Prayer Guides

April 23, 2023 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Time to Go!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Time to Go!

“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  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 28:18-20 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will continue a focus on our responsibility after the resurrection.  We live a resurrected life as we join with Christ in the power of His resurrection.  The result should be a transformation that changes us in such a way that we are obedient in doing everything Christ commanded.  Part of that obedience is in taking the good news of Jesus to others everywhere we go.  As you pray, ask God to help you know and follow His commands in a way that shares them with others.  Pray that you would consider how your obedience helps to spread the gospel to everyone you meet.  Pray that you would be involved in teaching others the very things you have learned through your relationship with Jesus.  Pray that God would empower you with the courage that comes from His presence with you always.

“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 fulfilling the Great Commission.

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: Go with Authority.  Pray that God’s authority would be taken seriously by all believers — especially in regards to fulfilling His commands.  Pray that you would be obedient to the authority of Jesus in all things.  Pray for the confidence to share the good news of Jesus with the backing of His authority.  “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.’”  Matthew 28:18

Tuesday: Go Everywhere.  Pray that God would help you to see the opportunities in your daily life to proclaim a living faith in Jesus.  Pray that you would know the nearness of God’s kingdom as you live a resurrected life.  Pray that the message of Jesus would be seen in you and heard from you everywhere you go.  “As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’”  Matthew 10:7

Wednesday: Go and Make Disciples.  Pray that everything about you is surrendered to Jesus and that you would not “cheapen” the cost of discipleship.  Pray that your life as a disciple of Jesus would be reflected in who you attract people to.  Pray that the people around you would learn what it means to be a disciple.  “In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.”  Luke 14:33

Thursday: Go and Immerse into Christ.  Pray that you would recognize, and help others recognize, the importance of dying with Christ in order to be raised with Christ.  Pray that you would understand and share the importance of God’s work which is accomplished in our obedience to being immersed..  “Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?”  Romans 6:3

Friday: Go and Teach Faithfully.  Pray that your teaching remains impartial and true to the Word of God.  Pray that your obedience to the truth of God’s Word would be reflected in the way you teach others.  Pray for a steadfast walk with Jesus that teaches others through your words and through your actions.  “‘Teacher,’ they said, ‘we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are.’”  Matthew 22:16

Saturday:  Go with God’s Constant Presence.  Pray that you would recognize the constant presence of God and never replace Him with a temporary god.  Pray that your daily walk with God would help others know His nearness and availability.  Pray that God’s everlasting presence would fill you with great contentment.  “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

 

April 16, 2023 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Time to Gather & SERVE!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Time to Gather and SERVE!

“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. ”  
Hebrews 3:13 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on our responsibility after the resurrection.  We live a resurrected life as we join with Christ in the power of His resurrection.  The result should be a transformation that changes us in such a way that what we do is different whether when we are alone or together with  others.  The very heart of a time to gather is a time to serve one another.  As you pray this week, ask God help you to renew your commitment to serving Him as you serve others.  Pray that you would know how He is equipping you to serve within the church body and within your community.  Pray for the courage to serve in ways that may stretch your comfort zone . . . or take you completely out of it.  Pray that God would direct your obedience to Him in the ways you gather with others.  Pray that you would be an active part of encouraging others when you come together as part of the body of 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 serving others as you gather together.

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 Time to Share.  Pray that you would understand and practice your responsibility to share with those in need.  Pray for wisdom to know how to share well and discernment in understanding needs.  Pray that your sharing would be done not just with your stuff, but also with your time and abilities within the body of Christ.  “Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”  Romans 12:13 (NIV)

Tuesday: A Time to Equip.  Pray that you would be a student of God’s Word so that you would be equipped, and be able to equip others, for every good work.  Pray that you would come together with God’s people in ways that equip each member of the body.  “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)

Wednesday: A Time to Rebuke and Repent.  Pray for the wisdom and grace to rebuke others in love and to repent when you are rebuked.  Pray that you would be filled with humility when it is necessary to correct others.  Pray that the same humility would fill you when you need to repent.  Pray for a spirit of forgiveness.  “So watch yourselves.  ‘If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him.’”  Luke 17:3 (NIV)

Thursday: A Time to Visit.  Pray that you would notice the stranger, the needy, the sick, and the imprisoned and visit them as if you are visiting Christ.  Pray that you would value time spent with others who may be different than you.  “When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?  When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’”  Matthew 25:38-39 (NIV)

Friday: A Time to Encourage.  Pray that your life would be an encouragement to others as you meet together on a regular basis.  Pray that you would value the opportunities which exist for fellowship.  Pray that you would share the encouragement you receive from Christ.  “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:  A Time to Serve Like Christ.  Pray that you would follow the example of Christ in serving others for their benefit.  Pray that you would put into practice al the elements of serving one another.  “Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave — just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”  Matthew 20:26-28 (NIV)

 

April 9, 2023 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Road of Resurrection Victory!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Road of Resurrection Victory!

“I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.”
Philippians 3:10-11 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on knowing and living by the power of the resurrection.  As we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, the magnificence of the event and what it accomplished can often overshadow how it was accomplished.  Paul understood that it was in the fellowship with the sufferings of Christ that he would know more of the power of the resurrection.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you know the power of the resurrection in a way that gives you the courage to grow through the fellowship of suffering.  Pray that we would pay attention and learn the lessons that He continually teaches through the sufferings of life.  Pray for a view of life that can see beyond the grave and into an eternity in God’s presence.  Pray for a growing love for one another that will find ways to help them accept and live by the power of the resurrection.  Pray that the resurrection power in your life would produce a contentment of such magnitude that it could only come from God.

“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 as you live by the power of the resurrection.

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: Resurrection Source.  Pray that you would know Jesus as the only source of eternal life.  Pray that your belief in Jesus would give you the confidence of knowing your life will not end at the grave.  Pray that the resurrection of Jesus would be the source of comfort you offer to those who suffer.  “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies.’”  John 11:25 (NIV)

Tuesday: Resurrection Testimony.  Pray for the courage to testify of the resurrection of Jesus.  Pray that you would live life in such a way that you are a testimony of the transformational power of the resurrection.  Pray that your testimony of the resurrection would result in much grace.  “With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all.”  Acts 4:33 (NIV)

Wednesday: Resurrection Certainty.  Pray that your confidence in the power of the resurrection would never waiver.  Pray that your obedience to being united with Christ in His death would give you a certainty in being united with Him in His resurrection.  Pray that your certainty of the resurrection would encourage others.  “If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection.”  Romans 6:5 (NIV)

Thursday: Resurrection Teaching.  Pray that the truth of the resurrection would be a part of the foundational teaching you believe about God.  Pray that you would use the foundational teachings, including that of the resurrection, to build your life upon in order to be a household of faith.  Pray that the resurrection would be part of the foundation you teach others about Jesus.  “Instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.”  Hebrews 6:2 (NIV)

Friday: Resurrection Hope.  Pray that you would live with great hope through the power of the resurrection.  Pray that your praise of God would never lose sight of the victory of the resurrection.  Pray about how you can share the hope of Jesus with those who need the new birth that is found in Christ.  “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”  1 Peter 1:3 (NIV)

Saturday:  Resurrected Attitude.  Pray that the resurrection of Christ, and His power in your life, would fully transform the attitudes of your mind.  Pray that the removal of your old self would be complete as you live fully in a new attitude when you allow Christ to complete a renewing of your mind.  “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds.”  Ephesians 4:22-23 (NIV)

 

April 2, 2023 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Road of Prayer!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Road of Prayer!

“But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
Luke 22:32 (NIV)

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’s help as you grow in your prayer 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:  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)

 

March 26, 2023 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Road of Serving!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Road of Serving!

“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave — just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Matthew 20:26-28 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about serving others.  While many people put much time and effort into climbing their version of the ladder of success, few take time to understand God’s instructions for becoming great.  Not only did Jesus serve others as He walked this earth, that was His purpose in coming.  He made it clear through His teaching and His example that true success is found by climbing down the ladder to be with those who need served rather than climbing up the ladder away from them.  Any level of greatness that we might achieve will only be found as we view ourselves accurately according to God’s perspective and serve others as Jesus did.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you live with the humility that sees yourself as He sees you.  Pray for the courage to serve others when your flesh desires to be served.  Pray for the wisdom to serve others according to their need.  Pray for the desire to be more Christ-like in the way you serve.  Pray that your greatness would be measured by your sacrificial acts of service to others.

“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 as you grow in serving Him as you serve 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:  Serve Others By God’s Power.  Pray that your weaknesses would allow God’s power to be evident in you as you serve others.  Pray that you would not use your weakness as an excuse to not serve others.  “For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God’s power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God’s power we will live with him to serve you.”  2 Corinthians 13:4 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Serve Others In Love.  Pray that you would experience true freedom in Christ as you serve others in love.  Pray that godly love would compel you to use your freedom to serve others rather than your own selfish desires.  “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)

Wednesday:  Serve Others Wholeheartedly.  Pray that you would always view serving others as a way of serving the Lord.  Pray that your service to others would be wholehearted as you serve God.  “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.”  Ephesians 6:7-8 (NIV)

Thursday:  Serve Others Prayerfully.  Pray that your service to God would be filled with continual prayer for others.  Ask God to help you remember people in your prayers as you serve them.  Pray that you would follow the godly examples, and be a godly example, of serving.  “I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.”  2 Timothy 1:3 (NIV)

Friday:  Serve Others Faithfully.  Pray that God would help you understand His gifting in your life.  Pray that recognizing the gifting in your life as coming from the hand of God would help you use it to faithfully serve others.  “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”  1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)

Saturday:  Serve Others Eagerly.  Pray that you would be eager to serve even in areas where you are viewed as the leader.  Pray that your eagerness to serve would be an example to those around you.  “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers — not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”  1 Peter 5:2-3 (NIV)

 

March 19, 2023 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Road of Understanding!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Road of Understanding!

“Men of Issachar, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do — 200 chiefs, with all their relatives under their command.” 
1 Chronicles 12:32 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be to pray about growing in our understanding — our understanding of the things of God as well as our understanding of one another.  In a nation full of division, perhaps our understanding of the times would lead us to a greater understanding of God and then to a greater understanding of people.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you grow in understanding.  Pray that you would seek an understanding of the things of God in order to have a greater perspective on the things of this life.  Pray that you would learn to listen for the purpose of understanding — both in your listening to God and in your listening to others.  Pray that the knowledge and wisdom that you seek would be found through a fear of the Lord and that He would increase your understanding as you learn from Him.  Pray that an understanding of the times in which we live would help you to live in such a way that your life bears much fruit for God’s kingdom.  Pray for humility so that the understanding provided by God in response to your prayers would not become a source of pride.

“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 as you grow in understanding.

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:  Understanding the Deity of Jesus.  Pray that your understanding of Jesus as God would form the way you respond to His teachings and actions.  Pray that you would understand how the presence of God was made known to man through Jesus.  “But if I do it, even though you do not believe me, believe the miracles, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.”  John 10:38 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Understanding the Gifts From God.  Pray for a greater understanding of the gifting that is made known through God’s Spirit.  Pray that your understanding of the grace of God would lead you to share what He has freely given to you.  “We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.”  1 Corinthians 2:12 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Understanding the Lord’s Will.  Pray that you would understand the will of God as revealed through His Word, through the example of Jesus, and through the power of His Spirit.  Pray for wisdom in understanding how God’s love and compassion shape His will for you and for everyone you meet.  “Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”  Ephesians 5:17 (NIV)

Thursday:  Understanding the Good Things Christ Provides.  Pray for the courage to live and share you faith so that others would see and hear it.  Pray for a growing understanding of the good things  you have in Christ.  Pray that the sharing of your faith will increase your understanding of the goodness of God.  “I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.”  Philemon 1:6 (NIV)

Friday:  Understanding the Source of Scripture.   Pray that you would always view God’s Word as sacred because you understand its real source.  Pray that your response to scripture would be based on you understanding and acceptance of the fact that it is “God-breathed”.  “Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation.”  2 Peter 1:20 (NIV)

Saturday:  Understanding God’s Patience.   Pray that you would understand how God has been patient with you.  Pray that your interactions with others would be formed and molded by your understanding that God’s patience with them is equal to the patience He has shown you.  “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”  2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)

 

March 12, 2023 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Road of Generosity!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Road of Generosity!

“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’s help in living with a spirit and practice of generosity.

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: Your Attitude in Generosity.  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)

 

March 5, 2023 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Road of Stewardship!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Road of Stewardship!

“’Show me a denarius. Whose portrait and inscription are on it?’  ‘Caesar’s,’ they replied.   He said to them, ‘Then give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.’”
Luke 20:24-25 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about God’s desire that we live as stewards of His.  Perhaps the most difficult part of doing that is the first hurdle of acknowledging His ownership of everything.  Many people hear the word stewardship and their first reaction is to tune out the person speaking because “they’re just wanting my money.”  There are two problems with that thought — one, it assumes stewardship is only about money; and two, it assumes your ownership of anything you’ve been entrusted with.  Godly stewardship recognizes that we do not have anything that we have not received from God, and what we have received God expects us to use for the benefit of others as He advances His kingdom through us.  As you pray this week, ask God to fill you with His perspective on the purpose of “things”.  Pray that you would seek to be a good steward as you spend time listening for how the Owner would want His things used . . . and yes, that includes the money that you think is yours.  Pray that you would learn to live with a loose grip on the things you have been entrusted with.

“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 understanding His ownership and our stewardship.

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:  Stewardship of People.  Pray that you would be known as both faithful and sensible in the way you deal with the people God surrounds you with.  Pray that part of your stewardship would involve giving to others as they have need.  “And the Lord said, ‘Who then is the faithful and sensible steward, whom his master will put in charge of his servants, to give them their rations at the proper time?’”  Luke 12:42 (NASB)

Tuesday:  Stewardship of God’s Mysteries.  Pray that you would recognize the mysteries of God that He has entrusted you with.  Pray that even when the nature of God remains mysterious, you would be known as one who is a good steward of those mysteries.  “Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.”  1 Corinthians 4:1(NASB)

Wednesday:  Stewardship that is Trustworthy.  Pray that the way in which you use the things God has entrusted you with would be worthy of His trust.  Pray that others would know you as trustworthy because of the visible way you use the resources you have received from God.  “In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy.”  1 Corinthians 4:2 (NASB)

Thursday:  Stewardship of God’s Word.  Pray that you would view God’s Word as a valuable resource He expects you to be a wise steward of.  Pray that you would use God’s Word fully as you serve people.  “Of this church I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit, so that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God.”  Colossians 1:25 (NASB)

Friday:  Stewardship that is Above Reproach.  Pray that you would be known as one who uses God’s resources for the good of others above your own.  Pray that your lifestyle would show you to be above reproach as you manage the things God has given you.  “For the overseer must be above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain.”  Titus 1:7 (NASB)

Saturday:  Stewardship of God’s Grace.  Pray that you would know the gifting of God in your life and be a good steward of each aspect of that grace.  Pray that you would serve faithfully with the grace God has given you.  “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”  1 Peter 4:10 (NASB)

 

February 26, 2023 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Road of Sorrow!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Road of Sorrow!

“As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it.”
Luke 19:41 (NIV)

This week’s prayer guide begins a series that will look at snapshots from the week leading up to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.  As we consider the path of Jesus to the cross and beyond, we will examine how we are called to walk with Him.  While the week leading to the cross began with great excitement and celebration by the crowd, the response of Jesus was one of great sorrow.  We learn much about being like Jesus when our own road to resurrection through the blood of Jesus begins on a road of sorrow.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you understand the reasons Jesus wept.  Pray that you would know the godly sorrow in your own life that would lead to your repentance.  Pray that your times of sorrow would not only reflect the sorrow of Jesus, but would know and express the comfort of Jesus also.  Pray that God would move you to a place of weeping over the lost and confused in your community.

“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 experiencing and responding to godly sorrow.

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:  Sorrow Over Silence.  Pray that your life would express a praise of God that is appropriate and fitting.  Pray that a sorrow over the times of your own silence would lead to a purer representation of Jesus as your life cries out His name.  Pray that the people around you would learn to replace sorrow with praise as they draw near to Jesus.  “‘I tell you,’ he replied, ‘if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.’”  Luke 19:40  (NIV)

Tuesday:  Sorrow Over Blindness.  Pray that your eyes would be opened to the things of God which bring peace.  Pray that a sorrow over the times of spiritual blindness would lead you to open your eyes fully to the things of God.  Pray that your life would help others to see the things that bring peace.  “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace — but now it is hidden from your eyes.”  Luke 19:42  (NIV)

Wednesday:  Sorrow Over Opposition.  Pray that the opposition of the enemy would not catch you unprepared.  Pray for a godly sorrow that is concerned about the opposition faced by others.  Pray that you would know and share a God who rescues His people.  “The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side.”  Luke 19:43 (NIV)

Thursday:  Sorrow Over Destruction.   Pray that the destruction of the things of this world would not dissuade you from trusting God.  Pray that a sorrow over the destruction caused by the enemy would  lead you to know the protection of God.  Pray for the courage to overcome in a way that helps others see God.  “They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”  Luke 19:44 (NIV)

Friday:  Sorrow Over Disrespect.  Pray that your life would show an appropriate honor and respect for the things of God.  Pray for a godly sorrow which would convict you of anything that would be disrespectful.  Pray that the way you honor God and show respect to others would help them see a God who is worthy of all honor.  “Then he entered the temple area and began driving out those who were selling.”  Luke 19:45 (NIV)

Saturday:  Sorrow Over Lack of Relationship.  Pray that you would grow in relationship to God as He dwells within you.  Pray that sorrow over an incomplete relationship with God would lead you to draw near to Him in your prayer life.  Pray that your life as a dwelling place of God’s Spirit would lead others to seek a relationship with Him.  “’It is written,’ he said to them, ‘My house will be a house of prayer; but you have made it a den of robbers.’”  Luke 19:46 (NIV)

 

February 19, 2023 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A New Command — Love!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A New Command — Love!

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:34-35 (NIV)

As we continue a focus on being made new in Christ, I bring back a prayer focus I first shared a few years ago — a new way to love.  This week we will spend some time praying about the love God has expressed toward us and about how we can live in such a way that we share it with others.  God has always instructed His people to love, so it must have been a little confusing to the disciples when Jesus told them He was giving them a new command — a command to love one another.  I believe the new part of the command, new because it had not been seen in such a clear way ever before, was to love as Jesus loved.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you evaluate how you love.  Pray that you would be so filled with God’s love that loving like Jesus would become more natural each day.  Please continue to pray for one another in the midst of these confusing and changing times.  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 obeying His new command to love like 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:  Love God.  Pray that your love of God would always be the top priority of all the love you have.  Pray that God’s love for you would be the standard for the love you have for Him.  Pray that your love for God would grow each day.  “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  This is the first and greatest commandment.”  Matthew 22:37-38 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Love Your Neighbor.  Pray that you would focus more on loving your neighbor as God would want than on trying to define who that neighbor is — or isn’t.  Pray that  you would be the neighbor that shows love to all those in need.  Pray for the courage to love others in a way that values them.  “The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”  Mark 12:31 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Love Your Enemies.  Pray that the love of God within you would extend to those you disagree with — even with those who would be considered enemies.  Pray that the love God expressed toward you while you were an enemy would be expressed by you to those who may treat  you poorly.  “But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”  Luke 6:27-28 (NIV)

Thursday:  Love that Leads to Obedience.   Pray that you would be filled with a love that seeks to do the things that you know please God.  Pray that you would live with an obedient spirit that desires to obey the commands of God as an expression of your love.  Pray that your love for God would be seen by others as you live according to His Word.  “If you love me, you will obey what I command.”  John 14:15 (NIV)

Friday:  Love that Honors Others.  Pray that your love for others would be sincere as you look for the things that benefit them.  Pray that the way you honor others would reject evil and seek what is good.  Pray for the humility to honor others above yourself.  “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.”  Romans 12:9-10 (NIV)

Saturday:  Love that Resolves Sin.  Pray that you would know the love of God that has resolved the multitude of sins in your life.  Pray that the way you love others would not use their sin against them but would help them be able to resolve that sin with God.  Pray that the depth of your love would lead to forgiveness — both a forgiveness you receive and a forgiveness you give.  “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”  1 Peter 4:8 (NIV)