christian calling

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Receiving Help!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Receiving Help!

“In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me.
From the depths of the grave I called for help,
and you listened to my cry.” 
Jonah 2:2 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about receiving help when we cry out to God.  When you find yourself in times of distress, it is comforting to know that God listens when we cry out.  Even when our distress is of our own doing, God hears and responds to our calls for help.  As you pray this week, ask God to increase your faith so that you would call out to Him in times of trouble.  Pray that you would grow in your awareness of all God does to provide the help you need.  Pray for wisdom to see how God would use the help you receive from Him to provide help to others.  Pray for the humility needed to admit when you are in over your head and in need of help.  As schools get underway for the new school year, please continue praying for all students, parents, teachers, school staff, and board members of all the various schools in your community.

“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 who has received His help.

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:  Receiving Help From God.  Pray for a growing awareness of how God is an ever-present help.  Pray that God’s help in your life would lead you to testify about Him to all who would listen.  Pray that you would seek help from God in all circumstances that you face.  “But I have had God’s help to this very day, and so I stand here and testify to small and great alike.”  Acts 26:22 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Receiving Help From Those You Help.  Pray that you would receive help when needed as a response to the help you give others.  Pray that you would honor those you receive help from by helping others.  “I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many people, including me.”  Romans 16:2 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Receiving Help Through Prayer.  Ask God to help you learn to pray continually when you find yourself in need and feel all alone.  Pray about how God would have you be an answer to the prayers of those who are really in need.  “The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help.”  1 Timothy 5:5 (NIV)

Thursday:  Receiving Help By the Spirit.  Pray that you would value all that God has entrusted to you.  Pray for the help of God’s Spirit to guard the good news which He has made grow in your life.  Pray that God’s Spirit would help you to live with great wisdom and discernment.  “Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you — guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.”  2 Timothy 1:14 (NIV)

Friday:  Receiving Help When Tempted.  Pray that you would know, and use, the help that is found in Jesus to overcome temptation.  Pray that your life would share the value of having One who understands temptation to help when you are tempted.  Pray that God’s help would be made known to all who face temptation.  “Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”  Hebrews 2:18 (NIV)

Saturday:  Receiving Help With Mercy and Grace.  Pray for the confidence to approach God’s throne of grace to find the help you need.  Pray for the humility needed to receive the mercy and grace offered to those who approach God in their time of need.  “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”  Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Knowing God’s Protection!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Knowing God’s Protection!

“May the LORD answer you when you are in distress;
     may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.” 
Psalm 20:1 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about the protection we have in Christ.  This protection is designed to keep us secure in our relationship with God as we journey toward an eternity with Him.  God’s protection isn’t designed to keep us from facing all trouble, in fact the Bible teaches that we will indeed face trouble of many kinds.  No, the protection is to guard our heart and mind in Christ Jesus in order to keep us pure and holy until the coming of Christ.  God has provided us with all that is needed, not to always protect us from trouble, but to protect us through troubles.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you live under the “roof” of His protection.  Pray that the troubles you face would not lead you away from God and His protection, but rather lead you to experience a greater fullness in your relationship with Him.  Pray that you would share with others about the protection that is available through Christ.  As schools get underway for the new school year, please continue praying for all students, parents, teachers, school staff, and board members of all the various schools in your community.

“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 who knows His protection.

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 Taking Refuge.  Pray that you would turn to God for refuge in your times of trouble.  Pray that you would rejoice as God’s protection is spread over you.  Pray about how God would have you share His refuge with others.  “But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy.  Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.”  Psalm 5:11 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Protected by Integrity.  Pray that your hope in God would fill you with integrity as you walk with Him.  Pray that a life and reputation of integrity would protect you as you walk through times of trouble.  Pray that you would be protected by the integrity of God even when your integrity is weak.  “May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you.”  Psalm 25:21 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Protected by Discretion.  Pray that you would have the discretion to not only know what to say, but also what not to say.  Pray that your discretion would not only protect you during times of trouble, but would also protect those around you.  Pray for a heart of understanding that will guide your actions with godly wisdom.  “Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.”  Proverbs 2:11 (NIV)

Thursday:  Protected by Wisdom.  Pray that God would fill you with the wisdom that He promises to give without finding fault.  Pray that you would use godly wisdom to protect you from the temptations that accompany trouble.  Pray that God’s Word would be the source of wisdom you share with others.    “Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.”  Proverbs 4:6 (NIV)

Friday:  Protected From the Evil One.  Pray that you would live in this world with the protection of God from the evil one.  Pray that the trouble of this world would not overcome you as you share in the experience of God’s protection.  Pray for wisdom in living a life that honors Christ as you resist evil.  “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.”  John 17:15 (NIV)

Saturday:  Protected by Love.  Pray that you would know the depth of God’s love as a source of protection.  Pray that the love of God that dwells within you would be visible to others through all circumstances of life.  Pray that your life would express God’s love in ways that draw others to His protection.  “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”  1 Corinthians 13:6-7 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Clothed With Christ!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Clothed With Christ!

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
Colossians 3:12-14 (NIV)

This week our Lifestyle of Prayer emphasis will focus on some characteristics that God says we should clothe ourselves with.  As students begin returning to school over the next few weeks, it would be good to pray about how they are clothed.  In fact, MCA will be using the above passage throughout the year to teach and encourage the students here to live as those clothed with Christ.  Like it or not, people often make assumptions about us based on what they see us wearing.  As a Christian, what are you wearing that would help people see Jesus?  As you pray this week, ask God to help you live as one chosen by God, holy and dearly loved!  Pray that you would be clothed with Christ in such a way that you represent Jesus well in everything you do.  Pray that your life would be an encouragement to others in the way they let Christ be seen through them.  Pray for all students, teachers, and school staff as schools begin a new year.

“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 those who are chosen and dearly loved.

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:  Clothed With Compassion.  Pray for a growing awareness of God’s compassion on you as one who is dearly loved.  Pray that your understanding of your own weaknesses would fill you with a compassion for others.  “As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.”  Psalm 103:13-14  (NIV)

Tuesday:  Clothed With Kindness.  Pray for courage to show kindness to others in ways that reflect the unusual kindness of God which He extends to you as one He has chosen.  Pray that you would be observant to the needs of others so that you would show meaningful kindness.  “The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold.”  Acts 28:2 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Clothed With Humility.  Pray that the example of Jesus would help you to live with humility in growing measure.  Pray that you would see the value and importance of others as being greater than your own.  Pray that God would work in your life to remove all traces of selfishness.  “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.”  Philippians 2:3 (NIV)

Thursday:  Clothed With Gentleness.  Pray for a desire, and practice, to be gentle with others in the way you represent Jesus.  Pray that God’s presence in your life would clothe you with a gentleness that is obvious to all.  Pray for wisdom to know what godly gentleness looks like in every situation you encounter.  “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”  Philippians 4:5 (NIV)

Friday:  Clothed With Patience.  Pray that your patience would grow as you learn to be still and experience the presence of God in times of uncertainty.  Pray for the courage to have patience with people as you wait upon the Lord.  “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.”  Psalm 37:7 (NIV)

Saturday:  Clothed With Forgiveness.  Pray for a growing awareness of God’s forgiveness that is offered through Jesus.  Pray that the forgiveness you receive from God would overflow into forgiveness that you extend to others.  Pray that being chosen by God would give you a desire to forgive as He has forgiven you.  “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”  Mark 11:25 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Sincere Love!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Sincere Love!

“Love must be sincere.  Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.  Honor one another above yourselves.  Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.  Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” 
Romans 12:9-14 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus will be about growing in the kind of love that God says is sincere.  If God’s love abides in us, it is supposed to show in our words and actions so that others will see Jesus through us.  How we live life doesn’t earn us favor with God, but it does reveal our love for God.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you grow in the way your love for Him is expressed.  Pray for the wisdom to make loving choices in all of your interactions with people.  Pray for the humility needed to see others as God sees them.  Pray for the courage to value people simply because they have been created in the image of God.  Pray for a total transformation of your heart and mind in order to love others like Jesus loves you.  Pray for a covering of grace for yourself, and others, when the love expressed needs improvement. 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 sincere 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 Righteousness.  Pray that you would grow in a righteousness that can distinguish between good and evil.  Pray for a sincerity in hating evil in your own life as much as you hate it in the lives of others.  Pray for eyes that see and cling to the good that God produces in your life and in the lives of those around you.  “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.”  Romans 12:9 (NIV)

Tuesday:  A Loving Devotion.  Pray that you would grow in the way you care about and honor others.  Pray for a love that results in a devotion to others that would put their needs above your own.  Pray for a willingness and practice of honoring others in ways that lift them above yourself.  “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.”  Romans 12:10 (NIV)

Wednesday:  A Loving Eagerness.  Pray for a freshness of spirit that results in an ever-increasing desire to serve God.  Pray that you would be eager to serve, knowing that it is the Lord you are serving.  Pray for a refreshing from God that overcomes the weariness of your flesh when you serve.  “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”  Romans 12:11 (NIV)

Thursday:  A Loving Attitude.  Pray for a prayerful attitude that helps you to be joyful and patient even when circumstances are less than ideal.  Pray that God would fill you with hope that is seen and shared by the joy others see in you.  Pray for the ability to live with patient endurance as you experience the many afflictions this life brings with it.  “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”  Romans 12:12 (NIV)

Friday:  A Loving Generosity.  Pray for eyes that see the needs of others and for a loving heart that overflows with generosity.  Pray for a sincere awareness of all that God has given you for the purpose of sharing with others.  Pray for God’s help in overcoming all of your excuses that keep you from being hospitable.  “Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”  Romans 12:13 (NIV)

Saturday:  A Loving of Your Enemies.  Pray for the humility needed to treat your enemies just as Christ treated you while you were an enemy of His in your own mind.  Pray for wisdom in knowing tangible and meaningful ways to bless those who persecute you and those you disagree with.  Pray for a sincere love that seeks the best for those who would be considered enemies.  “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”  Romans 12:14 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Understanding the Time!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Understanding the Time!

“And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.” 
Romans 13:11 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus will be about understanding the present time and living according to God’s will.  God’s desire is that our understanding of the present time would lead us to wake up and show others His love even as we live in expectation of the fruit of the salvation we experience in Jesus.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you not only understand the times, but make the most of them.  Pray that you would live in the moment with your eyes focused both on the work He has for you now and the future He has prepared for you throughout eternity.  Pray that you would know this moment as the time God has given you to make the good news of Jesus known to the people around you.  Pray that your life would lead others to decide it is time for them to follow Jesus.  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 understand the times and live accordingly.

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:  Time For Refreshing.  Pray that you would experience the refreshing of your spirit that comes as a result of repentance.  Pray that you would live with clean hands and heart as you look for the refreshing that comes from God.  Pray that you would share God’s refreshing with others.  “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”  Acts 3:19 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Time For Doing Good.  Pray that you would know that the time for doing good is now.  Pray that you would not let weariness keep you from doing the good that God has called you to.  Pray that your eyes would stay focused on the harvest of righteousness God has promised to the faithful.  “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”  Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Time For Peace.  Pray that you would live with an awareness of the peace that comes from God’s presence in your life.  Pray that you would seek peace with God and allow His peace to direct your way of life.  Pray that the people around you would see how God is the source of your peace in all situations.  “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”  2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV)

Thursday:  Time For Learning.  Pray that you would grow in your learning so that you would be prepared to teach others.  Pray for the humility needed to accept the teachings of God’s Word so that you would be able to share it with others.  “In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!”  Hebrews 5:12 (NIV)

Friday:  Time For Discipline.  Pray that you would accept the lessons that come through God’s discipline.  Pray that you would allow discipline to do its work in your life.  Pray that the people around you would experience the fruit 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)

Saturday:  Time For Humility.  Pray that you would know the value of humility.  Pray for a greater understanding of how God lifts you up at the right time when you submit to Him in humility.  Pray that your willingness to humble yourself would help others to see how you lift up God and how He lifts up you.  “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”  1 Peter 5:6 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Together By Design!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Together By Design!

“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.  From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” 
Ephesians 4:15-16 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus will be about being the body of Christ as you live life together with others by His design.  God’s Word teaches us His plan and design for a healthy body with Christ as the Head and each member of the body doing its part.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you seek and understand His design for your part in His body.  Pray that you would not only know your own great value in God’s design, but that you would value those around you who are in your life by God’s design.  Pray for the courage to grow and work together with greater understanding and acceptance of the differences that exist among the different parts of God’s family.  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 do life together with others by His design.

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:  Together With One Head By Design.  Pray that you would live with a greater awareness of Christ as the head of all things.  Pray that your life would share with others the great joy that comes from living by God’s design.  Pray that you would grow in relationship with others as you come together under one Head.  “To bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.”  Ephesians 1:10 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Joined Together By Design.  Pray for wisdom in joining together with others in becoming a suitable dwelling for God’s presence.  Pray for greater courage in doing life together by God’s design.  Pray for the humility needed to join with others in representing Jesus to your community.  “In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.”  Ephesians 2:21 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Held Together By Design.  Pray that you would grow in your trust of God to hold together that which He has called to Himself.  Pray that you would always turn to God when it seems that things are falling apart.  Pray that you would become a bold messenger of how God holds together all who are found in Him.  “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”  Colossians 1:17 (NIV)

Thursday:  Growing Together By Design.  Pray that you would know God’s desire for you to continually grow in your relationship with Him.  Pray about how God’s presence in your life can be used to help others grow.  Pray for a greater willingness to give God glory for the growth He brings.  “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever!”  2 Peter 3:18 (NIV)

Friday:  Built Up Together By Design.  Pray that you would continually grow in your encouragement of others as you build them up by God’s design.  Pray that you would value the people around you as you each give and receive the encouragement that builds up the body of Christ.  “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”  1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

Saturday:  Working Together By Design.  Pray that you would show hospitality to others as you see the value of each part of the body doing its work.  Pray that you would be faithful in doing the work God has designed for you as you represent His truth to others.  Pray that the world would see Jesus clearly in the way you work with others.  “We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men so that we may work together for the truth.”  3 John 1:8 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: A Productive Life!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: A Productive Life!

“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.  For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 
2 Peter 1:5-8 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus will be about some of the qualities which God says are necessary for an effective and productive life.  I suspect that nearly everyone wants to live a life that matter — a life that makes a difference to others.  As we pray this week, we will talk with God about some attributes He says are key in making our knowledge of Jesus useful.  As you pray, ask God to help you start with a foundation of faith that will help these qualities grow and build upon each other.  Pray that you would lead a productive life because of God’s presence in you.  Pray for an increasing humility which will allow the necessary character traits to grow more fully in your life.  Pray about how God would have you share with others in ways that encourage and build them up for greater effectiveness.  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 an effective and productive life.

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 Productive Goodness.  Pray that your faith would produce a goodness that can instruct others in the things of God.  Pray that your eyes would be opened to the goodness of God in others.  Pray about how God would want His goodness to be seen in you.  “I myself am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct one another.”  Romans 15:14 (NIV)

Tuesday:  A Productive Knowledge.  Pray that God’s grace would produce within you a knowledge of Jesus that will transform every part of your life.  Pray for a knowledge that glorifies God rather than self.  Pray for the humility needed to give God the credit for all your knowledge.  “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever!”  2 Peter 3:18 (NIV)

Wednesday:  A Productive Self-Control.  Pray for ever-increasing self-control to provide the protection God designed it for.  Pray for God’s Spirit to be evident in your life through the self-control which you possess as His gift.  Pray that the people around you would see a clearer image of Jesus through your self-control.  “Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.”  Proverbs 25:28 (NIV)

Thursday:  A Productive Perseverance.  Pray that your growth in Christ would help you to persevere in faith.  Pray that you would grow to maturity as you learn perseverance through the faithfulness of God.  Pray that your example of faithfulness in all things would help others know Jesus.  “Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”  James 1:4 (NIV)

Friday:  A Productive Godliness.  Pray that your training and growth in godliness would fill you with hope for today and for eternity.  Pray that the presence of God within you would produce a godliness that others can know and pursue for themselves.  “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”  1 Timothy 4:8 (NIV)

Saturday:  A Productive Kindness and Love.  Pray that God’s kindness and love would be reflected in the way you show kindness and love to the people around you.  Pray for the wisdom to live as one set free . . . and as one who shares the freedom of God with others.  Pray for God’s help in doing all things with love.  “I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love; I lifted the yoke from their neck and bent down to feed them.”  Hosea 11:4 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Walking Together!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Walking Together!

“We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.  We write this to make our joy complete.” 
1 John 1:3-4 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus will be about walking together in greater fellowship with one another as we grow in our walk with God.  When we consider the divisive nature of this world it should be clear that we need more than this world can offer if we want to walk together with anyone.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you grow in your walk with Him.  Pray for a greater fellowship with others through a common sharing of the things God has done.  Pray for a growing joy as you walk through life together with God and with one another.  Pray for wisdom in representing Jesus to others through the way you live life each day.  Pray for a growing circle of those you walk together with.  Pray for discernment and wisdom to see beyond and through the divisiveness of this world so that you would love others as God loves both you and them.

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

Please pray each day for God to help you live as one who walks together in fellowship with Him and one another.

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:  Walking In the Light of God.  Pray that God and His Word would always be the light that you walk by each day.  Pray that your words and your life would consistently declare the light of God to the people you find yourself walking together with in this life.  “This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.”  1 John 1:5 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Walking In Fellowship.  Pray that your walking in fellowship with God would be more than just words but would reflect an obedience to His Word.  Pray for a fellowship with God that influences and strengthens your ability to walk in fellowship with the people around you.  “If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.”  1 John 1:6 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Walking In Purity.  Pray that you would know the freedom that comes from being purified by the blood of Jesus.  Pray that living in the purity of God’s forgiveness would lead you to a greater purity in the way you walk together with others.  “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”  1 John 1:7 (NIV)

Thursday:  Walking In Truth.  Pray for the desire and ability to really be honest with God about everything in your life — even the things you may think are hidden.  Pray for the courage and humility needed to walk with others in ways that are filled with God’s truth.  Pray for a discerning wisdom that will help you walk in truth with others.  “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.”  1 John 1:8 (NIV)

Friday:  Walking In Forgiveness.  Pray for the courage to agree with God about any and all sin in your life.  Pray for a confidence in God’s ability and desire to forgive and cleanse you.  Pray that an awareness of God’s forgiveness in your life would help you to walk in forgiveness with others.  “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)

Saturday:  Walking In God’s Word.  Pray that you would live with honesty as you make God’s Word central in your life.  Pray for the strength and courage needed to always make God’s Word the standard by which you live.  Pray that your walk with God would help you to walk in  God’s Word with others.  “If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.”  1 John 1:10 (NIV)

 

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Set Free!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Set Free!

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” 
John 8:36 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus will be about living as those who have been set free.  God wants each one of us to live free in ways that build up and encourage one another.  In God’s kingdom, our freedom comes through complete surrender to Him and an acknowledgement of our total dependence on the work Christ has done on our behalf.  Our freedom in Christ allows us to serve people in ways that benefit them according to their need.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you understand how the freedom that He offers is different from the world’s view of freedom.  Pray that you would be careful how you use your freedom.  Pray that you would know true freedom that is found through gazing into the perfect law of God’s Word and doing what it says.  Pray for discernment and wisdom to see beyond and through the divisiveness of this world so that you would love others as God loves both you and them.

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

Please pray each day for God to help you live as one who has been set free.

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:  Set Free to Proclaim Freedom to Others.  Pray that you would proclaim freedom to others because it is the right thing to do.  Pray that you would repent of any attitudes that would hold others captive in your thoughts.  “Recently you repented and did what is right in my sight: Each of you proclaimed freedom to his countrymen. You even made a covenant before me in the house that bears my Name.”  Jeremiah 34:15 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Set Free by God’s Spirit.  Pray that you would walk by the Spirit as you live in the freedom He gives.  Pray that you would know the presence of God dwelling within you through His Spirit.  Pray that your interactions with others would be guided by the freedom found in being united by God’s Spirit.  “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”  2 Corinthians 3:17 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Set Free to Serve One Another.  Pray that you would be careful in how you use your freedom.  Pray that all selfishness would be banished from your life as you serve others.  Pray that you would grow in the joy of being set free to serve others.  “You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.”  Galatians 5:13 (NIV)

Thursday:  Set Free to Approach God.  Pray that you would live with the confidence to approach God in perfect freedom.  Praise God for setting you free to approach Him through Christ.  Pray that your freedom would be used to help others know that they can also approach God with confidence through Jesus Christ.  “In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.”  Ephesians 3:12 (NIV)

Friday:  Set Free by God’s Perfect Law.  Pray that you would be more than a casual observer of God’s Word, that you would gaze into it intently.  Pray that you would not only look intently into God’s Word, but that you would live as one set free to do what it says.  “But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it — he will be blessed in what he does.”  James 1:25 (NIV)

Saturday:  Set Free to Serve God.  Pray that your life would be lived as a servant of God.  Pray that you would not use your freedom to hide sin in your life.  Pray that God would help you to share the good news of being set free to serve God.  Pray for the courage and wisdom needed to freely serve God.  “Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.”  1 Peter 2:16 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Living As Family!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Living As Family!

“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)

As a follow-up to last week’s prayer focus about God being a Father to the fatherless, this week we will be praying about being the family God sets the lonely in.  As you pray this week, pray with thanksgiving for the family God provides in your loneliness.  Pray about how God would have you to be the family that is needed by the lonely around you.  Pray for each role that exists within families and ask God to help you be faithful no matter what season of life you are in.  Pray for a heart of compassion and consideration for each part of the family.  Pray for families to be strengthened and valued.  Pray for the families within the church and for the family that is the church.  Pray that you would know and share the joy of being set free as a part of God’s family.  Pray for discernment and wisdom to see beyond and through the divisiveness of this world so that you would love others as God loves both you and them.

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

Please pray each day for God to help you live as part of a godly family.

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: 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 grandparents 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 as only He can — whether that desire is to stay single or be married.  “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)