“A Lifestyle of Prayer”
This week’s prayer focus: Honesty!
“Go up and down the streets of Jerusalem, look around and consider, search through her squares. If you can find but one person who deals honestly and seeks the truth, I will forgive this city. Although they say, ‘As surely as the LORD lives,’ still they are swearing falsely.”
Jeremiah 5:1-2 (NIV)
This week’s prayer guide will focus on some aspects of honesty that God expects us to have as His children. While Jesus taught us to “let our yes be yes and our no be no”, we have become very good at justifying why our promises are not absolutes. Daily, we hear huge sweeping promises from politicians that we know have no ability or intention to keep them and we’ve learned to shrug it off and say, “That’s just the way they talk.” Unfortunately, it is not just politicians. God’s people have become very good at saying whatever it takes to gain support for their particular project while feeling no commitment to following through with the content of their words. Honesty is vital, because without it we will never realize the need we have for a Savior. It is also vital because it is the foundation for which trust is built not only among believers, but between believers and non-believers. As you pray, ask God to fill you with a desire for honesty and a conviction in the situations where you are less than honest.
“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)
As you pray this week, ask God to help you live a life of honesty that is a blessing to 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: Honesty in Measurements. Pray that you would be honest and impartial in your dealings with others. Pray that God would help you to see, and change, any areas where you deal differently with people because of who they are. “You must have accurate and honest weights and measures, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.” Deuteronomy 25:15 (NIV)
Tuesday: Honesty with Finances. Pray that you would have complete integrity as a steward of the King’s resources. Pray that your honesty in managing finances would lead others to trust you. “They did not require an accounting from those to whom they gave the money to pay the workers, because they acted with complete honesty.” 2 Kings 12:15 (NIV)
Wednesday: Honesty of Intentions. Pray that your honesty would be deeper than appearances as you live with honest intentions. Pray that you would never have a pretense of honesty simply for your own gain. “I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things have I given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you.” 1 Chronicles 29:17 (NIV)
Thursday: Honesty in our Testimony. Pray that you would be honest in the words you speak about others. Pray that the testimony you share about Christ in your life would be an honest portrayal of His power to transform. “A truthful witness gives honest testimony, but a false witness tells lies.” Proverbs 12:17 (NIV)
Friday: Honesty in our Words. Pray that you would be honest in the words you speak to others. Pray that your honesty would be shared in a way that brings value to those who hear your words. “Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value a man who speaks the truth.” Proverbs 16:13 (NIV)
Saturday: Honesty in our Answers. Pray that you would always give honest, and loving, answers to the questions you are asked. Pray for the wisdom to be able to not give an answer when no one is asking for one. Pray for the courage to give answers that are honest even when it is awkward. “An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.” Proverbs 24:26 (NIV)
I 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.
You 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.
Still 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.
Prayed 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.
The 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.
The 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.
Continued to pray that the message of the cross of Christ would be presented clearly and accepted fully.
Prayed 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.
The 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.
As 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.
Prayed 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.
This 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.
Prayed 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.
Prayed that the fire of God’s Spirit would not grow cold in the lives of any of His children.
