Prayer Guides

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Living With Discernment!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Living With Discernment!

 

“Who is wise? He will realize these things.
Who is discerning? He will understand them.
The ways of the LORD are right;  the righteous walk in them,
but the rebellious stumble in them.”
Hosea 14:9 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is a return to a prayer guide I had written a few years ago about living with godly discernment.  Discernment is the quality necessary to live in the world between “everything is permissible” and “not everything is beneficial”.  Without discernment we will often find our self drifting to one extreme or the other.  We either latch onto the “everything is permissible” mantra and begin to live as if anything goes, or we focus almost exclusively on the “thou shalt not” mindset and limit what we approve only to the things we deem beneficial.  Discernment is a gift from God that helps us to live in the freedom of doing what benefits others according to their need.  As you pray this week, ask God to fill you with a discernment that gives you a greater understanding of His righteous ways.  Pray that discernment would help you to choose the best — not only over what is bad, but perhaps more importantly, over what is simply “good enough”.  Pray for discernment in the midst of a flood of information that is often confusing and conflicting.  Pray for discernment in what you say and share, whether in person or on social media.  Pray for grace in how you deal with others, knowing that only God can be fully accurate in discerning the heart of someone else. Pray for a spirit of unity within your church congregation and within the body of Christ as a whole.  Pray each day for the individuals of your church family as well as for the body of Christ as a whole.

“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 live with discernment.

Sunday:  Pray for your church staff and leadership as they navigate the many complexities of leading and shepherding in these uncertain times.  Pray for the spiritual and financial health of the congregation to remain strong during this time of not being able to meet together physically.  Pray that God would work through you in a mighty way to encourage others this week.

Monday:  Discernment to Understand God’s Laws.  Pray that you would serve God with discernment in order to understand how He works through His laws.  Pray for the discernment needed to accurately share the beauty of God’s laws with others.  Pray that your understanding would lead you to live according to the commands of God.  “I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes.”  Psalm 119:125 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Discernment to Guide Your Understanding.  Pray for discernment to find God’s guidance in understanding the proverbs and parables of the Bible.  Pray that God’s Spirit would be the voice of discernment in your life.  Pray that your discernment would lead to knowing the truth found in the sayings of the wise.  “Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance — for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.”  Proverbs 1:5-6 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Discernment that Leads to Life.  Pray that you would hold on to the discernment that comes from sound judgment.  Pray that godly discernment would keep you from the paths that lead to destruction.  Pray that you would wear discernment in a way that brings life to you and to those around you.  “My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck.”  Proverbs 3:21-22 (NIV)

Thursday:  Discernment that Leads to Wise Instruction.  Pray for a heart of wisdom that would lead to you being known as discerning.  Pray that God would grant you wisdom that reflects Him to each person you meet.  Pray for the discernment needed to share pleasant words that lead to the instruction of those who hear.  “The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction.”  Proverbs 16:21 (NIV)

Friday:  Discernment that Seeks True Knowledge.  Pray that the discernment you seek from God would lead to actual knowledge.  Pray that you would have “wise ears” that seek out the knowledge that comes through godly discernment.  Pray that the knowledge you find would accurately reflect the nature of God.  “The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out.”  Proverbs 18:15 (NIV)

Saturday:  Discernment that Leads to What is Best.  Pray that you would live with a discernment that comes from an abundance of love.  Pray that you would allow godly discernment to lead you in doing what is best, according to God, in all things.  “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ.”  Philippians 1:9-10 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Be Reconciled!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Be Reconciled!

 

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!  All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.”
2 Corinthians 5:17-18 (NIV)

In a time when the things which divide us from one another often seems greater than that which unites us, this week’s prayer focus is about being reconciled to God with the task of facilitating reconciliation with others.  Webster’s dictionary says that reconcile means “to bring one thing into correspondence with another.”  I really like that definition as it highlights the importance of dialogue and honest communication with one another.  When we are reconciled to God, it is through the blood of Jesus that the line of communication has been opened between us and God.  It is only through Christ that we can be brought into balance and agreement with God.  As we are reconciled to God, He calls us to be involved in not only helping others to experience reconciliation with God, but to work at the ministry of reconciliation with one another.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you walk in balance with Him.  Pray about the reconciliation you need with God and with others.  Pray that your ears, and heart, would be open to truly listen to others.  Pray that you would seek out ways to enter into “correspondence with another” as you seek to be reconciled to those you don’t currently understand.  Pray that you would be “quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry” in all of your interactions with others.  Pray for a spirit of unity within your church congregation and within the body of Christ as a whole.  Pray each day for the individuals of your church family as well as for the body of Christ as a whole.

“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 to be reconciled to Him and to one another.

Sunday:  Pray for your church staff and leadership as they navigate the many complexities of leading and shepherding in these uncertain times.  Pray for the spiritual and financial health of the congregation to remain strong during this time of not being able to meet together physically.  Pray that God would work through you in a mighty way to encourage others this week.

Monday:  Be Reconciled Before Worship.  Pray for clarity in seeing how a lack of reconciliation has hindered your worship of God.  Pray that you would  have the courage to be reconciled to others so that your worship would be pleasing and acceptable to God.  “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.”  Matthew 5:23-24 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Be Reconciled with Adversaries.  Pray for the courage needed to have conversations of reconciliation with those who oppose you.  Pray that you would make a sincere effort to be reconciled to those who are against you.  “As you are going with your adversary to the magistrate, try hard to be reconciled to him on the way, or he may drag you off to the judge, and the judge turn you over to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison.”  Luke 12:58 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Be Reconciled with One Another.  Pray that you would see the people around you as brothers and sisters who need each other.  Pray that you would listen to the attempts of people when they try to help you be reconciled to others.  “The next day Moses came upon two Israelites who were fighting. He tried to reconcile them by saying, ‘Men, you are brothers; why do you want to hurt each other?’”  Acts 7:26 (NIV)

Thursday:  Be Reconciled through Jesus Christ.  Pray that Jesus would be at the center of your conversations and desire for reconciliation.  Pray that you would always seek to be reconciled to God through Jesus and that you would see Jesus as the means for all reconciliation.  “For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!”  Romans 5:10 (NIV)

Friday:  Be An Ambassador of Reconciliation.  Pray that you would be an instrument of peace as you carry a message of reconciliation and call people to be reconciled to God and to one another.  Pray that you would actively be involved in calling people to be reconciled to God.  “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”  2 Corinthians 5:20 (NIV)

Saturday:  Be Reconciled to Be Holy.  Pray that the holiness of Christ in you would be the center of your reconciliation with God and with others.  Pray that you would value the cost of reconciliation by pursuing a holy life in Christ.  “But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.”  Colossians 1:22 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Keep On Keeping On!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Keep On Keeping On!

 

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”
Philippians 3:12 (NIV)

In this time of confusing and conflicting information surrounding everything COVID-19 related, it is imperative that we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and keep pressing on.  In the midst of a seemingly endless list of things you can’t do, shouldn’t do, and are encouraged not to do; it is far too easy to forget to keep doing what you can do.  God’s desire is that we would be faithful to the end — which means we keep on keeping on with the things of God until our time on earth is through.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine fully the things that you can and should do.  Pray that you would not be distracted by the things which can’t be done at this time.  Pray for wisdom each day to accurately evaluate what you should, and shouldn’t, keep on doing.  Pray that you would live in such a way that you would take hold of the things of God and help others to do the same.  Pray for a greater understanding of the individual nature of the journey each of us are on in Christ.  Pray for the ability to remain focused on the common goal rather than be distracted by the differences of the individual steps we each take. Pray for a spirit of unity within your church congregation and within the body of Christ as a whole.  Pray each day for the individuals of your church family as well as for the body of Christ as a whole.

“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 remain faithful in the things you ought to keep on doing.

Sunday:  Pray for your church staff and leadership as they navigate the many complexities of leading and shepherding in these uncertain times.  Pray for the spiritual and financial health of the congregation to remain strong during this time of not being able to meet together physically.  Pray that God would work through you in a mighty way to encourage others this week.

Monday:  Keep On the Right Path.  Pray that you would be one who listens to God and gains wisdom from His Word.  Pray that your obedient response to God’s Word would keep you on the right path.  Pray that your heart would be inclined to the things of God so that you would not be led astray.  “Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path.”  Proverbs 23:19 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Keep On Watching.  Pray that you would live a life ready for the return of Jesus as you work and watch for Him.  Pray that you would not be distracted by the things of this world which tempt you to take your eyes off of Jesus.  Pray that your life would help others to keep watch and be ready for Christ’s return.  “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”  Matthew 24:42 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Keep On Speaking.  Pray that you would not let fear keep you from speaking about your relationship with God.  Pray that your words and actions would match and represent Jesus well.  Pray that you would use gentleness and respect as you keep on speaking about what Jesus has done in your life.  “One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: ‘Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent.’”  Acts 18:9 (NIV)

Thursday:  Keep On Being Blameless.  Pray that you would turn to God for the strength you need each day.  Pray that you would live a blameless life as you trust in God’s ability and power to cleanse you from all unrighteousness through the blood of Jesus.  “He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  1 Corinthians 1:8 (NIV)

Friday:  Keep On Praying.   Ask God to help you listen to His Spirit as you pray at all times.  Ask God to help your prayer life to grow as your alertness makes you more aware of the needs of others.  Pray that you would never become weary of praying for 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)

Saturday:  Keep On Loving One Another.   Pray that your love of God would keep your love for one another alive and growing.  Pray for the wisdom to love others as the brothers and sisters in Christ that they are.  Pray about how God’s love for you is expressed by you to the people around you.  Pray that love would be the foundation of how you treat one another regardless of how many opinions you agree, or disagree, on.  “Keep on loving each other as brothers.”  Hebrews 13:1 (NIV)

 

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Understanding!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Understanding!

 

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

This week’s prayer emphasis will be to pray about growing in our understanding — our understanding of the things of God as well as our understanding of one another.  I believe we always need people who understand the times and know what needs to be done, but perhaps that need has never been greater in our lifetime than it is now.  In a nation full of division, perhaps our understanding of the times would lead us to a greater understanding of God and then to a greater understanding of people.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you grow in understanding.  Pray that you would seek an understanding of the things of God in order to have a greater perspective on the things of this life.  Pray that you would learn to listen for the purpose of understanding — both in your listening to God and in your listening to others.  Pray that the knowledge and wisdom that you seek would be found through a fear of the Lord and that He would increase your understanding as you learn from Him.  Pray that an understanding of the times in which we live would help you to live in such a way that your life bears much fruit for God’s kingdom.  Pray for humility so that the understanding provided by God in response to your prayers would not become a source of pride. Pray for a spirit of unity within your church congregation and within the body of Christ as a whole.  Pray each day for the individuals of your church family as well as for the body of Christ as a whole.

“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 Him and of others.

Sunday:  Pray for your church staff and leadership as they navigate the many complexities of leading and shepherding in these uncertain times.  Pray for the spiritual and financial health of the congregation to remain strong during this time of not being able to meet together physically.  Pray that God would work through you in a mighty way to encourage others this week.

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Needing One Another (Week Two)

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Needing One Another (Week Two)

 

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work:  If one falls down, his friend can help him up.  But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!”
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis is week two of praying about our need for one another.  In the midst of this COVID-19 pandemic it is good to be reminded to pray for one another and to pray about our need for one another.  In a time when social distancing requirements and stay at home orders have left many living under a cloud of gloom they can’t quite identify, we need each other now more than ever.  As you pray this week, ask God to give you eyes that see the needs of others.  Pray that you would be the friend who helps others up and that you would have the friends in your life who help you up.  Pray for a spirit of creativity and understanding in learning how to walk this life together with others during these trying times.  Pray for a heart of compassion that notices the unspoken needs of others.  Pray that your interactions with others would be a blessing and encouragement to them in all ways.  Pray that God would be the foundation and center of all your relationships with others as you look to Him to lift each person up in ways that only He can.  Pray that God’s love would be evident in your relationships with others as you make Jesus known with your life.  Pray for your family, your neighbors, your church family, your co-workers, and anyone else God brings to your mind.  Pray for a spirit of unity within your church congregation and within the body of Christ as a whole.  Pray each day for the individuals of your church family as well as for the body of Christ as a whole.

“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 understand how much you need others and how much they need you.

Sunday:  Pray for your church staff and leadership as they navigate the many complexities of leading and shepherding in these uncertain times.  Pray for the spiritual and financial health of the congregation to remain strong during this time of not being able to meet together physically.  Pray that God would work through you in a mighty way to encourage others this week.

Monday:  Submit to One Another.  Pray for the humility from God that will help you to consider the needs of others above your own.  Pray that your relationship with Jesus would help you to submit to others.  Pray that God would purify you of the selfish thoughts and actions that prevent you from seeing the needs of others in the way that God would want.  “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”  Ephesians 5:21 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Teach and Admonish One Another.  Pray that you would both give and receive teaching and admonishment.  Pray for a heart that allows the riches of God’s Word dwell within you as it directs your life.  “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.”  Colossians 3:16 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Forgive One Another.  Pray for a spirit of understanding that can see the difficulties others go through.  Pray that God would help you look beyond the faults of others.  Pray that the forgiveness you have received from God would help you to forgive others.  “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”  Colossians 3:13 (NIV)

Thursday:  Encourage One Another.  Pray that you would continually find ways to encourage others each day.  Pray for wisdom in knowing and doing the things each day that would be an encouragement to others.  Pray that your heart would not be hardened by sin.  “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”  Hebrews 3:13 (NIV)

Friday:  Spur One Another On.   Pray that nothing would deter you from knowing and sharing the hope that you have in Christ.  Pray that your faith in God would challenge others to love and good deeds even as their faith challenges you to be more Christ-like.  “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.  And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”  Hebrews 10:23-24 (NIV)

Saturday:  Fellowship With One Another.   Pray for wisdom in finding ways to fellowship with others through these times of social distancing and restrictions.  Pray that you would seek out fellowship with others who are walking in the light of Jesus.  “If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”  1 John 1:6-7 (NIV)

 

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Needing One Another

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Needing One Another

 

“As it is, there are many parts, but one body.  The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you!’ And the head cannot say to the feet, ‘I don’t need you!’”
1 Corinthians 12:20-21 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will bring back one of the first topical scripture-based prayer guides I published back in the year 2013.  In the midst of this COVID-19 pandemic it is good to be reminded to pray for one another and to pray about our need for one another.  The Bible has much to say about our need for one another, so this will be week one of a two week series on this topic.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you consider your need for others and their need for you.  As you pray each day, ask God to help the individual qualities to be ever-increasing in your life and in your interactions with others.  Pray for a greater sense of value for all parts of the body of Christ.  Pray about how you view others, especially those who are different from you in personality, responsibility, and gifting.  Pray that even as we value one another based on God’s instructions, that we would never forget that our real value comes from God rather than from people.  Pray about how you can be the “one another” that others need — particularly in these times of great uncertainty.  Pray for the humility to accept and serve one another according to their need and according to God’s gifting in your life.   Pray for a spirit of unity within your church congregation and within the body of Christ as a whole.  Pray each day for the individuals of your church family as well as for the body of Christ as a whole.

“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 understand how much you need others and how much they need you.

Sunday:  Pray for your church staff and leadership as they navigate the many complexities of leading and shepherding in these uncertain times.  Pray for the spiritual and financial health of the congregation to remain strong during this time of not being able to meet together physically.  Pray that God would work through you in a mighty way to encourage others this week.

Monday:  Love one another.  Pray that your love for people would help them to know you as a disciple of Jesus.  Pray that God would increase your love for others in response to knowing His love for you.  “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”  John 13:34-35 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Be devoted to and honor one another.  Pray that you would show proper devotion and honor to others.  Pray that you would see beyond your own needs to know how to properly honor others.  Pray for a confidence in being cared for and honored by others, and by God, as you devote yourself to others.  “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.”  Romans 12:10 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Accept one another.  Pray that God would be praised because you accept others in the same way Christ accepted you.  Pray for a greater understanding of how God has accepted you even as He transforms you into the likeness of Christ.  Pray for a better reflection of Jesus in the way you accept others.   “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”  Romans 15:7 (NIV)

Thursday:  Serve one another.  Pray that you would be eager to serve others with the freedom you have in Christ.  Pray that you would reject the temptation to sin as you exercise the freedoms you have in Christ.  Pray that love would always guide you in 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)

Friday:  Bear with one another.  Pray that you would “put up” with others as they “put up” with you.  Pray that you would grow in humility and gentleness as you live by God’s Spirit.  Pray for patience with one another as you pray that they would have patience with you.  “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.”  Ephesians 4:2-3 (NIV)

Saturday:  Be kind and compassionate to one another.   Pray that your words and attitude would show kindness to others.  Pray that God would show you the things in  your life that need to be gone so that  you can be kind and compassionate to one another.  “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”  Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)

 

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Finding Help

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Finding Help

 

 “I lift up my eyes to the hills — where does my help come from?  My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about looking to God to find the help we need for each day.  I believe one of the things this global COVID-19 pandemic is teaching us is that human ingenuity on its own is severely lacking when it comes to meeting our every need.  It is in the most difficult of times that we often learn most clearly what our needs really are — and where our real help must come from.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you.  Pray that you would keep your eyes fixed on Him as you seek the help you need.  Pray for the ability to notice His hand at work in all of the help you receive, and in all of the help you give to others.  Pray that God would meet your needs according to His riches in glory.  Pray that God would help all of those researching COVID-19 and the countless other diseases, viruses, and calamities . . . and pray that they would look to and recognize God as their help.  Pray for the humility to both request and accept help from God through others and to give help from God to others.  Pray that your testimony of God’s goodness and help would be clear and visible as you “do your good works so that people see them and glorify your Father in heaven.”   Pray for a spirit of unity within your church congregation and within the body of Christ as a whole.  Pray each day for the individuals of your church family as well as for the body of Christ as a whole.

“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 look to Him at all times for the source of the help you need.

Sunday:  Pray for your church staff and leadership as they navigate the many complexities of leading and shepherding in these uncertain times.  Pray for the spiritual and financial health of the congregation to remain strong during this time of not being able to meet together physically.  Pray that God would work through you in a mighty way to encourage others this week.

Monday:  Finding Help When Distressed.  Pray that God would remove the stress from your distress as you cry out to Him for help.  Pray for the confidence in knowing that God has heard your prayers and His help is on the way.  “In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help.  From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears.”  Psalm 18:6 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Finding Help When Weak.  Pray that you would always turn to God for help, but especially so when you recognize your own weakness.  Pray for an awareness of God’s nearness to you when you feel you can go no further.  Pray that you would know the perfect timing of God’s help when you need His strength.  “But you, O LORD, be not far off; O my Strength, come quickly to help me.”  Psalm 22:19 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Finding Help When Needing Mercy.  Pray for a greater realization of just how much you are in need of God’s mercy.  Pray that a proper understanding of what  you do, and don’t, deserve would fill you with gratitude for God’s mercy.  Pray with thanksgiving for a God who hears and is merciful in your time of need.  “Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me; O LORD, be my help.”  Psalm 30:10 (NIV)

Thursday:  Finding Help When Needing Protection.  Pray that God would fill you with great hope as you wait for Him to act with perfect timing.  Pray for God’s presence within you to be the shield of protection you need.  Pray that your patient endurance would be rewarded by a protection that can only come from God.  “We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.”  Psalm 33:20 (NIV)

Friday:  Finding Help When Feeling Estranged.  Pray for a greater practice and desire to draw near to God, especially at times when you feel distant.  Pray for a confidence in knowing that God hears you and responds to you when you call out to Him from wherever you are.  “Hear my prayer, O LORD, listen to my cry for help; be not deaf to my weeping.  For I dwell with you as an alien, a stranger, as all my fathers were.”  Psalm 39:12 (NIV)

Saturday:  Finding Help When Afraid.  Pray that God would fill you with His peace when the things of this world are frightening.  Pray that you would recognize the comfort of God holding your hand in the midst of fearful situations.  Pray that your walk with God would be a comfort to others when they are afraid.  “For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”  Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)

 

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Be Prepared

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Be Prepared

 

“He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me,
and he prepares the way
so that I may show him the salvation of God.”
Psalm 50:23 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about our need to be prepared!  A long time ago I had a mentor tell me that everything I was currently going through should be used as preparation for whatever God would lead me to next.  I believe that is a very good lesson for these current times of uncertainty.  For most of us, that is much easier to do when our circumstances are pleasant and desirable.  Live through the massive restrictions of a global pandemic and we’re more apt to spend our time looking for whatever is next, and in so doing miss the preparation time thus delaying the next step because we are not prepared.  God’s desire is that we would not only be prepared for an eternity with Him, but that we would also be prepared for our journey of life through this world we live in.  When we are prepared with an open heart that honors God, we are more likely to see the salvation He offers.  As you pray, ask God to help you do the things necessary for you to be prepared for the salvation which comes from Him.  Pray for wisdom in living today as preparation for tomorrow.  Pray that you would not be so anxious for whatever is next that you miss the preparation necessary.  Pray for the endurance necessary to put in the preparation work that is needed in your life.  Pray that you would do the things God has prepared for you.  Pray for a spirit of unity within your church congregation and within the body of Christ as a whole.  Pray each day for the individuals of your church family as well as for the body of Christ as a whole.

“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 use this time to be prepared for now, the future, and eternity.

Sunday:  Pray for your church staff and leadership as they navigate the many complexities of leading and shepherding in these uncertain times.  Pray for the spiritual and financial health of the congregation to remain strong during this time of not being able to meet together physically.  Pray that God would work through you in a mighty way to encourage others this week.

Monday:  Be Prepared For An Inheritance.  Pray that you would use this time in history to prepare yourself, and others, for a kingdom inheritance.  Pray that you would know the blessings of God as you seek first His kingdom and share that good news with others.  “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.’”  Matthew 25:34 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Be Prepared For Glory.  Pray that you would continually see the riches of God’s glory on display even in these times.  Pray that you would know the preparation God has already done in order for you to receive His mercy.  “What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory — even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles?”  Romans 9:23-24 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Be Prepared For Good Work.  Pray that you would use the current times to not only be prepared, but to do good work.  Pray that you would allow God’s cleansing to prepare you for the good work He has for you now and into the future.  “If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.”  2 Timothy 2:21 (NIV)

Thursday:  Be Prepared At All Times.  Pray that you would always be prepared to share the Word of God with those who need to hear it.  Pray that your times of preparation would include both “great patience and careful instruction” for yourself and then for others.  “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage — with great patience and careful instruction.”  2 Timothy 4:2 (NIV)

Friday:  Be Prepared For Action.  Pray that you would be prepared to act on the things God calls you to do today and throughout this pandemic.  Pray that you would be prepared by the grace of God to realize, and share, His grace which has been given to you.  “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.”  1 Peter 1:13 (NIV)

Saturday:  Be Prepared To Give an Answer.  Pray that your life of preparation would begin by setting apart Christ as Lord in your life.   Pray that your answers would be given with the gentleness and respect that people need.  “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”  1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Living With Perseverance

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Living With Perseverance

 

“Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
James 1:4 (NIV)

In a world where the layers of pretense regarding mankind’s ability to control the details of life are continually being peeled away, this week’s prayer focus is about living with perseverance.  I originally wrote and published this prayer guide a couple years ago but felt our current circumstances make its return useful.  In a world that is always in a hurry, perseverance can be a rare and little sought characteristic in our life.  God not only wants us to persevere, He wants us to find purpose and joy in doing so.  God promises an eternal reward not to those who are just faithful for a while, but to those who are faithful to the end.  Perseverance is the quality that keeps us pursuing God even in the midst of a global pandemic.  It is through these tough times that God works to mature us into the people He knows we ought to be because it is who He created us to be.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you to not give up.  Pray that you would look ahead to the end result of perseverance as  you struggle through the daily difficulty of life.  Pray that you would not be the cause of someone wanting to give up.  Pray for the humility needed to look past the criticism and doubts of others so that you can see the eternal value of perseverance as you seek to live a life that is faithful to the end.  Pray that the people around you would be encouraged by your words and actions to persevere in their faith and pursuit of God.  Pray for a spirit of unity within your church congregation and within the body of Christ as a whole.  Pray each day for the individuals of your church family as well as for the body of Christ as a whole.

“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 strengthen you in faith and perseverance.

Sunday:  Pray for your church staff and leadership as they navigate the many complexities of leading and shepherding in these uncertain times.  Pray for the spiritual and financial health of the congregation to remain strong during this time of not being able to meet together physically.  Pray that God would work through you in a mighty way to encourage others this week.

Monday: Perseverance that Produces.  Pray that you would have a good and noble heart that readily accepts the Word of God.  Pray that you would give God’s Word time to grow and produce a crop in your life and in the lives of others.  “But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.”  Luke 8:15 (NIV)

Tuesday: Perseverance In Suffering.  Pray that you would know the value of perseverance to such an extent that you would rejoice in the things that produces it in you.  Pray that you would help others grow in their faith as they see the sufferings of life producing perseverance in you.  “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance.”  Romans 5:3 (NIV)

Wednesday: Perseverance Because of Love.  Pray that you would pursue a greater love that helps you to always persevere.  Pray that the people around you would know more of God’s love as they see it in you.  Pray that God would fill you with a love that perseveres even among those you find unlovable.  “[Love] always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”  1 Corinthians 13:7 (NIV)

Thursday: Perseverance Which Gets Noticed.  Pray that you would be encouraged in your faith as you observe the perseverance of others.  Pray that you would find ways for the difficulties you face in life to be an example to others of godly perseverance.  “Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.”  2 Thessalonians 1:4 (NIV)

Friday: Perseverance In Life and Doctrine.  Pray that you would pay close attention to what you believe and how you do life.  Pray that nothing would sway you from living a godly life that holds fast to the teachings of Jesus.  “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.”  1 Timothy 4:16 (NIV)

Saturday:  Perseverance that Is Rewarded.  Pray that you would not lose sight of the eternal reward promised to those who persevere in doing God’s will.  Pray that you would help others know the importance of seeking and doing the will of God in all circumstances.  “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.”  Hebrews 10:36 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Resurrection Power

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Resurrection Power

 

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

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on knowing and living by the power of the resurrection.  As we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, the magnificence of the event and what it accomplished can often overshadow how it was accomplished.  Paul understood that it was in the fellowship with the sufferings of Christ that he would know more of the power of the resurrection.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you know the power of the resurrection in a way that gives you the courage to grow through the fellowship of suffering.  Pray that God would bring an end to this COVID-19 virus, but until He does so that we would pay attention and learn the lessons the He continually teaches even through this.  Pray for a view of life that can see beyond the grave and into an eternity in God’s presence.  Pray for a growing love for one another that will find ways to help them accept and live by the power of the resurrection.  Pray that the resurrection power in your life would produce a contentment of such magnitude that it could only come from God.  Pray that you would be a comfort to others as you care for them with the same comfort you have received from God in the midst of your suffering. Pray each day for the individuals of your church family as well as for the body of Christ as a whole.

“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 fill you with an awareness of the resurrection power that we have in Jesus Christ.

Sunday:  Pray for your church staff and leadership as they navigate the many complexities of leading and shepherding in these uncertain times.  Pray for the spiritual and financial health of the congregation to remain strong during this time of not being able to meet together physically.

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

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

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

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

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

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