“A Lifestyle of Prayer”
Keep Watching Out!
“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”
Matthew 26:41 (NIV)
This week’s prayer focus is about our need to keep watch as we build for revival! Much of the watching that most people do tends to be very passive. We go through our daily life casually observing our surroundings, but rarely paying enough attention to list at the end of the day all that we have seen. When God calls us to watch and pray, He has something much more deliberate in mind. He wants our watchfulness to be very active as we pay attention to the troubles and temptations the enemy surrounds us with in an attempt to make us choose anything other than God. Much of what we’ll pray about this week are things that easily sneak into our lives if we are not watching out for them. As you pray this week, ask God to help you pay attention to how you watch. Pray that you would watch out for the opportunities God brings your way. Pray that you would watch out for the many things that the enemy is trying to use to derail you from a fruitful walk with God. Pray that you would watch out for the people around you, just as you watch out for your own interests.
“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 always watch and pray.
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: Watch Out for Greed. Pray that you would be on guard against all kinds of greed that seeks to destroy you. Pray that you would always watch out so that your possessions do not possess you. “Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.’” Luke 12:15 (NIV)
Tuesday: Watch Out for Deception. Pray that you would stay in relationship with Jesus so that you would not be deceived. Pray that you would watch out for those who would claim to represent Jesus, but don’t. He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them.” Luke 21:8 (NIV)
Wednesday: Watch Out for Division. Pray that you would recognize the things that cause division and obstacles within the body of Christ. Pray that you would watch out for the people whom the enemy uses to spread such divisions and obstacles. “I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.” Romans 16:17 (NIV)
Thursday: Watch Out for Destructive Behavior. Pray that you would pay attention to how you treat others. Pray that you would watch out for the destruction caused by internal bickering and conflict. Pray that you would be deliberate about building other up rather than tearing them down. “If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.” Galatians 5:15 (NIV)
Friday: Watch Out for Temptation. Pray that you would be aware of the things which are enticing temptations to you so that you don’t get caught up in them. Pray that you would watch out for how the sins of others can be contagious. “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.” Galatians 6:1 (NIV)
Saturday: Watch Out for Eternal Loss. Pray that you would pay attention to all that you have in Christ. Pray that you would watch out for what you have worked for in Christ so that your eye would always be on the eternal prize. Pray that you would be faithful to Christ to the end of this life. “Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully.” 2 John 1:8 (NIV)