Prayer Guides

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Working For The Lord!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Working For The Lord!

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

This week’s prayer focus will be about our need to work — but not just a need to work, a need to work for the Lord.  When we are in the midst of the daily grind of life, it is easy to lose sight of who we’re really working for.  Or perhaps we lose sight because we’ve never given thought that we might be working for someone other than our boss or the company that issues the paycheck.  God calls us to consider everything we do as working for Him.  Because we’re working for Him, there ought to be a wholehearted effort put into our work.  As you pray, ask God to  help you see how to do your daily work for Him.  Pray that you would keep your eyes and mind focused on the eternal reward that awaits you, even as you earn the temporary reward of a paycheck.  Pray that the volunteer work you do would be done with excellence as you do it for the Lord.

“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) 

As you pray this week, ask God to help you accomplish all of your work, knowing that it is for Him you labor.

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: Required Work.  Pray that you would not lose sight of God’s requirement of belief in Jesus.  Pray that the people around you would understand the importance of believing in Jesus.  “Then they asked him, ‘What must we do to do the works God requires?’  Jesus answered, ‘The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.'”  John 6:28-29 (NIV)

Tuesday: Helpful Work.  Pray that you would see the value of helping the weak.  Pray that the people around you would see by your example the great blessing of giving.  “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'”  Acts 20:35 (NIV)

Wednesday: Tested Work.  Pray that you would pay close attention to what your life is being built with.  Pray that the people around you would come to know work that stands up to the testing of God.  “His work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work.  1 Corinthians 3:13 (NIV)

Thursday: Effective Work.  Pray that you would not give up on effective work.  Pray that the people around you would come to know Jesus because of the effective work you are doing.  “But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.”  1 Corinthians 16:8-9 (NIV)

Friday: Powerful Work.  Pray for the humility to allow God’s power to work in you.  Pray that the people around you today would recognize the powerful work of God as they see His work in you.  “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”  Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)

Saturday:  Good Work.  Pray that you would be a student of God’s Word so that you are prepared for the good work He desires for you to do.  Pray that the people around you see God’s Word at work in you.  “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Honesty!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Honesty!

 “Go up and down the streets of Jerusalem, look around and consider, search through her squares.  If you can find but one person who deals honestly and seeks the truth, I will forgive this city.  Although they say, ‘As surely as the LORD lives,’ still they are swearing falsely.”
Jeremiah 5:1-2 (NIV)

This week’s prayer guide will focus on some aspects of honesty that God expects us to have as His children.  While Jesus taught us to “let our yes be yes and our no be no”, we have become very good at justifying why our promises are not absolutes.  Daily, we hear huge sweeping promises from politicians that we know have no ability or intention to keep them and we’ve learned to shrug it off and say, “That’s just the way they talk.”  Unfortunately, it is  not just politicians.  God’s people have become very good at saying whatever it takes to gain support for their particular project while feeling no commitment to following through with the content of their words.  Honesty is vital, because without it we will never realize the need we have for a Savior.  It is also vital because it is the foundation for which trust is built not only among believers, but between believers and non-believers.  As you pray, ask God to fill you with a desire for honesty and a conviction in the situations where you are less than honest.

“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) 

As you pray this week, ask God to help you live a life of honesty that is a blessing to 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:  Honesty in Measurements.  Pray that you would be honest and impartial in your dealings with others.  Pray that God would help you to see, and change, any areas where you deal differently with people because of who they are.  “You must have accurate and honest weights and measures, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.”  Deuteronomy 25:15 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Honesty with Finances.  Pray that you would have complete integrity as a steward of the King’s resources.  Pray that your honesty in managing finances would lead others to trust you.  “They did not require an accounting from those to whom they gave the money to pay the workers, because they acted with complete honesty.”  2 Kings 12:15 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Honesty of Intentions.  Pray that your honesty would be deeper than appearances as you live with honest intentions.  Pray that  you would never have a pretense of honesty simply for your own gain.  “I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things have I given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you.”  1 Chronicles 29:17 (NIV)

Thursday:  Honesty in our Testimony.  Pray that you would be honest in the words you speak about others.  Pray that the testimony you share about Christ in your life would be an honest portrayal of His power to transform.  “A truthful witness gives honest testimony, but a false witness tells lies.”  Proverbs 12:17 (NIV)

Friday:  Honesty in our Words.  Pray that you would be honest in the words you speak to others.  Pray that your honesty would be shared in a way that brings value to those who hear your words.  “Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value a man who speaks the truth.”  Proverbs 16:13 (NIV)

Saturday:  Honesty in our Answers.  Pray that you would always give honest, and loving, answers to the questions you are asked.  Pray for the wisdom to be able to not give an answer when no one is asking for one.  Pray for the courage to give answers that are honest even when it is awkward.  “An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.”  Proverbs 24:26 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Inheritance!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Inheritance!

“He said to me: ‘It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life.  He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son.’”
Revelation 21:6-7 (NIV)

This week’s prayer guide will focus on some aspects of the inheritance we have as children of God.  While the word “inheritance” makes most people first think of money and possessions, as God’s children we have an inheritance that is greater than what any amount of money could buy.  Just as so much of who we are and how we live is inherited from our parents, our true identity in the heavenly realm is inherited from a Father who loves us.  As you pray, ask God to help you live according to the inheritance you have in Christ.  Pray that you would understand that, while free to you, the cost of your inheritance was the blood of Jesus.  Pray that you would share your inheritance as freely as you have received it.  Pray that your inheritance in Christ would have more value to you than any other inheritance you may receive.  Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.  

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

As you pray this week, ask God to help you use the inheritance you have in Christ as a blessing to 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:  An Inheritance of God’s Kingdom.  Pray that your treatment of “the least of these” around you today would cause the King to welcome you to the kingdom.  “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:  An Inheritance that is Guaranteed.  Pray that the presence of God’s Spirit within you would give you assurance of the guarantee God has made regarding your inheritance.  “Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession — to the praise of his glory.”  Ephesians 1:13-14 (NIV)

Wednesday:  An Inheritance from the Lord.  Pray that you would be diligent about the work you do as you look to God for His reward as you serve Him.  “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.  It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”  Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)

Thursday:  An Inheritance of Salvation.  Pray that you would live with an awareness of how you may “entertain angels unaware” and of how they minister to you.  Pray that their presence would remind you of the salvation you have inherited through Jesus.  “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?”  Hebrews 1:14 (NIV)

Friday:  An Inheritance that Lasts.  Pray that you would live with the knowledge that your inheritance from God is one that will remain for eternity.  “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, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade — kept in heaven for you.”  1 Peter 1:4 (NIV)

Saturday:  An Inheritance of Blessing.  Pray that you would be a blessing to others, especially those who mistreat you, as you inherit a blessing from God.  “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”  1 Peter 3:9 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Blessings Redefined (Week 2)!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Blessings Redefined (Week 2)!

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)  

A Lifestyle of Prayer should be just that — a lifestyle, not simply an event.  View prayer as your first priority, not as the last resort.  It is my prayer that these weeks of “topical” prayer guides are a tool to train and equip you in the practice of prayer.  This week we continue a focus on the Sermon on the Mount, particularly the Beatitudes, as a prayer guide!  Pray that God would give you a greater understanding of His view of being blessed.  As you pray each day, give careful consideration to how Jesus would have you view those who are experiencing life in ways that the world does not see as being blessed.  Pray that you would not only experience the blessings of God according to His definition, but that you would be the blessing of God to the people around you.  Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.  

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

As you pray this week, ask God to help you see blessings from His perspective.  Pray that others would know a life lived with Jesus and the blessings it contains.

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:  Blessed are the Peacemakers.  Pray that you would look for ways to make peace in the situations you face.  Pray that being a child of God would lead you to being a peacemaker where you live.  “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”  Matthew 5:9 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Blessed are The Persecuted.  Pray that you would understand the difference between being persecuted for righteousness and just being treated badly.  Pray that God’s blessings would help you to do right no matter what.  “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”  Matthew 5:10 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Blessed are the Insulted.  Pray that you would learn how to rejoice when you suffer because of your relationship with Jesus.  “Blessed are you when people insult you . . . because of me.  Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”  Matthew 5:11-12 (NIV)

Thursday:  Blessed are the Falsely Accused.   Pray that you would accept God’s blessing and refuse to respond with hatred when people speak evil of you.  “Blessed are you when people . . . falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.  Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”  Matthew 5:11-12 (NIV)

Friday:  Being “Salty”.  Pray that your life in Christ would add flavor to the world around you.  “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.”  Matthew 5:13 (NIV)

Saturday:  Being “Light”.  Pray that all of the good you do would point people to God.  “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”  Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Blessings Redefined (Week 1)!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Blessings Redefined (Week 1)!

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)  

A Lifestyle of Prayer should be just that — a lifestyle, not simply an event.  View prayer as your first priority, not as the last resort.  It is my prayer that these weeks of “topical” prayer guides are a tool to train and equip you in the practice of prayer.  This week we return to a focus on the Sermon on the Mount, particularly the Beatitudes, as a prayer guide!  Pray that God would give you a greater understanding of His view of being blessed.  As you pray  about each day’s topic, pray that you will see beyond the ordinary and that God will use that characteristic in your life to bring blessing to you and to others through you.  Pray for the people in your life.  Pray for your family, your neighbors, your church family, your co-workers, and anyone else God brings to your mind.  Pray also that the blessings of these qualities would be ever-increasing in your life.  Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.  

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

As you pray this week, ask God to help you see blessings from His perspective.  Pray that others would know a life lived with Jesus and the blessings it contains.

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: Blessed are the Poor In Spirit.  Pray that your acknowledgement of need in your spiritual life would lead you to Jesus.  Pray that the poverty you feel in  your spirit would be filled with God’s Spirit.  “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”  Matthew 5:3 (NIV)

Tuesday: Blessed are Those Who Mourn.  Pray that your realization and expression of loss would lead you to the comfort of God’s love.  Pray that your mourning would receive God’s comfort so you may comfort others.  “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”  Matthew 5:4 (NIV)

Wednesday: Blessed are the Meek.  Pray that you would live daily with the power of God in control of your life.  Pray that godly meekness would be learned and practiced as you possess a great power that is used with control in your life.  “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”  Matthew 5:5 (NIV)

Thursday: Blessed are Those Who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness.   Pray that your hunger and thirst for the things of God would fill you with His righteousness.  Pray for opportunities to share with others from that which God has filled you.  “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”  Matthew 5:6 (NIV)

Friday: Blessed are the Merciful.  Pray that God would fill you with an understanding of your need for mercy in such a way that you would show mercy to others.  Pray that God’s mercy would be received by those you pray for today.  “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”  Matthew 5:7 (NIV)

Saturday:  Blessed are the Pure In Heart.  Pray that your desire to see God would lead you to a cleansing of your heart through the blood of Jesus.  Pray that your dealings with others would come from a pure heart.  Pray that God would purify the hearts of those you pray for today.  “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”  Matthew 5:8 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: God’s Word!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: God’s Word!

 “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about the usefulness of God’s Word in our life.  In Paul’s second letter to Timothy, we have a list of some of the things that God says Scripture is useful for if we were to make use of it and apply it to everything we do.  Sadly, many have come to view Scripture as more inspirational than transformational — if they view it at all.  In reality, it is only truly inspirational if it inspires us to draw near to God and be transformed.  As you pray, ask God to help you accurately evaluate how much time you spend reading, studying, and meditating on the Word of God.  Pray that your love for God’s Word would grow as your understanding of its usefulness grows.  Pray that the usefulness of  God’s Word in your life would cause you to share it at every opportunity.  Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.  

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

Please spend time praying each day about living a life that is filled with the respect that God would have you show to Him and to 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: Origin of God’s Word.  Pray that you would have a proper view of Scripture as coming from God and not from man.  Pray that God’s Spirit would give you insight into what He has spoken through His Word.  “For prophecy [God’s Word] never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”  2 Peter 1:21 (NIV)

Tuesday: Useful for Teaching.  Pray that you would hold fast to God’s Word as useful in teaching you how to live a life pleasing to God.  Pray that your devotion to the Word of God would prepare you to teach others.  “For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.”  Ezra 7:10 (NIV)

Wednesday: Useful for Rebuking.  Pray that you would listen to the wise rebuke of God’s Word in your life.  Pray that you would use God’s Word in wisely rebuking others when it is necessary.  “It is better to heed a wise man’s rebuke than to listen to the song of fools.”  Ecclesiastes 7:5 (NIV)

Thursday: Useful for Correcting.  Pray that you would heed the correction that God desires to give you through His Word.  Pray that God’s Word would be the basis for any correction of others that you do.  “Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.”  Job 5:17 (NIV)

Friday: Useful for Training.  Pray that you would reject the myths of the world and seek to be trained by God’s Word.  Pray that you would cling to God’s Word as the true source of training in godliness.  “Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.”  1 Timothy 4:7 (NIV)

Saturday:  Useful for Equipping.  Pray that the application of God’s Word in your life would equip you for every good work He desires.  Pray that you would make God’s Word the very core of your task of helping others to be equipped for the work God has created for them to do.  “May the God of peace . . . equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”  Hebrews 13:20-21 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Respect!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Respect!

“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, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” 
1 Peter 3:15-16 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is on some qualities of the respect that ought to be present in our lives as children of God.  Without careful diligence, it is easy to find ourselves treating people and situations without the respect they deserve.  Even the little things like respecting the property of others, cleaning up after yourself, not littering, watching both the subject and language of the words we use around others are sometimes difficult to put into practice.  Respect is important because it should flow from our respect of God and His creation.  As you pray, ask God to fill you with the desire and courage to grow in the way you show respect.  Pray that the respect you give would be done so without partiality.  Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.  

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

Please spend time praying each day about living a life that is filled with the respect that God would have you show to Him and to 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: Respect Your Parents.  Pray that you would have a respect for your parents which shows.  Pray that God would help you know how to respect your parents regardless of how respectable they may or may not be.  “Each of you must respect his mother and father, and you must observe my Sabbaths. I am the LORD your God.”  Leviticus 19:3 (NIV)

Tuesday: Respect All Offerings to God.  Pray that your offerings to God would be treated with respect — both by you and by those who administer them.  “Tell Aaron and his sons to treat with respect the sacred offerings the Israelites consecrate to me, so they will not profane my holy name. I am the LORD.”  Leviticus 22:2 (NIV)

Wednesday: Respect God’s Commands.  Pray that you would show proper respect to God’s commands by keeping them.  Pray that you would understand the eternal nature of being rewarded for your respect of God’s commands.  “He who scorns instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command is rewarded.”  Proverbs 13:13 (NIV)

Thursday: Respect Those Who Work Hard.  Pray that you would take notice of those who work hard among you as leaders in spiritual things.  Pray that you would respect those who must admonish you at times.  “Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you.”  1 Thessalonians 5:12 (NIV)

Friday: Respect Discipline.  Pray that you would the need to give, and receive, appropriate discipline.  Pray that the discipline you experience would cause greater respect for those who administer it.  “Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live!”  Hebrews 12:9 (NIV)

Saturday:  Respect Everyone.  Pray that God would show you how to give the respect due to the people around you.  Pray that your attitude of proper respect would extend to fellow believers, to God, and to political authorities.  “Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.”  1 Peter 2:17 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Wisdom From Heaven!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Wisdom From Heaven!

 “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.  Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” 
James 3:17-18 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is on some qualities of wisdom that God says identifies it as wisdom from heaven.  Our society is filled with opportunities for information and knowledge, but wisdom — godly wisdom seems to be in short supply.  We value wealth and possessions to such an extent that somehow we define wisdom according to a person’s ability to accumulate “stuff”.  God says that wisdom from heaven is nothing like the wisdom of man.  And the good news is that He promises to give wisdom from heaven to all who would ask.  As you pray, ask God to change your heart and perspective regarding true wisdom.  Pray that you would no only ask God for wisdom, but that you would ask Him for the courage to use the wisdom He gives.  Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.  

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

Please spend time praying each day about living a life that is filled with the wisdom that comes from God.

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: Wisdom that is Pure.  Pray that you would evaluate all appearance of wisdom according to the purity of God’s Word.  Pray that you would be careful not to contaminate the purity of the wisdom from heaven as you put it into practice.  “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure.”  James 3:17 (NIV)

Tuesday: Wisdom that Loves Peace.  Pray that you would use wisdom to pursue peace.  Pray that God’s wisdom poured into you would empower you to be a peacemaker.  “The LORD gave Solomon wisdom, just as he had promised him. There were peaceful relations between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a treaty.”  1 Kings 5:12 (NIV)

Wednesday: Wisdom that is Considerate.  Pray that your considerate treatment of all people would reflect godly wisdom.  Pray for the wisdom to consider others better than yourself.  “Remind the people to . . . to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.”  Titus 3:1-2 (NIV)

Thursday: Wisdom that is Submissive.  Pray that the wisdom from heaven would remove all traces of pride from your life as you submit to others.  Pray that God’s grace would help you be submissive.  “. . . In the same way be submissive to those who are older.  All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’”  1 Peter 5:5 (NIV)

Friday: Wisdom that Produces Mercy and Good Fruit.  Pray that you would know the freedom that comes from God’s mercy.  Pray that wisdom would bear the good fruit of mercy in your life.  “Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!”  James 2:12-13 (NIV)

Saturday:  Wisdom that is Impartial and Sincere.  Pray that you would treat everyone with impartiality as people created in God’s image.  Pray that your reverent fear would lead to sincerity in the way you treat others.  “Since you call on a Father who judges each man’s work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear.”  1 Peter 1:17 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Refreshed!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Refreshed!

 “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you — even Jesus.” 
Acts 3:19-20 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is on being refreshed.  If you followed along on last week’s focus on being satisfied, being refreshed will seem like a natural follow-up.  We all have times, even in living a satisfied life, when we become weary and find ourselves in need of refreshing.  God sends out the refreshing streams of His Spirit through our relationship with Jesus.  But the refreshing is not just for us.  We are refreshed by God, and others, so that we can be an instrument of refreshing in the lives of the people around us.  As you pray, ask God to fill you with the humility to seek Him for times of refreshing.  Pray that you would not only be refreshed, but that you would listen to God for ways to refresh others.  Pray that you would experience the refreshing power of God through your times of repentance.  Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.  

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

Please spend time praying each day about living a life that is refreshed by God in response to your repentance.

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: Refreshed with Rest.  Pray that you would value rest and find ways to make it a regular part of your schedule.  Pray that you would help others to find times of rest in their life.  “Six days do your work, but on the seventh day do not work, so that your ox and your donkey may rest and the slave born in your household, and the alien as well, may be refreshed.”  Exodus 23:12 (NIV)

Tuesday: Refreshed by God.  Pray that you would spend time with God for the purpose of being refreshed.  Pray that your life would soak in the abundant showers that come from God.  “You gave abundant showers, O God; you refreshed your weary inheritance.”  Psalm 68:9 (NIV)

Wednesday: Refreshed through Generosity.  Pray that God would fill you with a spirit of generosity that refreshes others.  Pray that you would be refreshed by God as you share with others, and they share with you.  “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”  Proverbs 11:25 (NIV)

Thursday: Refreshed Spirit.  Pray that your spirit would be refreshed through your relationships with people.  Pray that you would be a source of refreshing to others and that you would honor those who excel in this gift of refreshing.  “For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.”  1 Corinthians 16:18 (NIV)

Friday: Refreshed Heart.  Pray that the broken-hearted would be refreshed by the love of God which you share.  Pray that you would be filled with joy because of the refreshing God does through people.  “Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.”  Philemon 1:7 (NIV)

Saturday:  Refreshed Memory.  Pray that you would look for the reminders of God’s truth to refresh your memory.  Pray that you would be diligent about reminding others of the refreshing that is found in remembering the works of God in their life.  “So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have.  I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body.  2 Peter 1:12-13 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Satisfied!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Satisfied!

 “Abraham breathed his last and died in a ripe old age, an old man and satisfied with life; and he was gathered to his people.” 
Genesis 25:8 (NASB)

How would you rate your level of satisfaction with life?  Would the people closest to you agree with your assessment?  This week’s prayer focus is about being satisfied.  In a statement that is easy to read right past as you read about the family line of Abraham in Genesis 25, God says that Abraham was “satisfied with life” when he died.  In a society where our satisfaction often depends on our accomplishments, it is important to note that in Hebrews God says that Abraham died still looking for an inheritance he had not yet received.  His satisfaction came through a faithful obedience to God that involved a trust that the fruit of God’s promises would outlast the temporary life on earth.  As you pray, ask God to help you live a satisfied life.  Pray that you would fully trust God to be the One who completely satisfies you.  Pray that you would be a willing and open vessel in God’s plan to satisfy the needs of the poor and the oppressed.  Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.  

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

Please spend time praying each day about living a satisfied life.

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

Monday: Satisfied with God’s Provision.  Pray that you would recognize all that God is providing in your life.  Pray that you would live a satisfied and thankful life because of His provision.  “When you have eaten and are satisfied, you shall bless the LORD your God for the good land which He has given you.”  Deuteronomy 8:10 (NASB)

Tuesday: Satisfied by Seeking God’s Face.  Pray that your life would be lived in a way that seeks God’s presence daily.  Pray that you would be filled with great satisfaction as you recognize God’s presence with you.  “As for me, I shall behold Your face in righteousness; I will be satisfied with Your likeness when I awake.”  Psalm 17:15 (NASB)

Wednesday: Satisfied Daily with God’s Love.  Pray that you would live with a constant awareness of God’s love.  Pray that you would be filled with joy and praise because of the satisfaction you receive through God’s lovingkindness.  “O satisfy us in the morning with Your lovingkindness, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.”  Psalm 90:14 (NASB)

Thursday: Satisfied through a Fear of the Lord.  Pray that you would have an accurate understanding of how to live with a healthy fear of the Lord.  Pray that your fear of the Lord would help you to avoid evil so that even you sleep would be satisfying.  “The fear of the LORD leads to life, so that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil.”  Proverbs 19:23 (NASB)

Friday: Satisfied with God’s Goodness.  Pray that you would experience the abundance of God as one who is a part of His royal priesthood.  Pray that your acceptance of the teachings of God would fill you with satisfaction of His goodness.  “‘I will fill the soul of the priests with abundance, and My people will be satisfied with My goodness,’ declares the LORD.”  Jeremiah 31:14 (NASB)

Saturday:  Satisfied by Right Desires.  Pray that your desires would be brought into line with God’s righteousness.  Pray that righteous desires would lead you to great satisfaction.  “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”  Matthew 5:6 (NASB)