Prayer Guides

Lifestyle of Prayer: King of Kings!
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Lifestyle of Prayer: King of Kings!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

King of Kings!

“He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.”
Daniel 7:14 (NIV)

Who’s in charge?  How much authority has Jesus been given by His Father?  What do you and I do about the authority of Jesus?  How does it apply to us?  This week  in our Lifestyle of Prayer emphasis we will look at some scriptures about the authority of Jesus.  When Jesus is proclaimed as King of Kings, God is stating He has authority over all other authorities.  As  you pray, ask God to help you be submissive to the authority of Christ in all things.  Pray that your obedience would grow in a way that represents Jesus well to all you meet.  Pray for a greater understanding of the eternal nature of God’s authority and how that authority has been revealed in Jesus.  Pray for discernment and wisdom to see beyond and through the divisiveness of this world so that you would love others as God loves both you and them.

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

Please pray each day for God to help you grow in your understanding of Jesus being in charge of all things.

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:  King Over Heaven and Earth.   Pray that you would open every aspect of your life to the authority of Jesus.  Pray that your life would be lived with Jesus as King.  Pray for a submissive spirit that finds contentment and joy in your obedience to Christ.  “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.’”  Matthew 28:18  (NIV)

Tuesday:  King Over Teaching.  Pray that you would accept the teachings of Jesus as having authority in your life.  Pray that you would let God’s authority be present when you share scripture.  Pray that you would greatly value the teachings of Jesus as you recognize Him as King over all things.  “The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.”  Mark 1:22 (NIV)

Wednesday:  King Over Forgiveness Of Sins.  Pray that you would live with confidence because of the authority of Jesus to forgive sins.  Pray for a willingness to identify your own sins in order to submit them to the authority of Jesus.  Pray that you would help others to know the authority of Jesus over sin.  “But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins….”  Mark 2:10 (NIV)

Thursday:  King Over Evil Spirits.  Pray that you would look to Jesus as the One with authority over evil spirits and over the attacks of Satan in your life and in the lives of others.  Pray that you would submit to the authority of Jesus in a way that leaves no room for evil of any kind.  “All the people were amazed and said to each other, ‘What is this teaching? With authority and power he gives orders to evil spirits and they come out!’”  Luke 4:36 (NIV)

Friday:  King Over Judgement.  Pray that you would have no reason to fear the authority of Jesus to judge.  Pray that you would leave the eternal judgment of people to the King who has the authority to do so.  Pray that the people around you would understand His authority to judge all things.  “And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man.”  John 5:27 (NIV)

Saturday:  King Over Give Eternal Life.  Pray that you would never forget that it is Jesus who has the authority to give eternal life.  Pray that you would share the news of eternal life with others.  Pray that the people around you would come to know Jesus as the only way to life eternal.  “For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him.”  John 17:2 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Immeasurably More Scripture!
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Lifestyle of Prayer: Immeasurably More Scripture!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Immeasurably More Scripture!

“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)

This week’s prayer focus is about the usefulness of God’s Word in our life.  As we pray about experiencing immeasurably more scripture, it isn’t about finding additional scripture that has not yet been revealed rather it is about growing daily in our application of God’s Word to everyday 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 value 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, ask God to help you accurately evaluate how much time you spend 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 your life would be guided in every way by the truth of God’s Word.  Pray that the usefulness of God’s Word in your life would cause you to share it at every opportunity.

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

Please pray each day for God to help you grow in your understanding and use of Scripture 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: Scripture From God.  Pray that you would have a proper view of 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.  “For prophecy [God’s Word] 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: Scripture For Teaching.  Pray that you would hold fast to God’s Word as useful in teaching you how to live a life pleasing to God.  Pray that your devotion to the Word of God would prepare you to teach others.  “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: Scripture For Rebuking.  Pray that you would listen to the wise rebuke of God’s Word in your life.  Pray that you would use God’s Word in wisely rebuking others with great care and love 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: Scripture For Correcting.  Pray that you would heed the correction that God desires to give you through His Word.  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: Scripture For Training.  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.  Pray for wisdom in using God’s Word to train others in godly ways.  “Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.”  1 Timothy 4:7 (NIV)

Saturday:  Scripture For 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 your task of helping others to be equipped 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: Immeasurably More Gratitude!
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Lifestyle of Prayer: Immeasurably More Gratitude!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Immeasurably More Gratitude!

“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 5:19-20 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on growing in gratitude as we learn to give thanks to God in all circumstances.  Our level of thankfulness will say a lot to the people around us who need to know of the hope that is found in Jesus.  And I might add, the genuineness or lack thereof of our thankfulness will be noticed by many who are watching.  We all go through struggles that test our faith, and we may endure things that no one would be thankful for, but it can be in those times that finding ways to give thanks anyway can speak volumes to others.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine your current level of thankfulness.  Pray that you would always look for reasons to give thanks and that you would learn to give thanks even when the reasons seem hidden.  Pray that your faith would grow as you daily practice an attitude of gratitude in your relationships with one another and with God.  Pray that you would find ways to express your thanks in meaningful ways to those who need to hear 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 in gratitude as you learn to be a more thankful person.

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: Thankful With Sacrificial Offerings.  Pray that the offering of yourself and your possessions to God would be done with a thankful heart.  Pray that God would direct all of your giving so that it is done with thankfulness.  Pray that your promises to God would be fulfilled as you give sacrificially as an avenue of thankfulness.  “Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High.”  Psalm 50:14 (NIV)

Tuesday: Thankful Through Singing.  Pray that you would learn to express your thanks to God through the songs you sing, whether sung privately or publicly.  Pray that God’s name would be lifted up through the music you listen to as well as through the music you share with others.  “I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.”  Psalm 69:30 (NIV)

Wednesday: Thankful For What the Lord Has Done.  Pray that you would pay attention to what God has done in your life so that you would give Him thanks for doing so.  Pray that you would use every opportunity you have to thank the Lord “among the nations” so that the people around you would know of His great work.  “Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done.”  Psalm 105:1 (NIV)

Thursday: Thankful In Glorifying God.  Pray that you would live in such a way that your life would lead to an overflowing of thanksgiving which brings glory to God.  Pray that you would know God’s grace and willingly share it with others so that they too would have a reason to be thankful.  “All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.”  2 Corinthians 4:15 (NIV)

Friday: Thankful For One Another.  Pray that you would learn to be thankful for the people God brings into your life.  Pray that your thankfulness for one another would lead you to always remember them in prayer.  “We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers.”  1 Thessalonians 1:2 (NIV)

Saturday:  Thankful In All Circumstances.  Pray that you would look for reasons to be thankful in each and every circumstance you face.  Pray that your desire to be within the will of God would lead you to be a more thankful person at all times.  “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)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Immeasurably More Compassion!
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Lifestyle of Prayer: Immeasurably More Compassion!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Immeasurably More Compassion!

“I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.” 
Jonah 4:2 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about living with compassion.  Many times we try to substitute pity, instruction, warnings, judgment, or even good deeds for true compassion because we want to help but we don’t want to suffer.  Yet godly compassion means to suffer with those who are suffering so that they may receive the same comfort from us that we have received from God.  There is no greater example of compassion than Jesus coming to earth and suffering alongside mankind so that we may be comforted with the same comfort He received from His Father.  Living with compassion means that we will not only take notice of the suffering that takes place in our world, our neighborhoods, our churches, and our homes; we will join in suffering with those who hurt so that together we can find the comfort God desires for us.  We can learn a lot about the compassion we ought to  have by looking at the compassion God has for us.  As you pray this week, ask God to open your eyes to the sufferings of others.  Pray that you would have the courage to suffer with them — not for the purpose of having a pity party, but in order to find the avenues of comfort that are needed..

“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 know the immeasurably more compassion He wants you to live with.

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:  More Compassion to Forgive.   Pray that you would live with a greater understanding of the ‘suffering with us” that was required in order for God to forgive our sins.  Pray that your love for God and people would fill you with the compassion necessary to forgive.  “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.”  Psalm 51:1 (NIV)

Tuesday:  More Compassion That Gives Life.  Pray that you would allow God’s compassion come to you in a way that brings life.  Pray that your delight in God’s law would lead you to show compassion to others in a way that leads them to the life God offers.  “Let your compassion come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight.”  Psalm 119:77 (NIV)

Wednesday:  More Compassion That Restores.  Pray that you would know the compassion of God that restores you to Himself.  Pray that you would deepen your compassion in order to restore those whom you may have abandoned.  Pray for a greater desire to see people restored to God.  “For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with deep compassion I will bring you back.”  Isaiah 54:7 (NIV)

Thursday:  More Compassion That Shows Mercy and True Justice.  Pray that your willingness to suffer with those who suffer would lead you to seek true justice for those who have been wronged.  Pray that this same compassion that seeks justice would be filled with great mercy.  “This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.’”  Zechariah 7:9 (NIV)

Friday:  More Compassion For Those Who are Harassed and Helpless.  Pray that you would pay attention to the “crowds” and notice when their actions are the result of being harassed and helpless.  Pray that your compassion would cause you to suffer together with those being harassed as you help them find the Good Shepherd.  “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”  Matthew 9:36 (NIV)

Saturday:  More Compassion For Those Who Need to Return Home.  Pray that you would know the joy of the Father’s compassion as He welcomes you back home.  Pray that you would have great compassion for those who are a long way from home and need to return.  “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”  Luke 15:20 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Immeasurably More Giving!
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Lifestyle of Prayer: Immeasurably More Giving!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Immeasurably More 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 the immeasurably more giving which God calls us to as a reflection of His nature.  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.

“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 know the immeasurably more serving He wants you 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: Giving More Thanks.  Pray that your awareness of God’s righteousness would teach you to give thanks more freely in all ways possible.  Pray that God’s work in your life would teach you a lifestyle of gratitude; not only for God, but for the people He surrounds you with.  “I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.”  Psalm 7:17 (NIV)

Tuesday: Giving More Generously.  Pray that you would follow God as you turn from a wickedness of taking to a righteousness of giving generously.  Pray that God would teach you to recognize all that He has put into your life for the purpose of you sharing it with others.  “The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously.”  Psalm 37:21 (NIV)

Wednesday: Giving More Timely.  Pray that you would learn to recognize the moments of opportunity in giving.  Pray that God would help you do an inventory of your life so you know what you can give now.  Pray that God would help you be honest in the timeliness of your giving.  “Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Come back later; I’ll give it tomorrow’– when you now have it with you.”  Proverbs 3:28 (NIV)

Thursday: Giving More Sound Answers.  Pray that you would be a student of God’s Word so you would be able to give sound answers.  Pray that God would help you to discern what is true and reliable as you answer those who seek hope.  “Have I not written thirty sayings for you, sayings of counsel and knowledge, teaching you true and reliable words, so that you can give sound answers to him who sent you?”  Proverbs 22:20-21 (NIV)

Friday: Giving More Grace.  Pray that you would learn to give grace to others in the measure that God has given it to  you.  Pray that you would understand the power of transformation that comes through the giving and receiving of grace — even to those who are your enemy.  “If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.”  Proverbs 25:21 (NIV)

Saturday:  Giving More Careful Attention.  Pray that you would give careful attention to all that God has put under your care.  Pray that you would learn from God how to be responsible in giving attention to that which needs it so that you and your family will be prepared for the coming of Christ.  “Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds.”  Proverbs 27:23 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Immeasurably More Serving!
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Lifestyle of Prayer: Immeasurably More Serving!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Immeasurably More 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 slave of all.”
Mark 10:43-44 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on the immeasurably more God wants to do through our serving.  God makes it clear in His Word that we serve Him when we serve people.  While the world often defines greatness based on power and who you have serving you, God says that to be great you must become servant of all.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you to not only see opportunities to serve, but to give you the courage to actually serve.  Pray for a spirit of humility to guide you as you serve people wherever you are.  Pray that God’s love would be seen and felt through you as you serve.  Pray that your commitment to serving would be an example for others.  Pray about how God would use your servicing to teach and train others to join in a lifestyle that serves.  Pray for discernment and wisdom to see beyond, and through, the divisiveness of this world so that you would love others as God loves both you and them.

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

Please pray each day for God to help you know the immeasurably more serving He wants you 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:  Serving In The Spirit.  Pray that you would know the freedom in Christ that enables you to serve in the way of the Spirit.  Pray that each believer would experience the freedom found by serving in the Spirit.  “But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.”  Romans 7:6 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Serving With Power.  Pray for the courage to serve in God’s power even when you feel weak.  Pray that your eyes would be opened to how God desires to show His power through your weaknesses.  “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)

Wednesday:  Serving One Another.  Pray that you would look for opportunities to use you freedom to serve others rather than yourself.  Pray for the compassion needed to serve one another even when you think you are free not to.  “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)

Thursday:  Serving Wholeheartedly.  Pray that you would serve others with a whole heart, just as you would if it were Jesus being served.  Pray that you would keep your eyes fixed on Jesus as you serve.  Pray that you would know the joy and contentment that comes from serving wholeheartedly.  “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men.”  Ephesians 6:7 (NIV)

Friday:  Serving Faithfully.  Pray that you would be faithful in using God’s gifting in your life to serve others.  Pray that your faithfulness in serving would be based on God’s faithfulness to you.  Pray that God would help you to know His grace more fully.  “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:  Serving Eagerly.  Pray that you would eagerly desire, and look for, opportunities to serve.  Pray not only for elders who serve eagerly, but to be one who eagerly serves all those who might look to you as an example.  “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.”  1 Peter 5:2 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Immeasurably More Love!
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Lifestyle of Prayer: Immeasurably More Love!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Immeasurably More Love!

“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.  Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.  Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” 
Romans 12:9-14 (NIV)

As we consider the immeasurably more that God wants to do in us and through us, we discover in God a love that is immeasurably more than the love this world offers.  If God’s love abides in us, it is supposed to show in our words and actions so that others will see Jesus through us.  How we live life doesn’t earn us favor with God, but it does reveal our love for God.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you grow in the way your love for Him is expressed.  Pray for the wisdom to make loving choices in all of your interactions with people.  Pray for the humility needed to see others as God sees them.  Pray for the courage to value people simply because they have been created in the image of God.  Pray for a total transformation of your heart and mind in order to love others like Jesus loves you.  Pray for a covering of grace for yourself, and others, when the love expressed needs improvement.

“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 know the immeasurably more He wants you to give and receive.

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 Loving Righteousness.  Pray that you would grow in a righteousness that can distinguish between good and evil.  Pray for a sincerity in hating evil in your own life as much as you hate it in the lives of others.  Pray for eyes that see and cling to the good that God produces in your life and in the lives of those around you.  “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.”  Romans 12:9 (NIV)

Tuesday:  A Loving Devotion.  Pray that you would grow in the way you care about and honor others.  Pray for a love that results in a devotion to others that would put their needs above your own.  Pray for a willingness and practice of honoring others in ways that lift them above yourself.  “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.”  Romans 12:10 (NIV)

Wednesday:  A Loving Eagerness.  Pray for a freshness of spirit that results in an ever-increasing desire to serve God.  Pray that you would be eager to serve, knowing that it is the Lord you are serving.  Pray for a refreshing from God that overcomes the weariness of your flesh when you serve.  “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”  Romans 12:11 (NIV)

Thursday:  A Loving Attitude.  Pray for a prayerful attitude that helps you to be joyful and patient even when circumstances are less than ideal.  Pray that God would fill you with hope that is seen and shared by the joy others see in you.  Pray for the ability to live with patient endurance as you experience the many afflictions this life brings with it.  “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”  Romans 12:12 (NIV)

Friday:  A Loving Generosity.  Pray for eyes that see the needs of others and for a loving heart that overflows with generosity.  Pray for a sincere awareness of all that God has given you for the purpose of sharing with others.  Pray for God’s help in overcoming all of your excuses that keep you from being hospitable.  “Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”  Romans 12:13 (NIV)

Saturday:  A Loving of Your Enemies.  Pray for the humility needed to treat your enemies just as Christ treated you while you were an enemy of His in your own mind.  Pray for wisdom in knowing tangible and meaningful ways to bless those who persecute you and those you disagree with.  Pray for a sincere love that seeks the best for those who would be considered enemies.  “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”  Romans 12:14 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Immeasurably More Prayer!
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Lifestyle of Prayer: Immeasurably More Prayer!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Immeasurably More Prayer!

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” 
1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NIV)

As we consider the immeasurably more that God wants to do in us and through us, prayer seems to be one of the foundational pieces in experiencing God.  We live in the midst of a world that is filled with very angry people.  Rarely does a day go by without the anger of someone else spilling into your life.  But if you examine closely, how often does your anger spill out into the lives of others?  God commands us to pray — not so we can get our way or establish our opinion as the law of the land, but so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives.  This week our prayer focus will be wrapped around the prayer instruction that God has given us through Paul’s letter to Timothy.  As you pray, ask God to change your heart concerning those around you.  Pray that you would live with the same desire as God — that all people would be saved through a knowledge and acceptance of the truth.

“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 know the immeasurably more He wants to do 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 in All Ways.  Ask God to help your prayer life to grow as you go to Him with your requests and prayers for yourself and on behalf of others.  Pray that God would help you to be thankful in all of your communication with Him.  “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone.”  1 Timothy 2:1 (NIV)

Tuesday: Pray for Everyone.  Ask God to help you have compassion for everyone as you pray for both friends and enemies.  Pray that your love for God would be seen in the way you demonstrate His love toward both those you agree with and those you disagree with.  “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”  Matthew 5:43-44 (NIV)

Wednesday: Pray for All Authority.  Ask God to help you know how to pray for those in authority on this earth.  Pray that you would learn to submit to all authority — especially His authority.  “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”  Romans 13:1 (NIV)

Thursday: Pray for a Peaceful and Quiet Life.  Ask God to help you be a peacemaker.  Pray that you would seek to live at peace with all people in a way that helps them to see the peace of God dwelling within you.  “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”  Romans 12:18 (NIV)

Friday: Pray for Godliness and Holiness.  Ask God to help you exhibit more of His qualities in the way you live each day.  Pray that you would know the value of preparing to live a life of godliness and holiness.  “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”  1 Timothy 4:8 (NIV)

Saturday:  Pray that People Would Come to Know God.  Ask God to fill you with a desire to see all people come to know Him.  Pray that you would have patience with people as God continues His work in their life.  “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)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Good News Will Grow!
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Lifestyle of Prayer: Good News Will Grow!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Good News Will Grow!

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
Ephesians 6:10-11 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about some important elements that exist in increasing measure as the good news of Jesus grows in us.  We can be strong in the Lord because of the power of God at work through our weaknesses.  But that doesn’t mean that we can sit back and take a passive role in growing strong.  No, God has work for us to do as we grow in the characteristics that His Spirit produces in our life.  We grow strong when we put on the full armor of God so that we are equipped to stand against the schemes of the devil.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you see strength from His perspective.  Pray that you would not only put on the full armor of God, but that you would check it each day to make sure you are still using it.  Pray that you would pursue the things of God that make you strong — not necessarily strong by the world’s standards, but strong according to God.  Pray for the wisdom to live with the strength only God can give.

“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 the good news of Jesus to grow in you.

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 Submissively.  Pray that you would have the strength to submit not only to Christ, but also to the needs of others.  Pray that your strength will allow you to submit even when others fail due to weakness.  Pray that your desire to please God would continually grow.  “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.”  Romans 15:1 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Grow Truthfully.  Pray that you would grow in godly strength as you pursue truth.  Pray that you would grow strong as you speak the truth in love and as you listen to truth spoken in love.  “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.”  Ephesians 4:15 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Grow Repentantly.  Pray that you would grow strong as you learn to repent of sin and of all the times you fail to do what you have received and heard from God’s Word.  Pray that your strength in repentance would prepare you for the return of Jesus.  “Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.”  Revelation 3:3 (NIV)

Thursday:  Grow Obediently.  Pray that you would gain strength as you grow in the practice of obey the commands of God.  Pray that the strength of obeying God’s laws would keep you from being afraid or discouraged as you learn success from God’s perspective.  “Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the LORD gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”  1 Chronicles 22:13 (NIV)

Friday:  Grow Naturally.  Pray that you would have the strength to “wait upon the Lord” and grow naturally as you live life in Christ.  Pray that you would be filled with wisdom and strength as you enjoy the natural process of growing as a child of God.  “And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.”  Luke 2:40 (NIV)

Saturday:  Grow Gracefully.  Pray that you would know the grace of God that is given through His Son, Jesus.  Pray that the grace you have received would be the grace you give to the people around you.  Pray that you would live with the strength that comes from sharing God’s grace with others.  “You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”  2 Timothy 2:1 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Good News Is Born!
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Lifestyle of Prayer: Good News Is Born!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Good News Is Born!

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

As we pray this week, our focus will be wrapped around the present that was given to us — Jesus!  The good news of God took on flesh and dwelt among us as the one born King of the Jews.  Each day we will focus our prayer time on a different name, title, or description that was given to the Son of God as He came to earth in human form.  As you pray, ask God to help you consider, not only what child is this that we worship, but how you will worship Him throughout your life.  Pray each day about that specific aspect of who Jesus is, not only who He is in history but who He is in your life.  Pray that you would know Jesus not just by name, but in a personal relationship that equips you to share Him with others.  Pray that you would live with a greater appreciation of what Jesus accomplished on our behalf through His role in each aspect of who He is.  Pray about how God would have you reflect the nature of Jesus to everyone you meet.

“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 share the good news of Jesus.

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

Monday: Wonderful Counselor.  Pray that your relationship with Jesus reveals His presence, the Wonderful Counselor, living in you.  Pray that you would seek God’s counsel in everything you do.  Pray that you would accept the counsel of God given to you by the presence of Jesus through His Spirit.  “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”  John 14:26 (NIV)

Tuesday: Mighty God.  Pray that your life submits fully to the authority and might of God.  Pray for clarity in how you respond to Jesus as the mighty One of God.  Pray that your life would show to others that you believe in a mighty God.  “But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God.”  Luke 22:69 (NIV)

Wednesday: Everlasting Father.  Pray that your life shows a trust in an eternal Father and Savior.  Pray that the eternal nature of Jesus would help you live with confidence in His promises.  Pray that the people around you would know true hope because of an everlasting Father.  “’I tell you the truth,’ Jesus answered, ‘before Abraham was born, I am!’”  John 8:58 (NIV)

Thursday: Prince of Peace.  Pray that you would seek peace with God who desires to bring all people to peace with Him through Jesus.  Pray that you would grow as a peacemaker because of the presence of Jesus in your life.  Pray that the people around you would see God’s peace evident in your life.  “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”  Luke 2:14 (NIV)

Friday: Jesus.  Pray that you completely experience the cleansing power of the name of Jesus who came to save His people from their sins.  Pray that the people around you would call on the One who saves.  “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners — of whom I am the worst.”  I Timothy 1:15 (NIV)

Saturday:  Immanuel.  Pray about how God would have you express appropriate awe and praise because of His presence with you.  Pray that the presence of Jesus in you would be a help to others.  Pray that your life is a constant reminder to those around you that God is with us and has come to help His people.  “They were all filled with awe and praised God. ‘A great prophet has appeared among us,’ they said. ‘God has come to help his people.’”  Luke 7:16 (NIV)