Prayer Guides

October 27, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Vision of Hope!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Vision of Hope!

  “But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.  My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure.”
Psalm 71:14-15 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer emphasis on living with hope in such a way that we share it with others.  Life is filled with uncertainty and trouble yet we live with hope because Jesus has overcome the nature of this world.  It is in this hope that we are able to know God in a way which prepares us for eternity.  The hope we have in Christ ought to fill us with a praise of Him that grows each day.  As you pray this week, ask God to fill you an unshakeable hope.  Pray that you would notice great reminders of His steadfast goodness and love as God fills you with incredible hope.    Pray that the boundless nature of God would fill you with a hope that knows no end.  Pray about how the hope which you are filled with can be shared with others.  Pray for the courage to both live with hope and to share that hope with others.

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

Please pray each day for God to help you live with a hope which is shared.

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:  Hope Of the Nations.  Pray that your hope remains in the name of Jesus.  Pray that the people of the nations would know the hope of Jesus.  Pray about how God would have you to be involved in sharing the hope that you know with the nations of the world.  Pray that a pursuit of hope would bring the people of the nations to Jesus.  “In his name the nations will put their hope.”  Matthew 12:21 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Hope Of the Resurrection.  Pray that you would always hold fast to the hope that you have because of the resurrection of Jesus.  Pray that the resurrection of Jesus would fill you with great hope even in the midst of loss.  Pray that nothing would shake you from the hope obtained through the resurrection.  “I stand on trial because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead.”  Acts 23:6 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Hope Which Does Not Disappoint.  Pray that all the disappointments of life would be overcome by the hope that you have through the love of God poured into your life.  Pray that the hope you share with others would guide them through life’s disappointments.  “And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”  Romans 5:5 (NIV)

Thursday:  Hope Which Overflows.  Pray that your life would overflow with joy and peace because of the hope of God’s Spirit within you.  Pray that the hope you share with others would overflow from the abundance of hope God has filled you with.  “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”  Romans 15:13 (NIV)

Friday:  Hope Of an Inheritance.  Pray that you would clearly see the incredible hope that is yours through your inheritance as a child of God.  Pray that your life would help others to see the inheritance that can be theirs.  “I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.”  Ephesians 1:18 (NIV)

Saturday:  Hope Which Is Professed.  Pray that you would be steadfast in holding on to the hope you have in Christ.  Pray that you would always make the most of every opportunity to profess to others the hope you have In Jesus.  Pray that the faithfulness of Jesus would fill you with a desire to share with others about the hope He has given you.  “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”  Hebrews 10:23 (NIV)

October 20, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Vision To Bless!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Vision To Bless!

“As you have been an object of cursing among the nations, O Judah and Israel, so will I save you, and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid, but let your hands be strong.” 
Zechariah 8:13 (NIV)

This week our prayer focus will be on not only knowing the blessings which come from God, but on learning to bless others with all that God pours into our life.  When we turn to God and find Jesus has removed the curse of sin which was upon our life, He prepares us to bless others.  From the beginning of time, God has called people to Himself in order to bless the world through those who are His.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you grasp the riches of His blessings in your life which exceed the materialistic focus of this world.  Pray that you would choose to bless people according to the goodness of God rather than according to your own ability.  Pray that God would turn the curses of this world against you into a blessing to the world through you.  Pray for a growing understanding and practice of how God wants you to bless others. 

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

Please pray each day for God to help you live a life which blesses others with the blessings you have received 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: Bless One Another.  Pray that your life would bless others rather than curse them.  Pray for the wisdom needed to bless everyone that you encounter.  Pray that the people around you would know the blessings of God through you.  “When you have crossed the Jordan, these tribes shall stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people: Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph and Benjamin.”  Deuteronomy 27:12 (NIV)

Tuesday: Bless Your Family.  Pray that your desire and practice of blessing others would begin at home.  Pray that you would live in such a way that your family is blessed by your presence.  Pray about how God would have you be an example to others so they would know how to bless their family.  “Then all the people left, each for his own home, and David returned home to bless his family.”  1 Chronicles 16:43 (NIV)

Wednesday: Bless By Praying.  Ask God to help your prayer life be a blessing to others.  Pray that your conversations with God would lead not only to His blessings upon others, but that your prayers would teach you to bless others.  “The priests and the Levites stood to bless the people, and God heard them, for their prayer reached heaven, his holy dwelling place.” 2 Chronicles 30:27 (NIV)

Thursday: Bless In the Name of the Lord.  Pray that your every step would be taken in the name of the Lord.  Pray that your walk with God would lead you to bless others in His name.  Pray for wisdom in the ways you represent Jesus and the blessings He wants others to receive through you.  “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD.  From the house of the LORD we bless you.”  Psalm 118:26 (NIV)

Friday: Bless By Providing.  Pray that you would acknowledge the abundant provisions God has made available in your life to bless others even as He blesses you.  Pray with thanksgiving for those whom God uses to satisfy you in times of need.  Pray for eyes which notice the needs of others as you seek to bless them.  “I will bless her with abundant provisions; her poor will I satisfy with food.” Psalm 132:15 (NIV)

Saturday:  Bless Those Who Persecute.  Pray that you would have the wisdom and strength necessary to respond with blessing to those who persecute you.  Pray that your response to others would be based on God’s blessings toward you rather than on their attitude about you.  Pray that those who are opposed to Christ would be softened in their heart as you bless them according to God’s goodness.  “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”  Romans 12:14 (NIV)

October 13, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Vision of Truth!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Vision of Truth!

“Jesus answered, ‘You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.’”  
John 18:37 (NIV)

This week, our prayer focus will be on truth.  Matthew and John each record 30 times when Jesus used the phrase, “I tell you the truth”.  Truth is important to God and therefore ought to be important to us as his children.  Like nearly everything else, the truth which comes from God is vastly different from what is presented as truth by this world.  God’s truth must fill our heart so that our actions spring forth from that truth.  As you pray this week, pray for a greater vision of what godly truth really looks like, both in thought and in action.  Pray that you would not sacrifice truth to the gods of convenience, expediency, favor, or political correctness.  In living and speaking truth, pray that you would always do so in love.  Pray that the way you listen to Jesus would proclaim to those around you that you live on the side of truth.  Pray for a growing pursuit of God’s truth and that such a pursuit would help you more accurately represent Jesus.

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

Please pray each day for God to help you live with a growing understanding and acceptance of His truth.

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: Truth In Judgment.  Pray that you would accept the truthfulness of God’s judgment against the sin in your life.  Pray for wisdom in sharing with others regarding God’s judgment against sin.  Pray for hearts and lives to be transformed by the blood of Jesus as the only way to overcome true judgment.  “Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth.”  Romans 2:2 (NIV)

Tuesday: Truth Which Purifies.  Pray that your love for others would increase as you are continually purified through an obedience to the truth.  Pray that the people around you would experience a purity of truth which helps them grow in love.  “Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.”  1 Peter 1:22 (NIV)

Wednesday: Truth Which Remains.  Pray that you would hold fast to truth while the enemy tries to snatch if from you.  Pray for the spiritual strength to withstand the opposition to truth which is so prevalent in the world.  Pray that the truth of the good news of Jesus would remain with you at all times.  “We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might remain with you.”  Galatians 2:5 (NIV)

Thursday: Truth Which Supports & Protects.  Pray that you would know how the truth of God holds together everything which is necessary for you to be protected from the attacks of the enemy.  Pray that you would stand firm in the truth of God’s Word as it lifts you up and protects you from the destructive nature of deceit.  “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist.”  Ephesians 6:14 (NIV)

Friday: Truth Which Is Handled Correctly.  Pray that you would be an eager student of God’s Word so that you would handle its truth correctly.  Pray for wisdom in the way you use the truth of God’s Word in your own life and in the lives of others.  “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”  2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV)

Saturday:  Truth Which Leads To Godliness.  Pray that your very nature would be transformed by a knowledge and practice of the truth of God’s Word.  Pray that you would grow in godliness as you choose to put the truth of God’s Word into practice.  “Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God’s elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness.”  Titus 1:1 (NIV)

October 6, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Vision of Peace!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Vision of Peace!

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14:27 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis is about peace.  As Jesus taught His disciples, He promised to give peace that would be different from what the world could offer.  Unfortunately, we have a tendency to pursue peace according to the world’s standards rather than knowing a peace that only God can give.  The world says that peace comes by a removal of all conflict while Jesus offers peace in the midst of conflict.  The prince of this world is waging a war that has already been won by Jesus.  Part of his goal is to disrupt the peace that God gives you so you become fearful and filled with worry.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you accept the peace that He gives.  Pray that you would do your best to resolve conflict, but also know a peace even when others keep conflict alive.  Pray that you would live as a peacemaker as you represent the One who made peace between you and 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 6:18 (NIV) 

Please pray each day for God to help you live with a peace that only He can give.

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: Peace That Passes Understanding.  Pray that you would accept a peace that comes from God even when it surpasses your understanding.  Pray that you would allow God’s peace to guard both your heart and your mind.  “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:7 (NIV)

Tuesday: Peace That Rules Your Heart.  Pray that your emotions and actions would be ruled by the peace that comes from Christ.  Pray that you would live up to your calling in Christ to be at peace with one another.  Pray that you would have the heart of a peacemaker.  “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”  Colossians 3:15 (NIV)

Wednesday: Peace That is Just Right.  Pray that you would know a peace that is just right in all times and all places.  Pray that God’s presence would be evident in your life as He makes His peace known to you, and through you, in a variety of ways.  “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”  2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV)

Thursday: Peace That Takes Effort.  Pray that you would work in all ways to live at peace with the people around you.  Pray that your efforts in pursuing peace would lead you to holiness that prepares you to be in God’s presence.  Pray that your efforts would lead others to seek peace with God and with one another.  “Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”  Hebrews 12:14 (NIV)

Friday: Peace That is Sown.  Pray that you would be aware of the seeds of peace which have been sown in your life.  Pray that you would live as a peacemaker who sows those same seeds of God’s peace into the lives of others.  Pray for eyes which look forward to a harvest of righteousness from the seeds you are planting today.  “Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.”  James 3:18 (NIV)

Saturday:  Peace That is Sought.  Pray that you would turn from the evil which is at odds with true peace.  Pray for the courage and desire to seek a peace that will overcome evil.  Pray that you would pursue peace as you do the good God has created for you to do.  Pray about how God would have you to seek peace with Him and with all others.  “He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.”  1 Peter 3:11 (NIV)

September 29, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Vision of Judgment!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Vision of Judgment!

“For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?”
1 Peter 4:17 (NIV)

This week our prayer emphasis will focus on some of what the Bible says about judgment.  The Bible has a lot to say about the judgments that God makes as well as the judgments that we ought to make.  Because the Bible says, “judge not lest you be judged”, there are many who think it is unfair to make any kind of determination as to right and wrong.  Yes, not only is there a judgment to come, God equips us with His Word and His Spirit to make judgments every day so that we would grow in our alignment with Him.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you to understand the topic of judgment from His perspective.  Pray that you would be involved in making godly judgments and that you would be ready for God’s judgment.  Pray that the people around you would realize that God has made a way for there to be no condemnation in judgment for those who are found in Christ.

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

Please pray each day for God to help you live as one with good sense of judgment, both now and in regard to the judgment to come.

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:  Impartial Judgment.  Pray that you would seek to hear the whole story before making judgments in matters brought before you.  Pray for wisdom to know the difference between decisions which are yours and those which belong to God.  “Do not show partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be afraid of any man, for judgment belongs to God. Bring me any case too hard for you, and I will hear it.”   Deuteronomy 1:17 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Righteous Judgment.  Pray that you would look to God for the foundation of righteous judgment.  Pray that you would follow His judgments wholeheartedly.  Pray that the judgments you must make each day would be according to the righteousness of God.  “Judgment will again be founded on righteousness, and all the upright in heart will follow it.”  Psalm 94:15 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Good Judgment.  Pray that you would learn good judgment as you believe and follow the commands of God.  Pray that your life would reflect to others the goodness of God’s judgments.    Pray for a knowledge that is both good and godly in content and practice.  “Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I believe in your commands.”  Psalm 119:66 (NIV)

Thursday:  Sound Judgment.  Pray that your life would exemplify sound judgment and that you would allow nothing to take if from you.  Pray for a steadfast spirit that would help your judgments stand up to the test of God’s Word, as well as to the test of time.  “My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight.”  Proverbs 3:21 (NIV)

Friday:  Favorable Judgment.  Pray that you would experience the favorable judgment of God as one who belongs to Him.  Pray that you would share with others the good news of receiving favorable judgment from God.  “As I watched, this horn was waging war against the saints and defeating them, until the Ancient of Days came and pronounced judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came when they possessed the kingdom.”  Daniel 7:21-22 (NIV)

Saturday:  Truthful  Judgment.  Pray that you would always speak truth, especially in matters of judgment.  Pray for a justice system that would honor God in the way judgments are decided and given.  Pray about how God would have you involved in making truth known.  “These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts.”  Zechariah 8:16 (NIV)

September 22, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Vision To Serve!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Vision To Serve!

“This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.  . . . So he said, ‘These are the two who are anointed to serve the Lord of all the earth.’”
Zechariah 4:6 & 14 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on living with a vision to serve.  God makes it clear in His Word that we serve Him when we serve people.  While the world often defines greatness based on power and who you have serving you, God says that to be great you must become servant of all.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you to not only see opportunities to serve but to give you the courage to actually serve.  Pray for a spirit of humility to guide you as you serve people wherever you are.  Pray that God’s love would be seen and felt through you as you serve.  Pray that your commitment to serving would be an example for others.  Pray about how God would use your service to teach and train others to join in a lifestyle that serves.  Pray for discernment and wisdom to see beyond and through the divisiveness of this world so that you would love others as God loves both you and them.

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

Please pray each day for God to help you live as one with a vision to serve.

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:  Serve In The Spirit.  Pray that you would know the freedom in Christ that enables you to serve in the way of the Spirit.  Pray that each believer would experience the freedom found by serving in the Spirit.  “But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.”  Romans 7:6 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Serve With Power.  Pray for the courage to serve in God’s power even when you feel weak.  Pray that your eyes would be opened to how God desires show His power through 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)

Wednesday:  Serve One Another.  Pray that you would look for opportunities to use you freedom to serve others rather than yourself.  Pray for the compassion needed to serve one another even when you think you are free not to.  “You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.”  Galatians 5:13 (NIV)

Thursday:  Serve Wholeheartedly.  Pray that you would serve others with a whole heart, just as you would if it were Jesus being served.  Pray that you would keep your eyes fixed on Jesus as you serve.  Pray that you would know the joy and contentment that comes from serving wholeheartedly.  “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men.”  Ephesians 6:7 (NIV)

Friday:  Serve Faithfully.  Pray that you would be faithful in using God’s gifting in your life to serve others.  Pray that your faithfulness in serving would be based on God’s faithfulness to you.  Pray that God would help you to know His grace more fully.  “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”  1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)

Saturday:  Serve Eagerly.  Pray that you would eagerly desire, and look for, opportunities to serve.  Pray not only for elders who serve eagerly, but to be one who eagerly serves all those who might look to you as an example.  “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers — not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve.”  1 Peter 5:2 (NIV)

September 15, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Vision To Be Clean!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Vision To Be Clean!

“The angel said to those who were standing before him, ‘Take off his filthy clothes.’  Then he said to Joshua, ‘See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put rich garments on you.’”
Zechariah 3:4 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on being cleansed by God.  While we spend much time emphasizing the cleansing of our bodies and the things we can touch, God is even more concerned about our living as those who are fully cleansed from the inside out.  As you pray this week, ask God to increase your desire to “ascend the hill of the Lord”.  Pray that your life would be fully open to God as you look for areas that may need some extra cleansing this week.  Pray that you would worship God only and would always reject the idols of this world.  Pray for the courage to reject that which is false and to resist the temptation to compromise with the enemy.  Pray that your life would be a shining example of one who walks with God each day.  Pray for the wisdom to know what needs to be cleansed from your life . . . and for the humility to be one who is fully cleansed by God.  Pray that you would always speak words of healing and cleansing to the people around you.

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

Please pray each day for God to help you live as one cleansed by Him.

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

Monday:  Cleansed of All Sin.  Pray that you would be aware of the sin in your life that needs the cleansing only God can give.  Pray for the humility to reject all seeds of rebellion that the enemy tries to plant in your life.  Pray that your life would share a message of forgiveness of sins made possible by the cleansing power of Jesus.  “I will cleanse them from all the sin they have committed against me and will forgive all their sins of rebellion against me.”  Jeremiah 33:8 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Cleansed Through Compassion.  Pray that you would experience and be aware of the compassion of Jesus as He reaches out to you.  Pray that your desire for a complete cleansing would be met by an openness to receive that which God offers through His great compassion.  “Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. ‘I am willing,’ he said. ‘Be clean!’”  Mark 1:41 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Cleansed By the Word.  Pray that you would be a student of God’s Word as you allow it’s message and it’s Author to cleanse you completely.  Pray that you would live as one who has been cleansed by the Word of God.  Pray that you would “accurately divide the Word of Truth” as you share it with others.  “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.”  John 15:3 (NIV)

Thursday:  Cleansed To Be Useful.  Pray that you would live as one useful to God as you allow Him to cleanse you fully.  Pray for eyes that see, and a willingness to do, the good works God has prepared in advance for you to do.  Thank God for making you useful to Him, and to others, through His cleansing.  “If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.”  2 Timothy 2:21 (NIV)

Friday:  Cleansed By the Blood of Jesus.  Pray that you would know the completeness of God’s forgiveness as you are cleansed by the blood of Jesus.  Pray that your obedience to Christ would fill you with the assurance of being fully cleansed by His blood in accordance with His laws.  “In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”  Hebrews 9:22 (NIV)

Saturday:  Cleansed Conscience.  Pray that you would live life seeking to be near to God each day.  Pray that God’s cleansing of your life would include a cleansing of your conscience through your faith in His accomplished work.  Pray that you be cleansed completely by the washing that God offers to you.  “Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.”  Hebrews 10:22 (NIV)

September 8, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Vision To Grow!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Vision To Grow!

“Many nations will be joined with the LORD in that day and will become my people. I will live among you and you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me to you.”
Zechariah 2:11 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about our need to grow!  Far too often we think of church growth as being all about increasing attendance in a church building. The Bible says God adds to the number those who are being saved, so we can’t ignore numerical growth.  However, when the Bible talks about our need to grow, it is most often talking about the individual Christian growing so that the body as a whole will be healthy.  When we spend time with God seeking to grow in Christ, we find that we are less distracted by the things the enemy will use in an attempt to keep us from maturing.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you see how you need to grow.  Pray that you would never lose sight of the need for growth in your life.  Pray that you would experience healthy growth in Christ that will benefit the entire body of Christ.  Pray that your growth would be according to the instruction from your Head, Christ.

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

Please pray each day for God to help you grow.

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:  Grow By God’s Power.  Pray that you would know and follow the source of true growth.  Pray that you would be actively involved in helping your growth even as you trust God’s power to cause it.  Pray that the people around you would grow by  God’s power.  “So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.”  1 Corinthians 3:7 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Grow In Love.  Pray that you would grow in love as you care about how others grow by you doing your part in the body.  Pray that you would live in a way that everything is held together by godly love.  “From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”  Ephesians 4:16 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Grow In Knowledge.  Pray that you would grow in knowledge where it counts — knowledge of God.  Pray that your knowledge would help you live a life that pleases the Lord.  “And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.”  Colossians 1:10 (NIV)

Thursday:  Grow In Faith.  Pray that you would grow in the faith required to love others as you ought.  Pray that you would live by faith in a way that increases your love for others.  Pray that you would be thankful for the way God is growing faith in others.  “We ought always to thank God for you, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing.”  2 Thessalonians 1:3 (NIV)

Friday:  Grow In Your Salvation.  Pray that you would crave the things of God that will help you grow in your salvation.  Pray that the goodness of the Lord would increase your desire to grow in Him.  Pray that all people would taste the goodness of the Lord and seek to grow in salvation.  “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.”  1 Peter 2:2-3 (NIV)

Saturday:  Grow In Grace.  Pray that your knowledge of God would help you grow in the grace of God extended to you.  Pray that God’s grace in your life would help you to grow in the grace you are willing to extend to others.  “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever!”  2 Peter 3:18 (NIV)

September 1, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Vision To Return!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Vision To Return!

“This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘Return to me,’ declares the LORD Almighty, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the LORD Almighty.”
Zechariah 1:3 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on God’s desire that we, and those around us, would return to Him whenever we stray.  One of the greatest promises of God is that there is always a way home from wherever we are.  Foundational to the vision God desires each of us to live with is an awareness we can always come home.  As you pray this week, consider if there are areas of your life in which you need to return to God.  Pray for those you know, perhaps even yourself, who are distant from God and need to know they can return.  Pray that your life would reflect the openness of God to those who are looking for a way home.  Pray that you would know how to return to God so that you would be able to help lead others back to Him also.  Pray for a  heart of compassion that accepts those returning to God with the same joy that He has.

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

Please pray each day for God to help you live with, and share, a message of returning to Him.

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

Monday: Return In Obedience.  Pray for the humility needed to repent of any disobedience as you return to God fully.  Pray for discernment to know a way home when the troubles you face are the result of straying away from God.  “When you are in distress and all these things have happened to you, then in later days you will return to the LORD your God and obey him.”  Deuteronomy 4:30 (NIV)

Tuesday: Return To Find Compassion.  Pray that God’s compassion would be evident to others in the way He treats you.  Pray that you would have compassion for others because of the compassion God has for you.  “If you return to the LORD, then your brothers and your children will be shown compassion by their captors and will come back to this land, for the LORD your God is gracious and compassionate.”  2 Chronicles 30:9

Wednesday: Return With Joy.  Pray that God would give you a glimpse beyond your current sorrow to see the joy that comes in His  harvest.  Pray for a heart that goes out to people as you plant the seeds of the gospel through all that you say and do.  “Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.”  Psalm 126:5-6

Thursday: Return With a Whole Heart.  Pray that you would accurately examine how much of your heart you have surrendered to God.  Pray that you would realize the heart God has given you is one that was created to seek after Him with a whole heart.  “I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the LORD. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart.”  Jeremiah 24:7

Friday: Return With Love and Justice.  Pray that love and justice would always be at the core of your relationship with God.  Pray that the people around you would return to God to find true love and justice.  Pray that you would not give up on yourself, others, or God as you maintain love and justice.  “But you must return to your God; maintain love and justice, and wait for your God always.”  Hosea 12:6 (NIV)

Saturday:  Return and Give Praise To God.  Pray that you would always be grateful for the work God is doing in  your life.  Pray for a heart of gratitude that continually gives praise to God.  Pray for a recognition of all that God is doing for you as you constantly return to Him with praise.  “Jesus asked, ‘Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?’”  Luke 17:18 (NIV)

August 25, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Chosen To Be Patient!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Chosen To Be Patient!

“For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has?  But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”
Romans 8:24-25 (NIV)

You’ve likely been warned about praying for patience but I want to remind you that living with patience is not only instructed by God but it is also part of His gift to us.  This week we will be praying about some qualities that God wants to grow within us as we live with patience.  We will also spend time praying about how God has equipped us to live with patience.  Part of the beauty that is present in all of God’s instructions, including living with patience, is that the ability to follow His instructions comes from Him.  While commanding us to be patient may seem like an impossible instruction to obey, He gives us everything we need to walk in complete obedience.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you see the value of waiting patiently on Him each day.  Pray that you would allow the gifting of His Spirit to work within your life to produce a patience that doesn’t come naturally.  Pray that you would live with patience in such a way that others can imitate your obedience to 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 6:18 (NIV) 

Please pray each day for God to help you live with patience.

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:  Patient As You Cry Out To God.   Pray that  you would be confident of God listening to your cries even as you wait for His answer.  Pray that you would not become weary in the waiting as you cry out to God.  Pray that your life would be an example to others as they learn to wait while they cry out to God.  “I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.”  Psalm 40:1 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Patient In the Midst Of Suffering.  Pray that you would learn patient endurance through the example of others being comforted in their distress.  Pray that you would live as an example to others as you live with patience in the midst of suffering.  “If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer.”  2 Corinthians 1:6 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Patient Through God’s Spirit.  Pray that you would know God’s presence as you live with patience.  Pray that a growing patience in your life would be the result of God’s Spirit living within you.  “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)

Thursday:  Patient With Everyone.  Pray that you would live with patience in every manner of interaction with others.  Pray that your patience with others would allow you to warn, encourage, and help them in appropriate ways according to their need.  “And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.”  1 Thessalonians 5:14 (NIV)

Friday:  Patient To Receive What Is Promised.  Pray that you would know the difference between patience and laziness — and choose patience.  Pray that your active waiting would prepare you to receive what God has promised to those who live by faith.  “We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.”  Hebrews 6:12 (NIV)

Saturday:  Patient As You Wait On the Lord’s Coming.  Pray that you would not become weary in doing good as you wait for the Lord’s return.  Pray that your patience would lead you to do the work which is appropriate for the current season.  “Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains.”  James 5:7 (NIV)