Prayer Guides

July 2, 2023 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Returning To God!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Returning To God!

“Seek good, not evil, that you may live.
Then the LORD God Almighty will be with you,
     just as you say he is.”
Amos 5:14 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on God’s desire that we, and those around us, would return to Him whenever we stray.  One of the greatest promises of God is that there is always a way home from wherever we are.  As you pray this week, consider if there are areas of your life in which you need to return to God.  Pray for those you know, perhaps even yourself, who are distant from God and need to know they can return.  Pray that your life would reflect the openness of God to those who are looking for a way home.  Pray that you would know how to return to God so that you would be able to help lead others back to Him also.  Pray for a  heart of compassion that accepts those returning to God with the same joy that He has.  Pray for a growing unity among believers as we each pursue greater obedience to God and love for one another.

“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 a willingness to return wholly to God whenever we stray.

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: Return In Obedience.  Pray for the humility needed to repent of any disobedience as you return to God fully.  Pray for discernment to know a way home when the troubles you face are the result of straying away from God.  “When you are in distress and all these things have happened to you, then in later days you will return to the LORD your God and obey him.”  Deuteronomy 4:30 (NIV)

Tuesday: Return To Find Compassion.  Pray that God’s compassion would be evident to others in the way He treats you.  Pray that you would have compassion for others because of the compassion God has for you.  “If you return to the LORD, then your brothers and your children will be shown compassion by their captors and will come back to this land, for the LORD your God is gracious and compassionate.”  2 Chronicles 30:9

Wednesday: Return With Joy.  Pray that God would give you a glimpse beyond your current sorrow to see the joy that comes in His  harvest.  Pray for a heart that goes out to people as you plant the seeds of the gospel through all that you say and do.  “Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.”  Psalm 126:5-6

Thursday: Return With a Whole Heart.  Pray that you would accurately examine how much of your heart you have surrendered to God.  Pray that you would realize the heart God has given you is one that was created to seek after Him with a whole heart.  “I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the LORD. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart.”  Jeremiah 24:7

Friday: Return With Love and Justice.  Pray that love and justice would always be at the core of your relationship with God.  Pray that the people around you would return to God to find true love and justice.  Pray that you would not give up on yourself, others, or God as you maintain love and justice.  “But you must return to your God; maintain love and justice, and wait for your God always.”  Hosea 12:6 (NIV)

Saturday:  Return and Give Praise To God.  Pray that you would always be grateful for the work God is doing in  your life.  Pray for a heart of gratitude that continually gives praise to God.  Pray for a recognition of all that God is doing for you as you constantly return to Him with praise.  “Jesus asked, ‘Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?’”  Luke 17:18 (NIV)

June 25, 2023 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Planting With Care!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Planting With Care!

“The wicked man earns deceptive wages,
but he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.”
Proverbs 11:18 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on some things we ought to be sowing in our life and in the lives of others.  Growing up on a farm, I spent many winter evenings going through the various seed catalogs deciding what I would like to harvest the next summer.  Even as a child it didn’t take long to realize that if I wanted a specific harvest I would have to sow a specific seed.  Likewise, the harvest that is produced as we go through this life, and beyond, is related to what we do with the seed which has been planted within us and what kind of seeds we are sowing each day that we live.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine how the seed of His Word is growing in your life.  Pray that you would be careful with what you allow to be sown in your life and with what you are sowing that eventually produce a harvest.  Pray that you would keep your eyes focused on Jesus to the extent that everything you sow with your words and actions would point others to Him.  Pray that the good seed of God’s Word would find good soil in your life and in the lives of those around 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’s help in living as one who plants wisely.

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:  Sow Righteousness.  Pray that you would seek the Lord in all things as you sow righteousness that produces a harvest of love.  Pray for a softened and prepared life that would allow the seeds of righteousness to grow and flourish in you and around you.  “Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers righteousness on you.”  Hosea 10:12 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Sow Generously.  Pray that you would learn to sow according to the expectation you have for the harvest.  Pray that your generosity with God and with others would produce an abundance for all.  Pray that God’s generosity towards you would be reflected in the way you deal with others in their times of need.  “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”  2 Corinthians 9:6 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Sow What Is Supplied.  Pray that you would always look to God as the One who supplies, and increases, the seed which you sow.  Pray that you would be faithful in using what God has supplied as He multiplies His righteousness in your life for your benefit and for the benefit of others.  “Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.”  2 Corinthians 9:10 (NIV)

Thursday:  Sow What You Want To Reap.  Pray that you would consider the outcome God desires for you in this life so that you would sow accordingly.  Pray that God would help you accurately evaluate what you are currently reaping in order to consider if you need to change what you are sowing.  “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”  Galatians 6:7 (NIV)

Friday:  Sow To Please the Spirit.  Pray that you would be ever mindful of God’s Spirit within you as you choose what to sow in this life.  Pray that your desire would always be to sow the things that please the Spirit as you look toward the harvest of eternal life.  “The one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”  Galatians 6:8 (NIV)

Saturday:  Sow Peace.  Pray that you would seek to sow seeds of peace at all times.  Pray that you would desire the reputation of a peacemaker as you sow with an eye toward a harvest of righteousness.  Pray that peace would rule in your life in such a way that the seeds of peace are planted everywhere you go.  “Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.”  James 3:18 (NIV)

June 18, 2023 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Living As Called!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Living As Called!

“And you also are among those who are
called to belong to Jesus Christ.”
Romans 1:6 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about being called.  The Bible has much to say not only about what we are called, but also about what we are called to.  If, like me, you grew up with an elementary school environment where “team captains” chose sides for most activities, you probably remember how much you longed to hear your name called.  Being called by a team’s captain meant that we not only had a place we belonged, but we had a task to do for the good of the team.  Knowing we have been called by God ought to fill us with great joy as we seek to live according to His calling in a kingdom where we belong and where we have work to do.  As you pray this week, rejoice in the knowledge that you have been chosen according to God’s calling.  Pray that you would listen to Him as you seek to discover the things He has called you to do.  Pray for the humility to understand the calling is by God’s grace and is not just for you but for all who would respond to His call.  Pray that you would always seek to do your part as God works His calling out in your life.

“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’s help in living as one called to belong to 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:  Called to Serve.  Pray that you would experience the freedom that comes as a result of being called by God.  Pray that you would not only know your calling, but that you would understand its purpose in serving others.  “You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.”  Galatians 5:13 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Called to Peace.  Pray that God would help you to see how His calling has made you part of one body — His body.  Pray that the unity of being one body would lead you to a thankful pursuit of the peace you have been called to.  “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”  Colossians 3:15 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Called Out of Darkness.  Pray for an understanding of what you’ve been called out of in order for you to belong to God.  Pray that you would give praise to God for bringing you into His light and out of the world’s darkness by His calling.  “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”  1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)

Thursday:  Called to Eternal Glory.   Pray that you would be able to see beyond the temporary nature of this life in order to know the eternal glory you have been called to.  Pray for the endurance to live up to the calling that leads to eternal glory.  “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”  1 Peter 5:10 (NIV)

Friday:  Called by God’s Goodness.  Pray that your knowledge of God would fill you with all that you truly need for life.  Pray that you would live with the assurance of being called by God’s goodness rather than by your own merit.  “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”  2 Peter 1:3 (NIV)

Saturday:  Called a Child of God.  Pray that you would know the great love of God as one who is called His child.  Pray that you would live as one known by God even when the world has no idea who you are.  “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.”  1 John 3:1 (NIV)

 

June 11, 2023 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Living As Blessed (Week Two)!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Living As Blessed (Week Two)!

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

This week we continue a reprise of a two week focus on the Sermon on the Mount, particularly the Beatitudes, as a prayer guide!  Being blessed means a lot of different things to people based often on the things we prioritize.  When Jesus taught about the things that ought to make His children so very happy, He did so in ways that turn the worlds ideals of health, wealth, and comfort upside down.  The real blessings of life that God would have us to pursue are blessings that transcend the things of this earth.  As you pray this week, ask God to give you a greater understanding of His view of being blessed.  As you pray each day, give careful consideration to how Jesus would have you view those who are experiencing life in ways that the world does not see as being blessed.  Pray that you would not only experience the blessings of God according to His definition, but that you would be the blessing of God to the people around you.  Pray also that the blessings of these qualities would be ever-increasing in your life.

“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’s help in living as one blessed by 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:  Blessed are the Peacemakers.  Pray that you would look for ways to make peace in the situations you face.  Pray that being a child of God would lead you to being a peacemaker where you live.  Pray that your life would be an example to others as they seek peace in all of their relationships.  “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”  Matthew 5:9 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Blessed are The Persecuted.  Pray that you would understand the difference between being persecuted for righteousness and just being treated badly.  Pray that God’s blessings would help you to do right no matter what as you live as a citizen of God’s kingdom.  “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”  Matthew 5:10 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Blessed are the Insulted.  Pray that you would learn how to rejoice when you suffer because of your relationship with Jesus.  Pray that the people around you would be encouraged by your response to trouble.  “Blessed are you when people insult you . . . because of me.  Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”  Matthew 5:11-12 (NIV)

Thursday:  Blessed are the Falsely Accused.   Pray that you would accept God’s blessing and refuse to respond with hatred when people speak evil against you.  Pray that your faithfulness to Jesus would stand in the midst of false accusations.  “Blessed are you when people . . . falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.  Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”  Matthew 5:11-12 (NIV)

Friday:  Being “Salty”.  Pray that your life in Christ would add flavor to the world around you.  Pray for a life that is useful in the kingdom of God.  “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?  It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.”  Matthew 5:13 (NIV)

Saturday:  Being “Light”.  Pray that all of the good you do would point people to God.  “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”  Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)

 

June 4, 2023 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Living As Blessed (Week One)!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Living As Blessed (Week One)!

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

This week we begin a reprise of a two week focus on the Sermon on the Mount, particularly the Beatitudes, as a prayer guide!  Being blessed means a lot of different things to people based often on the things we prioritize.  When Jesus taught about the things that ought to make His children so very happy, He did so in ways that turn the worlds ideals of health, wealth, and comfort upside down.  The real blessings of life that God would have us to pursue are blessings that transcend the things of this earth.  As you pray this week, ask God to give you a greater understanding of His view of being blessed.  As you pray  about each day’s topic, pray that you will see beyond the ordinary and that God will use that characteristic in your life to bring blessing to you and to others through you.  Pray for the people in your life.  Pray for your family, your neighbors, your church family, your co-workers, and anyone else God brings to your mind.  Pray also that the blessings of these qualities would be ever-increasing in your life.

“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’s help in living as one blessed by 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: Blessed are the Poor In Spirit.  Pray that your acknowledgement of need in your spiritual life would lead you to Jesus.  Pray that the poverty you feel in  your spirit would be filled with God’s Spirit.  Pray about how God would have you encourage others who are poor in spirit as you share with them the good news of God’s kingdom.  “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”  Matthew 5:3 (NIV)

Tuesday: Blessed are Those Who Mourn.  Pray that your realization and expression of loss would lead you to the comfort of God’s love.  Pray that your mourning would receive God’s comfort so you may comfort others.  Pray that your life would share the good news of God’s comfort as you interact with those who mourn.  “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”  Matthew 5:4 (NIV)

Wednesday: Blessed are the Meek.  Pray that you would live daily with the power of God in control of your life.  Pray that godly meekness would be learned and practiced as you possess a great power that is used with control in your life.  Pray that the people around you would know the value of strength under control as they submit to God.  “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”  Matthew 5:5 (NIV)

Thursday: Blessed are Those Who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness.   Pray that your hunger and thirst for the things of God would fill you with His righteousness.  Pray that your desires would always be turned to the things which are right.  Pray for opportunities to share with others from the righteousness which God has filled you with.  “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”  Matthew 5:6 (NIV)

Friday: Blessed are the Merciful.  Pray for God’s help in being merciful as you encounter those who are in need.  Pray that God would fill you with an understanding of your need for mercy in such a way that you would show mercy to others.  Pray that God’s mercy would be received by those you pray for today.  “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”  Matthew 5:7 (NIV)

Saturday:  Blessed are the Pure In Heart.  Pray that your desire to see God would lead you to a cleansing of your heart through the blood of Jesus.  Pray that your dealings with others would come from a pure heart.  Pray that God would purify the hearts of those you pray for today so that they would see God.  “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”  Matthew 5:8 (NIV)

 

May 28, 2023 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Prepared For Battle!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Prepared For Battle!

“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 pause to remember and honor the sacrifices made by so many to secure and protect the freedoms we enjoy, our prayer focus this week will be on the protection available to us by putting on the full armor of God.  As you pray this week, thank God for those who have given their life in service to their country.  Pray that you would give value to their sacrifice by living with the protection of God’s armor.  Pray that you would live a life of thankfulness for the freedoms you have while not allowing those freedoms to become your God.  Pray that you would resist evil by using the protective armor God has provided.  Pray that you would be willing to sacrifice whatever is needed so that others would know of real freedom in Christ.  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’s help in being prepared for the spiritual battle.

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:  Prepared With Truth.  Pray that God would help you to speak truth in love.  Pray that He would lead you in removing any elements of falsehood from your life.  Pray that truth, God’s truth, would be central in the lives of each person you pray for today.  “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist.”  Ephesians 6:14a (NIV)

Tuesday:  Prepared With Righteousness.  Pray that you would be confident that the righteousness you have in Christ will protect your heart and soul.  Pray that righteousness, God’s righteousness, would be found in the life of each person you pray for today.  “Stand firm then, . . . with the breastplate of righteousness in place.”  Ephesians 6:14b (NIV)

Wednesday:  Prepared With the Gospel of Peace.  Pray that you would be filled with a peace that passes all understanding because of the gospel of Jesus.  Pray that God would help you to be a peacemaker as you live and share the gospel.  Pray that peace, God’s peace would fill each person you pray for today.  “Stand firm then, with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.”  Ephesians 6:15 (NIV)

Thursday:  Prepared With Faith.  Pray that you would have an unwavering faith that will protect you from the accusations of Satan.  Pray that God will help you to deal with, and dismiss, any doubts that the enemy tries to plant in your mind.  Pray that faith, faith in God, will encourage each person you pray for today.  “In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”  Ephesians 6:16 (NIV)

Friday:  Prepared With Salvation.  Pray that the salvation you have in Christ will protect your mind from the deceitfulness of Satan.  Pray that God would remind you that you are His when the enemy tries to convince you that God couldn’t save you.  Pray that salvation, God’s salvation, would be known by each person you pray for today.  “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”  Ephesians 6:17 (NIV)

Saturday:  Prepared With Prayer.  Pray that you would be an active listener of God’s Spirit as you pray for others.  Pray that you would allow His Spirit to instruct your understanding so that you would pray as you ought.  Pray that the Word of God would illuminate the life of each person you pray for today.  “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)

 

May 21, 2023 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Growing In Belief!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Growing In Belief!

“Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.”
 Genesis 15:6 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will have us praying about seeking God’s help when we experience doubt.  Because believing God, and believing in God, is based on faith, it is not unusual to experience times of uncertainty that can grow into doubt.  Even when we say we believe, an honest examination of that belief will often reveal a need for help to grow in our practice of that belief.  It has been said that we can tell what a person really believes by closely observing what they do.  While our words may say what we want to believe, our actions tend to reflect our true beliefs.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you refine and solidify what you know and believe about Him.  Pray that you would grow with God’s help in your times of disbelief.  Pray that your response to God and His Word would show those around you that you really believe what God says.  Pray that your life would reflect what you say you believe about God.  Pray for wisdom in the way you share your belief in God with others so that they too would believe.  Pray that you would not only have a belief in God, but that you would gaze into His Word and actually believe what He says.

“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’s help in growing beyond our doubts.

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 Belief That Leads To Repentance.  Pray that you would believe God when it comes to knowing what is right and wrong.  Pray that today would be the time to know the nearness of God.  Pray for hearts that would respond in repentance to a belief in the good news about Jesus.  “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!”  Mark 1:15 (NIV)

Tuesday:  A Belief That Can Grow.  Pray that you would be aware of both your strengths and weaknesses in the area of believing God.  Pray that your desire to believe would not keep you from admitting times of unbelief.  Pray that you would always call out to God for help in growing through any areas of unbelief.  “Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!’”  Mark 9:24 (NIV)

Wednesday:  A Belief That Leads To Worship.  Pray that the things you know and believe about God would always lead you to an attitude of worship.  Pray that others would know about your belief in God by the way you live a life that worships Him.  Pray for the courage to worship God at all times no matter where you are.  “Then the man said, ‘Lord, I believe,’ and he worshiped him.”  John 9:38 (NIV)

Thursday:  A Belief That Obeys.  Pray that your response to belief about the good news of God’s kingdom would always lead to obedience.  Pray for the courage to obey God’s Word simply because you believe Him.  “But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.”  Acts 8:12 (NIV)

Friday:  A Belief That Results In Action.  Pray that your belief of what God says would be seen by others through the things you do.  Pray for a growing faith that puts your belief of God into action.  “Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.  You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that — and shudder.”  James 2:18-19 (NIV)

Saturday:  A Belief That Brings Joy.  Pray that you would daily know the joy that comes from believing God.  Pray that your belief of God, and your belief in God, would help you to know His love in ways that bring joy to you and to those around you.  Pray that your joy would be an expression of your love for God.  “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.”  1 Peter 1:8 (NIV)

 

May 14, 2023 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Hope For the Downcast!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Hope For the Downcast!

“Why are you downcast, O my soul?  Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”
Psalm 42:5 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about overcoming despair or feelings of being “downcast”.  I found it interesting that a word search of the NIV found few uses of the word despair, but plenty of examples of people who, in their despair, cried out to God.  Often they are described as being “downcast”, which I believe is an accurate term in describing despair.  Whatever the cause of our despair, God wants us to overcome it through His presence and the power of His Spirit within us.  This week we will consider some Bible characters who were feeling downcast and learn from their situations some keys in overcoming despair.  As you pray, consider God’s desire for you to overcome feelings of being downcast.  Pray that you would turn to God in good times, as well as in times of despair.  Pray that you would recognize the despair of others and ask God how He would have you bring His comfort and hope to them.  Pray for the courage to turn despair into hope as you put your faith and trust in Him.  Pray that you would be lifted up so you can help lift up others from their despair.

“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’s help in finding and sharing hope in the midst of despair.

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:  Hope In Doing Right.  Pray that you would accurately examine your life for sin that could be causing your despair.  Pray for the courage to repent of sin and do what is right.  Pray that you would grow in the hope which comes through obedience to Christ.  “Then the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast?  If you do what is right, will you not be accepted?”  Genesis 4:6-7 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Hope Through Answered Prayer.  Pray that you would be diligent in going to God in prayer during times of despair.  Pray that God’s faithfulness in answering prayer would lift you from your despair.  “Eli answered, ‘Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.’  She said, ‘May your servant find favor in your eyes.’ Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast.”  1 Samuel 1:17-18 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Hope In God’s Presence.  Pray that you would be reminded of God’s presence when your despair comes from feelings of being alone.  Pray that the presence of God, which surrounds you everywhere, would lift your soul.  “My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon — from Mount Mizar.”  Psalm 42:6 (NIV)

Thursday:  Hope Through Deliberate Praise.  Pray that your hope in God would lead you to praise Him even in the midst of despair.  Pray that your life would be lived in a way that leads others to praise God for the hope He offers.  “Why are you downcast, O my soul?  Why so disturbed within me?  Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”  Psalm 43:5 (NIV)

Friday:  Hope Through Time With Jesus.  Pray that your despair would lead  you to a closer walk with Jesus.  Pray that God’s Word would burn within you as you examine it during times of despair.  “He asked them, ‘What are you discussing together as you walk along?’  They stood still, their faces downcast.  They asked each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?’”  Luke 24:17, 32 (NIV)

Saturday:  Hope Through the Comfort of Others.  Pray that you would experience the comfort of God through the presence of His people.  Pray that your presence would be a comfort to others who feel despair.  Pray that you would be a bearer of hope as you represent Jesus to others.  “But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus.”  2 Corinthians 7:6 (NIV)

 

May 7, 2023 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Lifted Up!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Lifted Up!

“In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me.
From the depths of the grave I called for help,
     and you listened to my cry.”
Jonah 2:2 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on being lifted up as we cry out to God when we face danger.  Having times when we are experiencing fear and uncertainty isn’t unusual — many of the heroes of the faith that we read about in scripture found themselves in need of encouragement in the midst of their times of despair.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you lift up your life to Him in ways that will allow Him to mend your brokenness, heal the hurt, and strengthen your weaknesses.  Pray that your choice to “lift up” would encourage others as they go through times of feeling afraid.  Pray that God would fill you with the humility that keeps others pointed to Jesus when you are lifted up.  Pray for the courage to lift your life to Jesus when others want to push you down.  Pray that you would be faithful in praising God even as you wait to be lifted up.  Pray that your hope would not fade as you find yourself in need.

“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’s help in being lifted up.

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 Lifted Head.  Pray that you would lift up your head, even in the midst of fear, to notice the works of God taking place around you.  Pray that your head would be lifted up to see the completion of your redemption which has been purchased by the blood of Jesus.  “When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”  Luke 21:28 (NIV)

Tuesday:  A Lifted Heart.  Pray that you would lift your heart to God as you open it for His examination.  Pray that your heart would be lifted toward God in a way that draws you back to Him when you find fear creating a distance between you and God.  “Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD.  Let us lift up our hearts and our hands to God in heaven.”  Lamentations 3:40-41 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Lifted Hands.  Pray that you would lift your hands to God in prayer — both as a sign of surrender and as an invitation for Him to fill them.  Pray that the lifting of your hands would be consistent with your need to hold on to Jesus as the source of courage in the midst of fear.  “May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.”  Psalm 141:2 (NIV)

Thursday:  A Lifted Voice.  Pray that you would lift your voice to God as you seek His mercy.  Pray that the lifting of your voice would not only seek mercy for yourself, but that your voice would be lifted on behalf of others.  Pray that the people around you would lift their voices to God as they seek His mercy.  “I cry aloud to the LORD; I lift up my voice to the LORD for mercy.”  Psalm 142:1 (NIV)

Friday:  Lifted Eyes.  Pray that you would lift up your eyes toward the one who sits enthroned above all the earth.  Pray that the lifting of your eyes would help you to see things from a perspective that is not of this earth.  Pray that the people around you would lift their eyes toward heaven as they seek the One who can save them.  “I lift up my eyes to you, to you whose throne is in heaven.”  Psalm 123:1 (NIV)

Saturday:  A Lifted Soul.  Pray that you would lift up your soul to God as an offering and as a dwelling for His Spirit.  Pray that the lifting of your soul to God would fill you with a joy that you would eagerly share with others.  Pray that the people around you would be filled with joy as they lift their soul to God.  “Bring joy to your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.”  Psalm 86:4 (NIV)

 

April 30, 2023 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Time to Grow!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Time to Grow!

“Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.  Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.”
Ephesians 4:14-15 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about our need to grow!  When the Bible talks about our need to grow, it is most often talking about the individual Christian growing so that the body as a whole will be healthy and grow as God intends.  When we spend time with God seeking to grow in Christ, we find that we are less distracted by the things the enemy will use in an attempt to keep us from maturing.  When we grow in Christ, we become a healthy part of the body and as the body increases in health, it will grow both naturally and supernaturally.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you see how you need to grow.  Pray that you would never lose sight of the need for growth in your life.  Pray that you would experience healthy growth in Christ that will benefit the entire body of Christ.  Pray that your growth would be according to the instruction from your Head, 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’s help in growing as you should.

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:  Grow By God’s Power.  Pray that you would know and follow the source of true growth.  Pray that you would be actively involved in helping your own growth even as you trust God’s power to cause it.  Pray that you would plant and water in spiritual ways that cultivate God’s power.  “So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.”  1 Corinthians 3:7 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Grow In Love.  Pray that you would grow in love as you do your part in caring for others.  Pray that you would live in a way that everything in your own life, and in the life of each person you serve, is held together by godly love.  “From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”  Ephesians 4:16 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Grow In Knowledge.  Pray that you would grow in knowledge where it counts — knowledge of God.  Pray that your knowledge would help you live a life that pleases the Lord.  “And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.”  Colossians 1:10 (NIV)

Thursday:  Grow In Faith.  Pray that you would grow in the faith required to love others.  Pray that you would live by faith in a way that increases your love for others.  Pray with thankfulness for what God is doing in the lives of others  “We ought always to thank God for you, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing.”  2 Thessalonians 1:3 (NIV)

Friday:  Grow In Your Salvation.  Pray that you would crave the things of God that will help you grow in your salvation.  Pray that the goodness of the Lord would increase your desire to grow in Him.  Pray that you would grow in your full acceptance of the salvation that only comes through Jesus.  “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.”  1 Peter 2:2-3 (NIV)

Saturday:  Grow In Grace.  Pray that your knowledge of God would help you grow in the grace which He has extended to you.  Pray that God’s grace in your life would help you to grow in the grace you are willing to extend to others.  Pray about how living a grace-filled life will help you to give glory to God in all things.  “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)