to note that in Hebrews God says that Abraham died still looking for an inheritance he had not yet received.  His satisfaction came through a faithful obedience to God that involved a trust that the fruit of God’s promises would outlast the temporary life on earth.  As you pray, ask God to help you live a satisfied life.  Pray that you would fully trust God to be the One who completely satisfies you.  Pray that you would be a willing and open vessel in God’s plan to satisfy the needs of the poor and the oppressed.  Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.  

“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 spend time praying each day about living a satisfied 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: Satisfied with God’s Provision.  Pray that you would recognize all that God is providing in your life.  Pray that you would live a satisfied and thankful life because of His provision.  “When you have eaten and are satisfied, you shall bless the LORD your God for the good land which He has given you.”  Deuteronomy 8:10 (NASB)

Tuesday: Satisfied by Seeking God’s Face.  Pray that your life would be lived in a way that seeks God’s presence daily.  Pray that you would be filled with great satisfaction as you recognize God’s presence with you.  “As for me, I shall behold Your face in righteousness; I will be satisfied with Your likeness when I awake.”  Psalm 17:15 (NASB)

Wednesday: Satisfied Daily with God’s Love.  Pray that you would live with a constant awareness of God’s love.  Pray that you would be filled with joy and praise because of the satisfaction you receive through God’s lovingkindness.  “O satisfy us in the morning with Your lovingkindness, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.”  Psalm 90:14 (NASB)

Thursday: Satisfied through a Fear of the Lord.  Pray that you would have an accurate understanding of how to live with a healthy fear of the Lord.  Pray that your fear of the Lord would help you to avoid evil so that even you sleep would be satisfying.  “The fear of the LORD leads to life, so that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil.”  Proverbs 19:23 (NASB)

Friday: Satisfied with God’s Goodness.  Pray that you would experience the abundance of God as one who is a part of His royal priesthood.  Pray that your acceptance of the teachings of God would fill you with satisfaction of His goodness.  “‘I will fill the soul of the priests with abundance, and My people will be satisfied with My goodness,’ declares the LORD.”  Jeremiah 31:14 (NASB)

Saturday:  Satisfied by Right Desires.  Pray that your desires would be brought into line with God’s righteousness.  Pray that righteous desires would lead you to great satisfaction.  “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”  Matthew 5:6 (NASB)

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MCSC Prayer Walk – 6/29/2016

This summer I have been going to Michiana Christian Service Camp one day a week to pray for the camp staff, the faculty, the campers, and for God to work in mighty ways through the camp ministry.  Much of what I do during my prayer time there is to prayer walk the property and allow the things I see and hear to be my prayer prompts for the day.  I also carry a camera or two which allows me to capture some of the sights that draw me to worship and/or prayer.  This post is designed to give you a glimpse into what that process looks like for me.  These are some of the photos I took today along with some corresponding notes about how they prompted me to pray.  It is my prayer that this will help you to pray for the camp and also help you to see how you can put this method of prayer into practice almost anywhere you go.

In prayer,
Tom Lemler

DSC_5627I began my walk under the ball field pavilion as the sun was beginning to warm the day. Prayed that the warmth of God’s love would shine brightly into, and out of, the lives of all who would come onto the camp property.

DSC_5631.jpgYou can’t tell from the picture, but as I sat here praying I could hear the sounds of worship coming from the upper room of the dining hall building. Prayed that the campers would grow in their desire and expressions of worship that they offer to God.

DSC_5642.jpgStill one of my favorite spots on the property. Not sure how much it is used anymore, but for me it is representative of the teaching that takes place throughout the property. Prayed that God’s Word would continue to be shared in ways that are understood and accepted by each person who hears.

DSC_5644.jpgPrayed for the cabin moms and dads and the camp week cabin life. Prayed that each person would respect all others and that the necessary rest would take place to enhance the camp experience.

DSC_5653.jpgThe picture doesn’t do it justice, but there are vines hanging down from this tree — vines that if left alone will eventually strangle and kill the tree. Prayed that God would reveal to each person the danger of sin and help them to repent of, and overcome, sin before it easily entangles them.

DSC_5655.jpgThe spiderweb. One of the low-level initiatives. Prayed that campers, faculty, and staff would understand the importance of working together and gain an understanding of how each person fits into the family of God.

DSC_5658.jpgContinued to pray that the message of the cross of Christ would be presented clearly and accepted fully.

DSC_5660.jpgPrayed that God would use this prayer chapel as a constant reminder to keep a pursuit of God through prayer central in all camp activities and decisions.

DSC_5665.jpgThe lake has become a swamp or wetland. Prayed that the joy of Christ would never dry up in the lives of those who know Him through the work of the camp.

DSC_5668.jpgAs campers were transitioning from recreation to canteen time, prayed that they would honor and respect one another in the way they play. Prayed that their hunger for God would become greater than their hunger for the canteen snacks.

DSC_6232.jpgPrayed that the fruit of God’s Spirit would be evident in the lives of all the staff and faculty as they share God’s love with the campers.

DSC_6256.jpgThis chipmunk was chattering quite loudly as a warning of my presence to anyone who would listen. Prayed that we would not be silent in warning others of the presence of danger — especially the danger of being found outside of a relationship with Christ.

DSC_6270.jpgPrayed that each person would know the beauty that God has created them with. Prayed that God’s transforming power would be at work in the lives of each camper.

DSC_6272.jpgPrayed that the fire of God’s Spirit would not grow cold in the lives of any of His children.

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Words!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Words!

“The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.  But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.  For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” 
Matthew 12:35-37 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about the words we choose to use.  The Bible has a lot to say about how we use words and Jesus taught that we will have to give an account for how we use our words.  Many times I hear people say they can’t help the words they use, but Jesus says that the words which come out of our mouths are a reflection of what is inside of us.  Each day this week we will pray about some of the ways that God wants us to use our words.  As you pray, ask God to transform you from the inside out.  Pray that His Spirit would fill you with words which honor Christ and are beneficial to those who hear them.  Pray that your relationship with Christ would cause you to put a guard on your tongue.   Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.  

“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 spend time praying about each day’s specific focus on how you use your words.

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 Encouraging Words.  Pray that you would be greatly encouraged by the time you spend in God’s Word.  Pray that the words you choose each day would be an encouragement to the people around you.  “He traveled through that area, speaking many words of encouragement to the people, and finally arrived in Greece.”  Acts 20:2 (NIV)

Tuesday: Choose Pleasant Words.  Pray that God would help you to hear what your words sound like, both in their tone and content.  Pray that you would represent Christ well by your choice to use pleasant words.  “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”  Proverbs 16:24 (NIV

Wednesday: Choose Prayerful Words.  Ask God to help you consider how your words sound to Him.  Pray that the words you use in conversations with others would come from a prayer-filled mouth.  “Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth.”  Psalm 54:2 (NIV)

Thursday: Choose Satisfying Words.  Pray that the words you use would produce a sweet and satisfying harvest.  Pray that your words would also be satisfying to those who hear them.  “From the fruit of his mouth a man’s stomach is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied.”  Proverbs 18:20 (NIV)

Friday: Choose Timely Words.  Pray that God would fill you with the wisdom to not only know what to speak, but when to speak it.  Pray that you would bring joy to others by your choice of timely words.  “A man finds joy in giving an apt reply — and how good is a timely word!”  Proverbs 15:23 (NIV)

Saturday:  Choose Wise Words.  Pray that your words would be filled with a wisdom that comes from God.  Pray that God would fill you with the humility to share His wisdom in a manner that others will listen to.  “The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just.  The law of his God is in his heart; his feet do not slip.”  Psalm 37:30-31 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Children!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Children!

“‘I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’  And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.” 
Mark 10:15-16 (NIV)

As we continue to grow in A Lifestyle of Prayer, it is important to remember prayer should be a lifestyle, not an event.  View prayer as your first priority, not as the last resort.  With summer being a season of Vacation Bible Schools and summer camp sessions, I bring back a previously published prayer guide with an emphasis on children.  God has a lot to say about His concern for children.  Many children are struggling with little or no perceived value — not just in far off places of the world, but in our own communities and neighborhoods.  As you pray this week, listen intently for what God would have you do to show children the great value He places on them.   Pray that your life would show children that you value them as much as God does.  Pray that you would understand the immense value you have as a child of God.  Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.  

“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 spend time praying about each day’s specific focus for children.  Pray for those on the front lines of representing Jesus to the children — parents, grandparents, youth workers, school teachers, school counselors, school staff, coaches, and all others who have consistent contact with young people each day.

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: Worshipful Children.  Pray that the children would be worshipers of God.  Pray that they would always know the value of true worship, regardless of their age.  “From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.”  Psalm 8:2

Tuesday: Kingdom Children.  Pray that the children of this world would become children of God’s kingdom.  Pray that they would never lose the innocent faith of a child.  “And he said: ‘I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.’”  Matthew 18:3

Wednesday: Welcomed Children.  Pray that the children around you today would know that Jesus welcomes them to Himself.  Pray that nothing would hinder them from coming to Jesus.  “Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’”  Matthew 19:14

Thursday: Forgiven Children.  Pray that the children who are living with great guilt would know the forgiveness that God offers.  Pray that they would learn of that forgiveness from you.  “The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off — for all whom the Lord our God will call.”  Acts 2:39

Friday: Obedient Children.  Pray that the children of your community would learn the value of obedience.  Pray that they would know what is right and choose to do it.  “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.”  Ephesians 6:1

Saturday:  Faithful Children.  Pray that the children who have come to Christ would remain faithful all the days of their life.  Pray that they would be protected from the evil one.  “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”  3 John 1:4

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Stand Firm!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Stand Firm!

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

This week our prayer focus will be on our need to stand firm in our relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  We have an enemy that constantly tries to knock us off our feet to disrupt our walk with Christ.  God has not only given us armor to help us be able to stand our ground, He gives instructions on the how, when, and why we ought to stand firm.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you to stand firm in your daily walk with Christ.  Pray that you would be equipped through the armor of God to stand against the schemes of the devil.  Pray that God would fill you with the wisdom to know exactly what standing firm should look like in each situation you face.  Pray that the people around you would know the power of God because of His ability to help you stand firm in difficult times.   Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.  

“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 spend time praying each day about how God would have you to stand firm against the attacks of the evil one.

Sunday: Pray for your church, its staff and leadership, and for all of the preaching and teaching that takes place.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Righteousness

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Righteousness!

“What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ — the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.”
Philippians 3:8-9 (NIV)

Our prayer focus this week is about the righteousness of God that ought to be reflected in our life.  Yes, it is true that the Bible says, “There is none righteous, no, not one.”  But that is a statement made about our own ability to be, and become, righteous.  We are not righteous, but we can be declared by God to be righteous because of our faith in the power of Christ’s blood to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  As you pray this week, ask God to help recognize, and admit, that you will never become righteous through your own efforts or deeds.  Pray that your obedient response to God’s Word would be what you rely on fully for righteousness to be credited to you by God.   Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.  

“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 spend time praying each day about the righteousness God desires for you to have through the power of His Spirit.

Sunday: Pray for your church, its staff and leadership, and for all of the preaching and teaching that takes place.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.  

Monday:  Protected by Righteousness.  Pray that your heart would be protected by righteousness as you put on the full armor of God.  Pray that the righteousness you have in Christ would serve as you protection against the attacks of the evil one.  “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)

Tuesday:  Pursue Righteousness.  Pray that you would be active in pursuing a life of righteousness along with others who seek God.  Pray that your pursuit of righteousness would include a deliberate fleeing from evil desires.  “Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”  2 Timothy 2:22 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Trained in Righteousness.  Pray that you would be a good student of God’s Word so that it is used accurately in your life.  Pray that the training in righteousness you receive from God’s Word would equip you for every good work.  “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) 

Thursday:  Harvest of Righteousness Through Discipline.  Pray that you would accept God’s discipline as a means of producing righteousness.  Pray that you would share with others the peace that you have because 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)

Friday:  Live for Righteousness.  Pray that you would understand the price paid to declare you righteous.  Pray that you would live for righteousness by dying to sin daily.  “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.”  1 Peter 2:24 (NIV)

Saturday:  A Home of Righteousness.  Pray that your eyes would remain fixed on a home of righteousness.  Pray that your desire for that home would lead you to pursue God’s righteousness each day.  “But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.”  2 Peter 3:13 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Holiness!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Holiness!

“As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.  But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”
1 Peter 1:15-16 (NIV)

Our prayer focus this week is about the holiness of God that ought to be reflected in our life.  Not only does God instruct us to live a life that rejects our evil desires, He says that we do so in order to be more like the One who has called us to Himself.  When Peter writes instructions for God’s children to live holy lives, he backs up the authority for the command with a quote of God telling His people to be holy because He is holy.  We’re His children, we ought to look and act like His children.  As you pray this week, ask God to  help you identify, and reject, the evil desires that are a temptation to you.  Pray that your desire to be more like your Father would be all the motivation you need to live a  holy life.  Pray that you would learn from Jesus on how to live a holy life that draws people to God rather than pushes them away.   Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.  

“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 spend time praying each day about the holiness of God and His desire for you to reflect that to the world.

Sunday: Pray for your church, its staff and leadership, and for all of the preaching and teaching that takes place.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.  

Monday:  Worship God as Holy.  Pray that you would recognize, and express, God’s holiness in your worship of Him.  Pray that He would fill you with an understanding of all holiness coming from Him.  “And they were calling to one another: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.’”  Isaiah 6:3 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Live a Holy Life of Purity.  Pray that God would reveal any impurity in your life so that it can be removed.  Pray that you would actively pursue a life of holy purity.  “For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.”  1 Thessalonians 4:7 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Live as Part of a Holy Family.  Pray that you would be encouraged by being a part of God’s holy family.  Pray that you would recognize God’s holiness in the lives of your brothers and sisters in Christ.  “Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers.”  Hebrews 2:11 (NIV)

Thursday:  Live a Holy Life of Peace.  Pray that your reflection of God’s holiness would help you live at peace with everyone.  Pray that your efforts to live at peace and to be holy would help the people around you see Christ in you.  “Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”  Hebrews 12:14 (NIV)

Friday:  Live a Holy Life with Anticipation.  Pray that God would help you to keep in mind the end result of all the things that might appear to be valuable.  Pray that your anticipation of Christ’s return would motivate you in living a holy life.  “Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.”  2 Peter 3:11-12 (NIV)

Saturday:  Pray With a Holy Faith.  Pray that you would be filled with a faith that is completely holy.  Ask God to help you grow in your communication with Him through a holiness empowered by His Spirit living in you.  “But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.”  Jude 1:20 (NIV)

Bonus:  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the publishing ministry of Impact Prayer Ministry.  Pray that I would continue to listen to God for direction and that He would give me the time and words to finish the writing assignments He has me working on.

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Wonderful!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Wonderful!

“One generation will commend your works to another;
they will tell of your mighty acts.
They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty,
and I will meditate on your wonderful works.”
Psalm 145:4-5 (NIV)

Our prayer focus this week is about our wonderful God.  Sometimes I think wonderful is one of those words that gets thrown around like awesome to describe things that may not always be filled with wonder or awe.  Our God and His works are wonderful not only because they are filled with great wonder, but because they ought to cause us to be filled with wonder as to why He would choose to love us so.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you see Him as completely wonderful.  Pray that you would never tire of the depths of God’s wonder and love.  Pray that you would live in a way that is okay with never completely figuring out God — because you never will.  Pray that God working through you would display His wonder to the people you interact with on a daily basis.  Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.  

“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 spend time praying each day about the many wonderful things God has done in your life.

Sunday: Pray for your church, its staff and leadership, and for all of the preaching and teaching that takes place.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.  

Monday:  Proclaiming God’s Wonderful Deeds.  Pray that your life and words would tell of the wonderful deeds God has done.  Pray that you would live a life of innocence because of God’s wonderful deed accomplished through Jesus.  “I wash my hands in innocence, and go about your altar, O LORD, proclaiming aloud your praise and telling of all your wonderful deeds.”  Psalm 26:6-7 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Experiencing  God’s Wonderful Love.  Pray that you would recognize God’s wonderful love for you that He would rescue you when you were trapped in sin.  Pray that you would share God’s wonderful love with the people around you today.  “Praise be to the LORD, for he showed his wonderful love to me when I was in a besieged city.”  Psalm 31:21 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Obeying God’s Wonderful Law.  Pray that you would have open eyes and an open heart as you examine God’s wonderful law.  Pray that you would set you heart and mind on obeying the laws of God.  “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.  Your statutes are wonderful; therefore I obey them.”  Psalm 119:18 & 129 (NIV) 

Thursday:  Made in a Wonderful Way.  Pray that you would recognize the incredible work God has done in creating you!  Pray that you would value all life because of the wonderful work God has done in making it.  “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”  Psalm 139:14 (NIV)

Friday:  Receiving Wonderful Counsel.  Pray that you would always turn to God as the source of all wonderful counsel.  Pray that you would apply and share God’s Word when you have opportunity to offer counsel to others.  “All this also comes from the LORD Almighty, wonderful in counsel and magnificent in wisdom.”  Isaiah 28:29 (NIV)

Saturday:  Belonging to a Wonderful Light.  Pray that your life would shine brightly in a dark world because of the wonderful light you belong to.  Pray that you would declare God’s light in the midst of the great darkness we live in.  “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”  1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)

Bonus:  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the publishing ministry of Impact Prayer Ministry.  Pray that I would continue to listen to God for direction and that He would give me the time and words to finish the writing assignments He has me working on.

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Wait!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Wait!

“Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.  He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.  God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.”
1 Corinthians 1:7-9 (NIV)

Our prayer focus this week is about an aspect of our Christian life that many people would rather not participate in — waiting!  Throughout scripture God calls His people to wait and to trust Him as they do so.  And before you dismiss that idea as being impossible, remember it is God who has given you every gift necessary to be able to wait with strength for the return of Christ.  As  you pray this week, ask God to help you use the gift of His Spirit to help you to wait when necessary.  Pray that you would learn a greater trust of God as you wait for His return.  Pray that your representation of Jesus would gain effectiveness as you wait on Him to work in and through you.  Pray that your practice of waiting would not keep you from doing when God calls you to act.   Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.  

“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 spend time praying each day about the waiting that God has both called you to and equipped you for.

Sunday: Pray for your church, its staff and leadership, and for all of the preaching and teaching that takes place.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.  

Monday:  Wait in Expectation.  Pray with the expectation that God will respond as you lay your requests before Him.  Pray that you would continue to take your requests to God as you wait.  “In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.”  Psalm 5:3 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Wait with Strength.  Pray for the strength required to wait.  Pray that God’s Spirit would fill you with courage as you wait upon Him.  “Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.”  Psalm 27:14 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Wait with Hope.  Pray that God’s help and protection in your life would fill you with hope as you wait.  Pray that the people around you would come to place their hope in God to be their help and shield.  “We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.”  Psalm 33:20 (NIV)

Thursday:  Wait for God’s Deliverance.  Pray that you would learn to wait on the deliverance that God promises.  Pray that you would reject the temptation to take matters into your own hands when you are wronged.  “Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’  Wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you.”  Proverbs 20:22 (NIV)

Friday:  Wait for God’s Blessing.  Pray that you would understand and experience the compassion of God as a great blessing in your life.  Pray that you would be blessed as you wait for God to make all things right.  “Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion.  For the LORD is a God of justice.  Blessed are all who wait for him!”  Isaiah 30:18 (NIV)

Saturday:  Wait for God’s Mercy.  Pray that you would remain in Christ as you wait for the fulfillment of His mercy in your life.  Pray that you would share God’s love with others as you wait for Christ to carry you into life eternal.  “Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.”  Jude 1:21 (NIV)

Bonus:  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the publishing ministry of Impact Prayer Ministry.  Pray that I would continue to listen to God for direction and that He would give me the time and words to finish the writing assignments He has me working on.

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Gentleness

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Gentleness!

“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)

This week we will focus on praying about the gentleness God’s Spirit should be producing in us.  The fruit of God’s Spirit is not a smorgasbord where we pick and choose the items we like and leave the ones we don’t care for.  With God’s Spirit in us, each of these characteristics ought to be growing in our life.  Most of these items seem to have little value in today’s culture but when worn well, the help the world see Christ in us.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you recognize times and situations when gentleness is most difficult for you to have.  Pray that you would learn to lean completely on God’s Spirit in those times when gentleness would not be your natural reaction.  Pray that your concern in letting the entire fruit of the Spirit be evident in your life would not be about how it makes you look to the people around you, but about how it makes God look to them.   Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.  

“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 spend time praying each day about the gentleness God desires for you to have through the power of His Spirit.

Sunday: Pray for your church, its staff and leadership, and for all of the preaching and teaching that takes place.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.  

Monday:  Gentleness of God’s Presence.  Pray that you would seek times of stillness in your life in order to experience the gentleness of God.  Pray that the noise of life would not distract you from the gentle whispers of God.  “After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.”  1 Kings 19:12 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Gentleness with Words.  Pray that you would be careful with the words you use, especially when responding to what others ask or say.  Pray that you would use gentleness to diffuse anger.  “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”  Proverbs 15:1 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Gentleness from Jesus.  Pray that you would experience the gentleness of Jesus when you feel weak and weary.  Pray that you would share the gentleness of Jesus with the people around you who are weak and weary.  “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”  Matthew 11:29 (NIV)

Thursday:  Gentleness with Others.  Pray that your interactions with others would be marked by a gentleness that comes from a humble spirit.  Pray that your patience with others would help them see Jesus.  “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”  Ephesians 4:2 (NIV)

Friday:  Gentleness that Shows.  Pray that the nearness of God in your life would help others see His gentleness through you.  Pray that God’s reputation would be more important than yours as you live a life of gentleness.  “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”  Philippians 4:5 (NIV)

Saturday:  Gentleness in Sharing Your Faith.  Pray that your relationship with Jesus would prepare you to give answers about your faith that are both truthful and gentle.  Pray that your gentleness in talking about the hope that is within you would draw others to Jesus.  “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)