Prayer Guides

August 24, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: The Need To Pray!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

The Need To Pray!

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

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about our need to pray!  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 so that you would not fall into temptation.  Pray that  your relationship with God would grow as your practice of 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 to help you grow in recognizing your need to pray.

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

Monday:  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 the nearness of the end of this age so you would know 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 for your own needs and for the needs of others.  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)

August 17, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Life of Sharing!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Life of Sharing!

“For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” 
1 Corinthians 4:7 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus will be on God’s instruction that we share what we have been given.  Sharing is not usually an easy concept to do or to teach.  James says that it is our selfishness that often keeps us from receiving from God the things we ask for.  Many times we live by two standards.  One that sets forth what we believe God ought to share with us — everything.  And the other standard is what we feel we ought to share with others — only what we decide they deserve.  It is when we begin to see everything we have as gifts from God that we realize we are only being called to share His gifts.  My gifts and abilities are limited, so any gift that would originate with me has limits as well.  God, however, is not limited so His gifts are able to accomplish their purpose as He shares them with us and we share them with others.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you learn to share in the way He would desire.  Pray that your sharing would be done in ways that benefit the needs of 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 to help you grow in the ways you share.

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: Share With Those In Need.  Pray for wisdom in knowing how God would have you share with those in need.  Pray that you would use the things God has given you in a way that benefits others.  Pray that God would help you learn and practice hospitality as a means of sharing with others.  “Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”  Romans 12:13 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Share What You Have.  Pray that you would be able to clearly see from God’s perspective what you have so that you would know what you can share.  Pray for a willingness to share the things you have which exceed what others have.  that He wants you to share.  “John answered, ‘The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same.’”  Luke 3:11 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Share the Gospel.  Pray that God would fill you with a love for people that makes it a delight to share the gospel with them.  Pray that the way you live your life would complement your sharing of the gospel.  “We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.”  1 Thessalonians 2:8 (NIV)

Thursday:  Share Generously.  Pray that you would learn to give generously, not just with things and money, but with your time and good deeds.  Pray that God would fill you with a willingness to share in a way that expresses God’s generosity to you.  “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”  1 Timothy 6:18 (NIV)

Friday:  Share Sacrificially.  Pray that you would always remember to do the good that God requires of you, especially when dong so costs you more than you really wanted to give.  Pray that your sharing with others would be offered to God as a pleasing sacrifice to Him.  “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”  Hebrews 13:16 (NIV)

Saturday:  Share With Those Who Teach.  Pray that your sharing with them would honor those who instruct you in God’s Word.  Pray that you would find ways to share with those you learn from.  Pray that you would share instruction with those who would listen.  “Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.”  Galatians 6:6 (NIV)

August 10, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Not So Secret Plot!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Not So Secret Plot!

“When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples,  ‘As you know, the Passover is two days away — and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.’”
Matthew 26:1-2 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on some of the promises of God.  As Jesus lived on earth, the religious leaders would plot against Him, somehow thinking they could get the upper hand, not realizing that their plans were not a secret to Jesus.  He not only knew the plotting that was being done, He knew how those plots would fulfill His promises.  When God promises comfort, how often do we want it to mean we would never experience a pain that would require His comfort?  Even if we understand the nature of the promise accurately, we often expect the promise to be fulfilled in keeping with our timetable rather than God’s.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you grow in your understanding of His “great and precious” promises.  Pray that you would hold fast to His promises, especially when it takes longer for them to be fulfilled than what you would like.  Pray for the heart, mind, and eyes to see how God has not only extended His promises to you, but calls you to share in extending His promises 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 to help you know, and trust, His promises.

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:  Promised Peace.  Pray that you would listen to God and find a peace in Him that the world cannot take away.  Pray that you would share God’s peace with others as you fully reject a life built on folly.  Pray that the plots of others would not lead you to give up your peace.  “I will listen to what God the LORD will say; he promises peace to his people, his saints — but let them not return to folly.”  Psalm 85:8 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Promised Salvation.  Pray that you would know the unfailing love of God that gives the promise of salvation.  Pray that you would share with others about the salvation God has brought to you as you live for Him.  Pray that you would overcome the plots of the enemy which plant seeds of doubt.  “May your unfailing love come to me, O LORD, your salvation according to your promise.”  Psalm 119:41 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Promised Graciousness.  Pray that you would know the graciousness of God as you seek Him with a whole heart.  Pray that you would learn to be gracious with others as you realize how much you experience the graciousness of God’s promises to you.  “I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.”  Psalm 119:58 (NIV)

Thursday:  Promised Comfort.  Pray that a recognition of God’s unfailing love would comfort you in your times of greatest pain.  Pray that you would be obedient in comforting others with the comfort God has given you according to His promises.  Pray for an awareness of  how the enemy wants to destroy the comfort you receive from God’s promises.  “May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant.”  Psalm 119:76 (NIV)

Friday:  Promised Deliverance.  Pray that you would always turn to God as the one who can meet your needs “according to His riches in glory.”  Pray that you would fully consider how God has delivered you as you share His promises of deliverance to the people around you.  “May my supplication come before you; deliver me according to your promise.”  Psalm 119:170 (NIV)

Saturday:  Promised Eternal Life.  Pray that you would always hold fast to the greatest promise of God — eternal life through Jesus Christ.  Pray that  you would have the courage to speak boldly with others about eternal life as a promise which we can hold on to because the One who promises is faithful.  “And this is what he promised us — even eternal life.”  1 John 2:25 (NIV)

August 3, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Keeping Watch!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Keeping Watch!

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” 
Matthew 25:13 (NIV)

This week’s prayer guide will focus on the instruction of Jesus for us to keep watch.  As Jesus taught during the week leading up to His crucifixion, He spent time instructing His followers to keep watch.  His teaching found in the twenty-fifth chapter of Matthew is a good reminder for all of us to live life keeping watch.  When we learn to watch, we often find ourselves learning to also wait as we long for the very thing we don’t yet see.  As you pray this week, ask God to open your eyes to the things He would have you see.  Pray for a heart, mind, and spirit that keep watch and are not distracted by the noise of the world.  Pray that you would be an active participant in keeping watch rather than a passive bystander to what goes on around you.  Pray for godly patience as your watching for the return of Christ requires you to wait.  Pray that keeping watch would help you to be found ready when Christ returns.

“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 keep watch as you wait for the return 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:  Watch With Wisdom.  Pray that you would be filled with godly wisdom as you watch for the return of Christ.  Pray that your wisdom would lead you to be prepared as your watching is done in a period of waiting.  Pray that God would help you share with others about the wisdom of preparation.  “The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps.”  Matthew 25:4 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Watch With Awareness.  Pray that you would live with an awareness of the importance of what you have in Christ.  Pray about how God wants you to hold fast to that which you have, even as you share with others about the coming return of Christ.  “’No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you.  Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’”  Matthew 25:9 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Watch With Trust.  Pray about how you are using the things entrusted to you by God as you watch for the return of Christ.  Pray that you would be a trusted servant of God as you faithfully use the gifts He has placed in your life.  “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them.”  Matthew 25:14 (NIV)

Thursday:  Watch With Compassion.  Pray that your watching for the return of  Christ would be done with an eye toward the needs of others.  Pray about how you can express compassion for others in all that you do.  “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.”  Matthew 25:35 (NIV)

Friday:  Watch With Humility.  Pray that your deeds of compassion would be done with humility.  Pray for a humility which serves others with no expectation of recognition.  Pray that you would love others as an expression of your love for Christ.  “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?’”  Matthew 25:37 (NIV)

Saturday:  Keep On Watching.  Pray that you would persevere in waiting and watching for the return of  Christ.  Pray that nothing would distract you from taking care of the Master’s business as you watch for His return.  Pray that your faithfulness to Jesus would endure as you keep on watching for His return.  “After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them.”  Matthew 25:19 (NIV)

July 27, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Growing Together!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Growing Together!

“Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” 
Acts 2:46-47 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on God’s desire that we do life together.  The early believers met together in public and they met together in their homes.  The nature of their coming together was such that they enjoyed “favor with all the people.”  The result of such favor was that “the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”  As you pray this week, ask God to help you know the value of one another as we live this Christian life together.  Pray that you would interact with others in ways that promote favor and goodwill among people.  Pray that God would help you to see how your interactions with other believers can be a fruitful witness for the cause of Christ.  Pray that you would find joy in the coming together of the body of Christ whenever you have the opportunity to be together.  Pray for a spirit of unity within 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 to help you grow together with other believers.

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:  Growing Together In Prayer.  Ask God to help you give greater value to the practice of praying together.  Pray that you would be faithful in joining in prayer with others, and for others, even when you are not able to be with them in person.  “They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.”  Acts 1:14 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Growing Together With Joy.  Pray that you would bring joy to others when you are together.  Pray that you would know the refreshing from God that can come through joining together with your brothers and sisters in Christ.  Pray for a growing desire to meet together in ways which share joy.  “By God’s will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed.”  Romans 15:32 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Growing Together As God’s Dwelling.  Pray that you would see yourself not only as an individual dwelling of God’s Spirit, but also as a part of the larger community of His body.  Pray for eyes which see the household of God being built together with those who are in Christ.  “And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.”  Ephesians 2:22 (NIV)

Thursday:  Growing Together In Unity.  Pray that you would clothe yourself in the love necessary to grow in unity.  Pray for a heart of love that would bind together all of the good things that Christ has put within you.  Pray that you would grow in the things which promote unity.  “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”  Colossians 3:14 (NIV)

Friday:  Growing Together For Perfection.  Pray that your life in Christ would follow in the footsteps of those who have lived by faith so that together each would be made perfect.  Pray that your walk of faith would be perfected by those who follow in your footsteps.  “God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.”  Hebrews 11:40 (NIV)

Saturday:  Growing Together For Truth.  Pray that you would be welcoming and supportive of those who risk much to take the good news of Jesus to people both near and far.  Pray that you would be deliberate about working together with others to share the truth of Jesus wherever you go.  “We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men so that we may work together for the truth.”  3 John 1:8 (NIV)

July 20, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Seeing the Signs!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Seeing the Signs!

“As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. ‘Tell us,’ they said, ‘when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?’” 
Matthew 24:3 (NIV)

This week our prayer focus will be on our need to pay attention to the happenings of life from the view of an eternal perspective.  We often see in Scripture that Jesus noticed things which were different from what others paid attention to.  When we become distracted by the things of this world, Jesus desires to turn our attention to the things we ought to watch out for.  The goal is not to frighten us, but to challenge us with the need to be ready for eternity as we notice the signs of a failing world.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you be aware of the attempts of the enemy to destroy you.  Pray that your relationship with Jesus would fill you with His presence in a way that gives you the strength, wisdom, and courage to always be watchful.  Pray that your desire to know Christ and the power of His resurrection would be greater than any other desire you have.  Pray that seeing the signs would encourage you rather than frighten 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 to help you see, and respond appropriately to, the signs leading to the return 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: Seeing the Suffering.  Pray that your eyes would be opened to the sufferings people experience because of their faith.  Pray that an awareness of the sufferings of others would lead you to greater compassion as you see the return of Jesus nearing.  “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.”  Matthew 24:9 (NIV)

Tuesday: Seeing the Illusion.  Pray that your walk with Jesus would be genuine so that the imposters of this world would not deceive you.  Pray that God’s Spirit would help you see through the illusions brought forth by the evil one.  “For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect — if that were possible.”  Matthew 24:24 (NIV)

Wednesday: Seeing the Gathering.  Pray that you would heed the call of God to gather with fellow believers now as you look toward the final gathering.  Pray that you would see the value of being ready for the gathering of all those who belong to  Christ.  “And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.”  Matthew 24:31 (NIV) 

Thursday: Seeing the Night.  Pray that you would realize the darkness of the night in which we live.  Pray that you would keep watch through the night as you long for the day of Christ’s return.  “But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into.”  Matthew 24:43 (NIV)

Friday: Seeing the Sorrow.  Pray that you would see, and avoid, the sorrow which will come upon all those who reject the Son.  Pray for a genuine faith in Jesus which obeys Him wholeheartedly so that no seeds of hypocrisy could grow.  Pray that your life would lead others to Jesus so they too can avoid the coming sorrow.  “He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”  Matthew 24:51 (NIV)

Saturday:  Seeing the Signs.  Pray that you would be ready at all times for the return of Jesus.  Pray that you would see the signs of the end approaching and be motivated to share Jesus with others.  Pray for a readiness that exists in your life because of the work of Jesus so that you are always prepared whether you expect it to be now or later.  “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”  Matthew 24:44 (NIV)

July 13, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Changed By Woe!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Changed By Woe!

“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 the woe we experience.  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 woe we experience and the woe we cause can be either godly sorrow or worldly sorrow.  One of the clearest ways to determine the true source of the woe is to examine just what it 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 great woe.

“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 and respond to godly sorrow — the woe 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: A Changed 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: A Changed 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: A Changed 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: A Changed 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: A Changed 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:  A Changed 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)

July 6, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Knowing the Great “I AM”!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Knowing the Great “I AM”!

“Then he said to them, ‘Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.’  When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away.”
Matthew 22:21-22 (NIV)

Who’s in charge?  How much authority has Jesus been given by His Father?  What does it mean to know Jesus as the “I AM”?  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.  As  you pray this week, 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 that your response to the invitation and mandate of Jesus would reflect a godly response to His authority.  Pray that you would know God as revealed to us through His Son, 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 know and respond to Jesus as the Great I AM.

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:  I AM In Heaven and on Earth.   Pray that you would open every aspect of your life to the authority of Jesus.  Pray that your life would be lived under the authority of Jesus.  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:  I AM In 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 the authority in them.  “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:  I AM To Forgive 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:  I AM 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:  I AM To Judge.  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 One 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:  I AM To 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)

June 29, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: What Will You Do?

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

What Will You Do?

“What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’“
Matthew 21:28 (NIV)

Most adults seem to like the command where God says children are to obey their parents.  We like it because we tend to unconsciously add two small words to it.  We tend to read it, “[Little] Children obey your [good] parents in the Lord, for this is right.”  Yes, there are limits when it comes to obeying people — “We must obey God rather than men” — but obedience is a trait that God expects all of His children to exhibit.  This week, as we pray about what we ought to do, we will be praying about following the example of Jesus, who “became obedient to death — even death on a cross.”  As you pray, ask God to help you examine your current level of obedience and reveal how you need to grow to become more like Christ.  Pray that your decisions would be godly so that your obedience would follow.  Pray that you would value the choice of obedience in your life and in the lives of others.  Pray that the results of your obedience would help the people around you see Jesus more clearly.

“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 honor Him with your obedience in the things you 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: Obedience That Is Steadfast.  Pray that God would help you maintain a steadfast obedience to the decrees of God.  Pray that your times of doubt would be replaced by a steadfast commitment to obeying the laws of God.  “Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees!”  Psalm 119:5 (NIV)

Tuesday: Obedience In Your Thoughts.  Pray that God’s Spirit would guard  your mind so that every thought is obedient to Christ.  Pray for the wisdom to see through the arguments and pretension that would lead you away from obedient thoughts.  “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)

Wednesday: Obedience That is Wholehearted.  Pray that you would pursue a wholehearted obedience to the teachings of God in order to escape the slavery of sin.  Pray that you would help other know they do not have to remain a slave to sin.  “But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted.”  Romans 6:17 (NIV)

Thursday: Obedience to Leaders.  Pray that your obedience would be a joy to the leaders who have authority over you.  Pray that you would recognize the advantages that come, both to you and your leaders, when you obey.  “Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.”  Hebrews 13:17 (NIV)

Friday: Obedience to the Truth.  Pray that you would be able to express pure love for others because of your obedience to the truth.  Pray that you would allow God to purify your life by your willingness to obey His truth.  “Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.”  1 Peter 1:22 (NIV)

Saturday:  Obedience to God’s Commands.  Pray that your love for God would be expressed in your obedience to His commands.  Pray that the command to walk in love would be the foundation for your obedience.  “And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.”  2 John 1:6 (NIV)

June 22, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Working For the King!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Working For the King!

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”  
Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)

Working for the King is not as much about the specific tasks that we do as it is about the attitude that we do them with.  Living as a kingdom worker recognizes both our need to rest and our need to be productive.  The American mindset often portrays the hours we spend at a paid job as belonging to our employer while the rest of the hours belong to us.  When you live and work as a kingdom citizen, however, all of the hours belong to the King.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine the attitudes you approach work with.  Pray that you would find a balance of rest and work that is pleasing to God.  Pray about how God would want you to honor Him in your work.  Pray for the courage to work for the Lord in whatever you do — paid work, volunteer work, home work.  Pray for faithfulness and endurance as you work with an eternal inheritance set before you as your reward.  Pray for wisdom in knowing the difference between the good works God has created you to do and the busy work that man may want you to do.

“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 honor Him in the ways you work.

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:  Work That Is Established.  Pray that you would seek the favor of God in all of the work He sets before you.  Pray that your work would be established by God as you choose to do the very work He has created in advance to be done through you.  “May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us — yes, establish the work of our hands.”  Psalm 90:17 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Work That Is Shared.  Pray that you would look for opportunities to share in the work God is doing through others.  Pray for wisdom in partnering with people who will increase the effectiveness of the work you do for the Lord.  Pray for humility which allows you to ask for help in the work you do.  “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work.”  Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Work That Helps the Weak.  Pray that God would purify your motives in the work you do.  Pray that you would follow the examples of those who work hard to help others.  “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)

Thursday:  Work That Bears Fruit.  Pray that your work would please the Lord as it bears fruit to His glory.  Pray that you would be an example to others as you live a life God would call worthy.  “And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.”  Colossians 1:10 (NIV)

Friday:  Work That Is Remembered.  Pray that you would not become weary in helping others through the work you do.  Pray that you would be encouraged by knowing God will always remember your work done in love.  “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”  Hebrews 6:10 (NIV)

Saturday:  Work That Is Known By God.  Pray that your work would be done in such a way that it brings you peace to have it known by God.  Pray that all of your work would be done with an awareness that it doesn’t escape God’s notice.  Pray about how you can help others to rejoice in what God knows about their deeds.  “I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance.”  Revelation 2:2 (NIV)