Prayer Guides

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Christmas Purpose!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

 This week’s prayer focus:  Christmas Purpose!

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” 
Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

“’She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’  All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:  ‘The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ — which means, ‘God with us.’”
Matthew 1:21-22 (NIV)

As we continue to grow in A Lifestyle of Prayer, it is important to remember prayer should be a lifestyle, not an event.  View prayer as your first priority, not as the last resort.  This week we will focus on some scriptures regarding the birth of Jesus and the names He was to be called.  Pray each day about that aspect of who Jesus is impacts your life.  Pray that you would celebrate Christmas throughout the year as you recognize the incredible gift God gave to mankind.  Pray each day for the individuals of Deer Run as well as the body of Deer Run. 

“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 about each day’s specific focus on who Jesus is.  Thank you! 

Sunday:  Pray for your church, its staff and leadership, and for all of the preaching and teaching that takes place.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry. 

Monday:  Wonderful Counselor.  Pray that your relationship with Jesus reveals His presence, the Wonderful Counselor, living in you.   Pray that you would receive the counsel that Jesus desires to give you.  “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”  John 14:26 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Mighty God.  Pray that your life submits fully to the authority and might of God.  Pray that you would make the most of every opportunity that God gives you to speak of His mighty work in your life.  “But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God.”  Luke 22:69 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Everlasting Father.  Pray that your life shows a trust in an eternal Father and Savior.  Pray that you would share the truth of an everlasting God as you tell the story of Jesus this Christmas.  “’I tell you the truth,’ Jesus answered, ‘before Abraham was born, I am!’”  John 8:58 (NIV)

Thursday:  Prince of Peace.  Pray that you would seek peace with God who desires to bring all people to peace with Him through Jesus.  Pray that you would give glory to God for the peace Jesus has brought between you and God.  “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”  Luke 2:14 (NIV)

Friday: Jesus.  Pray that you completely experience the cleansing power of the name of Jesus who came to save His people from their sins.  Pray for the courage to present Jesus as the One who saves.  “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners — of whom I am the worst.”  I Timothy 1:15 (NIV)

Saturday:  Immanuel.  Pray that your life is a constant reminder to those around you that God is with us and has come to help His people.  Pray that you would always remember God’s desire for His presence to be with you.  “They were all filled with awe and praised God. ‘A great prophet has appeared among us,’ they said. ‘God has come to help his people.’”  Luke 7:16 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Leaders!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

 This week’s prayer focus:  Leadership!

“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)

As we continue to grow in A Lifestyle of Prayer, it is important to remember prayer should be a lifestyle, not an event.  This week we will spend time praying for various roles of leadership and the people in them.  Continue to pray for one another each day.  Continue to pray for the work of our supported missions.  Continue to pray for the family.  View prayer as your first priority, not as the last resort.  Continue to use the prayer guides/lists from the past weeks.

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.  For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men — the testimony given in its proper time.”  
1 Timothy 2:1-6 (NIV)

 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 for the leaders/authority position listed for that day.  Pay attention to the words from 1 Timothy from above as you pray for everyone, specifically for leaders and all those in authority.  Thank you!

Sunday:  Pray for your church, its staff and leadership, and for all of the preaching and teaching that takes place.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: Family leaders.  Pray for men who will lead with Christ-like humility and service.  Pray that men would not abandon their family responsibility and leadership.  Pray for women who out of necessity must lead their family with great courage and strength.

Tuesday: Church leaders.  Pray for the elders and leaders of the church congregation you are a part of, as well as for those who lead in church congregations around the world.  Pray for those who do the work of volunteer ministry leadership.

Wednesday: Business leaders.  Pray that these leaders would conduct business in ways that will honor and value the family.  Pray that the business practices would be fair and just to all employees and customers.

Thursday: Community leaders.  Pray for your local leaders, that their decisions would be made with godly wisdom and courage.  Pray that they would take seriously their role in protecting and serving the communities.

Friday: State leaders.  Pray that your state leaders would look out for the best interest of the citizens.  Pray that they would be surrounded by people who give them godly advice and wisdom.

Saturday:  National leaders.  Pray for our national leaders to put aside partisan and divisive politics and lead in ways that allow us to live in peace and quietness as we share our faith in Jesus freely.  Pray that our leaders would listen to godly advice and dismiss that which is ungodly.

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Lifestyle of Prayer: The Church Family!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

 

This week’s prayer focus:  The Church Family!

“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)

As we continue to grow in A Lifestyle of Prayer, it is important to remember prayer should be a lifestyle, not an event.  View prayer as your first priority, not as the last resort.  This week we will focus on praying for the various aspects of the church family.  Each day will emphasize a category of people to pray for that are, or could be, a part of your church family.  Pray specifically for the people you know in each category.  As you pray, listen for what God would have you to do.  Pray each day for the individuals of the congregation you attend as well as for the gathering of believers.

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 for God’s direction in responding to that day’s giving focus.  Thank you!

Sunday:  Pray for your church, its staff and leadership, and for all of the preaching and teaching that takes place.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: Visitors that come.  Pray that you would notice visitors and be welcoming.  Pray that our visitors would be encouraged to pursue Jesus.  “My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ.”  Colossians 2:2 (NIV)

Tuesday: Members.  Pray that each member would be growing in faith and equipped to share their faith.  Pray that your involvement in the body of Christ would be an encouragement to others.  “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”  Colossians 2:6-7 (NIV)

Wednesday: Deacons.  Spend time thanking God for deacons who serve with diligence and faithfulness.  Pray that they would receive the respect due them.  “Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.”  1 Timothy 3:8 (NIV)

Thursday: Elders.  Thank God for elders who desire a noble task.  Pray that their task is made easier by a congregation that lives out their connection with God.  “Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task.”
1 Timothy 3:1 (NIV)

Friday: Teachers.  Pray for God’s wisdom and protection for those who teach.  Pray that all teaching would remain true to God’s Word.  “Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.”  James 3:1 (NIV)

Saturday:  Visitors to invite.  Pray for those God would have you share your faith with.  Pray for courage to invite people to attend church with you.  “Go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.”  Matthew 22:9 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Giving!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

 

This week’s prayer focus:  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

As we continue to grow in A Lifestyle of Prayer, it is important to remember prayer should be a lifestyle, not an event.  View prayer as your first priority, not as the last resort.  As we prepare to begin a study series on taking God at His word, we will focus our lifestyle of prayer this week on Giving.  While giving can be a controversial topic to speak about in many churches, our giving is something we ought to speak with God about on a regular basis!  Just as we’ve been talking about the need for prayer to be a lifestyle, giving ought to be a way of life for every believer as well. 

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 for God’s direction in responding to that day’s giving focus.  Thank you!

Sunday:  Pray for your church, its staff and leadership, and for all of the preaching and teaching that takes place.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: Give To Those in Need.  Pray that you would recognize the expectation of Jesus that you give to the needy without seeking notice.  Pray that God would help you find ways to truly help those in need.  “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.”  Matthew 6:3 (NIV)

Tuesday: Give What You Owe.  Pray that you would not overlook any area of what you owe as you give.   Pray that God would use you as a blessing to others as you give what you owe.  “Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”  Romans 13:7 (NIV)

Wednesday: Give Cheerfully.  Pray that you would listen intently to God so that your giving is done with cheerful obedience because you “get to”.  Pray that your cheerfulness in giving would be a genuine expression of thanksgiving to God.  “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”  2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)

Thursday: Give Thanks.  Pray that God would continue to grow within you a heart of thanksgiving in all that you do.  Pray that you would learn to give thanks in all circumstances.  “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”  Colossians 3:17 (NIV)

Friday: Give An Answer.  Pray that your life in Christ is lived in a way that people notice and that you are ready to give an answer about your hope.  “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)

Saturday:  Give Everything.  Pray that God would reveal to you anything you have held back from His control and then fully surrender it to Him.  “In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.”  Luke 14:33 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Give Thanks!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

 

This week’s prayer focus:  Give Thanks!

“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 
Ephesians 5:19-20

As we continue to grow in A Lifestyle of Prayer, it is important to remember prayer should be a lifestyle, not an event.  View prayer as your first priority, not as the last resort.  As we approach the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday, it seems fitting that this week’s prayer focus is on being thankful.  It is  too easy to let the cares of the world steal our joy and thankfulness, so this week we will pray about a variety of reasons to be thankful as well as things to be thankful for.  God connects our attitudes and conversations with one another with our life of thankfulness to Him.  Pray each day for the individuals of Deer Run as well as the body of Deer Run.  Continue to use the prayer guides/lists from the past weeks.

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 for God’s direction in responding to that day’s thankfulness focus.  Thank you!

 Sunday:  Pray for your church, its staff and leadership, and for all of the preaching and teaching that takes place.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: Thankful for Faithful Reputation.  Thank God for those people who inspire you because of their reputation of faith in Jesus.  Pray that you would be one whose faithful reputation inspires others.  “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world.”  Romans 1:8 (NIV)

Tuesday: Thankful for Changed Lives.  Thank God for the desire and strength to turn from sin and  live obediently to the truth.  Pray that the people around you would wholeheartedly obey the teaching of the gospel.  “But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted.”  Romans 6:17 (NIV)

Wednesday: Thankful for Received Grace.  Thank God for His amazing grace that He offers to all who would accept it and recognize it is that same grace that allows you to be thankful for the people around you.  Pray that the people around you would see God’s grace extended through you.  “I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.”  1 Corinthians 1:4 (NIV)

Thursday: Thankful for Real Victory.  Thank God for the victory over sin and death, as well as for the daily victories, through Jesus.  Pray that the people around you would experience true victory through a relationship with Jesus.  “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”  1 Corinthians 15:57 (NIV)

Friday: Thankful for Shared Concern.  Thank God that He draws believers to a common concern for one another and pray that you would always remember it.  Pray that you would be filled with a concern for others.  “I thank God, who put into the heart of Titus the same concern I have for you.”  2 Corinthians 8:16 (NIV)

Saturday:  Thankful for Generous Giving.  Thank God for the ability, and opportunity, to supply the needs of one another through His provision.  Pray that your giving would cause others to give thanks to God.  “This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.”  2 Corinthians 9:12 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Weakness!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

 

This week’s prayer focus:  Weakness!

“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)

As we continue to grow in A Lifestyle of Prayer, it is important to remember prayer should be a lifestyle, not an event.  This week we will focus on praying about some things that God says about Weakness.  God’s view of weakness seems to be radically different from that of most people today.  In the times when I am overcome with weakness, I need to remember the help that God gives through His Spirit, His power, and His people.  As you pray this week, jot down situations where you know you have seen God use your weakness for His glory.  Make a note of weakness that you continue to struggle with seeing how God will ever use them.  Write down ways that you can be a help and encouragement to the people around you who also struggle with their weaknesses.  Pray that you would seek God with the action steps you need to take in each of those journaled areas.  Continue to use the prayer guides/lists from the past weeks.

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.  And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.”
Romans 8:26-27 (NIV)

Please spend time praying each day for God’s direction in responding to that day’s weakness focus.  With that focus in mind, pray for yourself, your family, your friends, neighbors, and all the other “one anothers” in your life.  Thank you!

Sunday:  Pray for your church, its staff and leadership, and for all of the preaching and teaching that takes place.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: Our Weakness in Prayer Helped by the Spirit.  Pray that you would trust the Spirit to know your heart in prayer when you struggle with the words to use.  “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.”  Romans 8:26 (NIV)

Tuesday: Boasting in Weakness.  Pray that you would use God’s working in your weaknesses as opportunities to tell others about the power of Jesus.  Pray that any boasting you do would be based on God’s glory and not yours.  “If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.”  2 Corinthians 11:30 (NIV)

Wednesday: Grace that is Sufficient for our Weakness.  Pray that you would trust and allow God’s power to be perfected in your weakness through His grace.  “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”  2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

Thursday: Delighting in Weakness that Makes us Strong.  Pray that you would learn to see the value of weaknesses and difficulties to show the strength of Christ to the world.  “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”  2 Corinthians 12:10 (NIV)

Friday: Living by God’s Power through Weakness.  Pray that you would live according to the power of the resurrection in the midst of your weaknesses.  “For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God’s power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God’s power we will live with him to serve you.”  2 Corinthians 13:4 (NIV)

Saturday:  One who Understands our Weakness.  Pray that you would always cast all your cares on Jesus, the one who understands and sympathizes with our weaknesses.  “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are–yet was without sin.”  Hebrews 4:15 (NIV)

 

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Protection Revisited!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

 

This week’s prayer focus:  Protection!

“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)

As we continue to grow in A Lifestyle of Prayer, it is important to remember prayer should be a lifestyle, not an event.  This week we will again pray for wisdom to properly use the armor God has given us.  Please note the closing verse — it’s all meant to be used in the context of continual prayer!  View prayer as your first priority, not as the last resort.  Continue to use the prayer guides/lists from the past weeks.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,  and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  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 6:10-18 (NIV)

Please spend time praying each day for godly wisdom in using the piece of armor listed.  With that focus in mind, pray for yourself, your family, your friends, neighbors, and all the other “one anothers” in your life.  Thank you!

Sunday:  Pray for your church, its staff and leadership, and for all of the preaching and teaching that takes place.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: Protected by Truth.  Pray that God would help you to speak truth in love.  Pray that He would lead you in removing any elements of falsehood from your life.  Pray that truth, God’s truth, would be central in the lives of each person you pray for today.

Tuesday: Protected by Righteousness.  Pray that you would be confident that the righteousness you have in Christ will protect your heart and soul.  Pray that God would help you to remove any sense that somehow you may have enough righteousness on your own.  Pray that righteousness, God’s righteousness, would be found in the life of each person you pray for today.

Wednesday: Protected by the Gospel of Peace.  Pray that you would be filled with a peace that passes all understanding because of the gospel of Jesus.  Pray that God would help you to be a peacemaker as you live and share the gospel.  Pray that peace, God’s peace would fill each person you pray for today.

Thursday: Protected by Faith.  Pray that you would have an unwavering faith that will protect you from the accusations of Satan.  Pray that God will help you to deal with, and dismiss, any doubts that the enemy tries to plant in your mind.  Pray that faith, faith in God, will encourage each person you pray for today.

Friday: Protected by Salvation.  Pray that the salvation you have in Christ will protect your mind from the deceitfulness of Satan.  Pray that God would remind you that you are His when the enemy tries to convince you that God couldn’t save you.  Pray that salvation, God’s salvation, would be known by each person you pray for today.

Saturday:  Protected by the Word of God.  Pray that you would be an active student of God’s Word.  Pray that you would allow His Spirit to instruct your understanding so that you would accurately handle the Word of God.  Pray that the Word of God would illuminate the life of each person you pray for today.

 

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Peace Revisited (Week 2)!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

 

This week’s prayer focus:  Peace!

“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)

As we continue to grow in A Lifestyle of Prayer, it is important to remember prayer should be a lifestyle, not an event. I have not often repeated these weekly prayer guides, but this week is a return to the second part of a two-week focus on praying for peace from God’s perspective because I need the reminder.  It seems nearly everyone loves the idea of peace, but few actually obtain it because we want peace according to our definition and standards rather than God’s.  Use the suggestions each day but most of all allow God’s Word to soak into your life and direct how you pray and who you pray for.  As you pray, pay attention to any changes and/or actions God would be calling you to make in that area.  Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.  View prayer as your first priority, not as the last resort.  Continue to use the prayer guides/lists from the past weeks.

“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.  Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.  Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” 
Ephesians 4:1-3 (NIV)

” 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 each day praying about, and writing down, how God would have you live out that day’s aspect of prayer.    Thank you!

Sunday:  Pray for your church, its staff and leadership, and for all of the preaching and teaching that takes place.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: Choose peace.  Pray for courage to choose peace whenever possible.  Pray that the peace you choose would be contagious.  “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”  Romans 12:18 (NIV)

Tuesday: Work at peace.  Pray for the strength to continually work at peace.  Pray that your efforts would lead to peace for yourself and others.  “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”  Romans 14:19 (NIV)

Wednesday: Live in peace.  Pray for a unity among believers that will help each one to live in peace.  Pray that God’s peace would be evident to others.  “Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.”  2 Corinthians 13:11  (NIV)

Thursday: Spirit produced peace.  Pray that peace would be an obvious part of the fruit God’s Spirit is producing in you.  Pray that you would not be a hindrance to peace.  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”  Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)

Friday: Peace beyond understanding.  Pray for peace to exist in times when the world would say peace makes no sense.  Pray that this peace will guard your heart and mind during times of struggle.  “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:7 (NIV)

Saturday:  Peace from discipline.  Pray that you would allow God’s discipline in your life to produce a harvest of peace.  Pray that the training you receive at God’s hand would spread peace to others.  “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”  Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)

 

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Peace Revisited (Week 1)!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

 

This week’s prayer focus:  Peace!

“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)

As we continue to grow in A Lifestyle of Prayer, it is important to remember prayer should be a lifestyle, not an event. I have not often repeated these weekly prayer guides, but this week we will return to a two-week focus on praying for peace from God’s perspective because I need the reminder.  It seems nearly everyone loves the idea of peace, but few actually obtain it because we want peace according to our definition and standards rather than God’s.  Use the suggestions each day but most of all allow God’s Word to soak into your life and direct how you pray and who you pray for.  As you pray, pay attention to any changes and/or actions God would be calling you to make in that area.  Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.  View prayer as your first priority, not as the last resort.  Continue to use the prayer guides/lists from the past weeks.

“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.  Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.  Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” 
Ephesians 4:1-3 (NIV)

” 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 each day praying about, and writing down, how God would have you live out that day’s aspect of prayer.    Thank you!

Sunday:  Pray for your church, its staff and leadership, and for all of the preaching and teaching that takes place.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: Peacemakers.   Pray that you would accept just how “God-like” it is to be a peacemaker and that you would put that quality into practice consistently.  “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”  Matthew 5:9 (NIV)

Tuesday: Peace with one another.  Pray that you would recognize the importance of being at peace with one another and make the effort to flavor your surroundings with peace.  “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other.”  Mark 9:50 (NIV)

Wednesday: Paths of peace.  Pray that  you will notice, and walk on, the paths of peace that are illuminated through your relationship with Jesus  “because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven  to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”  Luke 1:78-79 (NIV)

Thursday: Peace through surrender.  Pray for the courage to seek peace in all situations on God’s terms.  “If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace.  In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.”  Luke 14:32-33 (NIV)

Friday: Peace that overcomes.  Pray for peace in the midst of trouble knowing that Jesus has overcome whatever the world throws at you.  “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33 (NIV)

Saturday:  Peace with God.  Pray that God will  help you to share your faith that has brought you into peace with God.  “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”  Romans 5:1 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Security!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

 

This week’s prayer focus:  Security!

“He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God.  And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth.”
Micah 5:4 (NIV)

As we continue to grow in A Lifestyle of Prayer, it is important to remember prayer should be a lifestyle, not an event.  View prayer as your first priority, not as the last resort.  This week we will focus our prayer time on the topic of Security!  Most of us try to build a sense of security around us but we are often building it with materials and things that will not last.  The Bible warns us about having a false sense of security that comes from trusting in our own strengths, abilities, and wisdom.  This week we will spend time praying about some areas that God says He will secure!  If you desire true lasting security, these areas will be a good place to start.   Pray that your church congregation is a place where each person is a valued part of the family, regardless of how they fit in their “real” family.

” 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 each day praying about, and writing down, how God would have you live out that day’s aspect of prayer.    Thank you!

Sunday:  Pray for your church, its staff and leadership, and for all of the preaching and teaching that takes place.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday:  A Secured Covenant.  Praise God that the blood of Jesus has secured for us an everlasting covenant. Pray for those who are not yet right with God and therefore living outside of this covenant. “Is not my house right with God?  Has he not made with me an everlasting covenant, arranged and secured in every part?  Will he not bring to fruition my salvation and grant me my every desire?”  2 Samuel 23:5 (NIV)

Tuesday:  A Secured Righteousness.  Pray for a righteousness that stands secure in the midst of violence.  Pray that God’s searching of your heart and mind would make your righteousness in Him secure.  “O righteous God, who searches minds and hearts, bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure.”  Psalm 7:9 (NIV)

Wednesday:  A Secured Position.  Pray for courage to feel secure in the position God has placed you.  Pray that you would recognize the assigned work God has prepared for you to do.  “LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure.”  Psalm 16:5 (NIV)

Thursday:  A Secured Rest.  Pray for comfort in knowing you have a secured rest because of the resurrection of Jesus.  Pray that your gladness would cause other to seek a secured rest.  “Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay.”  Psalm 16:9-10 (NIV)

Friday:  A Secured Fortress.  Pray that you would always see the Lord as a place of security and refuge for you and your family.  Pray that the people around you would come to know the security that it sound in Christ.  “He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge.”  Proverbs 14:26 (NIV)

Saturday:  A Secured Hope.  Pray that your faith in Jesus would always serve as an anchor for your hope.  Pray that the people around you would seek a secured hope.  “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain.”  Hebrews 6:19 (NIV)