“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Called To Unity!

“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.  Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.  Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.  There is one body and one Spirit — just as you were called to one hope when you were called — one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” 
Ephesians 4:1-6  (NIV)

Our Lifestyle of Prayer emphasis this week will focus on different aspects of unity from God’s perspective.  It seems nearly everyone loves the idea of unity, if people would just agree with me (what I say, what I like, what I want, what I . . .) though really we just want conformity, not unity.  Real unity comes when we decide it’s all about what God says, wants, and desires and not about me!  Use the suggestions each day but most of all allow God’s Word to soak into your life and direct how you pray and who you pray for.   As you pray, pay attention to any changes and/or actions God would be calling you to make in that area.  Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.  As you pray, listen for what God would have you to do. 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 responding to His call for unity.

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 Unity of Mind.  Pray for a unity of mind among the people of God so that the work of the kingdom is not hindered.  Pray that the Word of God would be the source for the unity of mind you seek.  “Also in Judah the hand of God was on the people to give them unity of mind to carry out what the king and his officials had ordered, following the word of the LORD.”  2 Chronicles 30:12 (NIV)

Tuesday: Called To Unity of Life.  Pray for unity in the individual families of your congregation and throughout the family of your congregation so that life together will be “good and pleasant”.  Pray that you would learn to live in unity while honoring the uniqueness of individuals.  Pray that a unity of life would help those around you see Jesus.  “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!”  Psalm 133:1 (NIV)

Wednesday: Called To Complete Unity.  Pray that your pursuit of complete unity in Christ would help others to see Jesus and the love of God in you.  Pray that love would be the foundation of your unity in a world that needs to see the love of God in you.  “I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”  John 17:23 (NIV)

Thursday: Called To Unity of Spirit.  Pray for a unity of spirit among your church family that is based on following Christ Jesus.  Pray that you would grow in endurance as God encourages and leads you to a greater unity through following Christ.  Pray that a unity of spirit would identify you as a follower of Christ.  “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus.”  Romans 15:5  (NIV)

Friday: Called To Unity of Faith.  Pray for the maturity to get along with one another as we all mature into a unity of faith.  Pray that your knowledge of Jesus would lead you to a unity of faith that results in growing into the fullness of Christ.  “Until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”  Ephesians 4:13 (NIV)

Saturday:  Called To Perfect Unity.  Pray for a Christ-like love which will hold together in perfect unity all of the godly characteristics that God calls you to “put on” in your life.  Pray about how all of the goodness of God will come together in your life as you live in the presence of others in a way that imitates Jesus.  “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”  Colossians 3:14 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Called To Sacrificial Service!

“The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.  Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be.  My Father will honor the one who serves me.”  
John 12:25-26 (NIV)

As we continue to grow in A Lifestyle of Prayer, it is important to remember prayer should be a lifestyle, not an event.  This week’s prayer focus will be on serving sacrificially.  As we commemorate Memorial Day weekend here in the U.S., it is good to remember those who gave their life on behalf of their country and fellow man.  It is also good to follow that example of sacrifice as we serve within the kingdom of God.  Serving sacrificially is difficult because it requires that we humble ourselves and consider the needs of someone else to be greater than our own.  Serving sacrificially is not without reward.  Not only does it benefit those we serve, it brings honor from God as we serve Christ in our service to others.  As you pray this week, thank God for those who have served their country, and you, sacrificially.  Pray that you would grow in the humility necessary to serve others as you should.

“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 learning to serve sacrificially.

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 In The Spirit.  Pray that you would know the joy that comes by serving through the way of God’s 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: Serve With Power.  Pray for the courage to serve in God’s power when you feel weak.  Pray for a willingness to let God use your weaknesses in powerful ways.  Pray that those you serve would know the power of God.  “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: Serve One Another.  Pray for the compassion needed to serve one another even when you think you are free not to.  Pray for the wisdom and humility needed to deny yourself as you serve others.  Pray that the people around you would know God’s love because of the way you serve.  “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: Serve Wholeheartedly.  Pray that you would serve others with a whole heart, just as you would if it were Jesus you were serving.  Pray that you would grow in a willingness and eagerness to serve as God prompts you with opportunities to volunteer.  Pray that the way you serve would help people see Jesus in you.  “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men.”  Ephesians 6:7 (NIV)

Friday: Serve Faithfully.  Pray that you would be faithful in using God’s gifting in your life to serve others.  Pray that God would help you to recognize how He has gifted you to serve others faithfully.  Pray that your service to others would be known as a gift from God.  “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 Eagerly.  Pray that you would eagerly desire, and look for, opportunities to serve.  Pray that you would eagerly serve those you have responsibility for.  Pray for those who serve as shepherds, that their motives are always pure.  “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)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Called To Greater Things!

“I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.”  
John 14:12 (NIV)

As we honor our graduates this week, our prayer focus will be about all of us seeking, and doing, greater things.  It is easy to walk through life each day settling for “good enough” when God wants us to look to Him for “greater things”.  In fact, we are so used to settling that we generally find it unbelievable that Jesus would say we can do even greater things than He had done during His ministry on earth.  These words were spoken before His ultimate “great thing” of the death, burial, and resurrection so I believe being able to share that gospel news is a big part of the greater things in store for us to share with others.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you seek the greater things He offers.  Pray that your relationship with Jesus would equip you to do greater things as you serve people in His name.  Pray that you would not be one that settles for lesser things when God wants to amply supply you with greater things.  Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.

“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 knowing and doing the greater things He has called you to.

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

Monday: A Greater Love.  Pray that you would always be aware of the great love God has shown you through the laying down of the life of Jesus.  Pray that you would love people like Jesus loves you.  Pray for a willingness to sacrifice for the benefit of others.  “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”  John 15:13 (NIV)

Tuesday: A Greater Gift.  Pray that you would use all of the gifts God has given to you, but always within the context of the “greater gift” of love.  Pray that God’s love would be expressed through you in ways that are “most excellent”.  Pray that you would always desire the things God calls “greater gifts”.  “But eagerly desire the greater gifts.  And now I will show you the most excellent way.”  1 Corinthians 12:31 (NIV)

Wednesday: A Greater Glory.  Pray that you would seek the things of God which will endure.  Pray that your appreciation for the things of glory that fade would lead you to discover the things of greater glory.  Pray that your life would share with others about the glory yet to come.  “And if what was fading away came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!”  2 Corinthians 3:11 (NIV)

Thursday: A Greater Value.  Pray that you would accurately evaluate the value you place on the “treasures” of this world.  Pray that you would learn to consider the cost of following Jesus to be of greater value than the things of the world.  Pray that you would keep your eyes focused on the reward that has eternal value.  “He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.”  Hebrews 11:26 (NIV)

Friday: A Greater Testimony.  Pray that you would view the testimony of God to be greater than the testimony of man.  Pray that you would listen for truthful testimony and find that its source is from God.  Pray that your life would be about sharing the greater testimony of God’s work in you.  “We accept man’s testimony, but God’s testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son.”  1 John 5:9 (NIV)

Saturday:  A Greater Joy.  Pray that you would find a greater joy than what the world can offer.  Pray that you would receive joy from having children in the faith.  Pray that you would bring greater joy to others by walking in truth.  “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”  3 John 1:4 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

All-Sufficient Grace!

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

Our Lifestyle of Prayer emphasis this week will focus on the topic of Grace!  Grace is an incredible gift from God that goes beyond us simply not getting the punishment we deserve, but it is God giving us a gift we don’t deserve — a gift only He can give.  Grace not only covers our weaknesses, it reveals the very nature of God through our weaknesses.  As you pray this week, pray that God’s grace would draw you to Him as you look to Him in your time of need.  Pray that your pursuit of God would lead you to a better understanding of God’s grace.  Pray that you would know the value of grace to be better than strength.  Pray for the humility needed to allow God’s presence to not only work through your weaknesses, but to be seen clearly in them.  Pray that your experience of God’s grace would help you share the good news of that grace with 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 in receiving and sharing an all-sufficient grace.

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:  Blessings From God’s Grace.  Pray with thanksgiving for the blessings that you receive through God’s grace.  Pray that God would help you to know the truth about His blessings which far exceed the stuff of this world.  Pray that the people around you would realize the blessings that a relationship with Jesus brings.  “From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.”  John 1:16 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Saved By God’s Grace.  Pray for a growing understanding of the way God’s grace leads to salvation.  Pray that you would accurately portray God’s grace as the only way for anyone to be saved.  Pray that the people around you would find salvation through the grace of Jesus.  “No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.”  Acts 15:11 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Justified By God’s Grace.  Pray that an awareness of your own sin would lead you to acknowledge your need for God’s grace.  Pray that you would accept God’s grace as enough to cover your sin and justify you before Him.  “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”  Romans 3:23-24 (NIV)

Thursday:  Grace In Our Time Of Need.  Pray that your relationship with Jesus would give you confidence in approaching God for His grace in your times of need.  Pray that you would share about the mercy of God which extends His grace freely to all who come to Him because of their need.  “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”  Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)

Friday:  Conversation That Is Full Of Grace.  Pray that the words you use would always be filled with the grace of God.  Pray for wisdom to answer people with a grace that comes from God.  Pray that the people around you would have a glimpse of God’s grace through what you say.  “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”  Colossians 4:6 (NIV)

Saturday:  Strengthened By God’s Grace.  Pray about how God’s grace can prepare you for life in ways that nothing else can.  Pray that you would be protected from “strange teachings” as you are strengthened by the grace of God. Pray for grace in the way you teach with your life.  “Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by ceremonial foods, which are of no value to those who eat them.”  Hebrews 13:9 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Becoming Different!

“We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.” 
2 Corinthians 10:12 (NIV)

Our “Lifestyle of Prayer” emphasis this week will focus on living as those who are becoming different. Different than what we were, different from one another, and  different from the world.  The Bible uses the words unique and peculiar to describe the children of God, yet how often to we seek to blend in rather than become who God wants us to be?  As you pray this week, ask God to help you grow in maturity as you allow Him to transform every aspect of your life.  Pray that you would use God’s Word and the example of His Son as your standard in all things.  Pray that you would not only avoid the trap of comparing yourself to others, but that you would also not use yourself as the standard you measure with.  Pray that by living life differently, you would represent Jesus more effectively.  Pray for wisdom in how you see others and in how you see yourself.

“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 transformed into one who is becoming different.

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:  Live Differently.  Pray that you would look at all aspects of life differently because of God’s presence in you.  Pray for the courage to live in this world as a visitor.  Pray that the way you interact with others would show a wisdom that comes from above.  Pray that your mind and heart would be protected in this world.  “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.”  2 Corinthians 10:3 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Fight Differently.  Pray that you would view your response to conflict differently as you live by the Spirit.  Pray for an awareness of the spiritual battle we are in.  Pray for a growing trust in God’s ability to demolish the strongholds in your life.  “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.”  2 Corinthians 10:4 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Think Differently.  Pray for a renewing of your mind that causes you to think differently.  Pray that even your thoughts would be submissive to Christ.  Pray that the knowledge found in God’s Word would be the foundation for a different way of thinking.  “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”  2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)

Thursday:  Obey Differently.   Pray that you would focus on your own obedience to God rather than becoming distracted by the disobedience of others.  Pray that your obedience to God would be complete and that its source would be love.  Pray for grace and mercy to guide your view of obedience.  “And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.”  2 Corinthians 10:6 (NIV)

Friday:  Accept Differently.  Pray that you would grow in understanding how fully Christ has accepted you.  Pray that your confidence in belonging to Christ would direct how you accept one another.  Pray that the walls of division would crumble as you learn to accept differently.  “If anyone is confident that he belongs to Christ, he should consider again that we belong to Christ just as much as he.”  2 Corinthians 10:7 (NIV)

Saturday:  Boast Differently.  Pray that your freedom in Christ would lead you to boast differently compared to the boasting of the world.  Pray that the highlights of your life would be about how you build up others.  Pray that the things you boast about would lift up others, and Christ, rather than yourself.  “For even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than pulling you down, I will not be ashamed of it.”  2 Corinthians 10:8 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Learning To Excel!

“But just as you excel in everything — in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us — see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” 
2 Corinthians 8:7 (NIV)

Our “Lifestyle of Prayer” emphasis this week will focus on some areas that God says we should excel in.  What are some things that you are good at doing?  Are there things that others say you excel in?  How much work, or effort, is usually required to excel in a given area?  This week’s prayer focus will use a list of things that Paul states the Corinthian Christians excel in, or need to excel in.  Paul’s letter was not only written to the Corinthians, but as scripture it is useful to us for training in all righteousness.  As you pray this week, ask God to give you His grace and the courage necessary to excel in the things that matter to Him.  Pray that you would be diligent applying each day’s topic to your life with the work necessary for you to become good at it.  Pray that your pursuit of excelling in these areas would come from the very source and foundation of all things excellent — Jesus 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 learning to excel in things which honor 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:  Excel in Faith.  Pray for the humility required to admit you need God’s help in learning how to excel in faith.  As you pray for God to increase your faith, look for the situations He will give that requires your trust of Him to grow.  Pray that your trust of God would cause others to know you as one who excels in faith.  “The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith!’”  Luke 17:5 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Excel in Speech.  Pray that God’s love would create in you a desire to excel in speech.  Pray that God would put a guard over your mouth so that your speech is pleasing to Him.  Pray that your speech would bring about good days for you and for the people around you.  “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.”  1 Peter 3:10 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Excel in Knowledge.  Pray that you would excel in knowledge in a way that builds up others.  Pray that your life would be lived in pursuit of a greater knowledge of Christ.  Pray that your excelling in knowledge would not puff you up but would help others know Jesus.  “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever!  Amen.”  2 Peter 3:18 (NIV)

Thursday:  Excel in Complete Earnestness.   Pray that you would excel in earnestness in your relationship with God and with others.  Pray that there would be both an urgency and honesty in your pursuit of God.  Pray that there would be nothing fake about your pursuit of God and relationship with Him through Jesus.  “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”  Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)

Friday:  Excel in Love for One Another.  Pray for a growing ability to love others like Jesus loves you.  Pray that you would daily learn from the love that Jesus excelled at.  Pray that you would desire to excel in your love for Christ and for one another.  Pray that you would know the greatness of genuine love.  “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”  1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV)

Saturday:  Excel in the Grace of Giving.  Pray that a recognition of God’s ownership of everything would help you to excel in the gift of giving He has placed in your life.  Pray for a spirit of generosity that allows you to see how God provides not only what you need, but also what you give.  “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”  Luke 6:38 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Godly Sorrow!

“See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done.” 
2 Corinthians 7:11 (NIV)

Our “Lifestyle of Prayer” emphasis this week will focus on some of the things produced in our life by godly sorrow.  I suspect that most of us are much more aware of the sorrow we experience than the sorrow we cause.  As I read scripture, it appears that both the sorrow we experience and the sorrow we cause can be either godly sorrow or worldly sorrow.  One of the clearest ways to determine the true source of the sorrow is to examine just what the sorrow produces.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you see how a godly sorrow produces in you a variety of necessary things.  Pray that you would be a truthful messenger of God so that any sorrow you produce in others would be of the godly kind.  Pray for a growing desire to endure whatever it takes to bring about a maturity in your thoughts and actions.  Pray that God would use the sorrow you experience in order to help shape you more and more into the image of Christ.  Pray that God would use you to make Jesus known to those who are filled with sorrow.

“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 and accepting the purpose of 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: Producing Earnestness.  Pray that your godly sorrow would produce an earnestness in your communication with God.  Pray for the humility to be earnest with those who have added to your sorrow and with those whose sorrow has been increased by you.  “And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.”  Luke 22:44 (NIV)

Tuesday: Producing Eagerness.  Pray that your godly sorrow would create an eagerness in your life to know real truth.  Pray that you would be eager to understand the accuracy of God’s Word.  “Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”  Acts 17:11 (NIV)

Wednesday: Producing Indignation.  Pray that your godly sorrow would lead you to an indignation that challenges your incorrect attitudes.  Pray for the courage to stand up for those who are being overlooked, neglected, or even rejected.  “People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them.  When Jesus saw this, he was indignant.”  Mark 10:13 (NIV) 

Thursday: Producing Longing.  Pray that your godly sorrow would cause an intense longing to be reconciled with others.  Pray for a growing desire to connect with people that you may not have seen in person for some time.  Pray that your longing for others would help them to know the longing God has for each of us.  “When we were torn away from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you.”  1 Thessalonians 2:17 (NIV)

Friday: Producing Concern.  Pray that your godly sorrow would produce in you a great concern for others.  Pray that you would find ways to express your concern as you serve and care for people.  Pray that your concern for others would bring them great joy.  “He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.”  2 Corinthians 7:7 (NIV)

Saturday:  Producing Readiness For Justice.  Pray that your godly sorrow would prepare you to know true justice.  Pray that you would grow in your understanding of how justice, mercy, and compassion work together.  Pray about how God would have you share with others the good news of being made right with God through the work of Jesus Christ.  “This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.’”  Zechariah 7:9 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Lessons From a Walk!

“As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him.  He asked them, ‘What are you discussing together as you walk along?’” 
Luke 24:15-17 (NIV)

Our “Lifestyle of Prayer” emphasis this week will focus on some lessons from a walk with Jesus.  While we tend to gather and celebrate resurrection morning with gladness, that first resurrection morning was filled with much confusion and uncertainty.  It is in that confusion that Jesus joins two disciples for a walk and helps them to understand all that had happened.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you grow in understanding as you walk with Him each day.  Pray for the courage to be honest with Jesus about your questions and the times you lack understanding.  Pray that the lessons you learn would be lessons that you willingly share with others.  Pray for the humility needed to listen to others in their times of confusion.  Pray that you would share the good news of Jesus with others as you join them in their walk.  Pray that the resurrection of Jesus would fill you with a message of hope that you carry with you everywhere you go.

“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 and accepting the work done by Jesus on the cross.

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: Powerful Prophet.  Pray for a growing knowledge of how Jesus fulfilled the prophecies concerning the Messiah.  Pray that you would accept the power of God’s Word as represented in the life of Jesus.  Pray that you would always trust the promises of Jesus.  “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people.”  Luke 24:19 (NIV)

Tuesday: Crucified By Leaders.  Pray that you would grasp the extent of God’s love for you as He allowed Jesus to be crucified.  Pray for an awareness of how your sin required a penalty you couldn’t afford.  Pray for a heart that is not hardened by the deceitfulness of the enemy.  “The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him.”  Luke 24:20 (NIV)

Wednesday: Hope of Redemption.  Pray that you would live with a confident hope as one who has been redeemed by the blood of Jesus.  Pray that you would trust God’s timing in everything, especially when you feel like too much time has passed for anything good to come out of tragic circumstances.  “We had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place.”  Luke 24:21 (NIV) 

Thursday: Amazing Faith.  Pray for a faith that anticipates being amazed by God.  Pray that the practice of your faith would amaze those who see your faith in action.  Pray about how God would have you share the amazing things you have found in your pursuit of Jesus.  “In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body.”  Luke 24:22 (NIV)

Friday: Confirming Discovery.  Pray for an openness in checking out what others have found in their search for Jesus.  Pray that your life would confirm to others that Jesus is exactly who He claims to be.  Pray that your confirmed faith in Jesus would help you share Him with others.  “Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.”  Luke 24:24 (NIV)

Saturday:  Glorious Explanation.  Pray that you would be a student of God’s Word so that you would know what it says about Jesus.  Pray for God’s Spirit to help you understand the presence and prophecies of Jesus throughout the entire Bible.  Pray that you would be faithful in using God’s Word to share Jesus with others.  “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.”  Luke 24:27 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Messages From the Cross!

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” 
Hebrews 12:2-3 (NIV)

Our “Lifestyle of Prayer” emphasis this week will focus on a return to the words of Jesus from the cross.  As we spend the week preparing to celebrate Resurrection Sunday, it is fitting to not only consider the sacrifice Jesus made, but to apply His very words to how we pray.  As you pray this week, use the topics to help you pray through difficulties, through weakness, through loneliness, through concern for others, and most importantly through the eyes of Jesus.  Pray for a greater awareness of the things Jesus went through to bring salvation to you.  Pray about how the words of Jesus will help you know the fullness of His love for you.  Pray that you would realize how you are part of the joy that was set before Jesus as He endured the cross.  Pray that your life would reflect the message of the cross to the people 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 understanding and accepting the work done by Jesus on the cross.

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: Father, Forgive Them.  Pray for a growing awareness of the fullness of God’s forgiveness extended toward you.  Pray that you would learn to forgive others, just as in Christ you are forgiven.  Pray that the people you see today would realize and accept the Father’s forgiveness.  “Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.”  Luke 23:34

Tuesday: You Will Be With Me.  Pray that you would live each day with a knowledge of God’s presence with you through His Spirit.  Pray that your life and words would be an invitation for others to live in the presence of Jesus.  Pray that the people you interact with today would have a desire to know, and be known, by Jesus.  “Jesus answered him, ‘I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.’”  Luke 23:43

Wednesday: Behold, Your Son.  Pray about how God would have you respond to those with no family.  Pray that you would know of God’s care for you when you feel alone.  Pray that you would live as God’s family with those who have no other family.  “When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, ‘Dear woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.”  John 19:26-27 

Thursday: Why Have You Forsaken Me.  Pray for the courage to cry out to God whenever you feel discouraged.  Pray for those who feel forsaken by God; that you would represent Jesus well to them.  Pray for the humility to love and serve those who feel abandoned.  “About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?’–which means, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’”  Matthew 27:46

Friday: I Thirst.  Pray that you would always hunger and thirst for righteousness so that you would be satisfied.  Pray that you would know the value of God’s completed work in satisfying your thirst.  Pray that the people you see today would have a real thirst for the things of God.  “Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, ‘I am thirsty.’”  John 19:28

Saturday:  It Is Finished.  Pray for an increasing appreciation for the work completed by Jesus on the cross.  Pray that you would be filled with a wisdom from God that helps you live life to the full each day that God gives you.  Pray that you would be actively involved in helping people be ready for the time their life on earth is finished.  “When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”  John 19:30 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Doing Your Part!

“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)

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

Our “Lifestyle of Prayer” emphasis this week will focus on spending time in prayer regarding the “good works” God created in advance for you to do.  God calls all who take on the name of Christ, as Christian, to be workers in His kingdom!  For the body of Christ to function effectively, each member must do their part.  While not everyone  has the same function in the body of Christ, we all have the same head.  It is as we live in submission to Jesus as our head that we grow not only as individuals, but also as a body.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you live with the humility of submission.  Pray that you would grow in obedience to God’s Word as you serve others with the various gifts and abilities God has given you.  Pray for a desire to do your part without comparisons to what others are doing.  Pray that the local body of Christ would function in a way that lifts up Jesus for the community to be drawn to Him.

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

Please pray each day for God’s help in doing your part within the body of Christ.

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.  Pray that God would help you see, and do, your part in serving the needs of one another.  Pray for a growing willingness to serve within the gathering of believers as God gives opportunity and ability.  Pray that you would represent Jesus well as you humble yourself and serve.  “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”  Mark 10:45 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Teaching.  Pray that you would grow in doing your part of teaching others with your words and actions.  Pray that you would recognize your responsibility from the Great Commission to teach the things of Christ.  Pray that you have courage in your teaching because of the presence of Christ in you.  “And teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  Matthew 28:20 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Encouraging.  Pray that your attitude, words, and actions would be an encouragement to the people around you.  Pray that you would recognize how God encourages you through others and through His Word so you would grow in the ways you encourage others.  “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”  1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

Thursday:  Giving.  Pray that you would do you part in giving, first to God and then to others, according to His grace.  Pray that your giving of time, money, and ability would be done cheerfully and in response to God’s great gift of everything through His Son.  “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”  2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)

Friday:  Leading.  Pray that you would do your part in leading those God has given you responsibility for.  Pray that all areas in which you lead would be directed from the very heart of God.  Pray that the leaders of the church would have the knowledge and understanding which comes from God.  “Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.”  Jeremiah 3:15  (NIV)

Saturday:  Mercy/Visiting.  Pray that you would do your part in visiting others and caring for them according to their need.  Pray for the ability to see Jesus work in the lives of people as you extend mercy to them through your acts of visiting, sharing, and kindness.  Pray that you would do everything as one doing it for the Lord.  “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’”  Matthew 25:40 (NIV)