July 14, 2019 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Check Your Motives!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Check Your Motives!

“I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things have I given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you.”
1 Chronicles 29:17 (NIV)

This week our prayer emphasis will focus on spending some time with God examining our motives. God’s desire is that we would do everything with pure and right motives but thankfully His ability to work for our good isn’t limited by our ability to always do the right thing for the right reason. When we allow God’s Spirit and His Word to align our motives with His will, we are able to find a contagious joy in serving God. As you pray this week, ask God to help you to be honest with yourself as you examine why you do things. Pray that God would test your heart so you could see any changes that need to be made. Pray for the courage to trust God as you seek His guidance in realigning your motives. Pray for the humility to admit when your motives have been self-serving and out of line with God’s will. Pray that God would be honored and glorified through your life even in the midst of any changes of motive you need to make. Pray for a spirit of unity among brothers and sisters in Christ as we grow in our love for one another. 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 consider, and accept, the costs of being a disciple.

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 the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: Understood Motives. Pray that you would live in such a way that you would find comfort in knowing God understands your motives. Pray that you would have a genuine desire to seek God so you would not be rejected. “The LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.” 1 Chronicles 28:9 (NIV)

Tuesday: Weighed Motives. Pray that you would trust God to weigh your motives against His standards regardless of how right you believe them to be. Pray that you would accept God’s ways as you find them to be more noble than your own. Pray for a humility that allows you to change when your ways are found wanting. “All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD.” Proverbs 16:2 (NIV)

Wednesday: Exposed Motives. Pray for the wisdom to examine your own motives and let God deal with the motives of others. Pray that you would have nothing to be ashamed of when the Lord exposes the motives of your heart. “Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts.” 1 Corinthians 4:5 (NIV)

Thursday: Overcome Motives. Pray that you would be mindful to the work of God taking place even when motives are not what they should be. Pray for the ability to rejoice over the work of God being accomplished even when it is motivated by someone’s evil intent. “But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.” Philippians 1:18 (NIV)

Friday: Pure Motives. Pray that you would live with honest in all of your interactions with others so that your motives are not purposefully hidden. Pray that you would always speak and act with pure motives that look our for the good of others. Pray that your reputation would be one of honesty. “For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you.” 1 Thessalonians 2:3 (NIV)

Saturday: Unselfish Motives. Pray that God would help you deal with all elements of selfishness in your life. Pray for the humility to consider the needs of others above your own when you talk with God. Pray for God’s help in knowing what to ask in your prayers that would benefit others. “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” James 4:3 (NIV)

July 7, 2019 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Things To Consider!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Things To Consider!

“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and consider the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.’”
Luke 14:28-30 (NIV)

This week our prayer emphasis will focus on some things that God says we ought to consider as we seek to follow Him. Considering the cost doesn’t mean that we make our decisions based solely on what a particular action will cost, in money or anything else, but rather it is a matter of determining if we have what it takes to finish. Jesus addresses this type of consideration in physical matters to instruct us about our even greater need to consider the cost of being His disciple. As you pray this week, ask God to help you consider the things He would want you to think through. Pray that you would give careful thought to all aspects of your decisions as you seek to base your actions around the things that would please God. Pray that you would have a godly approach, rather than a humanistic one, to the way you consider the things you would do. Pray for the courage to move beyond consideration when the things you have considered call for action. Pray for a spirit of unity among brothers and sisters in Christ as we grow in our love for one another. 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 consider, and accept, the costs of being a disciple.

Monday: Consider Carefully. Pray that you would consider carefully the things you hear. Pray for a spirit of discernment to help you understand correctly. Pray that you would carefully consider how you would want to be treated when you interact with others. “Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you — and even more.” Mark 4:24 (NIV)

Tuesday: Consider Your Worth. Pray that you would pay attention to the way that God cares not only for creation, but for His children. Pray that you, and the people around you, would know the great value that each of you have to God. “Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!” Luke 12:24 (NIV)

Wednesday: Consider The Future. Pray that you would always be mindful of the future glory that will be revealed to you, and in you, when Christ returns. Pray for the courage to endure hardship for a season as you consider what is to come for those who are in Christ. “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18 (NIV)

Thursday: Consider Others. Pray that God would help you examine the motives behind your interactions with those around you. Pray that you would have the courage to put aside all selfish thoughts and actions as you consider the needs of others ahead of your own. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3 (NIV)

Friday: Consider the Consequences. Pray that you would carefully consider the consequences of your words and actions. Pray that you would be careful, even in the small things of life, as you consider the consequences of what you say and do. “Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.” James 3:5 (NIV)

Saturday: Consider Jesus! Pray that you would always consider the example of Jesus as the pattern for your life. Pray that you would learn from Jesus at all times, but especially when you feel weary and disheartened. Pray that your consideration of Jesus would keep you faithful to Him. “Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:3 (NIV)

June 30, 2019 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Growing In Holiness!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Growing In Holiness!

“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 living a life that is fully dedicated to God. 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 being 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. Pray for a spirit of unity among brothers and sisters in Christ as we grow in our love for one another. 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 live a holy life which is devoted to Him.

Monday: Growing In 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: Growing In 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: Growing In 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: Growing In 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: Growing In Holiness As You Ought. 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: Growing In 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. “But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.” Jude 1:20 (NIV)

June 23, 2019 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Purified!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Purified!

“Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.”
1 John 3:2-3 (NIV)

This week our prayer emphasis will focus on living a purified life. It saddens me to live in a society that often places so little value on purity. Even as Christians, it is so easy to adopt the patterns of this world rather than allow God to transform our minds. We expose ourselves to impure words, images, experiences, and thoughts for so long that we don’t even notice the impurity spilling forth from our life. While God offers grace in abundance to cover our multitude of sins, He still calls us to deliberately pursue a life of purity. As you pray this week, ask God to examine and reveal to you the impurity that exists in your life. Pray for the courage to repent and reject all impure input that you’ve allowed into your mind. Pray that your desire for purity in all things would come from a heart that wants to obey God out of the great love you have for Him. Pray that your example of purity would be lived in a humility that draws others to Christ. Pray for a spirit of unity among brothers and sisters in Christ as we grow in our love for one another. 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 live a purified life.

Monday: Purified To Work Together. Pray for a growing purity in the way you speak to people and in the ways you speak about people. Pray for a common purity among people that would lead each one to call upon the Lord and learn to work together for Him. “Then will I purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the LORD and serve him shoulder to shoulder.” Zephaniah 3:9 (NIV)

Tuesday: Purified By Faith. Pray for an increasing faith that continually purifies your heart. Pray that God would help you to see others in the way that He sees them. Pray that God would remove all traces of partiality from your life as you consider He purifies the hearts of others in the same way He purifies yours. “He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith.” Acts 15:9 (NIV)

Wednesday: Purified Out Of Reverence For God. Pray that your genuine regard for God would lead you to a greater desire to purify yourself from all evil. Pray for the courage to remove all sources of spiritual contamination from your life. “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)

Thursday: Purified Through Godly Discernment. Pray that God would fill you with a level of discernment that can only come from Him. Pray that you would discern what is best and then use that discernment to actually do the things that lead to a pure and blameless life. “So that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ.” Philippians 1:10 (NIV)

Friday: Purified By Obedience To the Truth. Pray for a desire to be obedient to the truth in all things. Pray that your love for God, and for one another, would be a pure love that results from your obedience to God. “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)

Saturday: Purified From All Unrighteousness. Pray for the courage to agree with God about the things in your life He calls sin. Pray that you would trust in God’s faithfulness to forgive all who come to Him in repentance as you look to Him to purify you from all unrighteousness. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 (NIV)

June 16, 2019 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Living With Power!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Living With Power!

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.”
2 Corinthians 4:7 (NIV)

This week our prayer emphasis will focus on living with power. As I arrived at the building Monday morning to write this next prayer guide, I found that half the building had no electric power. While I was able to begin the work I wanted to do, the pace was much slower and far less productive than it is when the power is on. Fortunately, by mid morning, the power was back on and I’m back to working as I’m accustomed to. Many times, I fear, we try to live the Christian life without being fully connected to the power God offers to us through His Spirit. When we choose to live with power, we become more effective . . . not by our own strength, but by the power that dwells within. As you pray this week, ask God to help you realize when you are trying to live life in your own strength. Pray for the humility to admit your weaknesses so that God’s power can be displayed through them. Pray that your example of living in God’s power would help others turn to Him as their source of living power. Pray that you would be diligent in your practice of pointing people to Jesus when they notice the work God does through you. Pray for a spirit of unity among brothers and sisters in Christ as we grow in our love for one another. 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 live by His power and His might.

Monday: Living With Power In Weakness. Pray that you would look to God in the midst of your weaknesses so that His power can be revealed in you. Pray that you would know the grace of God, and share the grace of God with others, as His power is made perfect in you. “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

Tuesday: Living With the Power of the Spirit. Pray that you would continually become more attuned to the Spirit of God dwelling within you. Pray for a greater understanding of just how glorious the riches of God are in your life as they are displayed through the power of His Spirit. “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.” Ephesians 3:16 (NIV)

Wednesday: Living With Mighty Power. Pray that you would know a strength in living a godly life that will only be available to you through the mighty power of God. Pray that you would be filled with courage in regard to living a Christ-like life in the midst of a world that is increasingly evil. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” Ephesians 6:10 (NIV)

Thursday: Living With Resurrection Power. Pray that you would willingly die to self in order to know the power of living a life resurrected in Christ. Pray that the power of the resurrection would remove the fear of death from you as you claim a life in Christ that will never end. “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.” Philippians 3:10 (NIV)

Friday: Living With Power to Suffer. Pray that you would have the courage to let Jesus be seen in you and heard from you. Pray that you would live with the power necessary to endure whatever suffering you experience because of your faith in Christ. “So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.” 2 Timothy 1:8 (NIV)

Saturday: Living With Divine Power. Pray that you would always look to God for a lasting power that comes from a divine source. Pray that you would find in God the power needed to live a life of godliness and knowledge that shows you to be His own. “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” 2 Peter 1:3 (NIV)

June 9, 2019 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Children of God!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Children of God!

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.”
1 John 3:1 (NIV)

This week our prayer emphasis will focus on living as children of God. In a summer season filled with Vacation Bible Schools, graduations, and camp weeks, it is good to remember to pray for the children around us and for the child within us. Just as we expect the children around us to grow, God expects us to grow. Praying for the children around us, and even for those far away, is one of the greatest things we can do for them. As you pray this week, ask God to help you know the great value you have as His child. Pray that the children in your life would know the love of God that He lavishes on them. Pray that you would love and value children just as God does. Pray that God would mold your heart and will into that which aligns with His love and care for children. Pray for the courage to be involved in the lives of children in ways that show them the love of God. Pray about how you can serve the needs of children, both in the church gathering and in the community. Pray for a spirit of unity among brothers and sisters in Christ as we grow in our love for one another. 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 live as His child as you also lead children to live for Him.

Monday: Children Who Are Obedient. Pray that you would live in obedience to Christ out of love for Him and as an example to others. Pray that children would be filled with the presence of God as they put away the desires of ignorance and walk in obedience to God. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.” 1 Peter 1:14 (NIV)

Tuesday: Children Who Are Forgiven. Pray that your life would be lived in a way that reflects the forgiveness that you have received in Christ. Pray that children would know the depths of God’s forgiveness as they experience your forgiveness. Pray that God’s forgiveness of you would lead you to forgive others more. “I write to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.” 1 John 2:12 (NIV)

Wednesday: Children Who Live With Confidence. Pray that you would live life with a confidence in the future because of whose child you are. Pray that children would begin, and continue, a life in Christ so they would have a confidence in being unashamed when He returns. “And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming.” 1 John 2:28 (NIV)

Thursday: Children Who Have Genuine Love. Pray that your love for others would be reflected in the things you actually do. Pray that children would see and hear in you a consistency that demonstrates through your actions both your love and God’s love for them. Pray that your expressions of love would be truthful. “Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:18 (NIV)

Friday: Children Who Worship God Exclusively. Pray that you would be aware of the things which could easily become idols in your life so that you can avoid them. Pray that children would see in you a life that only worships God. Pray for the children who are growing in a world that is filled with people and things wanting to be worshipped. “Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.” 1 John 5:21 (NIV)

Saturday: Children Who Walk In Truth. Pray that you would be one that finds, and expresses, joy through walking in the truth of God’s Word. Pray that children would learn from your words and example as they find the greatest of all joys can be discovered through walking with God in truth. “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” 3 John 1:4 (NIV)

June 2, 2019 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Others!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Others!

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV)

This week our prayer emphasis will focus on how God would have us relate to others. Interestingly enough, it is how we view ourselves that often has the greatest influence in how we look at others. We have such a tendency to serve ourselves that it takes a supernatural work of God in our life to help us truly look to the needs of others above our own. Many times it takes having our life shaken to the core before we realize what we are willing to do for others and where they align in our priorities compared to our self. As I visited recently with people in hurricane recovery mode, I was humbled by so many stories of people insisting that their neighbor, friend, fellow church member, or even strangers were taken care of before they would accept any help for themselves. As you pray this week, ask God to help increase your ability to see others as He does. Pray for a humble heart that considers their needs even above your own. Pray that you would see the actual needs of others rather than simply projecting your likes and desires onto them as being their needs. Pray for a spirit of unity among brothers and sisters in Christ as we grow in our love for one another. 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 interact with others in ways that would honor Him.

Monday: Build Up Others. Pray that you would always be mindful of both the content and tone of your words. Pray that God would help you to see the actual needs of others so your words would help to build them up appropriately. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

Tuesday: Join With Others. Pray that you would notice those who follow the example of scripture and join with them in that pursuit. Pray that you would be open and welcoming to people who are also seeking to live according to God’s instructions. “Join with others in following my example and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.” Philippians 3:17 (NIV)

Wednesday: Teach Others. Pray that you would humbly receive instruction not only for the purpose of your growth, but to be qualified to teach others. Pray that you would take the truth of the gospel entrusted to you and share it with people who will teach others. “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.” 2 Timothy 2:2 (NIV)

Thursday: Encourage Others. Pray that you would encourage others by the power and hope found in sound doctrine. Pray that your encouragement of others would always be grounded in the truth of God’s Word. “He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.” Titus 1:9 (NIV)

Friday: Share With Others. Pray that your willingness to share with others would not be thwarted by the unseen thief of forgetfulness. Pray for the courage to learn to share sacrificially in a way that pleases God. Pray that you would share with others in such a way that they recognize the hand of God working. “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews 13:16 (NIV)

Saturday: Serve Others. Pray that God would help you to do an accurate inventory of how He has gifted you. Pray for the wisdom to find ways to serve others with the gifts God has given you. Pray for the humility needed to serve others with impartiality in such a way that God gets the credit for the results. “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others.” 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)

May 26, 2019 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Finding Rest!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Finding Rest!

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

This week our prayer emphasis will focus on the subject of finding rest. While just about everyone I know would like to find rest, it seems that our search most often takes us everywhere except to the One who can give us the rest we need most. Even, and perhaps especially, on a holiday weekend many of us find so much activity to involve ourselves in that the rest we could have had never really happens. From the beginning of time, God set forth both the command and example that calls us to rest. And when you think the burdens of life are too great for you to be able to rest, Jesus promises to take those burdens upon Himself so that you can find rest in Him. As you pray this week, ask God to help you make, and take, time on a regular basis to rest. Pray that you would be able to identify the burdens that keep you from rest so that you can take them to Jesus. Pray that your times of rest would help you to grow in your relationship with God and your dependence on Him. Pray for a spirit of unity among brothers and sisters in Christ as we grow in our love for one another. 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 find true and lasting rest in Him.

Monday: Finding Secure Rest. Pray for the courage to live with an awareness of the Lord’s presence before you at all times. Pray for an attitude of rejoicing that will help your body rest securely because of God’s presence. “I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure.” Psalm 16:8-9 (NIV)

Tuesday: Finding Undisturbed Rest. Pray that you would draw near to God as part of His people so that He would lead you to live in peaceful places because of His presence. Pray that your sense of security would come from God so that you would find a place for undisturbed rest in Him. “My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.” Isaiah 32:18 (NIV)

Wednesday: Finding Soul Rest. Pray that you would walk in partnership with God so that His gentleness and humility would teach you to find rest. Pray that you would always allow God to carry your burden with you so you would find rest for your soul. “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:29 (NIV)

Thursday: Finding Quiet Rest. Pray that you would recognize your need for quiet times of rest in the midst of a busy life. Pray that you would learn the value and practice of finding quiet places to rest. “Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’” Mark 6:31 (NIV)

Friday: Finding Sabbath Rest. Pray that you would grow in your understanding and practice of God’s command and example of rest. Pray that you would understand God’s desire for you to have a regular time of rest. “There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his.” Hebrews 4:9-10 (NIV)

Saturday: Finding Hearts at Rest. Pray that you would pay close attention to being truthful in the way you love people with actions that match your words. Pray that the way you love others would cause your heart to be at rest. “Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence.” 1 John 3:18-19 (NIV)

May 19, 2019 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Setting An Example!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Setting An Example!

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”
1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV)

Our prayer focus this week is on setting an example in various areas of our life so that no one would have legitimate reasons to look down on us. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who really wants to be looked down upon, but I have encountered many that seemed to do little to keep that from happening — in fact, there are times I’m sure I’ve been one of those. God says that a good way to keep people from looking down on us for superficial reasons is to build a life of godly character. As you pray this week, ask God to help you to accurately examine the example you are currently setting. Pray that you would have the courage to live above reproach in every area of your life. Pray for wisdom in applying God’s Word in ways that make you an example without being pretentious. Pray for the humility needed to help others grow even as you work on your own example. Pray for a spirit of unity among brothers and sisters in Christ as we grow in our love for one another. 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 live as an example that lifts Him up to others.

Monday: An Example Beyond Appearances. Pray that your relationship with Jesus would be the most noticeable thing about you. Pray for the courage and humility needed to let Jesus shine through your human weaknesses. “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13 (NIV)

Tuesday: An Example In Speech. Pray that the graciousness of your speech would rise above what people might expect. Pray for the wisdom to see how the words you use are heard by people — both people who are similar to you and people who may be very different from you. “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Colossians 4:6 (NIV)

Wednesday: An Example In Life. Pray that your life would reveal to others a wisdom and understanding that can only come from God. Pray that you would live with humility in such a way that people would see the hand of God present in the way you live life. “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.” James 3:13 (NIV)

Thursday: An Example In Love. Pray that you would know the fullness of God’s love expressed through Jesus Christ so that you would love others with the same fullness. Pray that you would continually grow in the way you express love, using the sacrificial love of Jesus as your example. “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.” 1 John 3:16 (NIV)

Friday: An Example In Faith. Pray that you would live with a faith that can be seen in what you do. Pray that the things you do each day would be consistent with your expressed faith. Pray that others would see your faith active within your deeds so that they would be encouraged in their faith. “You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.” James 2:22 (NIV)

Saturday: An Example In Purity. Pray that you would choose actions that are pure and right, even when doing so is not easy. Pray that the value you place on purity would be part of your godly reputation. Pray for the courage to live by a standard God would consider pure rather than settling for the world’s definition of purity. “Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right.” Proverbs 20:11 (NIV)

May 12, 2019 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Family Time!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Family Time!

“A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families, he leads forth the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.”
Psalm 68:6 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer time on a return to the topic of The Family! With Mother’s Day beginning the week here in the U.S., it seemed like a good time for me to revisit this prayer guide I first wrote a number of years ago. When done well, the family is a vital place for people to find comfort, encouragement, instruction, and correction. That is a true statement not only for the families we are born into, but for the family of God that we belong to as His children. As you pray this week, ask God to help you value each part of your family — both at home and in the church. Pray that the families around you would look to God for the instruction and strength to do family well. Pray that God would help you to grow in serving each member of the family. Pray that your church congregation is a place where each person is a valued part of the family, regardless of how they fit in their “real” family. Pray for a spirit of unity among brothers and sisters in Christ as we grow in our love for one another. 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 value each part of the family and to see yourself as a valuable part of the family.

Monday: Children. Pray for children to be brought up in the fear and knowledge of the Lord in a safe and nurturing environment. Pray that each child, of any age, would honor their parents. Pray for the wisdom to help children know they are valued greatly by God. “Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him.” Psalm 127:3 (NIV)

Tuesday: Moms. Pray that the work done by moms, both in and out of the home, would be filled with satisfaction and joy. Pray that mothers would have godly patience with their children. Pray that your life would give your mom, and the women around you, reason to rejoice. “May your father and mother be glad; may she who gave you birth rejoice!” Proverbs 23:25 (NIV)

Wednesday: Dads. Pray that dads would be involved in the lives of their children in positive and wholesome ways. Pray that they would teach their children about God by their words and actions. Pray that you would live in such a way that you are a delight to your father. “The father of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him.” Proverbs 23:24 (NIV)

Thursday: Marriage. Pray that the marriages in your congregation and community would be strengthened and protected. Pray that both husband and wife would feel loved and valued. Pray for the courage to live in purity in all of your relationships. “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.” Hebrews 13:4 (NIV)

Friday: Grandparents. Pray that they would be valued members of the family and church congregation. Pray that their wisdom and experience would be passed on to the next generation. Pray for the humility to treat those older than you with respect and understanding. “Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.” 1 Timothy 5:1-2 (NIV)

Saturday: Single Adults. Some are single by choice, some not. Pray that each would be filled with great peace and hope as they serve God and rely on Him to surround them with healthy relationships. Pray that God would fill their desire — whether that desire is to stay single or be married. Pray that you would learn to be comfortable with yourself. “I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 7:35 (NIV)