Lifestyle of Prayer: Knowing the Son!

Lifestyle of Prayer: Knowing the Son!

i

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Knowing the Son!

“While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!’”
Matthew 17:5 (NIV)

As we grow in following Jesus, our prayer focus this week will be on knowing Him.  We often think of the various aspects of Jesus as expressed in the Christmas story, but it doesn’t end there.  In fact, without the life, death, burial, and resurrection, the birth of Jesus is little more than an interesting event in time.  We celebrate not just a baby being born, but the coming of God to redeem mankind as He reconciles us to Himself.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you grow in your relationship with Jesus.  Pray that your celebration of Jesus would be magnified by who Jesus is in your life today.  Pray that you would be clear about who Jesus is, and what He has done for you, as you share Him with others.  Pray for a greater desire and practice of celebrating Jesus each day that you live.  Pray for a spirit of unity among brothers and sisters in Christ as we grow in our love for one another.

“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 really know Jesus as you follow Him.

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

Monday: The Messiah.  Pray about how knowing Jesus as the One anointed by God should compel you to tell others about Him.  Pray for the courage, and urgency, to share the good news about the One you have found to be sent from God.  “The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ).”  John 1:41 (NIV)

Tuesday: The Son of God.  Pray about how knowing Jesus as the Son of God helps you to have confidence and trust in His ability to do what He has said He will.  Pray that your life would give Jesus the honor that is due to Him as God’s Son.  Pray for a life of greater obedience to Jesus as God’s Son.  “I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God.”  John 1:34 (NIV)

Wednesday: The Bread of Life.  Pray about how knowing Jesus as the bread of life will help you to be filled and satisfied.  Pray that you would be generous in sharing the bread you have found with the people around you who are in need.  “Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.’”  John 6:35 (NIV)

Thursday: The Way, the Truth, & the Life.  Pray about how knowing Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life will provide you with necessary direction each day you live.  Pray that your life, and words, would always direct people to Jesus as the true way to eternal life.  “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”  John 14:6 (NIV)

Friday: The Good Shepherd.  Pray about how knowing Jesus as the good shepherd will provide you with the comfort and protection that only He can.  Pray with gratitude as you consider how Jesus cares for you in your times of need.  Pray that you would share the good news of a good shepherd.  “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”  John 10:11 (NIV)

SaturdayThe Lamb of God.  Pray about how knowing Jesus as the Lamb of God will give you confidence in His ability, and desire, to forgive your sins.  Pray that you would be bold about sharing the good news of forgiveness of sins that is made possible by the sacrifice of Jesus as the Lamb of God.  “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’”  John 1:29 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: The Right Track!

Lifestyle of Prayer: The Right Track!

i

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

The Right Track!

“The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,
     shining ever brighter till the full light of day.”

Proverbs 4:18 (NIV)

Our prayer emphasis this week will be to pray about being on the right track as you travel in life.  The Bible makes it clear that there is a way, a track, that leads to life eternal and one that leads to destruction.  The track we choose to travel each day reflects where we are headed and helps others to see the goodness of God as we follow His path.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you stay on track with the path that grows brighter each day.  Pray that you would always look for, and stay on, the track of the righteous.  Pray about how your choices in life reflect the track you are traveling on.  Pray that God would help you avoid the distractions and detours the enemy uses in an attempt to get you derailed off the track which is right.  Pray that the people around you would know of the good path and that they would stay on track as they observe your life in 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 stay on track with Him.

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

Monday: On Track With Life.  Pray that you would be filled with joy as you walk the path of life.  Pray that your joy would lead others to seek the path of life through Jesus.  Pray that the path you travel would seek pleasures that last through eternity.  “You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”  Psalm 16:11 (NIV)

Tuesday: On Track With Protection.  Pray that you would follow God’s path and trust Him to broaden it beneath your feet so that your walk is steady.  Pray that those around you would not stumble on the path they are choosing to travel.  Pray for God’s protection from both physical and spiritual dangers that exist as you travel through life.  “You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn.”  Psalm 18:36 (NIV)

Wednesday: On Track In God’s Way.  Pray that you would be a student of God’s way so that your path would not be disrupted by the enemy.  Pray that you would teach others the way of God.  Pray that those who stand against you would actually help you travel in a way that pleases God.  “Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.”  Psalm 27:11 (NIV)

Thursday: On Track In Freedom.  Pray that you would daily experience the freedom of walking in the path of God’s commands.  Pray that the people around you would see a heart set free in Christ.  Pray that you would learn to run free from bondage as you travel in the path of God’s commands.  “I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.”  Psalm 119:32 (NIV)

Friday: On Track In Light.  Pray that you would use God’s Word to illuminate the path you walk each day.  Pray that you would shine the light of God’s Word on the path that those around you walk.  Pray for the wisdom and desire to shine the light of God’s Word upon the path you travel so that your way would be clear.  “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”  Psalm 119:105 (NIV)

SaturdayOn Track With Justice.  Pray that your practice of administering mercy and justice would lead you on a path that is good.  Pray that you would continually grow in your understanding of God’s definition of justice.  Pray that you would treat the people around you in a way that helps them desire a path that is good.  “Then you will understand what is right and just and fair — every good path.”  Proverbs 2:9 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Living With Faith!

Lifestyle of Prayer: Living With Faith!

i

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Living With Faith!

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”  
Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)

This week we will pray about living with faith.  Each day our prayer time will focus on an aspect of our faith and how critical it is to our relationship with Jesus . . . and to our relationship with others.  Since faith is required to please God, it is vital that we hold on to the seeds of faith which have been planted in us and nurture them so they grow into an ever-increasing active faith.  As you pray this week, ask God to increase your faith.  Pray that your faith would guide how you do every aspect of life.  Pray that a growing faith would increase your trust of God regardless of the circumstances which surround you.  Pray that you would be wise in living life by faith and not use faith as an excuse for foolish decisions.  Pray that your life of active faith would be centered in a relationship with God as you seek to represent Jesus well to those around you.  Pray that choosing to live by faith would make your witness for Jesus more visible 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 live with faith.

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.

MondayLiving With a Growing Faith.  Pray that you would want your faith to grow regardless of how big or small it may seem to you today.  Pray that your faith in God’s ability would be seen as great from His perspective.  Pray that the people around you today would be impacted in a positive way because of your growing faith.  “The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith!'”  Luke 17:5 (NIV)

TuesdayLiving With a Saving Faith.  Pray that you would always live by faith in a God who saves.  Pray that you would have a greater practice of a faith that saves you.  Pray that the people around you today would experience a faith in  Christ that saves them.  “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”  Ephesians 2:8 (NIV)

WednesdayLiving With a Powerful Faith.  Pray that you would see how your faith in God has equipped you to powerfully do His will.  Pray that the people around you today would experience the power of God at work in their life.  “Who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions,  quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies.”  Hebrews 11:33-34 (NIV)

Thursday: Living With a Uniting Faith.  Pray that your faith would be both the bridge and glue that unites you with other believers.  Pray that the people around you today would see a greater unity among Christians because of their faith.  “Until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”  Ephesians 4:13 (NIV)

FridayLiving With a Communicated Faith.  Pray that you would grow in faith through the hearing of God’s Word.  Pray that the people around you today would be open to hearing God’s Word so faith can grow in their life.  Pray that you would be active in communicating your faith.  “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.”  Romans 10:17 (NIV)

SaturdayLiving With an Active Faith.  Pray that you would build your life upon a faith that is active in doing God’s will.  Pray that your faith would cause you to care for people as you should.  Pray that the people around you today would not only hear of faith, but they would see your faith in action.  “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”  James 2:17 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Jesus In Your Boat!

Lifestyle of Prayer: Jesus In Your Boat!

i

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Jesus In Your Boat!

“And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.  Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’”
Matthew 14:32-33 (NIV)

Our prayer emphasis this week will focus on living life with Jesus in our boat.  While we often focus on Peter getting out of the boat to walk toward Jesus, we tend to miss that Jesus not only lifted Peter from sinking but He then got in the boat with all the disciples to calm the sea.  Imagine living life with an awareness of Jesus in your boat . . . or in your car, or home, or workplace, or anywhere else.  As you pray this week, consider some of the work Jesus did when He came to earth — work which Isaiah prophesied about and work we ought to be doing as His representatives!  Pray that the storms of life would be calmed by the presence of Jesus with you.  Pray that God’s Spirit in you would be the calming presence of Jesus to the people you encounter everywhere you go.  Pray that you would be actively involved in doing the things Jesus came to earth to accomplish on His way to the cross. 

“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 Jesus in your boat.

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: Jesus In Your Anointing.  Pray that your life would always reflect the anointing of God’s Spirit that is given to all Christians.  Pray that the divine blessing of God’s Spirit would always fill you with truth which comes from God.  Pray that bringing Jesus into your “boat” would produce the evidence of His Spirit in your life.  “But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.”  1 John 2:20  (NIV)

Tuesday: Jesus In Your Treatment of the Poor.  Pray that you would be eager to share the good news in all ways possible to the poor.  Pray that you would notice the different ways of being poor.  Pray that bringing Jesus into your “boat” would change how you treat the poor.  “All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.”  Galatians 2:10 (NIV)

Wednesday: Jesus In Your Dealing With the Brokenhearted.  Pray that you would be an encourager to the weary as you help the brokenhearted find healing within a relationship with Jesus.  Pray that you would know the healing of Jesus in your brokenness.  Pray that bringing Jesus into your “boat” would open your eyes to the broken.  “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”  Psalm 147:3 (NIV)

Thursday: Jesus In Your Message of Freedom.  Pray that you would live as one who is free and actively proclaim that freedom to all who live in bondage.  Pray that you would walk by the Spirit in such a way that people can see a way to freedom.  Pray that bringing Jesus into your “boat” would announce freedom.  “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”  2 Corinthians 3:17 (NIV)

Friday: Jesus In Your Restoration of Sight.  Pray that your eyes would be opened fully to the work of God in your life so that you would help others see the truth of Jesus.  Pray that you would understand rightly the judgments of Jesus.  Pray that bringing Jesus into your “boat” would help you to see.  “Jesus said, ‘For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.’”  John 9:39 (NIV)

SaturdayJesus In Your Favor To People.  Pray that you would daily recognize the Lord’s favor in your life and proclaim that same type of favor to those around you.  Pray that your involvement in the lives of others would allow His favor in their lives to spill over to you.  Pray that bringing Jesus into your “boat” would result in you showing His favor to others.   “Remember me, O LORD, when you show favor to your people, come to my aid when you save them.”  Psalm 106:4 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Time To Rise!

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Time To Rise!

i

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Time To Rise!

“He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’”
Revelation 21:5 (NIV)

Our “Lifestyle of Prayer” emphasis this week will return to a focus on the resurrection of Jesus and the new life we have in Him.  In considering a time to rise, we will focus on some of the aspects of living a risen life which is made new by Christ.  Whether you feel new or not, if you have been adopted into God’s family He has made, and continues to make, you new!  As you pray this week, ask God to help you not only experience the newness of being in Christ but that you would share that newness with the people around you on a daily basis.  Pray that you would rise from the deadness of sin and live a new life each day.  Pray that the power of God’s Spirit within you would help you to rise above the distractions and cares of this world as you reflect Christ in the way you live.  Pray that the power of the resurrection of Jesus would be on display in your life as you live a life that has been made new. 

“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 the risen life which is found in 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: Rise to a New Command.  Pray that you would live out this new command in a way that your love rises above the ordinary in order to be Christ-like.  Pray that your obedience to the command to love one another would help others see you as a disciple of Jesus.  “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

Tuesday: Rise to a New Life.  Pray that the new life you experience in Christ would help you to rise above the things which would keep you from sharing the message of that new life with others.  Pray that your life and your words would always tell the full message of the resurrected life you live.  “‘Go, stand in the temple courts,’ he said, ‘and tell the people the full message of this new life.’” Acts 5:20

Wednesday: Rise to a New Teaching.  Pray that you would always be prepared to give an explanation of the teaching of Jesus that you follow.  Pray  that you would live in a way that others would want to rise and follow the new teaching that you follow.  “Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, ‘May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting?’”  Acts 17:19

Thursday: Rise to a New Covenant.  Pray that you would fully live by the Spirit which gives life according to the covenant God has made with His people.  Pray that you understand fully rise to the competence you have been given to share the new covenant with others.  “He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant — not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”  2 Corinthians 3:6

Friday: Rise as a New Creation.  Pray that you would know the power of the resurrection in making you a new creation in Christ.  Pray that your life as a new creation in Christ would not be held back by a past that has been forgiven.  Pray that you would rise above the old in order to live as new.  “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”  2 Corinthians 5:17

SaturdayRise with a New Attitude.  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

Lifestyle of Prayer: Cross Training!

Lifestyle of Prayer: Cross Training!

i

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Cross Training!

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

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

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

Please pray each day for God to help you appreciate the work accomplished by Jesus on the cross.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lifestyle of Prayer: Sowing Good Seed!

Lifestyle of Prayer: Sowing Good Seed!

i

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Sowing Good Seed!

“The wicked man earns deceptive wages,
but he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.”

Proverbs 11:18 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on some things we ought to be sowing in our life and in the lives of others.  Growing up on a farm, I spent many winter evenings going through the various seed catalogs deciding what I would like to harvest the next summer.  Even as a child it didn’t take long to realize that if I wanted a specific harvest I would have to sow a specific seed.  Likewise, the harvest that is produced as we go through this life, and beyond, is related to what we do with the seed which has been planted within us and what kind of seeds we are sowing each day that we live.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine how the seed of His Word is growing in your life.  Pray that you would be careful with what you allow to be sown in your life and with what you are sowing that eventually produce a harvest.  Pray that you would keep your eyes focused on Jesus to the extent that everything you sow with your words and actions would point others to Him.  Pray that the good seed of God’s Word would find good soil in your life and in the lives of those around you. 

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

Please pray each day for God to help you sow good seeds as you live life for 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.

MondaySow Righteousness.  Pray that you would seek the Lord in all things as you sow righteousness which produces a harvest of love.  Pray for softened and prepared lives that would allow the seeds of righteousness to grow and flourish.  “Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers righteousness on you.”  Hosea 10:12 (NIV)

TuesdaySow Generously.  Pray that you would learn to sow according to the expectation you have for an abundant harvest.  Pray that your generosity with God, and with others, would produce an abundance for all who follow your example in following Christ.  “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”  2 Corinthians 9:6 (NIV)

WednesdaySow What Is Supplied.  Pray that you would always look to God as the One who supplies, and increases, the seed which you sow.  Pray that you would be faithful in using what God has supplied as He multiplies the fruit of His righteousness in your life.  “Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.”  2 Corinthians 9:10 (NIV)

ThursdaySow What You Want To Reap.  Pray that you would consider the outcome God desires for you in this life so that you would sow accordingly.  Pray that God would help you accurately evaluate what you are currently reaping in order to consider if you need to change what you are sowing.  “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”  Galatians 6:7 (NIV)

FridaySow To Please the Spirit.  Pray that you would be ever mindful of God’s Spirit within you as you choose what to sow in this life.  Pray that your desire would always be to sow the things which please the Spirit as you look toward the harvest of eternal life.  “The one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”  Galatians 6:8 (NIV)

SaturdaySow Peace.  Pray that you would seek to sow seeds of peace at all times and in all situations.  Pray that you would desire the reputation of a peacemaker as you sow with an eye toward a harvest of righteousness.  “Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.”  James 3:18 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: The One Who Is Lord!

Lifestyle of Prayer: The One Who Is Lord!

i

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

The One Who Is Lord!

“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
Acts 2:36 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will consider the position of Jesus as Lord of all.  It has been said that every one of us make the choice each day as to whether Jesus is Lord of all or not Lord at all.  This is a choice we make with our life more than our words, because sometimes our words aren’t as accurate as they ought to be.  While the word or title of lord is used in many contexts throughout Scripture and in the world today, most English translations of the Bible use the word LORD to signify the personal name of God.  It is in this context of Jesus being God that He is indeed Lord of all.  As you pray this week, ask God to strengthen your conviction regarding Jesus being both Lord and Christ.  Pray that your life would show a submission to the Lordship of Jesus in all things.  Pray for a consistency in your actions that would match your words proclaiming Jesus as Lord.  Pray that you would know the righteousness and compassion of the One who is Lord of all.  Pray that you would live in such a way that the people around you would learn to call upon the Lord and be saved. 

“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 acknowledge Jesus as Lord in the way you live.

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.

MondayLord Of All Blessing.  Pray that you would know the blessings of the Lord which are given without partiality.  Pray that the way you bless others would always display a unity which overcomes the divisions of this world.  Pray for all people to call upon the name of the Lord.  “For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile — the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him.”  Romans 10:12 (NIV)

TuesdayLord Of All Comfort.  Pray that Jesus would be the source and substance of the comfort you need in any situation.  Pray that the comfort you receive from God would be reflected in the way He comforts others through you.  Praise God for providing His Spirit as the Comforter.  “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.”  2 Corinthians 1:3 (NIV)

WednesdayLord Of All Grace.  Pray that you would be aware of the unmerited favor God extends to you through His great love.  Pray that Jesus would be Lord not only in the grace you receive, but also in the way you extend grace to those around you.  “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”  2 Corinthians 13:14 (NIV)

ThursdayLord Of All Work.  Pray that all of your work, whether paid or unpaid, would be done with a full awareness of Jesus being the Lord of that work.  Pray that the way you work would help others see your reverence for Christ.  Pray that your desire to please Christ would exceed your desire to please self or others.  “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.”  Colossians 3:23 (NIV)

FridayLord Of All Peace.  Pray that you would know Jesus as the One who brings peace that surpasses understanding.  Pray that you would rejoice in God’s ability to bring peace in the way that is just right for every circumstance for you and for the people around you.  “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”  2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV)

SaturdayLord Of All Strength.  Pray that you would know the strength of the Lord and His ability to empower you as His messenger even through your weakness.  Pray that you would not only be strengthened by God, but that you would know the power of His Word to overcome all obstacles.  “But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it.”  2 Timothy 4:17 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: What Does Your Life Say?

Lifestyle of Prayer: What Does Your Life Say?

i

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

What Does Your Life Say?

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”
1 Timothy 4:12
(NIV)

Our prayer focus this week is about what is being said through the various areas of our life so that no one would have legitimate reasons to look down on us.  I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who really wants to be looked down upon, but I have encountered many that seemed to do little to keep that from happening — in fact, there are times I’m sure I’ve been one of those.  God says that a good way to keep people from looking down on us for superficial reasons is to build a life of godly character.  As  you pray this week, ask God to help you to accurately examine what is being said by your life.  Pray that you would have the courage to live above reproach in every area of your life.  Pray for wisdom in applying God’s Word in ways that make you an example without being pretentious.  Pray for the humility needed to help others grow even as you work on your own example.   Pray that Jesus would always be visible through the way you live. 

“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 as a godly example for others.

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

Monday:  A Life Beyond Appearances.  Pray that your relationship with Jesus would be the most noticeable thing about you.  Pray for the courage and humility needed to let Jesus shine through your human weaknesses.  “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.”  Acts 4:13 (NIV)

Tuesday:  A Life Of Speech.  Pray that the graciousness of your speech would rise above what people might expect.  Pray for the wisdom to see how the words you use are heard by people — both people who are similar to you and people who may be very different from you.  “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”  Colossians 4:6 (NIV)

Wednesday:  A Life Of Wisdom.  Pray that your life would reveal to others a wisdom and understanding that can only come from God.  Pray that you would live with humility in such a way that people would see the hand of God present in the way you live life.  “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.”  James 3:13 (NIV)

Thursday:  A Life Of Love.  Pray that you would know the fullness of God’s love expressed through Jesus Christ so that you would love others with the same fullness.  Pray that you would continually grow in the way you express love, using the sacrificial love of Jesus as your example.  “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.”  1 John 3:16 (NIV)

Friday:  A Life Of Faith.  Pray that you would live with a faith that can be seen in what you do.  Pray that the things you do each day would be consistent with your expressed faith.  Pray that others would see your faith active within your deeds so that they would be encouraged in their faith.  “You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.”  James 2:22 (NIV)

Saturday:  A Life Of Purity.  Pray that you would choose actions that are pure and right, even when doing so is not easy.  Pray that the value you place on purity would be part of your godly reputation.  Pray for the courage to live by a standard God would consider pure rather than settling for the world’s definition of purity.  “Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right.”  Proverbs 20:11 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Those Who Are Sent!

Lifestyle of Prayer: Those Who Are Sent!

i

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Those Who Are Sent!

“He told them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’”  
Luke 10:2 (NIV)

As we continue our Lifestyle of Prayer emphasis, this week’s focus is to pray not only for those who are sent, but also praying about how you can be both a sender and one who is sent.  When Jesus asks His disciples to pray for workers to be sent out into the harvest field, the answer to their prayers was that He sent them!  As we prayed last week about being on mission with God, we are reminded that some people are sent to foreign lands and others are sent into the everyday workplaces, schools, and neighborhoods which are common parts of life.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you be obedient in sharing Jesus everywhere you are sent.  Pray that you would understand the circumstances of where you are so that you would accomplish the purpose God has for sending you there.  Pray for the wisdom and courage to be both one who sends and one who is sent.  Pray for humility to recognize the whose harvest field you have been sent to and who the harvest belongs to. 

“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 live as one who is sent.

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: Sent To Invite.  Pray that you would be actively involved in reminding people of God’s invitation for all to come to Him and find rest.  Pray that your life would be lived in such a way that your invitations for others to encounter Jesus would be attractive to them.  “At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’”  Luke 14:17 (NIV)

Tuesday: Sent Into the World.  Pray for courage to live as one sent by Jesus into the world to be His representative.  Pray that your life would reflect to others the work accomplished by Jesus through His ministry on earth.  Pray that the vastness of the world would not distract you from noticing the part of the world you currently live in.  “As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.”  John 17:18 (NIV)

Wednesday: Sent To Help.  Pray for the wisdom needed to be a helper to those who would sent you and to those you are sent to.  Pray that God would surround you with people to help you do the things you can’t do on your own.  Pray for eyes which are opened to the needs of others.  “He sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he stayed in the province of Asia a little longer.”  Acts 19:22 (NIV)

Thursday: Sent To Preach.  Pray that you would live as one sent to proclaim the good news of Jesus through both your actions and your words.  Pray that you would be involved in sending others to proclaim Jesus in places you can’t be.  “And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”  Romans 10:15 (NIV)

Friday: Sent From God.  Pray that your words and actions would carry a sincerity which comes from God.  Pray that God would purify you from all selfishness so that your words to others would always be representative of one being sent by God.  “Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God.”  2 Corinthians 2:17 (NIV)

Saturday: Sent To Strengthen.  Pray that you would carry with you the good news of Jesus in ways which strengthen  others.  Pray that you would be strengthened by the influence and example of others as they share with you the work of God in their life.  “We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God’s fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith.”  1  Thessalonians 3:2 (NIV)