christian calling

March 27, 2022 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Godly Instruction!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Godly Instruction!

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.  Do everything in love.”
1 Corinthians 16:13-14(NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on some godly instruction that Paul gives as he wraps up his first letter to the Corinthians.  Many times when we get to the end of a conversation or letter we become much more intentional and concise in trying to get our point across.  It seems to me that Paul has that same tendency as he gets to the end of this letter we know as 1 Corinthians.  These are not really new instructions he is giving but rather they are worded in order to convey urgency and importance to his readers then and to us.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you know the value of receiving, and living by, godly instruction.  Pray that you would seek God’s wisdom as the center of the instructions you live by.  Pray for a heart of understanding for yourself and for those that you share godly instruction with.  Pray that you would not only understand the instructions that are found in God’s Word, but that you would seek God’s help in doing what His Word says.

“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’s help in living according to the instructions of God’s Word.

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 On Guard.  Pray that you would be on guard against the attacks of the enemy and all of his deceitfulness.  Pray for an alertness that helps you to not be caught off guard.  Pray for the courage and strength necessary to resist temptation as you guard your heart and mind.  “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”  1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Stand Firm.  Pray for a growing awareness of God’s ability to lift you out of whatever pit you are in.  Pray that you would always find the foundation of God’s Word to be a solid place where you can stand firm.  Pray that your testimony would help others know they can stand firm.  “He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.”  Psalm 40:2 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Take Courage.  Pray that you would live with a courage that comes from the presence of Jesus through His Spirit.  Pray for a courage that helps you to do what is right even when fear wants to lead you in a different direction.  Pray that your life would show others how to take courage when they find themselves fearful.  “But Jesus immediately said to them: ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.’”  Matthew 14:27 (NIV)

Thursday:  Be Strong.  Pray that you would seek a strength that comes from God so that His power can be seen through you.  Pray that you would be consistent in putting on the full armor of God in order to find a strength which has a spiritual basis.  Pray that your actions would lead others to seek out a strength that comes from the Lord.  “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.”  Ephesians 6:10 (NIV)

Friday:  Love One Another.  Pray for a full acceptance of the greatness of God’s love for you.  Pray that your realization of God’s love would direct the way you love others.  Pray that your love for others would continue to grow deeply as you practice giving and receiving forgiveness.  Pray for a love that helps you to forgive the sins done against you just as God forgives the sins you commit against Him.  “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”  1 Peter 4:8 (NIV)

Saturday:  Show Honor.  Pray for a humility in your life that is willing to recognize those who bring refreshment to your spirit.  Pray for a sincere heart which genuinely appreciates those who are encouragers.  Pray for pure motives both in the way you refresh others and in the way you honor those who refresh you.  “For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.”  1 Corinthians 16:18 (NIV)

March 20, 2022 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: The Good News!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

The Good News!

“Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand.”
1 Corinthians 15:1 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on remembering and living the good news of the gospel.  The mind is a fascinating place where many things that we would just as soon forget seem to be etched in place while the things we want to remember slip through without taking root.  This trait has not escaped God’s notice and He continually calls for His people to use various means to remember the things which are of eternal importance — the essence of the good news of Jesus.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you always remember not only the gospel, but also your response to it.  Pray that you would live with an awareness of how your stand on the gospel helps remind others of the power of the good news of Jesus.  Pray that you would actively find appropriate ways to remind others of the gospel you proclaim.  Pray for a consistency in what you share about the gospel and how you live by the gospel.  Pray that you and the people around you would know God’s Word as good news.

“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’s help in remembering and sharing the good news 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:  Good News of Salvation.  Pray that you would always hold fast to the saving power of the gospel.  Pray that you would live as one who is saved by the good news of Jesus.  Pray that your life would proclaim salvation in no other name but Jesus.  “By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.”  1 Corinthians 15:2 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Good News to Share.  Pray that you would always be aware of opportunities to share the good news just as someone shared it with you.  Pray that the essence of the gospel would be of first importance as you share the good news of Jesus with others.  Pray for wisdom in sharing what others need to hear.  “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures.”  1 Corinthians 15:3 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Good News from Scripture.  Pray for a growing desire to know and live by the good news found in scripture.  Pray that God’s Word would be alive and active in your life just as it was being lived out by Jesus.  Pray that you would know Jesus as the One who fulfilled scripture.  “That he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”  1 Corinthians 15:4 (NIV)

Thursday:  Good News of Restoration.  Pray that you would know the restoring power of God’s love as He comes to you even after you fail Him.  Pray that you help others know the restoration that is available in Christ.  Pray that the people around you would know of God’s desire to be revealed in them.  “And that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve.”  1 Corinthians 15:5 (NIV)

Friday:  Good News of Hope.  Pray that you would know the hope of Christ which endures beyond the days of this life.  Pray that the good news of hope would spread and grow in the lives of others as the power of God is revealed through Jesus.  “After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.”  1 Corinthians 15:6 (NIV)

Saturday:  Good News at the Right Time.  Pray that you would rejoice in the good news which you heard and received at the right time in your life.  Pray that you would continually grow in your trust of God’s timing in everything — especially in making Himself known to us.  Pray that you would be faithful in sharing the good news of Jesus with people as you trust God to make it grow at the right time.  “And last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.”  1 Corinthians 15:8 (NIV)

March 13, 2022 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: An Undivided Church!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

An Undivided Church!

“I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready.  You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men?”
1 Corinthians 3:2-3 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on being one who pursues an undivided witness as the body of Christ.  God’s desire is that we all grow into a maturity that values each person for who they are in Christ.  While God’s standards of right and wrong are the same for each person, it is far too easy to find ourselves caught up in quarrels and jealousy based on our own standards of importance.  God wants to use our differences, not to divide us, but to help the world see the power of God in an undivided way.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you see the value you have to Him just the way He has gifted you.  Pray that you would see others with that same sense of being made by God in a way that is just right.  Pray that the things you build your life on would always be centered on the unchanging Word of God.  Pray for a growing unity in Christ that helps the world to see Him in us.

“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’s help in living as a part of an undivided body 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:  Undivided Belief.  Pray that you would live with an undivided belief which is based on God’s Word.  Pray that your sharing the good news of Jesus would lead others to an undivided belief that is centered on Jesus rather than on the messenger.  “What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe — as the Lord has assigned to each his task.”  1 Corinthians 3:5 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Undivided Growth.  Pray that you would be faithful in doing your part in a way that avoids division as God makes your work grow.  Pray that you would learn the value of each person and each part of the process as God brings undivided growth to His body.  Pray for humility that will see the work of God at the core of all growth.  “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.”  1 Corinthians 3:6 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Undivided Purpose.  Pray that you would always look to God as your source of purpose.  Pray that you would grow in an understanding of how God uses each person’s unique work to accomplish an undivided purpose that is rewarded by God.  “The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor.”  1 Corinthians 3:8 (NIV)

Thursday:  Undivided Work.  Pray that God would help you to see how the work of others is combined with your work to accomplish His plans.  Pray for God’s insight into what it looks like for you and those around you to be God’s workers, God’s field, and God’s building.  Pray for a godly focus in all that you do which helps you to interact with others in an undivided work.  “For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.”  1 Corinthians 3:9 (NIV)

Friday:  Undivided Foundation.  Pray that every aspect of your life would be built on one foundation, the foundation of Jesus Christ.  Pray that the way you live would clearly show those around you exactly who your life is built upon.  Pray for a growing unity with those who are also building upon this undivided foundation.  “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”  1 Corinthians 3:11 (NIV)

Saturday:  Undivided Wisdom.  Pray that you would not be deceived by others or by yourself when it comes to what true wisdom looks like.  Pray that you would live with God’s Word as the single standard of wisdom in your life.  Pray that the way you represent Jesus would help others to see an undivided wisdom that comes from God.  “Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a “fool” so that he may become wise.”  1 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)

March 6, 2022 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Powerful Wisdom!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Powerful Wisdom!

“My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.”
1 Corinthians 2:4-5 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on knowing a wisdom that is powerful because it comes from God.  If you have ever been talked into something that you later regretted, you should have great appreciation for the message of the gospel which relies on the power of God at work in those who hear.  Because the power of God does not reside in the wisdom of man, our actions and words speak with power when they rely on His Word rather than our desires.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you evaluate whose version of power you live by.  Pray that you would choose to live by a faith which grows from the power of God’s Word.  Pray for the humility which chooses not to complicate the message of the gospel.  Pray for the patience needed to allow God’s Spirit to do the work of conviction and transformation needed in your life and the lives of others.  Pray that your life would be a demonstration to others of the power of God’s Spirit.

“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’s help in having a wisdom which comes from 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:  A Wisdom Of Maturity.  Pray that you would grow in a maturity which understands the wisdom of God’s Word.  Pray that your sharing about Jesus would always choose the path of God’s wisdom rather than the wisdom of this world.  “We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.”  1 Corinthians 2:6 (NIV)

Tuesday:  A  Wisdom Of Glory.  Pray that you would seek out a wisdom that has been hidden from those claiming to be wise — a wisdom that results in God’s glory being reflected in you.  Pray that you would share with others about a wisdom that endures all time.  “No, we speak of God’s secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.”  1 Corinthians 2:7 (NIV)

Wednesday:  A Wisdom Of Understanding.  Pray that the power of God’s wisdom would fill you with an understanding that only He can give.  Pray that God’s wisdom living in you would transform you from being an enemy of Christ to a child of God.  “None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.”  1 Corinthians 2:8 (NIV)

Thursday:  A Wisdom Of God’s Word.  Pray that you would know the “hidden wisdom” that has been made known in God’s Word.  Pray that you would live in the midst of God’s great love as He prepares for you things which are indescribable.  “However, as it is written: ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him’”  1 Corinthians 2:9 (NIV)

Friday:  A Wisdom Of the Spirit.  Pray for a willingness to be still and know the presence of God’s Spirit within you.  Pray for a desire to understand the things revealed by God’s Spirit to those who are His children.  Pray that you would seek a wisdom that could only come from God’s Spirit as you share the good news of Jesus with others.  “But God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.  The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.”  1 Corinthians 2:10 (NIV)

Saturday:  A Wisdom Of God’s Thoughts.  Pray that you would pursue a pure wisdom which has its foundations in the very thoughts of God.  Pray that you would live with a greater awareness of the Spirit of God, who knows His thoughts, living within you. Pray that this powerful wisdom living in  you would direct your life.  “For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.”  1 Corinthians 2:11 (NIV)

February 27, 2022 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Thankful For One Another!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Thankful For One Another!

“To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ — their Lord and ours: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Corinthians 1:2-3 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on being thankful for one another.  Who do you think of when you read that line?  I suspect that most of the time we think of those that we are already thankful for and dismiss the idea in our mind that it should apply to anyone else.  Especially within the body of Christ, God’s desire is that we learn to be thankful for every one of the “one anothers”.  A good starting point for learning to do that is to practice being thankful for what God has done, is doing, and will do in their life.  As you pray this week, ask God to  help you grow in thankfulness for all “who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ”.  Pray that God would help you to see His work in the lives of others — especially in the lives of those you have difficulty being thankful for.  Pray that your interactions with others would exemplify the grace and peace that God has given through Jesus 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’s help in being thankful for others.

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:  Thankful For God’s Grace In Others.  Pray for a growing awareness of how God’s grace is at work in the lives of the people around you.  Pray that you would learn to be thankful for others as you see them through the eyes of God’s grace.  Pray that you would be a living example to others of how God’s grace leads to thankfulness.  “I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.”  1 Corinthians 1:4 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Thankful For God’s Enrichment In Others.  Pray that your knowledge and words would be filled by the presence of God.  Pray that you would be thankful for the people around you as they seek God to enrich them in the depths of knowledge and His wisdom.  “For in him you have been enriched in every way — in all your speaking and in all your knowledge.”  1 Corinthians 1:5 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Thankful For God’s Testimony In Others.  Pray that you would be one who shares your testimony of God’s work in you through both your words and your actions.  Pray that the sharing of your testimony would be confirmed through the lives of those you interact with.  Pray with thanksgiving for the testimony of Christ seen in others.  “Because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you.”  1 Corinthians 1:6 (NIV)

Thursday:  Thankful For God’s Gift In Others.  Pray for contentment with both God’s gifts and His timing in your life and the lives of others.  Pray that you would be thankful for the way God amply supplies that which we lack.  Pray for a growing thankfulness for the way God has gifted others.  “Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.”  1 Corinthians 1:7 (NIV)

Friday:  Thankful For God’s Strength In Others.  Pray with thankfulness for the strength which God provides.  Pray that the people around you would have a strength of faith that endures.  Pray for a heart that rejoices in the strength and victory others find through 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)

Saturday:  Thankful For God’s Fellowship In Others.  Pray that you would continually walk in fellowship with God and in fellowship with others.  Pray that you would grow in thankfulness for the people around you who trust in God’s faithfulness.  Pray that you would be a messenger of God’s faithfulness in calling people into relationship with Himself through Jesus Christ.  “God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.”  1 Corinthians 1:9 (NIV)

February 20, 2022 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Restored By God!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Restored By God!

“Restore us, O God; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.”
Psalm 80:3 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on our need and desire to be restored by God.  When the darkness of life tries to close in on us, we can call out to God and be saved.  When we become worn down, it is comforting to know that we can be restored as we seek God’s face.  When we turn our face toward God, we find that His face shines upon us with the light of His comforting love.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you know His power and desire to restore.  Pray that you would not only see yourself as a restoration project that God is capable of completing, but that each person you encounter would hear from you of that same hope.  Pray that you would live your life in such a way that God’s restoration work is visible to all.  Pray about how God would use you to shine His light into the lives of everyone you meet.

“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’s help in living as one restored 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:  Restored In Due Time.  Pray that you would learn humility as you submit yourself to God.  Pray that your practice of living in submission to God would lead you to a greater trust of God’s timing.  Pray that you would know the joy of being lifted by God at just the right time.  Pray about how God would have you be His instrument in lifting someone  at just the right time.  “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” 1 Peter 5:6 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Restored Through Anxious Times.  Pray for the courage to turn to God in the midst of all anxiety that you may experience.  Pray that you would be fully aware of God’s care for you.  Pray that you would be aware of God’s presence in all avenues of help that can be available when you experience anxiety for any reason.  “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Restored as You Practice Self-Control.  Pray that you would turn to God for help in living a self-controlled life.  Pray that you would live with an awareness of the enemies desire to destroy you.  Pray that God would help you to always hear and identify the roaring of the enemy.  “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”  1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)

Thursday:  Restored To Resist Evil.  Pray that you would grow in a faith that helps you to resist the evil one.  Pray that an awareness of what others go through would help you remain faithful.  Pray that you would live in a way that helps others be encouraged to resist evil.  “Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” 1 Peter 5:9 (NIV)

Friday:  Restored After Suffering.  Pray for the ability to endure as you hold fast to God’s promise of restoration.  Pray that your life would reflect the strength which God gives by His grace.  Pray that your steadfast faith would lead others to pursue being restored by God.  “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”  1 Peter 5:10 (NIV)

Saturday:  Restored To Worship.  Pray that your restored life would always be focused on worshiping God.  Pray that you would be faithful in giving God credit for restoring you to Himself.  Pray for a greater recognition of God’s power at work in your life.  Pray that your restored life would be a testimony to others of the power of God at work in you.  “To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.”  1 Peter 5:11 (NIV)

February 13, 2022 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Loving Response!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Loving Response!

“You are my portion, O LORD; I have promised to obey your words.  I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.  I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes.  I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.  Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget your law.  At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws.”
Psalm 119:57-62

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on our response to God’s love.  While much time, effort, and money will be spent by individuals this week trying to express their love toward one another, the psalmist gives us some great insight into how to respond to God’s love in ways that are good and right.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you live with a greater awareness of His love.  Pray that you would seek to live with a loving response that is first directed toward God.  Pray that your response to God would shape and direct your love for others.  Pray for the wisdom and courage needed to love others with a love that accurately reflects God’s love for 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’s help to respond to Him, and to others, in love.

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 Loving Promise.  Pray that knowing God as yours, and yourself as His, would lead you to promise your life to Him.  Pray that having the Lord as your God would cause you to not only make, but keep a promise to obey His words.  Pray that you would live with a growing desire to know God’s words in a way that expresses your love for Him.  “You are my portion, O LORD; I have promised to obey your words.”  Psalm 119:57 (NIV)

Tuesday:  A Loving Search.  Pray that God’s love would lead you to seek Him in all circumstances of life.  Pray that God’s graciousness is known by you as you seek His face wholeheartedly.  Pray that God’s promises would lead you to not only search for Him with a whole heart, but to share Him with others.  “I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.”  Psalm 119:58 (NIV)

Wednesday:  A Loving Walk.  Pray that an examination of your ways would direct your walk to follow the ways of God.  Pray that your walk with God would be directed by His love for you and your love for Him.  Pray that God would direct your walk in ways that shows His love to others through you.  “I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes.”  Psalm 119:59 (NIV)

Thursday:  A Loving Obedience.  Pray that your life would be emptied of excuses so that you would promptly obey the commands of God.  Pray for the courage to obey God even when those around you encourage you not to.  Pray that your promptness in obeying God would help others to see and know your love for Him.  “I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.”  Psalm 119:60 (NIV)

Friday:  A Loving Remembrance.  Pray that the distractions of the world we live in would never keep you from remembering the law of God.  Pray for the courage to remain faithful to the laws of God even when wickedness seems to surround you.  Pray that the people around you would know you as one who lives by God’s laws.  “Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget your law.”  Psalm 119:61 (NIV)

Saturday:  A Loving Thankfulness.  Pray that words of thanksgiving would always be on your lips for the righteousness that God has expressed in His laws.  Pray that an attitude of thankfulness would always fill you as you consider God’s righteousness extended toward you through Jesus.  Pray that the people around you would be attracted to Jesus because of your loving thankfulness.  “At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws.”  Psalm 119:62 (NIV)

February 6, 2022 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Time To Plant!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Time To Plant!

“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked.
A man reaps what he sows.”
Galatians 6:7 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on praying about some things that God would have us to plant in order to have a good harvest.  Planting requires that we work now even as we look toward the future.  For many gardeners, the snow covered ground where I live signals a time to browse seed catalogs and purchase the seeds which represent the harvest they hope to enjoy.  As you pray this week, spend time with God learning what you ought to be planting.  Pray that your work today would prepare a great harvest in your life and in the lives you are planting in.  Pray for wisdom in recognizing the time to plant is now.  Pray for the humility needed to plant with gentleness and respect as you share the good news of Jesus with others.  Pray for a growing faith that continues to plant when the time for harvest seems uncertain.

“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’s help in planting good seed.

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 Time To Plant With Tears.  Pray that the seeds planted in your life, and planted by your life, would be watered by the tears which come from the godly sorrow of repentance.  Pray for a glimpse beyond the tears of today to see the joy that awaits those who are faithful.  Pray that the things you plant today would lead to joy in the lives of others.  “Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.”  Psalm 126:5 (NIV)

Tuesday:  A Time To Plant Righteousness.  Pray that God would soften hardened hearts as you plant seeds of righteousness.  Pray that a continual seeking of God would take place as you plant righteousness.  “Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers righteousness on you.”  Hosea 10:12 (NIV)

Wednesday:  A Time To Plant Generously.  Pray that you would learn to plant generously as one who desires a generous harvest.  Pray for a spirit of generosity that reflects the nature of God.  Pray that your life would be one that bears much fruit as a result of what you plant.  “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”  2 Corinthians 9:6 (NIV)

Thursday:  A Time To Plant What You’ve Been Given.  Pray that you would know God as the source of all good things.  Pray for an increase in what you plant, and in what you harvest, as you trust God to supply both.  Pray about how God would have you use everything He has given you.  “Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.”  2 Corinthians 9:10 (NIV)

Friday:  A Time To Plant For Eternity.  Pray that you would always be mindful of the true nature of all that you are planting.  Pray that God’s Spirit would fill you with an awareness of the things which lead to eternal life.  “The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”  Galatians 6:8(NIV)

Saturday:  A Time To Plant Peace.  Pray that you would always be one who responds positively to the seeds of peace with God which have been planted in your life.  Pray that good and godly peace would be at the heart of all your interactions with others.  Pray that your pursuit of peace would always be done with a goal of receiving a harvest of God’s righteousness.  “Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.”  James 3:18 (NIV)

January 30, 2022 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Captive Thoughts!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Captive Thoughts!

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on praying about our thoughts as we follow God’s instructions to take every one of them captive.  We are each shaped by the things which enter our mind, and especially by those things that we allow our thoughts to dwell upon.  While it is impossible to shield ourselves completely from the arguments and pretensions which are opposed to Christ, with the help of God’s Spirit we can take captive every thought so that our actions would more accurately reflect Christ.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you be aware of everything that enters your mind.  Pray that each thought would be evaluated and dealt with in a way that is obedient to Christ.  Pray each day that you would choose to set your mind on things above so that the ways of God become the standard by which you take each thought captive.

“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’s help in taking every thought captive.

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:  Thoughts Which Are Full Of Faith.  Pray that your thoughts of God would lead  you to actions of faith.  Pray that your accounts of how Jesus has worked in your life would lead others to think and believe that He would help them.  “When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, ‘If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.’”  Mark 5:27-28 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Thoughts Which Are Known By God.  Pray that you would live life with a greater awareness of how completely God knows your thoughts.  Pray that you would be more diligent in filling your thoughts with the things of God as you seek Him through His Word and prayer.  Pray for a greater honesty with God about your thoughts.  “Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him.”  Luke 9:47 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Thoughts Which Unite.  Pray that you would pursue agreement with others with Jesus as the basis for that unity.  Pray for a thought life that is united with Christ in such a way that divisive spirits have no place to dwell.  “I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.”  1 Corinthians 1:10 (NIV)

Thursday:  Thoughts Which Mature.   Pray for a maturing growth which makes you think differently than you once did.  Pray for the courage to choose thoughts that show maturity when they are spoken and acted upon.  Pray that you would reject childish thoughts.  “When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.”  1 Corinthians 13:11 (NIV)

Friday:  Thoughts Fixed On Jesus.  Pray that Jesus would be central in your thoughts so that His ways influence everything you think about.  Pray that having your thoughts fixed on Jesus would help others grow in holiness and a pursuit of a heavenly calling.  “Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess.”  Hebrews 3:1 (NIV)

Saturday:  Thoughts Judged By God’s Word.  Pray that you would always accept God’s judgments regarding your thoughts.  Pray that God’s Word would always be central in shaping the things that enter and are allowed to stay in your mind.  “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”  Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)

January 23, 2022 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A New Yearning!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A New Yearning!

“How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD Almighty!
My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD;
my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.”
Psalm 84:1-2 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will conclude a three week focus on living with a new CRY as we pray about having a new yearning.  Just as our actions follow our thoughts, our commitment and resolve tend to follow our deepest held desires.  What are you longing for the most this week?  God wants all of our longings to flow from our yearning for Him so that He is in all, through all, and above all in everything we seek.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you accurately evaluate the things you yearn for.  Pray that your longing for Him would grow each day.  Pray for a reordering of your priorities so that your heart and flesh would cry out for the living God in all circumstances.  Pray that you would be more in tune with the things that matter to God and are expressed to us from His heart.  Pray that crying out with a new yearning would help you to treat others as Jesus would as you lift Him up at all times.

“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’s help in crying out to Him with a new yearning.

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 New Yearning To Meet With God.  Pray that you would grow in your yearning to meet with God on your own and in fellowship with others.  Pray that you would always know the nearness of God and His desire for you to meet with Him.  Pray that you would share with others the benefit of longing for God.  “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.  When can I go and meet with God?”  Psalm 42:2 (NIV)

Tuesday:  A New Yearning To Receive From God.  Pray that you would approach God with open hands as you long to receive what only He can give.  Pray that you would yearn for the things of God more than you long for all other things.  Pray that your soul would be satisfied with all good things as you go to God with open hands.  “I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land.”  Psalm 143:6 (NIV)

Wednesday:  A New Yearning Of the Soul.  Pray that your longing for God would rise from the very depths of your soul.  Pray for a growing desire that seeks God during every moment of your life.  Pray that the yearning of your soul would not only draw you to God at all times, but would also help others see how God fills you.  “My soul yearns for you in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for you.”  Isaiah 26:9 (NIV)

Thursday:  A New Yearning Of Compassion.   Pray that you would learn from the compassion of God for those who are disobedient.  Pray that your yearning for the compassion of God would fill you with a compassion for others.  “‘Though I often speak against him, I still remember him.  Therefore my heart yearns for him; I have great compassion for him,’ declares the LORD.”  Jeremiah 31:20 (NIV)

Friday:  A New Yearning For Righteousness.  Pray that your longing for God’s righteousness would be filled by His presence.  Pray that your yearning for righteousness would come from a constant desire to be more like Jesus.  Pray that you would always be ready to share of the righteousness of God with those who see you filled by it.  “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”  Matthew 5:6 (NIV)

Saturday:  A New Yearning For Jesus.  Pray that your thirst would always lead you to Jesus.  Pray that you would always respond with desire to the calling of God.  Pray that your yearning for Jesus to come would be fulfilled in your life and freely shared with others.  “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.”  Revelation 22:17 (NIV)