Christian life

August 27, 2023 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Learning Something New!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Learning Something New!

“It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me.”
John 6:45 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis is on our need to learn.  While most schools have resumed following summer break, learning is not just for school students — in fact, God continually teaches each of us and desires that we learn from Him each day!  The lessons we learn each day are often dependent on our willingness seek God for direction in all things and to accept His instruction, rebuke, correction, and training.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you have the heart, mind, and soul of a learner.  Pray that you would pay attention to the many ways God attempts to instruct you each day.  Pray that you would look for the lessons to be learned in every situation you face.  Pray that you would know the value of learning so that you would be more active in seeking it out.  Pray that you would be a teacher of the things you learn from God.  Pray for a spirit of unity within your church congregation and within the body of Christ as a whole.

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

Please pray each day for God’s help in learning the things that He is teaching.

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: Learn To Revere God.  Pray that you would always be open to hearing God’s Word, both to learn and to teach to others.  Pray that you would learn to revere God by being both a student and teacher of His Word.  “Assemble the people before me to hear my words so that they may learn to revere me as long as they live in the land and may teach them to their children.”  Deuteronomy 31:12 (NIV)

Tuesday: Learn the Commands of God.  Pray that your awareness of God making you would increase your desire to learn His commands.  Pray that God would fill you with the understanding necessary to both learn and follow His commands.  Pray for the courage to live according to God’s commands in a way that helps others to learn what God desires.  “Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands.”  Psalm 119:73 (NIV)

Wednesday: Learn To Do Right.  Pray for a heart and mind that is inclined to know and do what is right.  Pray that you would always look out for the needs of others, particularly those who have no one, because it is the right thing to do.  Pray that you would learn to live with compassion.  “Learn to do right!  Seek justice, encourage the oppressed.  Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.”  Isaiah 1:17 (NIV)

Thursday: Learn From Jesus.  Pray that you would live life yoked together with Jesus in order to learn from Him.  Pray that you would learn the complete care that Jesus extends as He offers rest for your soul.  Pray that you would learn to be gentle with others as you learn from Jesus.  “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”  Matthew 11:29 (NIV)

Friday: Learn To Control Self.  Pray that you would pay attention each day to the things you do with your body.  Pray that you would learn self-control in order to conduct your life in a way that is holy and honorable.  Pray that you would represent Jesus well as you learn and practice self-control.  “Each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable.”  1 Thessalonians 4:4 (NIV)

Saturday:  Learn To Do Good.   Pray that you would not settle for only doing good when it is convenient, but that you would be devoted to doing good.  Pray that you would live a productive life — not measured by the world’s standards, but measured by the good you do for others in the name of Jesus.  “Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.”  Titus 3:14 (NIV)

August 20, 2023 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Working a New Job!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Working a New Job!

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”  
Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)

This week we will pray about the new job we have as Christians and what God wants our work to look like.  The good news of Jesus says there is a job for each of us to do and our job is one that not only benefits us, but it is designed to benefit the body of Christ.  We learn to work for the Lord when we carry a new journey, observation, and belief into our work.  As you pray this week, consider the work you do, as well as the ability that God gives you to do that work.  Pray that you would recognize the value of the work God has called you to and that you would value the work that others do.  Pray for a growing awareness of how your work should be a benefit to the body of Christ.  Pray that your attitude about the work you do, whether a paid work or not, would always be focused on honoring God.  Pray for an eagerness in doing the new job that is yours as a follower of Jesus.

“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 working at everything as working for the Lord.

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: Required Work.  Pray that you would desire to do the work God expects from those who are His.  Pray that you would not lose sight of God’s requirement of belief in Jesus.  Pray that the people around you would understand the importance of believing in Jesus.  “Then they asked him, ‘What must we do to do the works God requires?’  Jesus answered, ‘The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.'”  John 6:28-29

Tuesday: Helpful Work.  Pray that your work for the Lord would help others.  Pray that you would see the value of helping the weak.  Pray that the people around you would see by your example the great blessing of giving.  “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'”  Acts 20:35 (NIV)

Wednesday: Tested Work.  Pray that you would pay close attention to what your life’s work is being built with.  Pray that your diligent work for the kingdom would stand up to the testing by God.  Pray that the people around you would come to know work that stands up to the testing of God.  “His work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work.  1 Corinthians 3:13 (NIV) 

Thursday: Effective Work.  Pray that you would know the satisfaction of being involved in a work which is effective.  Pray that opposition would  not cause you to give up on effective work.  Pray that the people around you would come to know Jesus because of the effective work you are doing.  “But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.”  1 Corinthians 16:8-9 (NIV)

Friday: Powerful Work.  Pray for the courage to see the bigger things God has called you to.  Pray for the humility to allow God’s power to work in you.  Pray that the people around you today would recognize the powerful work of God as they see His work in you.  “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”  Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)

Saturday:  Good Work.  Pray that you would be a student of God’s Word so that you are prepared for the good work He desires for you to do.  Pray that the people around you see God’s Word at work in you.  “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)

August 13, 2023 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: The Powerful Word!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

The Powerful Word!

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about the power of God’s Word in our life.  In Paul’s second letter to Timothy, we have a list of some of the things that God says Scripture is useful for if we were to make use of it and apply it to everything we do.  The reason God’s Word is useful is because of the power it has which is seen through the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us.  Sadly, many have come to view Scripture as more inspirational than transformational.  In reality, it is only truly inspirational if it inspires us to experience the power of God and be transformed.  As you pray, ask God to help you accurately evaluate how much time you spend reading, studying, and meditating on the Word of God.  Pray that your love for God’s Word would grow as your understanding of its usefulness grows.  Pray that the usefulness of  God’s Word in your life would cause you to share it at every opportunity.

“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 knowing and proclaiming the power of the Word becoming flesh.

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: Powerful Origin of God’s Word.  Pray that you would have a proper view of Scripture as coming from God and not from man.  Pray that God’s Spirit would give you insight into what He has spoken through His Word.  Pray that the power of God’s Word would be seen in its source.  “For prophecy [God’s Word] never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”  2 Peter 1:21 (NIV)

Tuesday: Powerful for Teaching.  Pray that you would hold fast to God’s Word as useful in teaching you how to live a life pleasing to God.  Pray that your devotion to the Word of God would prepare you to teach others.  Pray that your life would show the power of God’s Word.  “For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.”  Ezra 7:10 (NIV)

Wednesday: Powerful for Rebuking.  Pray that you would listen to the wise rebuke of God’s Word in your life.  Pray that you would use God’s Word in wisely rebuking others when it is necessary.  Pray for humility when the power of God’s Word is needed for rebuke.  “It is better to heed a wise man’s rebuke than to listen to the song of fools.”  Ecclesiastes 7:5 (NIV)

Thursday: Powerful for Correcting.  Pray that you would heed the correction that God desires to give you through His Word.  Pray that God’s Word would be the basis for any correction of others that you do.  Pray that you would know the power of God’s Word to bring about correction where the ways of man cannot.  “Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.”  Job 5:17 (NIV)

Friday: Powerful for Training.  Pray that you would reject the myths of the world and seek to be trained by God’s Word.  Pray that you would cling to God’s Word as the true source of training in godliness.  Pray that you would be powerfully trained and able to train others because of the power of God’s Word.  “Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.”  1 Timothy 4:7 (NIV)

Saturday:  Powerful for Equipping.  Pray that the application of God’s Word in your life would equip you for every good work He desires.  Pray that you would make God’s Word the very core of your task of helping others to be equipped for the work God has created for them to do.  “May the God of peace . . . equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”  Hebrews 13:20-21 (NIV)

August 6, 2023 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Preparing the Way!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Preparing the Way!

“He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God.”
Psalm 50:23 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about our role in preparing the way for the work of the Lord!  A long time ago I had a mentor tell me that everything I was currently going through should be used as preparation for whatever God would lead me to next.  God’s desire is that we would not only be prepared for an eternity with Him, but that we would also be prepared for our journey of life through this world we live in.  When we are prepared with an open heart that honors God, we are more likely to see the salvation He offers.  As you pray, ask God to help you do the things necessary for you to be prepared for the salvation which comes from Him.  Pray for wisdom in living today as preparation for tomorrow.  Pray that you would not be so anxious for whatever is next that you miss the preparation necessary.  Pray for the endurance necessary to put in the preparation work that is needed in your life.  Pray that you would do the things God has prepared 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 in preparing the way for Jesus to be known.

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:  Preparing For An Inheritance.  Pray that you would use this time in history to prepare yourself, and others, for a kingdom inheritance.  Pray that you would know the blessings of God as you seek first His kingdom and share that good news with others.  “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.’”  Matthew 25:34 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Preparing For Glory.  Pray that you would continually see the riches of God’s glory on display.  Pray that you would know the preparation God has already done in order for you to receive His mercy.  “What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory — even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles?”  Romans 9:23-24 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Preparing For Good Work.  Pray that you would use the current times to not only be prepared, but to do good work.  Pray that you would allow God’s cleansing to prepare you for the good work He has for you now and into the future.  “If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.”  2 Timothy 2:21 (NIV)

Thursday:  Preparing At All Times.  Pray that you would always be prepared to share the Word of God with those who need to hear it.  Pray that your times of preparation would include both “great patience and careful instruction” for yourself and for others.  “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage — with great patience and careful instruction.”  2 Timothy 4:2 (NIV)

Friday:  Preparing For Action.  Pray that you would be prepared to act on the things God calls you to do today and throughout each day He gives you.  Pray that you would be prepared by the grace of God to realize, and share, His grace which has been given to you.  “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.”  1 Peter 1:13 (NIV)

Saturday:  Preparing To Give an Answer.  Pray that your life of preparation would begin by setting apart Christ as Lord in your life.   Pray that your answers would be given with the gentleness and respect that people need.  “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”  1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

July 30, 2023 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Home of Hope!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Home of Hope!

“There is one body and one Spirit — just as you were called to one hope when you were called — one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” 
Ephesians 4:4-6 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will have us praying about the element of hope within the body of Christ — the home God has called us to.  As we are welcomed home into God’s family, and welcome others to join us, we find a hope that doesn’t fail.  A Christian’s hope is all about a confident expectation that God has, does, and always will keep His promises.  In the above passage, God says that hope is one of the things Christians have in common that should unite us.  As you pray this week, spend time reflecting on true hope — the hope that is found through Jesus Christ.  Pray that you would seek greater unity with fellow believers because of your common hope.  Pray that you would have such confidence through your hope in Christ that it would fill you with the courage to share that hope with others.  Pray that your hope would be based on the things God has done as you look forward to the things He will do.

“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 and sharing the hope found in 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: The Hope of Glory.  Pray that Christ’s presence in you would fill you with the hope of glory.  Pray that you would be involved in making others aware of the glorious riches that are a mystery to those without Christ.  Pray that you would welcome people home to the revealed glory of Christ.  “To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”  Colossians 1:27  (NIV)

Tuesday: A Hope that Inspires.  Pray that your hope in Christ would inspire you to endure all things as you live a life in Christ.  Pray that this hope would be an inspiration to others as they see your hope put into action.  “We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”  1Thessalonians 1:3 (NIV)

Wednesday: A Hope that is Steadfast.  Pray that God’s faithfulness would cause your hope to remain steady through all things.  Pray that you would hold onto the promises of God as you refuse to waiver in proclaiming your hope in Him.  Pray that you would know the faithfulness of God even when your hope is shaken.  “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”  Hebrews 10:23 (NIV)

Thursday: A Hope that Prepares You.  Pray that hope would always be part of your preparation for the actions God is calling  you to take.  Pray that hope would prepare you fully for the grace to be given when Christ is fully revealed.  Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.”  1 Peter 1:13 (NIV)

Friday: A Hope that Has a Reason.  Pray that you would always be aware of the reason for the hope within you.  Pray that you would always be ready to share that reason in appropriate ways.  “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”  1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

Saturday:  A Hope that Purifies.  Pray that you would allow the hope of God within you to purify your life.  Pray that the hope of Christ in you would be as pure as He is.  Pray for the humility to understand becoming pure is a process for you and for others.  Pray that you would welcome home those who need to experience the hope of Christ.  “Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.”  1 John 3:3 (NIV)

July 23, 2023 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: No Place To Hide!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

No Place To Hide!

“O LORD, you have searched me and you know me.  You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.  You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.  Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.”
Psalm 139:1-4 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis brings back a previous prayer guide about God’s presence being everywhere — even in those places we go to try to hide from Him.  While God promises to be “an ever-present help in time of need”, there are times we either try to run from God or feel we have somehow escaped His notice and are no longer able to be helped.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you live with a greater awareness of His presence — both in the times you want to be in His presence and in the times you think you are hidden.  Pray that you would learn to pay attention to God’s presence and find comfort in it.  Pray for greater courage to live life in obedience to God as you acknowledge His presence.  Pray about how you can more effectively represent God’s presence to others.

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

Please pray each day for God’s help in being aware of His presence.

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:  Ever-Present In Spirit.  Pray that you would live with a greater awareness of God’s Spirit dwelling within you.  Pray for the courage to live by the Spirit in ways that help others to know God is ever-present.  Pray that you would experience God’s presence even in the times you attempt to hide from Him.  “Where can I go from your Spirit?  Where can I flee from your presence?”  Psalm 139:7 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Ever-Present In Heights or Depths.  Pray that you would seek God and know His presence in all the high points of your life.  Pray that you would find comfort and encouragement in God’s presence even in the deepest woes of life.  Pray that you would share God’s presence with others wherever they are.  “If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.”  Psalm 139:8 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Ever-Present From Horizon to Horizon.  Pray that you would know the presence of God in every place that you go.  Pray about how God would have you to share in His presence everywhere you go.  Pray that you would be guided by God’s presence.  “If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” Psalm 139:9-10 (NIV)

Thursday:  Ever-Present In Darkness and Light.  Pray that the light of God’s presence would illuminate your path in the darkness of this world.  Pray that your life would be a light to others because of God’s presence in you.  “If I say, ‘Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,’ even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.”  Psalm 139:11-12 (NIV)

Friday:  Ever-Present As You Were Formed.  Pray that you would always know the great value you have as one knit together by God.  Pray that you would value life because of God’s presence in its creation.  Pray about how God would have you live in ways that acknowledge His presence as you were being formed.  “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.”  Psalm 139:13 (NIV)

Saturday:  Ever-Present In Your Thoughts.  Pray that God’s thoughts would fill your thoughts as you spend time with Him in prayer and His Word.  Pray that you would live with eyes that see just how precious the thoughts of God are.  Pray for an increasing awareness of how vast the knowledge of God is as you contemplate the goodness of His presence.  “How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!  How vast is the sum of them!”  Psalm 139:17 (NIV)

July 16, 2023 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: The Need to Obey!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

The Need to Obey!

 “But Samuel replied:  ‘Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.’”
1 Samuel 15:22 (NIV)

Most adults seem to like the command where God says children are to obey their parents.  We like it because we tend to unconsciously add two small words to it.  We tend to read it, “[Little] Children obey your [good] parents in the Lord, for this is right.”  Yes, there are limits when it comes to obeying people — “We must obey God rather than men” — but obedience is a trait that God expects all of His children to exhibit.  This week we will be praying about following the example of Jesus, who “became obedient to death — even death on a cross.”  As you pray, ask God to help you examine your current level of obedience and reveal how you need to grow to become more like Christ.  Pray that you would value the choice of obedience in your life and in the lives of others.  Pray that the results of your obedience would help the people around you see Jesus more clearly.

“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 an obedient 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: Teach Obedience.  Pray that you would be a faithful disciple of Jesus in the way you teach others to obey all He commanded.  “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)

Tuesday: Blessing from Obedience.  Pray that you would always listen to the word of God with a desire to obey what He says.  Pray for the courage to obey God as He reveals Himself through His Word.  Pray that you would be a blessing to others because of your obedience to the word of God.  “He replied, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.’”  Luke 11:28 (NIV)

Wednesday: Holy Spirit for those who Obey.  Pray that you would recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life through your obedience to God.  Pray that God’s Spirit would help you be a witness to the things of God.  Pray that the people around you would know God’s presence in them through their obedience.  “We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”  Acts 5:32 (NIV)

Thursday: Obey Parents.  Pray that you would be faithful in honoring and obeying your parents — regardless of your age or theirs.  Pray that the people around you would understand how much it pleases God for them to be obedient to their parents.  Pray for a godly life that helps obedience to be easier.  “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.”  Colossians 3:20 (NIV)

Friday: Obey Leaders.  Pray that you would obey the leaders that God has placed in positions of authority over you.  Pray for a life which makes the work of leaders less difficult.  “Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.”  Hebrews 13:17 (NIV)

Saturday:  Obey God’s Commands to Express Love.  Pray that your love for God would always be expressed in your willingness to obey Him.  Pray that your eyes would be opened to seeing the benefits of obedience.  Pray for a growing love that is expressed through the way you obey God.  “This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome.”  1 John 5:3 (NIV)

July 9, 2023 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Guarded Heart!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Guarded Heart!

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’  But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”  
Matthew 5:27-28 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer time on our need to guard our heart!  The Bible makes it clear that our actions are a reflection of our heart, so it becomes vital that we pay attention to what our heart contains.  Jesus taught that the command to not commit adultery was more about a heart problem than it was a physical problem.  God’s desire is that we would learn to guard our heart and mind from the temptations that want to take root and destroy us.  It is much easier to blame someone else when we give in to temptation than admit we have failed to guard our heart in Christ Jesus.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you to not only guard your heart and mind, but that you would not be a stumbling block in another person’s efforts to guard their heart.  Pray that you would notice all the ways the things you allow into your life influence what you do.  Pray that your heart would always be protected by God’s Spirit within 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 in living with a guarded heart.

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:  Guarded With Truthfulness.  Pray that you would have a heart guarded by words of truth.  Pray that you would both seek truth and speak truth at all times.  Pray that the truth of God’s Word would fill you in such a way that it stands guard over what comes out through your words.   “He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart.”  Psalm 15:2 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Guarded With God’s Counsel.  Pray that you would always heed the instructions of the Lord’s counsel.  Pray that your heart would be protected at all times by the counsel of God’s Word.  Pray that you would know God’s Spirit as the counselor who fills your heart with godly instruction.  “I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.”  Psalm 16:7 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Guarded With a Steadfast Spirit.  Pray that you would not become weary in doing good but that God would put a steadfast spirit within you.  Pray that your heart would be protected by an unrelenting commitment to pursue God.  Pray that you would grow in purity through the steadfast nature of God’s Spirit.  “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”  Psalm 51:10 (NIV)

Thursday:  Guarded With Trust.  Pray that  you would learn to trust God completely even in the midst of bad news.  Pray that your trust of God would protect your heart from pursuing wrong actions.  Pray that your heart would not fail as you grow through the troubles of life.  “He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.”  Psalm 112:7 (NIV)

Friday:  Guarded With Understanding.  Pray that  you would have an understanding of God’s laws and their purpose in protecting you from sin.  Pray that an understanding of consequences would protect your heart from wrongful pursuits.  Pray for an understanding of obedience to God as a response of love.  “Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart.”  Psalm 119:34 (NIV)

Saturday:  Guarded With Obedience.  Pray that your heart would be protected by a desire to obey God’s laws.  Pray that you would always have a steadfast determination to obey the commands of God through your entire life.  Pray that none of the distractions of life would move you from a commitment  to obey God.  “My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end.”  Psalm 119:112 (NIV)

July 2, 2023 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Returning To God!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Returning To God!

“Seek good, not evil, that you may live.
Then the LORD God Almighty will be with you,
     just as you say he is.”
Amos 5:14 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on God’s desire that we, and those around us, would return to Him whenever we stray.  One of the greatest promises of God is that there is always a way home from wherever we are.  As you pray this week, consider if there are areas of your life in which you need to return to God.  Pray for those you know, perhaps even yourself, who are distant from God and need to know they can return.  Pray that your life would reflect the openness of God to those who are looking for a way home.  Pray that you would know how to return to God so that you would be able to help lead others back to Him also.  Pray for a  heart of compassion that accepts those returning to God with the same joy that He has.  Pray for a growing unity among believers as we each pursue greater obedience to God and love for one another.

“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 a willingness to return wholly to God whenever we stray.

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: Return In Obedience.  Pray for the humility needed to repent of any disobedience as you return to God fully.  Pray for discernment to know a way home when the troubles you face are the result of straying away from God.  “When you are in distress and all these things have happened to you, then in later days you will return to the LORD your God and obey him.”  Deuteronomy 4:30 (NIV)

Tuesday: Return To Find Compassion.  Pray that God’s compassion would be evident to others in the way He treats you.  Pray that you would have compassion for others because of the compassion God has for you.  “If you return to the LORD, then your brothers and your children will be shown compassion by their captors and will come back to this land, for the LORD your God is gracious and compassionate.”  2 Chronicles 30:9

Wednesday: Return With Joy.  Pray that God would give you a glimpse beyond your current sorrow to see the joy that comes in His  harvest.  Pray for a heart that goes out to people as you plant the seeds of the gospel through all that you say and do.  “Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.”  Psalm 126:5-6

Thursday: Return With a Whole Heart.  Pray that you would accurately examine how much of your heart you have surrendered to God.  Pray that you would realize the heart God has given you is one that was created to seek after Him with a whole heart.  “I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the LORD. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart.”  Jeremiah 24:7

Friday: Return With Love and Justice.  Pray that love and justice would always be at the core of your relationship with God.  Pray that the people around you would return to God to find true love and justice.  Pray that you would not give up on yourself, others, or God as you maintain love and justice.  “But you must return to your God; maintain love and justice, and wait for your God always.”  Hosea 12:6 (NIV)

Saturday:  Return and Give Praise To God.  Pray that you would always be grateful for the work God is doing in  your life.  Pray for a heart of gratitude that continually gives praise to God.  Pray for a recognition of all that God is doing for you as you constantly return to Him with praise.  “Jesus asked, ‘Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?’”  Luke 17:18 (NIV)

June 25, 2023 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Planting With Care!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Planting With Care!

“The wicked man earns deceptive wages,
but he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.”
Proverbs 11:18 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on some things we ought to be sowing in our life and in the lives of others.  Growing up on a farm, I spent many winter evenings going through the various seed catalogs deciding what I would like to harvest the next summer.  Even as a child it didn’t take long to realize that if I wanted a specific harvest I would have to sow a specific seed.  Likewise, the harvest that is produced as we go through this life, and beyond, is related to what we do with the seed which has been planted within us and what kind of seeds we are sowing each day that we live.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine how the seed of His Word is growing in your life.  Pray that you would be careful with what you allow to be sown in your life and with what you are sowing that eventually produce a harvest.  Pray that you would keep your eyes focused on Jesus to the extent that everything you sow with your words and actions would point others to Him.  Pray that the good seed of God’s Word would find good soil in your life and in the lives of those around 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 in living as one who plants wisely.

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:  Sow Righteousness.  Pray that you would seek the Lord in all things as you sow righteousness that produces a harvest of love.  Pray for a softened and prepared life that would allow the seeds of righteousness to grow and flourish in you and around you.  “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)

Tuesday:  Sow Generously.  Pray that you would learn to sow according to the expectation you have for the harvest.  Pray that your generosity with God and with others would produce an abundance for all.  Pray that God’s generosity towards you would be reflected in the way you deal with others in their times of need.  “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”  2 Corinthians 9:6 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Sow What Is Supplied.  Pray that you would always look to God as the One who supplies, and increases, the seed which you sow.  Pray that you would be faithful in using what God has supplied as He multiplies His righteousness in your life for your benefit and for the benefit of others.  “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)

Thursday:  Sow What You Want To Reap.  Pray that you would consider the outcome God desires for you in this life so that you would sow accordingly.  Pray that God would help you accurately evaluate what you are currently reaping in order to consider if you need to change what you are sowing.  “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”  Galatians 6:7 (NIV)

Friday:  Sow To Please the Spirit.  Pray that you would be ever mindful of God’s Spirit within you as you choose what to sow in this life.  Pray that your desire would always be to sow the things that please the Spirit as you look toward the harvest of eternal life.  “The one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”  Galatians 6:8 (NIV)

Saturday:  Sow Peace.  Pray that you would seek to sow seeds of peace at all times.  Pray that you would desire the reputation of a peacemaker as you sow with an eye toward a harvest of righteousness.  Pray that peace would rule in your life in such a way that the seeds of peace are planted everywhere you go.  “Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.”  James 3:18 (NIV)