Prayer Guides

October 4, 2026 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Not So Minor Offering!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Not So Minor Offering!

“You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
1 Peter 2:5 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will center in on offerings which are acceptable to God.  God’s view of an acceptable offering, while including money and possessions, goes way beyond financial giving.  Because God examines the heart, every offering we make is seen by Him according to our motives rather than by its appearance alone.  When we first offer ourselves fully to God, the rest of the offerings we make can become spiritual sacrifices which are acceptable to Him.  As you pray this week, examine both the motives and actions of your offerings to God and to others.  Pray that your offerings would always honor Jesus and be acceptable to God.  Pray that your acceptable offerings would be expressed in all of the ways you give.  Pray that your priorities in life would be seen in the offerings you make.  Pray that you would always allow God to define that which is acceptable.  Pray about that you would recognize, and help others to know, that the offering of yourself to God is never minor.

“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 offering of yourself to God.

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 Offering of Trust.  Pray that a trust of God would allow you to offer sacrifices that are acceptable to Him.  Pray that your offering of trust would begin with God and extend to the people He brings into your life.  Pray for a growing faith that allows you to trust fully in the sacrifice made on your behalf by Jesus.  “Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD.”  Psalm 4:5 (NIV)

Tuesday:  An Offering of Yourself.  Pray that you would offer yourself to God as an act of worship.  Pray that God’s mercy shown to you would lead you to be a living sacrifice.  Pray that your life would show others what  holy sacrifice looks like.  “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship.”  Romans 12:1 (NIV)

Wednesday:  An Offering of Sacrificial Gifts.  Pray for a willingness to sacrifice of yourself in order to meet the needs of others.  Pray that your giving to others would be pleasing to God.  Pray that your sacrificial gifts would help others know the love of Jesus for them.  “I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.”  Philippians 4:18 (NIV)

Thursday:  An Offering of Praise.  Pray that you would live a life that fully expresses the praise that God deserves.  Pray that your praise of God would flow from a heart that continually confesses the name of Jesus in all you do.  Pray that your offering of praise would help others know Jesus.  “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise — the fruit of lips that confess his name.”  Hebrews 13:15 (NIV)

Friday:  An Offering of Prayer.  Ask God to help you view even your prayers for others as an offering that is acceptable to Him.  Pray that you would be ready, willing, and diligent in offering prayers to God on behalf of others.  “And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.”  James 5:15 (NIV)

Saturday:  An Offering of Hospitality.  Pray that you would be hospitable to others as you care for their needs above your own.  Pray that God would give you a proper attitude in your acts of hospitality.  Pray that your caring for others would be an acceptable offering to God.  Pray that your offering of hospitality would represent Jesus well.  “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.”  1 Peter 4:9 (NIV)

September 27, 2026 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Being Obedient!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Being Obedient!

“But Samuel replied:  ‘Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.’”
1 Samuel 15:22 (NIV)

Most adults seem to like the command where God says children are to obey their parents.  We like it because we tend to unconsciously add two small words to it.  We tend to read it, “[Little] Children obey your [good] parents in the Lord, for this is right.”  Yes, there are limits when it comes to obeying people — “We must obey God rather than men” — but obedience is a trait that God expects all of His children to exhibit.  This week we will be praying about following the example of Jesus, who “became obedient to death — even death on a cross.”  As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine your current level of obedience and reveal how you need to grow to become more like Christ.  Pray that you would value the choice of obedience in your life and in the lives of others.  Pray for a desire to obey God that exceeds the “have to” and becomes a “want to”.  Pray that the results of your obedience would help the people around you see Jesus more clearly.

“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 being obedient.

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: Being Obedient In Teaching.  Pray that you would be a faithful disciple of Jesus in the way you teach others to obey all He commanded.  “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)

Tuesday: Being Obedient To Be Blessed.  Pray that you would always listen to the word of God with a desire to obey what He says.  Pray for the courage to obey God as He reveals Himself through His Word.  Pray that you would be a blessing to others because of your obedience to the word of God.  “He replied, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.’”  Luke 11:28 (NIV)

Wednesday: Being Obedient In the Holy Spirit.  Pray that you would recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life through your obedience to God.  Pray that God’s Spirit would help you be a witness to the things of God.  Pray that the people around you would know God’s presence in them through their obedience.  “We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”  Acts 5:32 (NIV)

Thursday: Being Obedient To Parents.  Pray that you would be faithful in honoring and obeying your parents — regardless of your age or theirs.  Pray that the people around you would understand how much it pleases God for them to be obedient to their parents.  Pray for a godly life that helps obedience to be easier.  “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.”  Colossians 3:20 (NIV)

Friday: Being Obedient To Leaders.  Pray that you would obey the leaders that God has placed in positions of authority over you.  Pray for a life which makes the work of leaders less difficult.  “Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.”  Hebrews 13:17 (NIV)

Saturday:  Being Obedient To Express Love.  Pray that your love for God would always be expressed in your willingness to obey Him.  Pray that your eyes would be opened to seeing the benefits of obedience.  Pray for a growing love that is expressed through the way you obey God.  “This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome.”  1 John 5:3 (NIV)

September 20, 2026 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Being Productive!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Being Productive!

“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.  For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 
2 Peter 1:5-8 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus will be about some of the qualities which God says are necessary for an effective and productive life.  I suspect that nearly everyone wants to live a life that matters — a life that makes a difference to others.  As we pray this week, we will talk with God about some attributes He says are key in making our knowledge of Jesus useful.  As you pray, ask God to help you start with a foundation of faith that will help these qualities grow and build upon each other.  Pray that you would lead a productive life because of God’s presence in you.  Pray for an increasing humility which will allow the necessary character traits to grow more fully in your life.  Pray about how God would have you share with others in ways that encourage and build them up for greater effectiveness.  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 being productive.

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 Productive Goodness.  Pray that your faith would produce a goodness that can instruct others in the things of God.  Pray that your eyes would be opened to the goodness of God in others.  Pray about how God would want His goodness to be seen in you.  “I myself am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct one another.”  Romans 15:14 (NIV)

Tuesday:  A Productive Knowledge.  Pray that God’s grace would produce within you a knowledge of Jesus that will transform every part of your life.  Pray for a knowledge that glorifies God rather than self.  Pray for the humility needed to give God the credit for all your knowledge.  “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever!”  2 Peter 3:18 (NIV)

Wednesday:  A Productive Self-Control.  Pray for ever-increasing self-control to provide the protection God designed it for.  Pray for God’s Spirit to be evident in your life through the self-control which you possess as His gift.  Pray that the people around you would see a clearer image of Jesus through your self-control.  “Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.”  Proverbs 25:28 (NIV)

Thursday:  A Productive Perseverance.  Pray that your growth in Christ would help you to persevere in faith.  Pray that you would grow to maturity as you learn perseverance through the faithfulness of God.  Pray that your example of faithfulness in all things would help others know Jesus.  “Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”  James 1:4 (NIV)

Friday:  A Productive Godliness.  Pray that your training and growth in godliness would fill you with hope for today and for eternity.  Pray that the presence of God within you would produce a godliness that others can know and pursue for themselves.  “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”  1 Timothy 4:8 (NIV)

Saturday:  A Productive Kindness and Love.  Pray that God’s kindness and love would be reflected in the way you show kindness and love to the people around you.  Pray for the wisdom to live as one set free . . . and as one who shares the freedom of God with others.  Pray for God’s help in doing all things with love.  “I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love; I lifted the yoke from their neck and bent down to feed them.”  Hosea 11:4 (NIV)

September 13, 2026 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Being Persistent!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Being Persistent!

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”  
James 1:12 (NIV)

While Jesus did say that whoever does not give up everything he has cannot be His disciple, there are “things” that the Bible tells us not to give up.  Our prayer focus this week will look at some of those things that we are to hold on to as we continue our journey in life.  We choose to give up everything that is about self as we surrender to Jesus.  We should also persistently hold fast to everything that is Jesus in our life.  God calls us to a life of faithfulness which means we live in a constant pursuit of Him without ever giving up.  So, while we give up every selfish desire and everything that is not of God, we hold fast to all that is good and everything that God puts within us for our benefit and for the benefit of others.  As you pray this week, ask God to embolden you by His Spirit to surrender everything of you to Him and to hold fast to everything of Him that is in you.  Pray for God’s Spirit to help you be persistent in your pursuit of Him.  Pray for a growing awareness of God’s faithfulness as you persistently walk with 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 grow in persistence and perseverance.

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: Being Persistent With God.  Pray that you would hold fast to God and His Word, even if the nation around you seems to have forgotten and/or rejected Him.  Pray that you would be persistent in doing the work of God that He has called you to.  “For a long time Israel was without the true God, without a priest to teach and without the law.  But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.”  2 Chronicles 15:3,7  (NIV)

Tuesday: Being Persistent In Praying.  Ask God to help you to pray when you feel like giving up.  Pray that you would be faithful in going to God in prayer at all times and about all things.  Pray for a persistence in your prayer life that always seeks to hear from God.  “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.”  Luke 18:1 (NIV)

Wednesday: Being Persistent In Doing Good.  Pray that you would always do good as a reflection of God’s goodness in you.  Pray that you would turn to God for His refreshing when you begin to feel weary.  Pray that your persistence would result in a great harvest at the right time.  “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”  Galatians 6:9 (NIV) 

Thursday:  Being Persistent In Godly Doctrine.  Pray that you would pay attention to how you live and not give up on the sound doctrine of God’s Word.  Pray that you would never give up on sharing your life, and the sound doctrine you live by, with others.  “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.”  1 Timothy 4:16 (NIV)

Friday: Being Persistent In Meeting Together.   Pray that you would be an encourager as you remain persistent in meeting with other believers.  Pray that you would look for opportunities to meet together with others, both to be encouraged and to encourage them as you walk with Christ together.  “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)

Saturday:  Being Persistent In God’s Will.  Pray that you would remain faithful in doing the things scripture teaches are the will of God.  Pray for wisdom in understanding the will of God.  Pray that the promises of God would help you remain committed to doing His will.  “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.”  Hebrews 10:36 (NIV)

September 6, 2026 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Being Kind!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Being Kind!

“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’s prayer focus will look at some of what the Bible says about receiving and expressing a kindness that is produced by God’s Spirit living within us.  Expressions of genuine kindness generally get our attention because they have unfortunately became far too uncommon.  Simple acts of courtesy catch us by surprise because they are no longer expected.  The Bible talks about a time such as this when we show contempt for the kindness of God.  Our rejection, or ignoring, of God’s kindness typically leaves us unwilling to express kindness to others.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you connect with His Spirit within you in order for the fruit of kindness to be produced.  Pray that you would give great value to the kindness shown to you by God.  Pray that you would find ways to express His kindness to the people around you.  Pray for God’s kindness to be evident in you in ways that draw people to 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 grow in kindness.

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:  Being Kind For the Sake Of Others.  Pray that you would look for opportunities to extend relationships by showing kindness that benefits others for the sake of someone else.  Ask God to help you show kindness even to enemies as you consider the friendships God has given you.  “David asked, ‘Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?’”  2 Samuel 9:1 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Being Kind When Correcting.  Pray that you would learn to see godly correction as the kindness that it ought to be.  Pray that the kindness of correction would be graciously accepted.  Pray that you would extend kindness when others need correction.  “Let a righteous man strike me — it is a kindness; let him rebuke me — it is oil on my head.  My head will not refuse it.”  Psalm 141:5 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Being Kind To Establish Opportunity.  Pray that your life of kindness would give you opportunities to share about the power of Jesus who produces kindness in you.  “If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.”  Acts 4:9-10 (NIV)

Thursday:  Being Kind To Bring Repentance.  Pray that you would have a greater understanding of the power of kindness, particularly God’s kindness, which leads people to repent.  Pray that you would learn to live with a kindness and patience from God.  “Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance?”  Romans 2:4 (NIV)

Friday:  Being Clothed With Kindness.  Pray that you would deliberately put on kindness as a part of your daily “clothing” as a chosen one of God.  Pray that you would live with a kindness produced by God’s Spirit.  “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”  Colossians 3:12 (NIV)

Saturday:  Being Kind To Show God’s Salvation.  Pray that you would share the message of salvation with others in a way that expresses its source being found in the kindness of God.  Pray that God’s mercy would be seen in you through your kindness to others.  “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.”  Titus 3:4-5 (NIV)

August 30, 2026 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Being Content!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Being Content!

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?”
Matthew 6:25 (NIV)

This week our prayer emphasis will be on learning to live with contentment.  Contentment is a very godly character quality but one that is difficult to live — especially in a culture that is so focused on convincing people that they need what others have and they need more than what others have.  When Paul writes about learning contentment, the focus is on discovering that God is enough in the midst of any circumstance.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you rejoice in the happiness of others.  Pray that you would learn a spirit of contentment that comes from a complete trust in God.  Pray that the things of this world, and the things that others have, would not become a snare to you.  Ask God to teach you how to be content with what He has given and strive to make the most of it for His glory.  Pray that your lifestyle of contentment would lead others to know the abundance of God can be found in a relationship with 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 grow in contentment.

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:  Being Content With a Fear of the Lord.  Pray that you would have contentment through a life lived with a fear of the Lord.  Pray that you would experience times of contented rest as you live with a healthy fear of the Lord.  Pray that others would know a rest that can only come from godly contentment.  “The fear of the LORD leads to life:  Then one rests content, untouched by trouble.”  Proverbs 19:23 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Being Content With Your Income.  Pray that you would learn to live within your means and be content with the pay you have agreed to.  Pray that a contentment with your income would lead you to a heart of generosity.  “Then some soldiers asked him, ‘And what should we do?’  He replied, ‘Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely — be content with your pay.’”  Luke 3:14 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Being Content In All Circumstances.  Pray that your relationship with Christ would teach you the secret of being content in all circumstances.  Pray that the people around you would see your contentment and give glory to God.  “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”  Philippians 4:12 (NIV)

Thursday:  Being Content With Godliness.  Pray that you would seek to live a life of godliness and experience great gain as you become content with God being the center of your life.  Pray that the people around you would be amazed at the attitude of abundance that God wants to fill you with.  Pray that your contentment would be contagious.  “But godliness with contentment is great gain.”  1 Timothy 6:6 (NIV)

Friday:  Being Content With Basic Needs.  Pray that you would have God’s view of necessities and learn to be content even if that is all you have.  Pray that your contentment with what you need would lead you to a life of joy that helps others to see Jesus in you.  Pray that your life of contentment would lead you to a desire to share  “But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.”  1 Timothy 6:8 (NIV)

Saturday:  Being Content With  God’s Presence.  Pray that you would know the contentment of God’s abiding presence.  Pray that the allure of money would not distract you from finding contentment in simply having God with you.  “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’”  Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)

August 23, 2026 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Being Rich!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Being Rich!

“But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”
Matthew 6:20 (NIV)

What kind of things, or riches, do you find yourself running after each day?  Are they “kingdom of God” things or are they things of the world?  Because we live in the world, there are things that we need, but even in our need God wants us to pay close attention to what kind of riches we are seeking.  If we allow Him, God has a way of transforming us through a renewing of our mind so that the things we seek are the things of His kingdom and righteousness.  As you pray this week, ask God to  help you examine the value you place on the riches of this world compared to the value you place on the things of God.  Pray for greater contentment with godly riches as you trust God to supply  your needs for now and for eternity.  Pray that your recognition of the riches God has supplied would lead you to share those types of riches with others.  Pray that your acceptance of godly riches would help you to keep worldly riches in their proper perspective.

“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 your hunger for 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: Being Rich In Love.  Pray that you would know the abundance of God’s love as you experience His compassion and graciousness.  Pray that the richness of God’s love would help you to be slow to anger.  Pray that you would be rich in love as you share the goodness of God with the people around you.  “The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.”  Psalm 145:8 (NIV)

Tuesday: Being Rich Toward God.  Pray that God would help you to examine your attitude regarding how much you are storing up for yourself versus how rich you are toward God.  Pray that being rich toward God would lead you to go through life with a loose grasp on the things of this world. “This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.”  Luke 12:21 (NIV)

Wednesday: Being Rich In Generosity.  Pray that you would trust God in a way that allows you to be rich in generosity even when your circumstances make generosity difficult.  Pray that your generosity would flow from the joy that God brings to your life.  “Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.”  2 Corinthians 8:2 (NIV)

Thursday: Being Rich In Mercy.  Pray that you would know true life because of the richness of God’s mercy.  Pray that the life you have in Christ would lead you to be rich in mercy toward others.  Pray that God’s love would be the basis for how you receive and extend His mercy.  “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions.”  Ephesians 2:4 (NIV)

Friday: Being Rich In Good Deeds.  Pray that you would not allow money to define how rich you are toward others.  Pray that you would be rich in good deeds as you share of yourself in ways that benefit the needs of others.  Pray that an awareness of God’s goodness toward you would help you be rich in good deeds toward others.  “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”  1 Timothy 6:18 (NIV)

Saturday:  Being Rich In Faith.  Pray that you would be rich in faith regardless of how rich you appear to the world.  Pray that your love of God would fill you with the riches of the kingdom that only faith can produce.  “Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?”  James 2:5 (NIV)

August 16, 2026 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Being Hungry!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Being Hungry!

“This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘The fasts of the fourth, fifth, seventh and tenth months will become joyful and glad occasions and happy festivals for Judah. Therefore love truth and peace.’”
Zechariah 8:19 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer time on deliberately being hungry through the practice of prayer and fasting.  While there are many who believe fasting is simply an Old Testament practice, we find Jesus giving new instruction about prayer and fasting as He teaches in what we call the Sermon On the Mount.  God’s desire is that our practice of prayer and fasting creates a hunger which brings us closer to Him in ways that He is made more visible through us.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you consider the role fasting should have in your relationship with Him.  Pray that you would practice humility in all spiritual disciplines as you desire relationship with God over the showmanship of the world.  Pray that fasting, or any spiritual discipline, would be a joy rather than a burden as you deepen your desire for the things of God.  Pray that your growing relationship with Jesus would lead to a greater love of truth and peace.

“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 your hunger for 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: Being Hungry To Listen.  Pray that you would join with others in listening to God when the circumstances of life alarm you.  Pray that God would help you to know how fasting with purpose can lead to a greater listening to Him.  Pray for wisdom in asking others to join you in fasting.  “Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah.”  2 Chronicles 20:3 (NIV)

Tuesday: Being Hungry For Humility.  Pray that your seeking of God would be done in humility.  Ask God to help you know the value of fasting in seeking His help and direction.  Pray that your requests of God would always be made with reverence.  “There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions.”  Ezra 8:21 (NIV)

Wednesday Being Hungry In Mourning.  Pray that you would be serious about going to God in times of sorrow and heartache.  Pray for the patience to wait before God when life is filled with loss.  Pray that your times of mourning and fasting would prepare you to hear God.  “When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.”  Nehemiah 1:4 (NIV)

Thursday: Being Hungry To Serve.  Pray that you would regularly spend time of “going without” for the purpose of serving others.  Pray that you would always seek God’s purpose to be accomplished through the fasting you do.  “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?”  Isaiah 58:6 (NIV)

Friday: Being Hungry For God.  Pray that you would cry out to God as you ask others to join you in seeking Him.  Pray that you would know the sacredness of coming together with others in fasting to cry out to God.  “Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly.  Summon the elders and all who live in the land to the house of the LORD your God, and cry out to the LORD.”  Joel 1:14 (NIV)

Saturday:  Being Hungry In Worship.  Pray that you would experience fasting as an act of worship.  Pray for clarity in understanding what God wants to accomplish in your times of fasting.  Pray that you would listen for what God wants you to know and what He wants you to share with others.  “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’”  Acts 13:2 (NIV)

August 9, 2026 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Being Prayerful!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Being Prayerful!

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

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about being prayerful!  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.

“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 devoted in prayer.

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)

August 2, 2026 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Being Generous!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Being Generous!

“But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.”
1 Chronicles 29:14 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about God’s desire that we live with generosity toward God and toward one another.  When we recognize God’s ownership of everything and choose to live as good stewards, generosity should flow naturally.  As Christians, we ought to be generous because it is a part of God’s nature that He has put within us.  Our generosity to others is a reflection of the generosity we receive from God — at least it ought to be.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you see His generosity in all areas of your life.  Pray that the ways you share with others would reflect all the ways God has given to you.  Pray that your generosity would always flow from pure and right motives which glorify God.  Pray that you would be generous with your time, your abilities, your resources, and your love.  Pray that you would experience, and share, the true generosity that is found in Christ.  Pray that the people around you would experience the generosity of God through 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 be generous in every way.

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 Generous Attitude.  Pray that you would have a right attitude in sharing and giving.  Pray that any traces of a “grudging  heart” would be removed from you.  Pray that your attitude in giving would result in God’s blessings upon all you do.  “Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.”  Deuteronomy 15:10 (NIV)

Tuesday: Goodness and Justice in Generosity.  Pray that your generosity would bring about goodness and justice in your life and in the lives of those around you.  Pray for open hands and an open heart when it comes to meeting the needs of others.  Pray for wisdom in practicing true justice with generosity.  “Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice.”  Psalm 112:5 (NIV)

Wednesday: Prosperity and Refreshing in Generosity.  Pray that you would know God’s version of “prosper” as your generosity refreshes yourself and others.  Pray for an increased generosity as you experience an increased prosperity.  Pray that the people around you would know the value of being generous toward God.  “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”  Proverbs 11:25 (NIV)

Thursday: Extreme Circumstances in Generosity.  Pray that you would not allow your circumstances to rob you of the joy of generosity.   Pray that you would have both a spirit and practice of generosity in all circumstances.  Pray that your lifestyle of generosity would produce joy in others.  “Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.”  2 Corinthians 8:2 (NIV)

Friday: Sowing and Reaping in Generosity.  Pray that you would reap an abundant harvest of God’s blessings because you have sown generously.  Pray for a spirit of generosity that sows the seeds of God’s Word everywhere you go.  Pray that the people around you would know the value of being generous.  “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”  2 Corinthians 9:6 (NIV)

Saturday:  Thanksgiving and Praise in Generosity.  Pray that your generosity would always be done in ways that result in praise and thanksgiving to God.  Praise God for a spirit of generosity that produces many expressions of thanksgiving.  “You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”  2 Corinthians 9:11 (NIV)