Prayer Guides

January 4, 2026 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Unwrapped Gifts!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Unwrapped Gifts!

“Do not be deceived.  Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”  
James 1:16-17 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on some of the real gifts of Christmas — gifts we have been given through Jesus Christ.  As you consider the gifts you have given and received this Christmas season, my prayer is that each of us would recognize God as the source of all good gifts.  Your ability to fully give to others will increase as you accept and share that which has been given by God.  As you pray this week, ask God to increase your awareness of the gifts you have been given through Jesus.  Pray each day that these gifts will grow in your life even as you learn to share them with others.  Pray about how your gifts to others will reflect the gift of Jesus.  Pray for courage and humility as unwrap God’s gifting in your life.  Pray for a spirit of unity among brothers and sisters in Christ as we grow in our love for one another.  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 help you unwrap and use the gifts He gives.

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: Gift of Self.  Pray about how your life reflects an acceptance of the sacrifice of Jesus for your sins.  Pray that your remembrance of the gift of Jesus would help you to consistently help others to accept the gift of Jesus for themselves.  “And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’”  Luke 22:19 (NIV)

Tuesday: Gift of Understanding.  Pray that God would open the gift of understanding in your life as you seek Jesus with a whole heart.  Pray for a growing understanding of Jesus as the One who is true.  Pray that you would accurately represent the truth of Jesus.  “We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true.”  1 John 5:20 (NIV)

Wednesday: Gift of Rest.  Pray that you would always look to Jesus as the One who desires to give you real rest.  Pray for the  humility needed to approach Jesus in the midst of your weariness.  Pray for wisdom in helping others to always go to Jesus with their burdens as they seek to find rest.  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”  Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

Thursday: Gift of Peace.  Pray that you would know Jesus as the prince of peace.  Pray about how peace will look in your interactions with others.  Pray that the peace you experience in life would reflect the peace that Jesus brings between you and God.  “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”  2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV)

Friday: Gift of Strength.  Pray that God would help you to use the strength that is found in Jesus.  Pray for courage in doing the things God desires from you.  Pray that your service to others in the name of Jesus would be done in the strength which God provides.  “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.”  1 Timothy 1:12 (NIV)

Saturday:  Gift of Eternal Life.  Pray that you would daily rejoice in the gift of eternal life that is made possible by Jesus.  Pray that your life would be lived as a testimony to the eternal life that is found through Jesus.  Pray about how God would have you share the good news of life eternal with the people around you each day.  “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.”  1 John 5:11 (NIV)

December 28, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Winning Joy!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Winning Joy!

“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.  But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Corinthians 15:56-57 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about knowing, receiving, and sharing a winning joy as we walk in relationship with Jesus.  Living in a college town I do not have to follow sports to know if the local football team wins or loses on a particular weekend.  But it’s not just in sports that our lives reflect our identification with winning or losing — most churches I visit give off a clear impression of whether the body as a whole feels victorious or defeated.  Yes, there are losses that may be noticeable but they don’t have to define us.  Loss of people.  Loss of influence.  Loss of finances.  Loss of freedoms.  Loss of peace.  Loss of joy.  The list could go on, but the point is that when we focus on the losses, we tend to forget that God has already declared us victorious and calls us to live with a winning joy!  As you pray this week, ask God to help you always remember the victory you have in Christ.  Pray that you would be aware of the tools God has given to help you know victory in Christ.  Pray for the wisdom to live as a winner in such a way that Jesus is known through you.  Pray about how you can help others seek eternal victory.

“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 a winning joy.

Sunday: Pray for your church staff, the preaching and teaching that takes place, the church leadership, the volunteers that are helping in so many areas, the spiritual and financial health of the congregation, and the work of the missions ministry of the church.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday:  A Win For the Faithful.  Pray that you would cling to the victory that awaits those who walk in blameless ways.  Pray that God would guard your path as you walk in faithfulness to Him.  “He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.”  Proverbs 2:7-8 (NIV)

Tuesday:  A Win Through Wise Counsel.  Pray that you would live victoriously because of the quality of counsel you surround yourself with.  Pray that you would always seek advice from God first and be sure your human advisers give godly advice.  Pray that your guidance to others would always be filled with godly wisdom.  “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure.”  Proverbs 11:14 (NIV)

Wednesday:  A Win By the Lord.  Pray that you would live with an understanding of where true victory comes from.  Pray that your preparations for battle would always understand that it is the Lord who will be able to give victory.  Pray for the wisdom to be made ready even as you trust God for the victory.  “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD.”  Proverbs 21:31 (NIV)

Thursday:  A Win For Justice.  Pray that your hope for a justice which prevails would rest fully in Jesus.  Pray that your life would reflect the heart of Jesus as you seek victory for justice.  Pray that God would help you make things right.  “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he leads justice to victory.  In his name the nations will put their hope.”  Matthew 12:20-21 (NIV) 

Friday:  A Win Over Death.  Pray that you would live a life that reflects your knowledge that the power of death has been defeated.  Pray that you would be able to grieve as one with great hope, knowing that the victory over death has been won by Jesus.  “Death has been swallowed up in victory.  Where, O death, is your victory?  Where, O death, is your sting?”  1 Corinthians 15:55 (NIV)

Saturday:  A Win That Overcomes the World.  Pray that you would live each day in your life with a faith that overcomes.  Pray that the appearance of success in the world would not distract you from true victory that is found through faith in Christ.  Pray that your faith would  show others how one born of God should live.  “Everyone born of God overcomes the world.  This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.”  1 John 5:4 (NIV)

December 21, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Knowing the Gift of Jesus!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Knowing the Gift of Jesus!

“And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you.  Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” 
2 Corinthians 9:14-15 (NIV)

With the Christmas holiday upon us, it is good to reflect on gifts given and received.  Perhaps you have gifts that will be returned because they weren’t right for you.  I pray that there are gifts you will cherish because you know they represent the heart of the giver.  As Christians, God has given us what Paul calls an “indescribable gift”.  In context, he seems to connect this gift with the “surpassing grace” of God.  I believe Jesus is at the heart of this great gift.  This week our prayer focus will be on the indescribable gift we have through our relationship with Jesus.  As you pray this week, remember that His presence ought to be evident in your life at all times — not just when it is seasonally expected.  Pray that God’s grace in your life would overflow in such a way that the people around you would recognize that you have been with Jesus.  Pray that the gift of Jesus is not just something you receive, but that you would be active in sharing that gift through the way you love others.  Pray that God would fill you with a generous spirit as you make known the gift of Jesus.

“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 the gift of Jesus.

Sunday: Pray for your church staff, the preaching and teaching that takes place, the church leadership, the volunteers that are helping in so many areas, the spiritual and financial health of the congregation, and the work of the missions ministry of the church.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday:  The Gift of Joy.  Pray that you would experience and share true joy because of the gift of Jesus in your life.  Pray that the people around you would see the joy of Christ in you.  Ask God to help you be more expressive of the joy experienced through Christ.  “I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.”  John 17:13 (NIV)

Tuesday:  The Gift of Energy.  Pray that you would be faithful in doing the good works God has created for you to do as you use the energy of Jesus within you.  Pray that you would trust the power of God to work within you to accomplish what you cannot.  Ask God to help His energy to be made known through you.  “To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.”  Colossians 1:29 (NIV)

Wednesday:  The Gift of Salvation.  Pray that you would always value the salvation you receive through Jesus Christ.  Pray that the people around you would know God’s desire for them to be saved.  Ask God to help you share the promise of God’s salvation with those who have not yet been saved.  “For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.”  1 Thessalonians 5:9 (NIV)

Thursday:  The Gift of Uniqueness.  Pray that Jesus would always be the only one you look to for your salvation.  Pray that the people around you would come to know Jesus as the only way to be saved.  Ask God to help you proclaim the uniqueness of Jesus as the only begotten Son of God.  “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”  Acts 4:12 (NIV)

Friday:  The Gift of Surrender.  Pray that you would surrender everything to the Lordship of Jesus.  Pray that you would have a greater understanding of both the cost and reward of being a disciple of Jesus.  Ask God to help you see your surrender to Him as a gift both from Him and to Him.  “In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.”  Luke 14:33 (NIV)

Saturday:  The Gift of JESUS.  Pray that you would recognize the indescribable gift of God in your life through the presence of Jesus.  Pray that God’s gift would cause you to seek Him for all that you need.  “Jesus answered her, ‘If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.’”  John 4:10 (NIV)

December 14, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Confident Joy!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Confident Joy!

“Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him.”
Jeremiah 17:7 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about living with exceedingly great joy which gives you a confidence that does not fail.  I suspect that at one time or another most of us have put our confidence in something that has disappointed or failed us.  God does not want us to live in fear and doubt, but to live with a confidence that is well placed because it comes from a trust in Him.  Yes, it may be easier to put our confidence in ourselves or in things we can control, but doing so will always leave us feeling empty and disappointed.  Putting our confidence fully in God will always require faith, but it is a faith that will be rewarded with His blessing of an abiding joy.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you see just what, or who, it is that you tend to put your confidence in.  Pray that you would recognize your need to put your confidence in God above all else.  Pray that you would be sure of your place in God’s kingdom, not because you’re so good but because God is so good.  Pray that you would be able to live with confidence more fully each day as you allow God to increase your faith and trust in Him.

“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 a confident joy.

Sunday: Pray for your church staff, the preaching and teaching that takes place, the church leadership, the volunteers that are helping in so many areas, the spiritual and financial health of the congregation, and the work of the missions ministry of the church.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday:  Confidence in the Lord’s Goodness.  Pray that you would live with a confidence that comes from knowing God’s goodness.  Pray that God would open your eyes to see His goodness around you each day.  Pray that you would share the goodness of God in every way possible wherever you go.  “I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.”  Psalm 27:13 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Confidence that Lasts Forever.  Pray that you would seek a life of righteousness that would fill you with quietness and confidence.  Pray that the fruit of God’s righteousness in you, through a quiet and peaceful life, would result in a confidence that lasts forever.  “The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.”  Isaiah 32:17 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Confidence to Approach God.  Pray that your faith in Jesus would give you a confidence to approach God.  Pray that the freedom you have in Christ would fill you with confidence as you approach God.  Pray that the confidence you have in your relationship with God would help others approach Him.  “In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.”  Ephesians 3:12 (NIV)

Thursday:  Confidence that is Rewarded.  Pray that you would have a confidence in the work of God that cannot be taken away.  Pray that you would hold fast to the confidence you have in Christ as you await your eternal reward.  Pray that you would share with others about the importance of holding on to a confident faith.  “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.”  Hebrews 10:35 (NIV)

Friday:  Confidence in the Lord’s Help.  Pray that your confidence in the Lord’s help would be greater than your fear of what people might do or say.  Pray that the Lord’s help would give you the confidence to overcome fear that is caused by those who oppose God.  Pray that you would be an instrument of God’s help so that others would experience it more fully.  “So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.  What can man do to me?’” Hebrews 13:6 (NIV)

Saturday:  Confidence on the Day of Judgment.  Pray that God’s love would be made complete in you so that you would have confidence on the day of judgment.  Pray that you would be diligent in sharing the love of God with others so that they could also have confidence on the day of judgment.  “In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him.”  1 John 4:17 (NIV)

December 7, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Let Joy Shine!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Let Joy Shine!

“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”  
Matthew 5:16 (NIV)

Our prayer focus this week is on letting the joy of Christmas shine through you by the way you live.  In letting our joy shine, we will look at how Paul instructed Timothy to live so he didn’t give people an excuse for looking down upon him.  I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who really wants to be looked down upon, but I have encountered many that seemed to do little to keep that from happening — in fact, there are times I’m sure I’ve been one of those.  God says that a good way to keep people from looking down on us for superficial reasons is to build a life of godly character.  As  you pray this week, ask God to help you to accurately examine how your joy shines by the way you live.  Pray that you would have the courage to live above reproach in every area of your life.  Pray for wisdom in applying God’s Word in ways that make you an example without being pretentious.  Pray for the humility needed to help others grow even as you work on your own example.  Pray that  you would shine in such a way that people glorify God because of His work in you.  Pray that the exceedingly great joy of Christmas would be evident in your life all year.

“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 let the joy of Jesus shine in your 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:  Shine Beyond Appearances.  Pray that your relationship with Jesus would be the most noticeable thing about you.  Pray for the courage and humility needed to let Jesus shine through your human weaknesses.  “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.”  Acts 4:13 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Shine In Speech.  Pray that the graciousness of your speech would rise above what people might expect.  Pray for the wisdom to see how the words you use are heard by people — both people who are similar to you and people who may be very different from you.  “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”  Colossians 4:6 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Shine In Life.  Pray that your life would reveal to others a wisdom and understanding that can only come from God.  Pray that you would live with humility in such a way that people would see the hand of God present in the way you live life.  “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.”  James 3:13 (NIV)

Thursday:  Shine In Love.  Pray that you would know the fullness of God’s love expressed through Jesus Christ so that you would love others with the same fullness.  Pray that you would continually grow in the way you express love, using the sacrificial love of Jesus as your example.  “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.”  1 John 3:16 (NIV)

Friday:  Shine In Faith.  Pray that you would live with a faith that can be seen in what you do.  Pray that the things you do each day would be consistent with your expressed faith.  Pray that others would see your faith active within your deeds so that they would be encouraged in their faith.  “You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.”  James 2:22 (NIV)

Saturday:  Shine In Purity.  Pray that you would choose actions that are pure and right, even when doing so is not easy.  Pray that the value you place on purity would be part of your godly reputation.  Pray for the courage to live by a standard God would consider pure rather than settling for the world’s definition of purity.  “Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right.”  Proverbs 20:11 (NIV)

November 30, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: The Joy of Humility!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

The Joy of Humility!

“Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands.  Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the LORD’s anger.”  
Zephaniah 2:3 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus in on the humility that God calls us to have as His children.  Throughout scripture, God calls us to humble ourselves and to live in humility with one another.  When we voluntarily humble ourselves, God promises to lift us up in ways that we could never do on our own.  True humility is not thinking less of ourselves than we ought to, but it is thinking of ourselves according to our relationship with God.  When we have an accurate view of God and how we relate to Him as His children, we can then have an accurate view of ourselves and of others.  As you pray this week, ask God to help remove all traces of pride from your life so that you can live in complete humility.  Pray that you would daily humble yourself as you ought to and allow God to lift you up to the position He has created for you.  Pray that you would know the joy which comes to those who redirect their attention from selfish desires to generous humility.  Pray that you would know the protection of almighty God as you humble yourself in obedience to His commands.

“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 the joy of humility.

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: Humility that Leads to Honor.  Pray that you would seek humility that leads to honor rather than seeking honor for yourself.  Pray that a fear of the Lord would give you the wisdom needed to humble yourself before God.  Pray that your humility would be evident in the way you honor others.  “The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.”  Proverbs 15:33 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Serve with Humility.  Pray that you would serve the Lord with humility in everything you do.  Pray that your humility would carry you through any testing that you face.  Pray that humility would guide you into serving others as if serving the Lord.  “I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, although I was severely tested by the plots of the Jews.”  Acts 20:19 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Unselfish Humility.  Pray that humility would drive selfishness far from you.  Pray that your view of others would be positive because of your life of humility.  Pray for a heart which values the needs of others above your own.  “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.”  Philippians 2:3 (NIV) 

Thursday:  Humility that Brings Wisdom.  Pray that you would seek to live with a humility that brings wisdom.  Pray that God would fill you with the desire to reject all forms of pride as you live a life of humility.  Pray for a humble spirit which avoids the disgrace of pride.  “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”  Proverbs 11:2 (NIV)

Friday:  Humility that Comes from Wisdom.  Pray that godly wisdom would lead you to doing good deeds in humility.  Pray that others would see godly wisdom in your life by the way you live with humility.  “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.”  James 3:13 (NIV)

Saturday:  Humility with One Another.  Pray that you would live with humility in your relationships with others.  Pray that you would put on humility each day in order to receive grace from God.  Pray for a desire to live in such a way that others see God’s grace in your humility.  “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’”  1 Peter 5:5 (NIV)

November 23, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: An Enduring Joy!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

An Enduring Joy!

“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.”
Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is on living with exceedingly great joy even when life requires endurance.  Jesus is not only the author and perfecter of our faith, He set the example of enduring all things because something better was coming.  God has surrounded us with faithful witnesses who have shown us how to live life with endurance.  Endurance as we journey through this life is a big deal because Jesus has said it is those who are faithful to the end who will receive the crown of life.  As we grow in endurance, God has not only given us an example but has given us the tools necessary to endure with great faith.  As you pray this week, ask God to fill you with an enduring joy that helps you to endure whatever your day brings.  Pray that your faithful endurance would lead you in paths of righteousness.  Pray that your life would encourage others and help them to turn to Jesus for the strength to endure.  Pray that you would not become weary as you endure today with your eyes set on the joy ahead.

“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 an enduring joy.

Sunday: Pray for your church staff, the preaching and teaching that takes place, the church leadership, the volunteers that are helping in so many areas, the spiritual and financial health of the congregation, and the work of the missions ministry of the church.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: An Enduring Fear of the Lord.  Pray that you would always hold fast to a healthy fear of the Lord that endures through all things.  Pray that a proper fear of the Lord would lead you to follow God’s commands with confidence.  “The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever.  The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.”  Psalm 19:9 (NIV)

Tuesday:  An Enduring Inheritance.  Pray that you would keep your mind and eyes focused on the inheritance that awaits those who belong to God.  Pray that your blameless walk would be the result of the goodness of God and lead you to an enduring inheritance which cannot be taken away.  “The days of the blameless are known to the LORD, and their inheritance will endure forever.”  Psalm 37:18 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Trusting Endurance.  Pray that your trust of God would endure through all things.  Pray that your faith would not be shaken by the troubles which you face in this world.  Pray that you would stand firm in the Lord because of your enduring trust.  “Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever.”  Psalm 125:1 (NIV)

Thursday:  Truthful Endurance.  Pray that your words and life would speak truth which endures forever.  Pray that you would reject the temptation of momentary untruthfulness.  Ask God to help you endure in truthfulness as you reject the lies of this world in both the speaking of such lies and the acceptance of them.  “Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.”  Proverbs 12:19 (NIV) 

Friday:  Hopeful Endurance.  Pray that you would work with endurance because of your hope in Christ.  Pray that you would remember and honor those who have lived lives of hope-filled endurance through their faith.  “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)

Saturday:  Patient Endurance.  Pray that your obedience to God’s commands would help you learn to endure patiently as you wait for the day of Christ’s return.  Pray that your faithfulness would fill you with a patient endurance as you serve others. “This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God’s commandments and remain faithful to Jesus.”  Revelation 14:12 (NIV)

November 16, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Prayerful Joy!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Prayerful Joy!

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”
Colossians 4:2 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about our need to pray with joy!  I suppose it may seem a bit strange at first to pray about praying, but if prayer is as central in our life as it ought to be then we ought to be talking with God and seeking His help in this area.  I suspect one of the big reasons we need to seek God’s help in our prayer life is the command to “devote yourselves to prayer”.  If God had said to simply pray when you feel like it or when it’s convenient, most of us could handle that.  But devoting ourselves to prayer is an entirely different task.  When we go to God about our prayer life, we open our self up to His instruction and guidance in the way we relate to Him.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine just how devoted to prayer you are.  Pray that you would understand your need for God’s  help in this part of your relationship with Him — as in all other parts.  Pray that you would be always watchful and thankful as you pray — both qualities that will require God’s help.  Pray that  your relationship with God would grow as your devotion to prayer grows.  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 help you grow in prayerful joy.

Sunday: Pray for your church staff, the preaching and teaching that takes place, the church leadership, the volunteers that are helping in so many areas, the spiritual and financial health of the congregation, and the work of the missions ministry of the church.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

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

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

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

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

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

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

November 9, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Knowing the Stewardship!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

God’s Gift, Your Gift!

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on a topic which requires great humility in us for it to be seen as a good thing.  While referring to someone as thinking they are God’s gift to mankind is usually a reference to attitudes and actions of arrogance, when we live in the humility of God’s Spirit we find God really has created us as His gift.  It is this humility that helps us understand the gift doesn’t choose either the giver or the recipient.  There will not be much that is as affirming in your life as knowing God has chosen you as His gift to others through the good works He created in advance for you to do.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you see the value He places on the workmanship of His hands.  Pray that you would learn to communicate to others the precious gift of God that they are.  Pray that you would live as one who does the will and works of God in such a way that others praise Him for His wonderful gifts.  Pray that you would always view the children in your family, your church, and your community as the gifts from God that they are.

“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 be a good steward of the gifts He has given.

Sunday: Pray for your church staff, the preaching and teaching that takes place, the church leadership, the volunteers that are helping in so many areas, the spiritual and financial health of the congregation, and the work of the missions ministry of the church.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: A Gift To Your Parents.  Pray that you would view all children as the gift that God says they are.  Pray that you would live as one who is God’s gift to your parents regardless of your age or their level of deserving such a gift.  Ask God to help you know how to be the gift that is “just right” for the time at hand.  “Behold, children are a gift of the LORD; The fruit of the womb is a reward.”  Psalm 127:3 (NASB)

Tuesday: A Gift To Serve Others.  Pray that your life as God’s gift to others would be displayed in the way you serve them.  Pray for the humility necessary to serve others according to their need rather than according to your desire.  “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”  1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)

Wednesday: A Gift That Comes From God.  Pray that you would always acknowledge God as the source of every good gift, even when that gift may appear to come from you.  Pray that you would pour yourself into the lives of others as a gift to them from God.  “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”  James 1:17 (NIV)

Thursday: A Gift That Is Enough.  Pray that you would live with an understanding that God has created you to be enough for the need He has called you to meet.  Pray that you would be willing to give fully based on what you have rather than based on what you want.  “For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.”  2 Corinthians 8:12 (NIV)

Friday: A Gift Of Yourself.  Pray that your life as God’s gift would be a result of first giving yourself to the Lord.  Pray that your obedience to God would lead you to give of yourself to Him and to those around you who need what He has placed in you.  “And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will.”  2 Corinthians 8:5 (NIV)

Saturday:  A Gift Of Love.  Pray that you would live fully within the love of God so what you share with others is that which is greatest.  Pray that God would transform your heart so that pure love would be your motive in all of your interactions with people.  Pray that God’s love would be at the center of what He gives to others through you.  “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”  1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV)

November 2, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Knowing the Community!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Place To Be Home!

“We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.  We write this to make our joy complete.” 
1 John 1:3-4 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus will be about walking together in community with one another as we grow in our walk with God.  When we consider the divisive nature of this world it should be clear that we need more than this world can offer if we want to walk together with anyone.  As we walk in fellowship with God, we find a place that is home.  As the home of God’s Spirit, we join in community with others as we say, “Welcome Home!”  As you pray this week, ask God to help you grow in your walk with Him.  Pray for a greater fellowship with others through a common sharing of the things God has done.  Pray for a growing joy as you walk through life together with God and with one another.  Pray for wisdom in representing Jesus to others through the way you live life each day.  Pray for a growing circle of those you walk together with.   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 be home in a community of believers.

Sunday: Pray for your church staff, the preaching and teaching that takes place, the church leadership, the volunteers that are helping in so many areas, the spiritual and financial health of the congregation, and the work of the missions ministry of the church.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday:  A Home Of God’s Light.  Pray that God and His Word would always be the light of your home.  Pray that your words and your life would consistently declare the light of God to the people you find yourself walking together with in this life.  “This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.”  1 John 1:5 (NIV)

Tuesday:  A Home Of Fellowship.  Pray that your walking in fellowship with God would be more than just words but would reflect an obedience to His Word.  Pray for a fellowship with God that strengthens your ability to walk in fellowship with others.  Pray that your home would be one of fellowship.  “If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.”  1 John 1:6 (NIV)

Wednesday:  A Home Of Purity.  Pray that you would know the freedom that comes from being purified by the blood of Jesus.  Pray that living in the purity of God’s forgiveness would lead you to a greater purity in the way you walk together with others.  Pray that your home would be one of purity in all things.  “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”  1 John 1:7 (NIV)

Thursday:  A Home Of Truth.  Pray for the desire and ability to really be honest with God about everything in your life — even the things you may think are hidden.  Pray for the courage and humility needed to walk with others in ways that are filled with God’s truth.  Pray for a home of truth.  Pray that your home would be one of truth.  “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.”  1 John 1:8 (NIV)

Friday:  A Home Of Forgiveness.  Pray for the courage to agree with God about any and all sin in your life.  Pray for a confidence in God’s ability and desire to forgive and cleanse you.  Pray that an awareness of God’s forgiveness in your life would help you to be a home of forgiveness to others.  “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”  1 John 1:9 (NIV)

Saturday:  A Home Of God’s Word.  Pray that you would live with honesty as you make God’s Word central in your life.  Pray for the strength and courage needed to always make God’s Word the standard by which you live.  Pray that your walk with God would help you to walk in God’s Word with others.  “If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.”  1 John 1:10 (NIV)