Prayer Guides

August 18, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Chosen To Be Pure!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Chosen To Be Pure!

“Even a child is known by his actions,
by whether his conduct is pure and right.”
Proverbs 20:11 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer emphasis on the subject of living with pure and right conduct.  While it seems that most conversations and teaching about purity center around the topic of sexual purity, 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 action is often opened by having an impure heart, attitude, thought, or speech.  Pure conduct doesn’t just happen on its own, so this week we will be praying about transforming some areas of our life in order to produce conduct which is pure and right.  As you pray each day this week, pray for a greater desire for, and practice of,  the purity that God desires for you to have.  Pray that you would be known by your actions as a follower and pursuer of Christ.  Pray for the courage to walk each day by the Spirit’s leading and conviction.  Pray that your representation of Jesus would reflect His purity.  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 with the purity God has chosen you to have.

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:  Pure Wisdom.  Ask God to fill you with a wisdom that comes from above and is far greater than human wisdom.  Pray that your life would show to those around you the conduct which comes from pure wisdom.  “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”  James 3:17 (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.  Pray that your pure and right conduct would flow from a heart which has been transformed by God.  “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.  Pray that purity would be an identifying mark of your conduct in this world.  “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.  Pray that the purity of your speech would  be reflected in the things you do.  “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.  Pray that your actions would reflect a thought life which is pure.  “The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but those of the pure are pleasing to him.”  Proverbs 15:26 (NIV)

Saturday:  Pure Offerings.  Pray that the greatness of God’s name would cause you to examine the purity of your offerings to Him.  Pray that your offerings to God would be pure in every way.  Pray that your life would be an offering of purity to God.  “‘My name will be great among the nations, from the rising to the setting of the sun. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to my name,’ says the LORD Almighty.”  Malachi 1:11 (NIV)

August 11, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Chosen To Be Sure!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Chosen To Be Sure!

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him.”
Jeremiah 17:7 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about living with a confidence that you can be sure of.  I suspect that at one time or another most of us have put our confidence in something that has disappointed or failed us.  God does not want us to live in fear and doubt, but to live with confidence that is well placed because it comes from a trust in Him.  Yes, it may be easier to put our confidence in ourselves or in things we can control, but doing so will always leave us feeling empty and disappointed.  Putting our confidence fully in God will always require faith, but it is a faith that will be rewarded with His blessing.  As you pray, ask God to help you see just what, or who, it is that you tend to put your confidence in.  Pray that you would recognize your need to put your confidence in God above all else.  Pray that you would be sure of your place in God’s kingdom, not because you’re so good but because God’s so good.  Pray that you would be able to live with confidence more fully each day as you allow God to increase your faith and trust in Him.

“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 confidence because of Jesus.

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:  Confidence in the Lord’s Goodness.  Pray that you would live with a confidence that comes from knowing God’s goodness.  Pray that God would open your eyes to see His goodness around you each day.  Pray that you would share the goodness of God in every way possible wherever you go.  “I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.”  Psalm 27:13 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Confidence that Lasts Forever.  Pray that you would seek a life of righteousness that would fill you with quietness and confidence.  Pray that the fruit of God’s righteousness in you, through a quiet and peaceful life, would result in a confidence that lasts forever.  “The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.”  Isaiah 32:17 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Confidence to Approach God.  Pray that your faith in Jesus would give you a confidence to approach God.  Pray that the freedom you have in Christ would fill you with confidence as you approach God.  Pray that the confidence you have in your relationship with God would help others approach Him.  “In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.”  Ephesians 3:12 (NIV)

Thursday:  Confidence that is Rewarded.  Pray that you would have a confidence in the work of God that cannot be taken away.  Pray that you would hold fast to the confidence you have in Christ as you await your eternal reward.  Pray that you would share with others about the importance of holding on to a confident faith.  “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.”  Hebrews 10:35 (NIV)

Friday:  Confidence in the Lord’s Help.  Pray that your confidence in the Lord’s help would be greater than your fear of what people might do or say.  Pray that the Lord’s help would give you the confidence to overcome fear that is caused by those who oppose God.  Pray that you would be an instrument of God’s help so that others would experience it more fully.  “So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.  What can man do to me?’” Hebrews 13:6 (NIV)

Saturday:  Confidence on the Day of Judgment.  Pray that God’s love would be made complete in you so that you would have confidence on the day of judgment.  Pray that you would be diligent in sharing the love of God with others so that they could also have confidence on the day of judgment.  “In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him.”  1 John 4:17 (NIV)

August 4, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Chosen To Be Sheep!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Chosen To Be Sheep!

“Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.”
Psalm 100:3 (NIV)

Our prayer focus this week is about being chosen by God to be sheep of His pasture.  If you spend much time with sheep, you will likely discover that this isn’t the most complimentary word picture God could have used for us — though rather fitting.  The great part about being sheep is that we are chosen by the greatest Shepherd to be His sheep and His care for us is always for our good.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you live as one chosen by Him.  Pray that you would desire to be a “sheep of his pasture”.  Pray that you would live as one who knows and listens to the voice of Jesus through His Word and His Spirit.  Pray for those whom God has called within His church to be shepherds of people.  Pray for human shepherds who serve with the same spirit as the Good Shepherd they serve under.  Pray that the people around you each day would hear and know the voice of the Good Shepherd, and choose to follow Him.

“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 of the sheep of His pasture.

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:  Called Sheep.  Pray that you would be inclined to respond to the call of Jesus as He asks you to be His.  Pray that your representation of Jesus would open the gate for others to respond to His calling them by name to come belong to Him.  “The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.”  John 10:3 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Led Sheep.  Pray that you would desire to follow Jesus in all you think and do.  Pray for a willingness to be led by God’s Spirit and His Word.  Pray that the voice of Jesus would be familiar to you because you have chosen to follow Him in all things.  “When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.”  John 10:4 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Fed Sheep.  Pray that you would be filled with all good things as you enjoy the pasture of God’s Word.  Pray that your desire to feast upon the Word of God would be satisfied as you grow in Christ.  Pray that you would share the pasture of God’s Word with all who are hungry.  “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture.”  John 10:9 (NIV) 

Thursday:  Protected Sheep.  Pray that you would know and share Jesus as the One who laid down His life for all who would come to Him.  Pray that your desire to be protected would extend beyond simply seeking safety in this life but would rather be focused on protection from the evil one who seeks to kill, steal, and destroy.  “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”  John 10:11 (NIV)

Friday:  Known Sheep.  Pray that you would be able to rejoice in the knowledge of being known fully by the Good Shepherd.  Pray that you would live with your life as an open book before God — because it is.  Pray for humility in the way you share with others about a God who knows them and loves them fully.  “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.”  John 10:14 (NIV)

Saturday:  Included Sheep.  Pray with great thankfulness that God has chosen to include you in His flock.  Pray for a heart and life that chooses to love all whom God loves — that’s everyone — and pray that they would also listen to His voice.  Pray for a unity of spirit and purpose among all who would respond in obedience to the voice of the Good Shepherd.  “I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.”  John 10:16 (NIV)

July 28, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Chosen To Be Righteous!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Chosen To Be Righteous!

“Not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ — the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.”
Philippians 3:9 (NIV)

Our prayer focus this week is about being chosen by God to be righteous — the righteousness of God that ought to be reflected in our life.  Yes, it is true that the Bible says, “There is none righteous, no, not one.”  But that is a statement made about our own ability to be, and become, righteous.  We are not righteous of our own will and effort, but we can be declared by God to be righteous because of our faith in the power of Christ’s blood to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  As you pray this week, ask God to help recognize, and admit, that you will never become righteous through your own efforts or deeds.  Pray that your obedient response to God’s Word would be what you rely on fully for righteousness to be credited to you by God.  Pray that you would seek to live the righteous life God has called you to.  Pray for a humility which makes a life of righteous attractive even to the unrighteous.  Pray that your life would be a testimony to others of the power of God to make a person righteous.

“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 be clothed in the righteousness of Christ.

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

Monday:  Protected by Righteousness.  Pray that your heart would be protected by righteousness as you put on the full armor of God.  Pray that the righteousness you have in Christ would serve as your protection against the attacks of the evil one.  “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.”  Ephesians 6:14-15 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Pursue Righteousness.  Pray that you would be active in pursuing a life of righteousness along with others who seek God.  Pray that your pursuit of righteousness would include a deliberate fleeing from evil desires.  “Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”  2 Timothy 2:22 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Trained in Righteousness.  Pray that you would be a good student of God’s Word so that it would be used accurately in your life.  Pray that the training in righteousness you receive from God’s Word would equip you for every good work.  “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) 

Thursday:  Harvest of Righteousness.  Pray that you would accept God’s discipline as a means of producing righteousness.  Pray that you would share with others the peace that you have because of God’s discipline.  “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)

Friday:  Live for Righteousness.  Pray that you would understand the price paid to declare you righteous.  Pray that you would live for righteousness by dying to sin daily.  Pray that you would share a message of healing through choosing a righteous life.  “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.”  1 Peter 2:24 (NIV)

Saturday:  A Home of Righteousness.  Pray that your eyes would remain fixed on a home of righteousness.  Pray that your desire for that home would lead you to pursue God’s righteousness each day.  Pray that others would accept the promises of God which lead them to a righteous home.  “But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.”  2 Peter 3:13 (NIV)

July 21, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Chosen To Be Ready!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Chosen To Be Ready!

“If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into.  You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
Luke 12:39-40 (NIV)

This week our prayer emphasis will focus on being called by God to be ready.  Have you ever missed out on something because you were not ready?  It could just be me, but I’m guessing we’ve all “been there and (not) done that.”  Sometimes we’re not ready simply because we didn’t want to be.  Perhaps we actually wanted to miss whatever it was, and the easiest way to do that was to not be ready for it.  Many times we miss out by not being ready because we thought we had more time.  We either miscalculated how much work would be required to get ready or what we were getting ready for happened sooner, or at a different time, than we had anticipated.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you to not only be being ready for the return of Christ, but also to help you live life ready for the moment.  Pray that your life in Christ would make you ready today for all that He desires in you.  Pray that your readiness would result in a life which represents Jesus 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 pray each day for God to help you be ready.

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: Be Ready for Jesus.  Pray that your relationship with Jesus would grow in such a way that you are ready for His return at any time.  Pray that you would know the urgency of sharing about Jesus with others so they will be ready.  “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”  Matthew 24:44 (NIV)

Tuesday: Be Ready to Give Generously.  Pray that you would be prepared to give in accordance to the desire God has placed within you.  Pray that your readiness to give generously would be an encouragement and example to others.  “For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action.”  2 Corinthians 9:2 (NIV)

Wednesday: Be Ready for Works of Service.  Pray that God’s gifting in the lives of others would prepare you for the works of service that are yours to do.  Pray that God’s gifting in your life would prepare others for works of service.  “It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”  Ephesians 4:12 (NIV)

Thursday: Be Ready to Do Good.  Pray that your obedience to those in authority would prepare you to do whatever is good.  Pray for those in authority, that their decisions would allow you to do good most effectively.  Pray that you would know, and do, the good you ought to do.  “Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good.”  Titus 3:1 (NIV)

Friday: Be Ready for Action.  Pray that your mind would always be ready to lead the action God calls you to.  Pray that God’s grace would not only guard your mind, but would lead it into action.  “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.”  1 Peter 1:13 (NIV)

Saturday:  Be Ready to Give an Answer.  Pray that you would take hold of the hope of God in such a way that you are always ready to answer questions about it.  Pray that your readiness to answer would treat others with gentleness and respect.  “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”  1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

July 14, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Chosen To Be a Living Stone!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Chosen To Be a Living Stone!

“As you come to him, the living Stone — rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him — you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
1 Peter 2:4-5 (NIV)

This week our prayer emphasis will focus on being called by God to be a living stone in the likeness of Jesus.  When we build with the materials of this world, even our best efforts are only temporary.  To build something which lasts for eternity, we must build not only on the foundation of Jesus but also with the building blocks of one whom He lives in.  When we become the living temple of God, He not only dwells within us but He uses us to grow a living kingdom.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you know the eternal nature of being a living stone.  Pray that you would choose to be a stone useful to the Master Builder.  Pray about how God uses your acceptance of Him to build you into a spiritual house where He can dwell.  Pray about how your life can be lived as a spiritual sacrifice which is acceptable to God.  Pray that you would build well with others as you allow God to place His living stones where they are needed within His kingdom.

“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 be involved as a living stone in the building of His kingdom.

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

Monday:  A Living Sacrifice.  Pray for a correct view of how much you need God’s mercy.  Pray that your response to God’s mercy would lead you to fully offer yourself to Him.  Pray that your worship of God would include a sacrifice of yourself to Him. “Therefore, I urge you, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship.”  Romans 12:1 (NIV)

Tuesday:  A Living Testimony.  Pray that your encounter with Jesus would create a testimony that reveals a living God.  Pray that you would become comfortable in sharing your testimony of how God has used the good, the bad, and the ugly of your life to reveal Himself.  “Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, ‘He told me everything I ever did.’”  John 4:39 (NIV)

Wednesday:  A Living Occupant.  Pray that you would be one who lives life in such a way that people notice Jesus in you.  Pray that the people around you would know you as a good neighbor because of Jesus in you.  Ask God to help you live as one who obeys His Word.  “I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word.”  John 17:6 (NIV)

Thursday:  A Living Nation.  Pray that your life would become a praise offering to God as you choose to be a kingdom citizen.  Ask God to help you know you belong to a holy nation that exceeds any nation of this world.  “Jesus said, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place.’”  John 18:36 (NIV)

Friday:  A Living Example.  Pray that you would continually grow in your knowledge and understanding of the example of Jesus.  Pray that your life would reflect Jesus in increasing ways each day.  Pray that you would be a godly example in all circumstances.  Pray that your example would be one that is lived and not just said.  “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”  John 13:5 (NIV)

Saturday:  A Living Stone.  Pray that your life would be one of the building blocks of God’s kingdom.  Pray that the living and active Word of God would be written on your heart and expressed in the way you live.  Pray that the people around you would be able to clearly read the message of God engraved on your life.  “You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.”  2 Corinthians 3:3 (NIV)

July 7, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Chosen To Be Holy!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Chosen To Be Holy!

“But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”
1 Peter 1:15-16 (NIV)

This week our prayer emphasis will focus on being called by God to be holy.  Biblical holiness isn’t as much about living a perfect life as it is about living a life that is set apart for God.  The holiness God calls us to will lead us to find a way to live “in the world, but not of it.”  And for those who are thinking it is impossible to live a holy life, you are right . . . at least if you’re trying to do it on your own!  The holiness God calls us to is based on His holiness and is only possible when we live by His Spirit to be transformed into His likeness.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you grow in holiness as you represent Jesus.  Pray for the courage to live a life dedicated to God, even when the world objects to what that looks like.  Pray for the humility to live a holy life in a manner that makes Jesus attractive to those watching you.  Pray that you would not be content with half-hearted holiness, but would pursue growth in your life of holiness.  Pray that you would examine each part of your life for what God would want it to look like as set apart for Him.

“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 be holy just as He is holy.

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:  Chosen To the Holiness of Purity.  Pray that God would help you identify, and remove, even the hints of impurity that creep into life.  Pray for the courage to gaze intently into God’s Word for instruction on what is proper for God’s holy people.  “But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.”  Ephesians 5:3 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Chosen To the Holiness of Prayer.  Ask God to help you practice prayer in a holy manner.  Pray that you would have God’s help in examining the motives behind what you pray about.  Pray that God’s Spirit would use your conversations with God to bring resolution to any anger or disputes that exist in your life.  “I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.”  1 Timothy 2:8 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Chosen To the Holiness of Good Work.  Pray that you would be cleansed of the things that keep you from the noble purposes God has designed for you.  Pray that your pursuit of a life of holiness would prepare you for whatever good works God puts before you to do.  “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)

Thursday:  Chosen To the Holiness of Peace.  Pray that you would seek peace “as far as it depends upon you.”  Pray that you would have the wisdom to pursue holiness in a way that promotes peace.  Pray that your holiness would prepare you for the ultimate peace — eternity with God.  “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:  Chosen To a Holiness As You Ought To Be.  Pray for the courage to do the things you know you ought to do.  Pray for a sense of urgency in living a  holy life as you await the return of Jesus.  Pray that your holiness would help others seek Jesus.  “Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives.”  2 Peter 3:11 (NIV)

Saturday:  Chosen To a Holy Faith.  Pray that your faith would grow as you grow in holiness.  Pray that God’s Spirit would empower you to be built up in faith.  Ask God to help your prayer life to grow as His Spirit increases your faith.  Pray that the people around you would know you as one who has a holy faith.  “But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.”  Jude 1:20 (NIV)

June 30, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Just Keep At It!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Just Keep At It!

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” 
Philippians 3:12 (NIV)

This week’s lifestyle of prayer emphasis will focus on God’s desire that we not only know His Word and will, but that we keep doing it!  In the midst of a seemingly endless list of things you can’t do, shouldn’t do, and are encouraged not to do; it is far too easy to forget to keep doing what you can do.  God’s desire is that we would be faithful to the end — which means we keep on keeping on with the things of God until our time on earth is through.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine fully the things that you can and should do.  Pray that you would not be distracted by the things which can’t be done.  Pray for wisdom each day to accurately evaluate what you should, and shouldn’t, keep on doing.  Pray that you would live in such a way that you would take hold of the things of God and help others to do the same.  Pray for a greater understanding of the individual nature of the journey each of us are on in Christ.  Pray for the ability to remain focused on the common goal rather than be distracted by the differences of the individual steps we each take.

“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 in perseverance as you keep doing the things He calls you to.

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:  Keep On the Right Path.  Pray that you would be one who listens to God and gains wisdom from His Word.  Pray that your obedient response to God’s Word would keep you on the right path.  Pray that your heart would be inclined to the things of God so that you would not be led astray.  “Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path.”  Proverbs 23:19 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Keep On Watching.  Pray that you would live a life ready for the return of Jesus as you work and watch for Him.  Pray that you would not be distracted by the things of this world which tempt you to take your eyes off of Jesus.  Pray that your life would help others to keep watch and be ready for Christ’s return.  “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”  Matthew 24:42 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Keep On Speaking.  Pray that you would not let fear keep you from speaking about your relationship with God.  Pray that your words and actions would match and represent Jesus well.  Pray that you would use gentleness and respect as you keep on speaking about what Jesus has done in your life.  “One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: ‘Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent.’”  Acts 18:9 (NIV)

Thursday:  Keep On Being Blameless.  Pray that you would turn to God for the strength you need each day.  Pray that you would live a blameless life as you trust in God’s ability and power to cleanse you from all unrighteousness through the blood of Jesus.  “He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  1 Corinthians 1:8 (NIV)

Friday:  Keep On Praying.   Ask God to help you listen to His Spirit as you pray at all times.  Ask God to help your prayer life to grow as your alertness makes you more aware of the needs of others.  Pray that you would never become weary of praying for 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)

Saturday:  Keep On Loving One Another.   Pray that your love of God would keep your love for one another alive and growing.  Pray for the wisdom to love others as the brothers and sisters in Christ that they are.  Pray about how God’s love for you is expressed by you to the people around you.  Pray that love would be the foundation of how you treat one another regardless of how many opinions you agree, or disagree, on.  “Keep on loving each other as brothers.”  Hebrews 13:1 (NIV)

June 23, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Revival of Awe!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Revival of Awe!

“At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from where they lived and were brought to Jerusalem to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps and lyres.”
Nehemiah 12:27 (NIV)

This week’s lifestyle of prayer emphasis will focus on how we view and interact with God in response to His Word.  As we continue to build for revival, we should grow in our realization of God being more awe-inspiring than anything else we will ever encounter.  Even the things on earth which bring reaction of awe are here through God.  Our celebrations of God ought to be transformed when our encounters with God through His Word and His Spirit bring changes in us.  As you pray this week, ask God to renew the sense of awe for Him which you began your walk of faith with.  Pray that your awe of God would not only be revived, but that it would grow as you encounter God in every aspect of how you do life.  Pray about how your view of God influences your witness to those around you.  Pray for a joyful heart which willingly shares with others about the awesome nature of the God you love.

“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 in the awe you have for 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: An Awe of God’s Laws.  Pray that you would understand God’s laws according to His intent for your good.  Pray that you would grow in your awe of God’s commands as you recognize His love expressed through them.  Pray that this awe would contain an appropriate amount of respectful fear.  “My flesh trembles in fear of you; I stand in awe of your laws.”  Psalm 119:120 (NIV)

Tuesday: An Awe of God’s Deeds.  Ask God to help you be a student of His Word in order to better know His deeds.  Pray that you would be in awe of the works of God.  Pray that the mighty works of God would be renewed in our day.  “LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O LORD.  Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.”  Habakkuk 3:2 (NIV)

Wednesday: An Awe of God’s Power.  Pray that you would notice the things done by God that only He can do.  Pray for a sense of awe that leads you to praise God as you recognize the remarkable nature of His power at work in people.  “Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, ‘We have seen remarkable things today.’”  Luke 5:26 (NIV)

Thursday: An Awe of God’s Presence.  Pray that you would know God’s presence as a help in time of need.  Pray that you would be filled with awe through a God who loves you enough to come and help you.   Pray that God’s presence would be known to others through 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)

Friday: An Awe of God’s Spirit.  Ask God to help you see the miraculous which takes place in the midst of everyday life.  Pray that you would be in awe of the things done by God which seem impossible until He does them.  Pray that your transformed life would reflect God’s Spirit.  “Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.”  Acts 2:43 (NIV)

Saturday:  An Awe of God’s Kingdom.  Pray that the stability of God’s kingdom through all time would lead you to grateful worship.  Pray for an awe of God’s kingdom that notices the majesty of the King.  “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our ‘God is a consuming fire.’”  Hebrews 12:28-29 (NIV)

June 16, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: The Work of Giving!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

The Work 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)

This week’s lifestyle of prayer emphasis will focus on learning to give.  Just as the Bible teaches that we know love because God first loved us, we can learn to give because God first gave to us.  Too often we don’t give — not because the need isn’t present, and not even because we don’t have the resources — but simply because we haven’t learned to give.  God’s desire is that we learn to give with the purpose of blessing others and in so doing we discover we too are blessed.  When we follow the example of Jesus we learn to give what we know, we learn to give what we have, and we learn to give what God provides.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you be a learner when it comes to giving.  Pray that your practice of giving would be a blessing to you, and to others, as you reflect Christ in your giving habits.  Pray that your recognition of God as the provider of all good things would help you learn to give more freely.  Pray each day for the individuals of your congregation and for the body of Christ as a whole.

“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 be involved in the work of giving.

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: Give To Those in Need.  Pray that you would learn the expectation of Jesus that you give to the needy without seeking notice.  Pray for the humility needed to be blessed as you give to others.  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.  Ask God to teach you clearly what is owed by you to Him and to others.  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.  Pray for a heart that desires to give freely.  “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 teach you a heart of thanksgiving in all that you do.  Pray that you would learn to give thanks in all circumstances.  Ask God to help you not only to be thankful to Him, but to also be thankful for others.  “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 Up Everything.  Pray that you would learn to give up all the things that you still choose to hold tightly.  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)