Prayer Guides

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Remember!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

 This week’s prayer focus: Remember!

“You will have these tassels to look at and so you will remember all the commands of the LORD, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by going after the lusts of your own hearts and eyes.  Then you will remember to obey all my commands and will be consecrated to your God.”
Numbers 15:39-40 (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 emphasis on some remembrances that God wants us to have.  Because many of us tend to be forgetful about a lot of things, throughout scripture God reminds us of the need to remember.  Pray that God would help you remember the things that you ought to so that you are an effective ambassador of His.  Pray each day for the individuals of the church congregation you attend as well as for the body of believers that meet together.

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: Through Songs.  Pray that you would fill your mind with songs that help you remember the things of the Lord.  Pray that the people around you would be lifted up by your songs.  “I remembered my songs in the night.  My heart mused and my spirit inquired.” Psalm 77:6 (NIV)

Tuesday: God’s Deeds and Miracles.  Pray that you would not forget the mighty works of God from days of long ago, nor from your own days.  Pray that the people around you would hear of the mighty works of God from you.  “I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.” Psalm 77:11

Wednesday: God’s Laws.  Pray that you would find comfort in remembering the laws of God.  Pray that the people around you would know you as one who remembers God’s laws because they see you keeping them.  “I remember your ancient laws, O LORD, and I find comfort in them.”  Psalm 119:52 (NIV)

Thursday: God’s Name.  Pray that God’s name would always be on your mind as He draws you to follow His ways.  Pray that the people around you would see you as keeping God’s name holy.  “In the night I remember your name, O LORD, and I will keep your law.”  Psalm 119:55 (NIV)

Friday: God’s Warnings.  Pray that you would remember the warnings of Jesus when trouble comes so that you are prepared to trust Him.  Pray that the people around you would remember both the promises and warnings of God.  “I have told you this, so that when the time comes you will remember that I warned you. I did not tell you this at first because I was with you.”  John 16:4 (NIV)

Saturday:  The Lord’s Sacrifice.  Pray that you would always take the Lord’s Supper seriously as you remember the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.  “And when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’  In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.’” 1 Corinthians 11:24-25 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Purity
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Lifestyle of Prayer: Purity

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

 This week’s prayer focus: Purity!

“Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”
2 Corinthians 7:1 (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 emphasis on the subject of purity.  It seems that most conversations and teaching about purity center around the topic of sexual purity.  While that is an important Biblical topic, I believe the Bible teaches that it is often the impurities in other aspects of our life that leads to sexual impurity.  The door of impure actions is often opened by having an impure heart, attitude, thought, or speech.  As you pray each day this week, pray for a greater desire for, and practice of,  the purity that God desires for you.  Pray each day for the individuals of the church congregation you attend as well as for the body of believers that meet together.

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: Pure Fear of the Lord.  Pray that you would always live according to a pure fear of the Lord.  Pray that the people around you would come to know a fear of the Lord as the foundation for all purity.  “The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever.” Psalm 19:9 (NIV)

Tuesday: Pure Heart.  Pray that you would seek and allow God to create a pure heart within you.  Pray that the people around you would see your persistence in allowing God’s Spirit to purify your heart.  “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 (NIV)

Wednesday: Pure Way.  Pray that you would be a faithful student of God’s Word for the purpose of keeping your way pure.  Pray that the people around you would come to know God’s Word as a protection to keep their life pure.  “How can a young man keep his way pure?  By living according to your word.”  Psalm 119:9 (NIV)

Thursday: Pure Speech.  Pray that God’s guard over your mouth would keep your speech pure in all situations.  Pray that the people around you would hear a consistent message of your faith as you ask God to watch what comes from your lips.  “Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.”  Psalm 141:3 (NIV)

Friday: Pure Thoughts.  Pray that your thoughts would only be of things that are pleasing to  God.  Pray that the people around you would understand how important their thought life is and that nothing you do would cause them to have impure thoughts.  “The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but those of the pure are pleasing to him.”  Proverbs 15:26 (NIV)

Saturday:  Pure Actions.  Pray that God would help you to see how your actions are reflecting Him to the world.  Pray that the people around you will know you as God’s child because of the way you live your life.  “Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right.” Proverbs 20:11 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Revival

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

 This week’s prayer focus: Revival!

“When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
2 Chronicles 7:13-14 (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.  Most Christians seem to be in agreement that we need revival in our land.  With such agreement, it would seem that we should be experiencing revival on a daily basis!  This week we will pray about various aspects of God reviving us as individuals so that our land is revived through the presence of Christ living in us.  As you are growing in the practice of prayer, I also encourage you to grow in the practice of journaling your prayers, your requests, your praises, and make note of how you see God working in each.  Pray each day for the individuals of the church congregation you attend as well as for the body of believers that meet together.

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: Revived to Call on the name of God.  Pray for a steadfast faith that constantly calls upon the name of the Lord.  Pray that the people around you today would see God’s face shining upon you.  “Then we will not turn back from You; Revive us, and we will call upon Your name.  Restore us, O Lord God of hosts; Cause Your face to shine, And we shall be saved!” Psalm 80:18-19 (NKJV)

Tuesday: Revived by God’s Word.  Pray that you would turn to God’s Word for revival in times you feel down.  Pray that the people around you today would recognize God’s Word alive in your life.  “My soul clings to the dust; Revive me according to Your word.” Psalm 119:25 (NKJV)

Wednesday: Revived in God’s Way.  Pray that you would be revived in God’s way as you turn away from all that is worthless.  Pray that the people around you would see you walking in God’s way.  “Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, And revive me in Your way.”  Psalm 119:37 (NKJV)

Thursday: Revived in Righteousness.  Pray that your desire for God’s laws would revive His righteousness in you.  Pray that the people around you today would recognize God’s precepts at work in your life.  “Behold, I long for Your precepts; Revive me in Your righteousness.”  Psalm 119:40 (NKJV)

Friday: Revived according to God’s Justice.  Pray that your cries to God would seek for Him to make things right in your life.  Pray that the people around you today would look to God for true justice.  “Hear my voice according to Your lovingkindness; O Lord, revive me according to Your justice.”  Psalm 119:149 (NKJV)

Saturday:  Revived according to God’s Loving-kindness.  Pray that your love of God’s laws would revive you according to His love.  Pray that the people around you would see God’s love through your obedience to His precepts.  Consider how I love Your precepts; Revive me, O Lord, according to Your lovingkindness.” Psalm 119:159 (NKJV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: PRAYER

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

 This week’s prayer focus: PRAYER!

“When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
2 Chronicles 7:13-14 (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.  As we come off of the National Day of Prayer and a prayer emphasis I was privileged to lead, this week we will return to the instructions given to Solomon for God’s people to know how to return to Him when they have strayed.  As you are growing in the practice of prayer, I also encourage you to grow in the practice of journaling your prayers, your requests, your praises, and make note of how you see God working in each.  Pray each day for the individuals of the church congregation you attend as well as for the body of believers that meet together.

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 focused around the various elements of faith that God calls us to — and has put within us.  With that focus in mind, pray for yourself, your family, your friends, neighbors, and all the other “one anothers” we’ve been praying for over the past weeks.    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: Pursue.  Spend time with God considering, even writing out, what it would look like for you to pursue God wholeheartedly.  Pray that your whole heart would be involved in seeking God.  “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”  Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)

Tuesday: Repent.  As you pray, listen for God to reveal not just actions but even thoughts for which you need to turn to Him in repentance.  Pray that you would turn to God for the strength and courage to change the things that need changed in your life.   “Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart.”  Acts 8:22 (NIV)

Wednesday: Act.  Spend the necessary time listening to God so that your prayers result in God-led action.  Pray that you would see and respond to the opportunities that God gives you.  “If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?”  James 2:16 (NIV)

Thursday: Yield.  Empty yourself daily of your will so that the focus of your prayers would be fully yielded to God.  Pray that God’s will would not only be done, but that it is your priority.  “He went away a second time and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.'”  Matthew 26:42 (NIV)

Friday: Encourage.  Pray that you would be filled with, and share, encouragement as you cry out to God as a way of life.  Pray for wisdom in using the stories of your struggles to encourage others.  “You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry.”  Psalm 10:17 (NIV)

Saturday:  Rejoice!  Recognize, and rejoice, in the greatness of God being found by all who would seek Him.  Pray for a heart that constantly rejoices as you live in the presence of God.  “Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.”  Psalm 105:3 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Faith

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

 This week’s prayer focus: 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)

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 pray about Faith! Each day our prayer time will focus on an aspect of our faith and how critical it is to our relationship with Jesus. God says that it is impossible to please Him without faith, so we probably ought to focus more attention on what it is, how to have it, and how to share it.  Pray each day for the individuals of the church congregation you attend as well as for the body of believers that meet together.

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 focused around the various elements of faith that God calls us to — and has put within us.  With that focus in mind, pray for yourself, your family, your friends, neighbors, and all the other “one anothers” we’ve been praying for over the past weeks.    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: Growing Faith. 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

Tuesday: Saving Faith. 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)

Wednesday: 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: 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)

Friday: 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. “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17 (NIV)

Saturday: Active Faith. 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)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Work

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

 This week’s prayer focus: Work!

“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)

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 pray about Work!  Each day our prayer time will focus on an aspect of our work and/or God’s work in and through us.  As you pray this week, consider the work you do, as well as the ability that God gives you to do that work.  Pray that you would recognize the value of the work God has called you to and that you would value the work that others do.  Pray each day for the individuals of the church congregation you attend as well as for the body of believers that meet together.

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 focused around the words of Jesus spoken from the cross.  With that focus in mind, pray for yourself, your family, your friends, neighbors, and all the other “one anothers” we’ve been praying for over the past weeks.    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: 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

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: Sayings From the Cross

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

 This week’s prayer focus: Sayings From the Cross!

“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 return to the words of Jesus from the cross to help us focus our prayer time each day!  As we approach Resurrection Sunday, it is fitting to not only consider the sacrifice Jesus made, but to apply His very words to how we pray this week.  Use the topics this week to help you pray through difficulties, through weakness, through loneliness, through concern for others, and most importantly through the eyes of Jesus.   Pray each day for the individuals of the church congregation you attend as well as for the body of believers that meet together.

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 focused around the words of Jesus spoken from the cross.  With that focus in mind, pray for yourself, your family, your friends, neighbors, and all the other “one anothers” we’ve been praying for over the past weeks.    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: Father, forgive them.  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 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.  “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 those who feel forsaken by God, that you would represent Jesus well to them.  “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 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

Saturday:  It is finished.  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  “Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.’ When he had said this, he breathed his last.”  Luke 23:46

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Lifestyle of Prayer: The Children

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer” 

 This week’s prayer focus: The Children!

“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)

“‘I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’  And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.”
Mark 10:15-16 (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.  The plight of children has been on my mind a lot lately, so this week we will focus our prayer emphasis on the children. God has a lot to say about His concern for children. Many children are struggling with little or no perceived value — not just in far off places of the world, but in our own communities and neighborhoods. As you pray this week, listen intently for what God would have you do to show children the great value He places on them.  Pray each day for the individuals of the church congregation you attend as well as for the body of believers that meet together. 

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 for children. Pray for those on the front lines of representing Jesus to the children — parents, grandparents, youth workers, school teachers, school counselors, school staff, coaches, and all others who have consistent contact with young people each day.  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: Worshipful Children. Pray that the children would be worshippers of God. Pray that they would always know the value of true worship, regardless of their age. “From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.” Psalm 8:2

Tuesday: Kingdom Children. Pray that the children of this world would become children of God’s kingdom. Pray that they would never lose the innocent faith of a child. “And he said: ‘I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.’” Matthew 18:3

Wednesday: Welcomed Children. Pray that the children around you today would know that Jesus welcomes them to Himself. Pray that nothing would hinder them from coming to Jesus. “Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’” Matthew 19:14

Thursday: Forgiven Children. Pray that the children who are living with great guilt would know the forgiveness that God offers. Pray that they would learn of that forgiveness from you. “The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off — for all whom the Lord our God will call.” Acts 2:39

Friday: Obedient Children. Pray that the children of your community would learn the value of obedience. Pray that they would know what is right and choose to do it. “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” Ephesians 6:1

Saturday: Faithful Children. Pray that the children who have come to Christ would remain faithful all the days of their life. Pray that they would be protected from the evil one. “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” 3 John 1:4

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Lifestyle of Prayer: The Fatherless

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer” 

 This week’s prayer focus: The Fatherless!

“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)

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
James 1:27 (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 emphasis on the fatherless. God has a lot to say about His concern for the fatherless or orphans. As we pray to be more Christ-like, we must pray that our response to the fatherless would be the same as God’s. There are many in our community who live as fatherless regardless of the presence of a dad in their life. Pray that God would equip us to help men to live as fathers and to be fathers for those who have none.  Pray each day for the individuals of the church congregation you attend as well as for the body of believers that meet together. 

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 of your response to “the fatherless”. Pray for those on the front lines of representing Jesus to the fatherless — youth workers, school teachers, school counselors, school staff, coaches, and all others who have consistent contact with young people each day.  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: Defend. Pray for the courage to stand up for the fatherless when it comes to them having their needs met. “He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the alien, giving him food and clothing.” Deuteronomy 10:18 (NIV)

Tuesday: Provide Justice. Pray that you would make the most of every opportunity to see that the fatherless around you receive justice. “Do not deprive the alien or the fatherless of justice.” Deuteronomy 24:17 (NIV)

Wednesday: Rescue. Pray that you would have ears to hear the cries of the fatherless. As you hear their cries, pray that you would rescue them in their time of need.  “Because I rescued the poor who cried for help, and the fatherless who had none to assist him.” Job 29:12 (NIV)

Thursday: Help. Pray that you would accurately reflect the character of God as you provide help to the fatherless. “The victim commits himself to you; you are the helper of the fatherless.” Psalm 10:14 (NIV)

Friday: Sustain. Pray that God would fill you with an attitude of generosity as He provides ways for you to sustain the fatherless. Pray that you would be one to watch over their needs. “The LORD watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.” Psalm 146:9 (NIV)

Saturday: Show Compassion. Pray that your approach to the fatherless around you would be filled with the same compassion that God has for them. “We will never again say ‘Our gods’ to what our own hands have made, for in you the fatherless find compassion.” Hosea 14:3(NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: The Least

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer” 

 This week’s prayer focus: The Least . . . Your Response!

“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)

“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’”
Matthew 25:40 (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 emphasis on our response to people who are often considered “the least”.  As you pray each day, pray that your daily walk with God will transform your heart and mind so you will not just hear what God would have you to do, but that you would do it!  Pray each day for the individuals of the church congregation you attend as well as for the body of believers that meet together. 

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 of your response to “the least”.  With that focus in mind, pray for yourself, your family, your friends, neighbors, and all the “one anothers” we’ve been praying for over the past year.  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: The Hungry.  Pray that God would help you to see, and respond to, true hunger in its various forms.  Pray that you make the most of the opportunities to meet the needs of those who hunger physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat.”  Matthew 25:35 (NIV)

Tuesday: The Thirsty.  Pray that your life would be a refreshment to those who thirst.  Pray that your heart would be open to helping resolve the causes of physical, emotional, and spiritual thirst.  “I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink.”  Matthew 25:35 (NIV)

Wednesday: The Stranger.  Pray that God would put within  you an attitude that would welcome strangers to discover Jesus.  Pray for wisdom in how to minister to strangers.  “I was a stranger and you invited me in.”  Matthew 25:35 (NIV)

Thursday: The Naked.  Pray that God would open your eyes to see those who live exposed.  Pray that you would respond to God’s call to provide covering for those who are in need.  “I needed clothes and you clothed me.”  Matthew 25:36 (NIV)

Friday: The Sick.  Pray that you would be filled with compassion for those who are sick.  Pray that your compassion would lead you to be involved in providing care according to their needs.  “I was sick and you looked after me.”  Matthew 25:36 (NIV)

Saturday:  The Prisoner.  Pray for those who live in prisons of various kinds.  Pray that you would not let their prison keep you from loving them as you ought.  “I was in prison and you came to visit me.”  Matthew 25:36 (NIV)

“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)