Prayer Guides

Lifestyle of Prayer: The Work of Giving!
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Lifestyle of Prayer: The Work of Giving!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

The Work of Giving!

“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Acts 20:35 (NIV)

This week’s lifestyle of prayer emphasis will focus on learning to give.  Just as the Bible teaches that we know love because God first loved us, we can learn to give because God first gave to us.  Too often we don’t give — not because the need isn’t present, and not even because we don’t have the resources — but simply because we haven’t learned to give.  God’s desire is that we learn to give with the purpose of blessing others and in so doing we discover we too are blessed.  When we follow the example of Jesus we learn to give what we know, we learn to give what we have, and we learn to give what God provides.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you be a learner when it comes to giving.  Pray that your practice of giving would be a blessing to you, and to others, as you reflect Christ in your giving habits.  Pray that your recognition of God as the provider of all good things would help you learn to give more freely.  Pray each day for the individuals of your congregation and for 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 be involved in the work of giving.

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: Give To Those in Need.  Pray that you would learn the expectation of Jesus that you give to the needy without seeking notice.  Pray for the humility needed to be blessed as you give to others.  Pray that God would help you find ways to truly help those in need.  “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.”  Matthew 6:3 (NIV)

Tuesday: Give What You Owe.  Ask God to teach you clearly what is owed by you to Him and to others.  Pray that you would not overlook any area of what you owe as you give.   Pray that God would use you as a blessing to others as you give what you owe.  “Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”  Romans 13:7 (NIV)

Wednesday: Give Cheerfully.  Pray that you would listen intently to God so that your giving is done with cheerful obedience because you “get to”.  Pray that your cheerfulness in giving would be a genuine expression of thanksgiving to God.  Pray for a heart that desires to give freely.  “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”  2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)

Thursday: Give Thanks.  Pray that God would continue to teach you a heart of thanksgiving in all that you do.  Pray that you would learn to give thanks in all circumstances.  Ask God to help you not only to be thankful to Him, but to also be thankful for others.  “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”  Colossians 3:17 (NIV)

Friday: Give An Answer.  Pray that your life in Christ is lived in a way that people notice and that you are ready to give an answer about your hope.  “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”  1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

Saturday:  Give Up Everything.  Pray that you would learn to give up all the things that you still choose to hold tightly.  Pray that God would reveal to you anything you have held back from His control and then fully surrender it 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)

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Time To Confess!
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Lifestyle of Prayer: A Time To Confess!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Time To Confess!

“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.  Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.”
Ephesians 4:30-31 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on some things that God says we need to get rid of as we confess our sins to Him.  While it may be a little late for traditional spring cleaning, it is always the right time to do some “spring cleaning” in our life as we draw near to God.  While the prayer focus this week will be on things to confess and deal with, it is important to note that we must be filling our life with the things of the Spirit as we clean out the things that don’t belong.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you see the things of an old life that should be gone.  Pray that you would have the desire to live as a new creation as you put away the things of this world.  Pray for compassion and understanding as this being made completely new in righteousness and holiness is a continuing process for both you and those around you.  Pray for the courage to say “Good riddance!” to the things of this world that keep you from fully pursuing God.  Pray for wisdom in filling your life with the things which honor Christ.

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

Please pray each day for God to help you agree with Him about the sins which easily creep into 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:  Confess Bitterness.  Pray that you would agree with God about the seeds of bitterness in your life before they take root.  Pray that the grace of God applied in your life would keep you from becoming bitter toward others.  “See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.”  Hebrews 12:15 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Confess Rage.  Pray that you would agree with God about the destructive nature of rage.  Ask God to help you remove the roar of rage from your life in every interaction you have with others.  Pray for a life that shows favor to others rather than frightens them from pursuing God.  “A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.”  Proverbs 19:12 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Confess Anger.  Pray that you would agree with God about the anger that keeps you from the righteous life He desires for you.  Pray that you would always follow God’s instructions on anger and deal with it appropriately.  “Take note of this: Everyone should be . . . slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.”  James 1:19-20 (NIV)

Thursday:  Confess Brawling.  Pray that you would agree with God about the dangers of brawling as He helps you remove your attitudes that lead you to “pick a fight” with others.  Pray for the wisdom to lead others away from wandering into a grave filled with brawlers of every background.  “Therefore the grave enlarges its appetite and opens its mouth without limit; into it will descend their nobles and masses with all their brawlers and revelers.”  Isaiah 5:14 (NIV)

Friday:  Confess Slander.  Pray that you would agree with God about words which slander others.  Ask God to help you remove slander from your speech.  Pray that God would protect you and others from the dangers of slander.  “Do not go about spreading slander among your people.  Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s life. I am the LORD.”  Leviticus 19:16 (NIV)

Saturday:  Confess Malice.  Pray for God’s help in examining your motives in everything as you remove all traces of malice.  Pray that you would not be led into doing anything with evil intent through the temptations of deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander.  “Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.”  1 Peter 2:1 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Hearing the Word!
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Lifestyle of Prayer: Hearing the Word!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Hearing the Word!

“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.  But I ask: Did they not hear? Of course they did: ‘Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.’”
Romans 10:17-18 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about hearing God’s Word in a way that makes it useful in our life.  In Paul’s second letter to Timothy, we have a list of some of the things that God says Scripture is useful for if we were to hear it and apply it to everything we do.  Sadly, many have come to view Scripture as more inspirational than transformational.  In reality, it is only truly inspirational if it inspires us to draw near to God and be transformed.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you accurately evaluate how much time you spend hearing through your reading, studying, and meditating on the Word of God.  Pray that your love for God’s Word would grow as your understanding of its usefulness grows.  Pray that the usefulness of  God’s Word in your life would cause you to share it at every opportunity.  Pray that you would not only be a hearer of God’s Word, but that you would also be a doer and sharer of it.

“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 faith as you hear His Word.

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: Hearing the Origin of God’s Word.  Pray that you would hear Scripture as coming from God and not from man.  Pray that God’s Spirit would give you insight into what He has spoken through His Word.  Pray that your response to  God’s Word would reflect its origin.  “For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”  2 Peter 1:21 (NIV)

Tuesday: Hearing the Teaching.  Pray that you would hear God’s Word as useful in teaching how to live a life pleasing to God.  Pray for wisdom in putting the teaching of God’s Word into practice.  Pray that your devotion to the Word of God would prepare you to teach.  “For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.”  Ezra 7:10 (NIV)

Wednesday: Hearing the Rebuking.  Pray that you would hear the wise rebuke of God’s Word in your life.  Pray that you would always have a proper response when you hear the rebuke of God’s Word.  Pray that you would use God’s Word in wisely rebuking others when it is necessary.  “It is better to heed a wise man’s rebuke than to listen to the song of fools.”  Ecclesiastes 7:5 (NIV)

Thursday: Hearing the Correction.  Pray that you would hear the correction that God desires to give you through His Word.  Pray that you would learn to welcome the correction of God’s Word in your life.  Pray that God’s Word would be the basis for any correction of others that you do.  “Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.”  Job 5:17 (NIV)

Friday: Hearing the Training.  Pray that you would hear the training God wants to do in you through His Word.  Pray that you would reject the myths of the world and seek to be trained by God’s Word.  Pray that you would cling to God’s Word as the true source of training in godliness.  “Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.”  1 Timothy 4:7 (NIV)

Saturday:  Hearing the Equipping.  Pray that the application of God’s Word in your life would equip you for every good work He desires.  Pray that you would make God’s Word the very core of equipping others for the work God has created for them to do.  “May the God of peace . . . equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”  Hebrews 13:20-21 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Remembering To Do Good!
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Lifestyle of Prayer: Remembering To Do Good!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Remembering To Do Good!

“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
Hebrews 13:16 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about our need to remember, and do, the things God instructed through His Word.  The Bible contains many examples of God giving instructions for specific days, feasts, memorials, and other reminders so His people would not forget Him and His work.  Even when we know and experience the goodness of God, we need reminders to help us remember to share that goodness with others.  This week as we remember the sacrifices made by people on behalf of a nation, we will also spend time praying about remembering some things that God doesn’t want us to forget.  Things that we know, or have known, but would be good for us to remember . . . again.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you remember.  Pray that you would remember the sacrifice of Jesus on your behalf.  Pray that you would remember the sacrifices of those whose lives paid for the freedoms you enjoy each day.  Pray that you would remember the things God wants you to never forget.  Pray that your remembering would lead to your doing.

“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 remember the good you ought to do.

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:  Remembering to Be Generous.  Pray that you would remember the generous nature of God.  Pray that you would remember to be generous with the things you sow into the lives of others.  Pray that your generosity would result in an abundance of godly fruit.  “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”  2 Corinthians 9:6 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Remembering the Poor.  Pray that you would remember how God responds to your spiritual poverty.  Pray that you would be eager to remember, and care for, the poor.  Pray that God would fill you with the wisdom necessary to care for the poor as you ought.  “All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.”  Galatians 2:10 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Remembering To Pray For Others.  Pray that you would remember that God has given One to intercede on your behalf.  Ask God to help you remember to pray for the people He has placed in your life.  Pray that your prayers would be filled with thanks as you remember others.  “I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.”  Ephesians 1:16 (NIV)

Thursday:  Remembering Your Victories.  Pray that you would remember the victory obtained when God’s light first came upon you.  Pray that you would be able to stand firm as you remember the victories God has given you.  “Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering.”  Hebrews 10:32 (NIV)

Friday:  Remembering Those In Prison.  Pray that you would remember how God has always been with you.  Pray that you would be filled with compassion as you remember those who are in prison — whether in a literal or figurative prison.  Pray that you would share in the sufferings of those who are imprisoned and/or being mistreated.  “Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.”  Hebrews 13:3 (NIV)

Saturday:  Remembering Your Leaders.  Pray that you would hold fast to the teachings of the leaders who have shared the word of God with you.  Pray that you would imitate the way of life of godly leaders so that your life is also worth imitating.  “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.”  Hebrews 13:7 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Standing Firm!
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Lifestyle of Prayer: Standing Firm!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Standing Firm!

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

As we continue to pray about what it will take to build for revival, this week our prayer focus will be on our need to stand firm in our relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  We have an enemy that constantly tries to knock us off our feet to disrupt our walk with Christ.  When the storms of life come, it will be a life built on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ which will be able to stand firm.  God has not only given us armor to help us be able to stand our ground, He gives instructions on the how, when, and why we ought to stand firm.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you to stand firm in your daily walk with Christ.  Pray that you would be equipped through the armor of God to stand against the schemes of the devil.  Pray that God would fill you with the wisdom to know exactly what standing firm should look like in each situation you face.  Pray that the people around you would know the power of God because of His ability to help you stand firm in difficult times.

“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 stand firm in the ways you ought to.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lifestyle of Prayer: Giving Help!
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Lifestyle of Prayer: Giving Help!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Giving Help!

“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”
Hebrews 6:10 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about giving help to others.  Helping others is not just a good idea, it is a God idea!  God continually sets the example by helping us in our times of need and did so in the ultimate way by sending His Son, Jesus, to redeem us from our greatest need.  As we build for revival, it is important that we not only ask for God’s help, but that we would give help so we can all be revived together.  In times of great disaster, many people are convicted of their need to help and are often eager to find ways to do so.  I believe God wants us to not overlook those times, but to look beyond the disasters and see how He would have us help others each day even without a news team showing us how bad things are.  As  you pray this week, ask God to fill you with a compassion that leads to a desire to help others.  Pray that this desire would take root and grow into an action that produces fruit.  Pray that God would be honored in the way you help others.  Pray that God’s work in you would lead you to help others in ways that make Jesus visible.

“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 reveal how He desires for you to help 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:  Give Help According to Your Ability.  Pray that God would help you to accurately evaluate your ability to help others.  Pray that you would free yourself from the trap of comparison as you help others according to the ability God has given you.  Pray that your ability to help would be multiplied by God’s ability in you.  “The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea.”  Acts 11:29 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Give Help To the Weak.  Pray that you would be mindful of the many ways in which a person might be weak.  Pray that you would have the courage to do the hard things that help those who are weak.  “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'”  Acts 20:35 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Give Help By Your Prayers.  Ask God to help you to remember to pray for those who need His help.  Pray that you would pay attention during your prayer time for how God would have you help others.  “He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers.”  2 Corinthians 1:10-11 (NIV)

Thursday:  Give Help According To Need.  Pray that it would not only be  your actions, but also your words that help others according ot their need.  Pray that you would seek wisdom in knowing what others really need before you try to offer help.  “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”  Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

Friday:  Give Help In Conflict.  Pray that you would be a peacemaker when the people around you don’t get along.  Pray that your help would encourage others to resume their work for the gospel.  “Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel.”  Philippians 4:3  (NIV)

Saturday:  Give Help Through Encouragement.  Pray that you would be a help to those who encourage you.  Pray that you would know the encouragement of being a helper to all you encounter.  Pray that your testimony of God’s grace would encourage others.  “With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.”  1 Peter 5:12 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Keep Watching Out!
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Lifestyle of Prayer: Keep Watching Out!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Keep Watching Out!

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”
Matthew 26:41 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about our need to keep watch as we build for revival!  Much of the watching that most people do tends to be very passive.  We go through our daily life casually observing our surroundings, but rarely paying enough attention to list at the end of the day all that we have seen.  When God calls us to watch and pray, He has something much more deliberate in mind.  He wants our watchfulness to be very active as we pay attention to the troubles and temptations the enemy surrounds us with in an attempt to make us choose anything other than God.  Much of what we’ll pray about this week are things that easily sneak into our lives if we are not watching out for them.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you pay attention to how you watch.  Pray that you would watch out for the opportunities God brings your way.  Pray that you would watch out for the many things that the enemy is trying to use to derail you from a fruitful walk with God.  Pray that you would watch out for the people around you, just as you watch out for your own interests.

“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 always watch and pray.

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:  Watch Out for Greed.  Pray that you would be on guard against all kinds of greed that seeks to destroy you.  Pray that you would always watch out so that your possessions do not possess you.  “Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.’”  Luke 12:15 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Watch Out for Deception.  Pray that you would stay in relationship with Jesus so that you would not be deceived.  Pray that you would watch out for those who would claim to represent Jesus, but don’t.  He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them.”  Luke 21:8 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Watch Out for Division.  Pray that you would recognize the things that cause division and obstacles within the body of Christ.  Pray that you would watch out for the people whom the enemy uses to spread such divisions and obstacles.  “I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.”  Romans 16:17 (NIV)

Thursday:  Watch Out for Destructive Behavior.  Pray that you would pay attention to how you treat others.  Pray that you would watch out for the destruction caused by internal bickering and conflict.  Pray that you would be deliberate about building other up rather than tearing them down.  “If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.”  Galatians 5:15 (NIV)

Friday:  Watch Out for Temptation.  Pray that you would be aware of the things which are enticing temptations to you so that you don’t get caught up in them.  Pray that you would watch out for how the sins of others can be contagious.  “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.”  Galatians 6:1 (NIV)

Saturday:  Watch Out for Eternal Loss.  Pray that you would pay attention to all that you have in Christ.  Pray that you would watch out for what you have worked for in Christ so that your eye would always be on the eternal prize.  Pray that you would be faithful to Christ to the end of this life.  “Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully.”  2 John 1:8 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Task For Everyone!
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Lifestyle of Prayer: A Task For Everyone!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Task For Everyone!

“If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” 
Romans 12:7-8 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on talking with God about the individual work He calls each person to, and ask for His help in finding our own task even as we value the unique tasks of others.  The work of revival is accomplished by the power of God through His Spirit and His Word, but it also involves each person doing the task God calls them to.  God calls all who take on the name of Christ, as Christian, to be workers in His kingdom!  For the body of Christ to function effectively, each member must do their part.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you know the “good works” God created in advance for you to do.  Pray that you would seek to accomplish your tasks by the power of God’s Spirit rather than in your own strength.  Pray that God would help you value the work He does through others, whether that work is similar to what you do or vastly different.

“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 be your help you use the gifting He has placed 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: Serving.  Ask God to help you understand your task when it comes to serving Him in the way you serve others.  Pray that God would help you see, and do, your part in serving the physical needs of the church property and of one another.   “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”  Mark 10:45

Tuesday: Teaching.  Ask God to help you take on the task of teaching the truth of God’s Word with both your words and your actions.  Pray that you would recognize your responsibility from the Great Commission to teach the things of Christ.  “. . . 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 28:20

Wednesday: Encouraging.  Ask God to help you know how your current actions encourage others and how to continually be involved in the task of encouraging people regardless of how well you know them.  Pray that your attitude, words, and actions would be an encouragement to the people around you.  “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”  1 Thessalonians 5:11 

Thursday: Giving.  Ask God to help you grow in your understanding and practice of all aspects of the task of giving.  Pray that your giving of time, money, and ability would be done cheerfully and in response to God’s great gift of everything through His Son.  “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”  2 Corinthians 9:7

Friday: Leading.  Ask God to help you recognize that the task of leading involves both a willingness to follow Christ and a humility to lead in the appropriate times, places, and ways.  Pray that all areas that you would lead in would be lead from the very heart of God.  “Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.”  Jeremiah 3:15

Saturday:  Mercy/Visiting.  Ask God to help you excel in the task of caring for people in very real and practical ways.  Pray for the ability to see Jesus in the lives of people as you extend mercy to them through your acts of visiting, sharing, and kindness.  “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’”  Matthew 25:40

Lifestyle of Prayer: Asking For Help!
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Lifestyle of Prayer: Asking For Help!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Asking For Help!

“I lift up my eyes to the hills — where does my help come from?  My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about learning to ask for help as we build for revival.  The work of revival is accomplished by the power of God through His Spirit and His Word, but it often begins with our recognition that we need help.  It is in the most difficult of times that we often learn most clearly what our needs really are — and where our real help must come from.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you.  Pray that you would keep your eyes fixed on Him as you seek the help you need.  Pray for the ability to notice His hand at work in all of the help you receive, and in all of the help you give to others.  Pray that God would meet your needs according to His riches in glory.  Pray for the humility to both request and accept help from God through others and to give help from God to others.  Pray that your testimony of God’s goodness and help would be clear and visible as you “do your good works so that people see them and glorify your Father in heaven.”.

“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 be your help in time of need and for the humility to ask for help.

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:  Asking For Help When Distressed.  Pray that God would remove the stress from your distress as you cry out to Him for help.  Pray for the confidence in knowing that God has heard your prayers and His help is on the way.  “In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help.  From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears.”  Psalm 18:6 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Asking For Help When Weak.  Pray that you would always turn to God for help, but especially so when you recognize your own weakness.  Pray for an awareness of God’s nearness to you when you feel you can go no further.  Pray that you would know the perfect timing of God’s help when you need His strength.  “But you, O LORD, be not far off; O my Strength, come quickly to help me.”  Psalm 22:19 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Asking For Help When Needing Mercy.  Pray for a greater realization of just how much you are in need of God’s mercy.  Pray that a proper understanding of what you do, and what you don’t, deserve would fill you with gratitude for God’s mercy.  Pray with thanksgiving for a God who hears and is merciful in your time of need.  “Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me; O LORD, be my help.”  Psalm 30:10 (NIV)

Thursday:  Asking For Help When Needing Protection.  Pray that God would fill you with great hope as you wait for Him to act with perfect timing.  Pray for God’s presence within you to be the shield of protection you need.  Pray that your patient endurance would be rewarded by a protection that can only come from God.  “We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.”  Psalm 33:20 (NIV)

Friday:  Asking For Help When Feeling Estranged.  Pray for a greater practice and desire to draw near to God, especially at times when you feel distant.  Pray for a confidence in knowing that God hears you and responds to you when you call out to Him from wherever you are.  “Hear my prayer, O LORD, listen to my cry for help; be not deaf to my weeping.  For I dwell with you as an alien, a stranger, as all my fathers were.”  Psalm 39:12 (NIV)

Saturday:  Asking For Help When Afraid.  Pray that God would fill you with His peace when the things of this world are frightening.  Pray that you would recognize the comfort of God holding your hand in the midst of fearful situations.  Pray that your walk with God would be a comfort to others when they are afraid.  “For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”  Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Foundation of Prayer!
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Lifestyle of Prayer: A Foundation of Prayer!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Foundation of Prayer!

“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)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about our need to build for revival on a foundation of prayer!  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 confronted with the devastating condition of Jerusalem, Nehemiah  laid a foundation of prayer in order to see God’s perspective of what was needed.  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 desire for revival would be built upon a foundation of prayer.

“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 each of us build with a foundation of 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: Pursue.  Spend time with God considering, even writing out, what it would look like for you to pursue God wholeheartedly.  Pray that your whole heart would be involved in seeking God.  Pray that you would pursue God in a conversation with Him which leads you to a right foundation for revival.  “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”  Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)

Tuesday: Repent.  As you pray, listen for God to reveal not just actions, but even thoughts for which you need to turn to Him in repentance.  Pray that you would turn to God for the strength and courage to change the things that need revived in your life.   “Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart.”  Acts 8:22 (NIV)

Wednesday: Act.  Spend the necessary time listening to God so that your prayers result in God-led action.  Pray that you would see and respond to the opportunities that God gives you.  Pray about how your action of spending time with God prepares you to build.  “If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?”  James 2:16 (NIV)

Thursday: Yield.  Empty yourself daily of your will so that the focus of your prayers would be fully yielded to God.  Pray that God’s will would not only be done, but that it is your priority.  Pray for a desire to build on the foundation laid by Jesus.  “He went away a second time and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.'”  Matthew 26:42 (NIV)

Friday: Encourage.  Pray that you would be filled with, and share, encouragement as you cry out to God as a way of life.  Pray for wisdom in using the stories of your struggles to encourage others.  Pray that you would be encouraged, even as you encourage others, in pursuing a revived life.  “You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry.”  Psalm 10:17 (NIV)

Saturday:  Rejoice!  Recognize, and rejoice, in the greatness of God being found by all who would seek Him.  Pray for a heart that constantly rejoices as you live in the presence of God.  Pray that your desire to build on a solid foundation of godly wisdom would result in rejoicing by you and those around you.  “Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.”  Psalm 105:3 (NIV)