“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: A Heart of Worship!

“The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”
Luke 2:20 (NIV)

As we celebrate Christmas this week, our prayer focus will be on living with a heart of worship.  It seems nearly everyone has an idea of what worship ought to be, but what does God say about it?  Real worship comes when I decide it’s all about God and what He says, wants, and desires — and not about me!  As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine the level of worship which comes from your heart.  Pray that you would continually offer yourself to God as your act of worship.  Pray that you would pay attention to any changes and/or actions God would be calling you to make in the how and when you worship.  Pray that every encounter you have with God through His Word, His Spirit, and prayer would give you reason to praise and glorify God. Please continue to pray for one another in the midst of these confusing and changing times.  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.

December Prayer Focus:  “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.”  Romans 12:9-13 (NIV)

“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 a heart of worship.

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: Exclusive Worship.  Pray that you would reject every temptation to worship anyone, or anything, but God.  Pray that the hiding of God’s Word in your heart would prepare you to turn away from the enemy as you worship God.  Pray that your worship of God would be seen in the way you serve.  “Jesus said to him, ‘Away from me, Satan! For it is written: “Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.‘”  Matthew 4:10 (NIV)

Tuesday: Heart Involved Worship.  Pray that your worship of God would always come from a heart that seeks God and not just be following the motions of tradition — old or new.  Pray that you would honor God with your words, actions, and worship.  “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.   They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.”  Matthew 15:8-9 (NIV)

Wednesday: True Worship.  Pray that your worship of God would be done in both spirit and truth as a lifestyle, not confined to a specific place and time.  Pray that your heart of worship would help to make God known to others who seek Him.  “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.”  John 4:23 (NIV)

Thursday: Informed Worship.  Pray that your worship of God would draw you into a greater knowledge and intimacy with Him.  Pray that you would be prepared to introduce others to the very real God that you worship.  “For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you.”  Acts 17:23 (NIV)

Friday: Sacrificial Worship.  Pray that your worship of God would be done in such a way as to “cost you something”.  Pray that you would always view your worship of God as a right and fitting response to His mercy.  “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship.”  Romans 12:1 (NIV)

Saturday:  Acceptable Worship.  Pray that your worship of God never forgets who He is compared to who you are.  Pray that you would always be filled with gratitude as you worship God.  Pray that your worship would honor the glory of God in ways that are acceptable to Him.  “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.”  Hebrews 12:28 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: The Gift of Life!

“In him was life, and that life was the light of men.  The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.”
John 1:4-5 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on living with the gift of life that is ours in Jesus.  As we celebrate Christmas, we do so because of the life that was given for us when the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.  While the gift began with the life of a baby, it continued and grew through the teachings of Jesus and in His death, burial, and resurrection.  We receive the gift of life when we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, and we give the gift of life when we share Him with others.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you see the value that Jesus brings to life.  Pray that you would know your value is great because of Jesus.  Pray that your sharing the gift of Jesus would help others to know the great value of their life. Please continue to pray for one another in the midst of these confusing and changing times.  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.

December Prayer Focus:  “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.”  Romans 12:9-13 (NIV)

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

Please pray each day for God to help you value the gift of life which is 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: Choose Life.  Pray that your choice of life would be made as you choose Jesus.  Pray that your value of life would be seen in the choices you make.  Pray that the people around you would choose life for the benefit of future generations. “This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.”  Deuteronomy 30:19 (NIV)

Tuesday: Path of Life.  Pray that you would be faithful in making Jesus known as the path of life.  Pray that you would seek God as the path that leads to life.  Pray that the people around you would see God’s joy in you as you follow His path.  “You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”  Psalm 16:11 (NIV)

Wednesday: Blameless Life.  Pray that you would live with the blameless life of Jesus as your example in all things.  Pray that your trust of God would lead you in a blameless life.  Pray that the people around you would see your faithfulness to God and have no valid accusations against you.  “Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have led a blameless life; have trusted in the LORD without wavering.”  Psalm 26:1 (NIV)

Thursday: Fountain of Life.  Pray that you would know Jesus as the well of living water that will satisfy your every thirst.  Pray that God’s presence would spring up within you as your fountain of life.  Pray that the people around you would see the light of God through you.  “For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.”  Psalm 36:9 (NIV)

Friday: Fleeting Life.  Pray that you would make the most of every opportunity to share Jesus with others.  Pray that your understanding of a fleeting life would cause you to value each opportunity God gives you.  Pray that the people around you would not put off the important decision of pursuing God.  “Show me, O LORD, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life.”  Psalm 39:4 (NIV)

Saturday:  Preserved Life.  Pray that you would find in Jesus a life that will be preserved throughout eternity.  Pray that you would experience the protection of the Lord through your complete surrender to Him.  Pray that the people around you would have life that is preserved through their relationship with Jesus.  “The LORD will protect him and preserve his life; he will bless him in the land and not surrender him to the desire of his foes.”  Psalm 41:2 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Good News!

“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”
Luke 2:10-11 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on the good news that is available to all people.  In a time when it seems most of the news being shared from every news source imaginable is bad news, the good news of Jesus ought to stand out like the beacon of hope that it is.  As you pray this week, ask God to continually remind you of the good news that is meant for all people.  Pray that you would both accept and share the good news that Jesus came to bring.  Pray that the good news would fill you with a peace and joy that shines in the darkness of this world.  Pray that your life would represent the good news of Jesus in all of your interactions with others.  Pray that the message of Jesus would be good news that is accepted by the people around you.  Please continue to pray for one another in the midst of these confusing and changing times.  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.

December Prayer Focus:  “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.”  Romans 12:9-13 (NIV)

“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 and share the good news of Jesus.

Sunday: Pray for your church staff, the preaching and teaching that takes place, the church leadership, the volunteers that are helping in so many areas, the spiritual and financial health of the congregation, and the work of the missions ministry of the church.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: The Beauty of Sharing Good News.  Pray that you would always appreciate the beauty of those who have shared the good news of Jesus with you.  Pray that you would shine with beauty as one who is involved in the sending and sharing of the good news.  “And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’”  Romans 10:15 (NIV)

Tuesday: Benefits of Good News.  Pray that you would always be careful in the way you convey the message of Christ to others.  Pray that you would live with a greater health and joy because of the good news of Jesus.  Pray that others would be made whole because of the good news you share with them.  “A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.”  Proverbs 15:30 (NIV)

Wednesday: Refreshed By Good News.  Pray that you would know the refreshing that comes from hearing good news.  Pray that you would be intentional about encouraging others through the good news that you share.  Pray that the good news which arrived from the kingdom of heaven would encourage all who hear it.  “Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.”  Proverbs 25:25 (NIV)

Thursday: Respond To Good News.  Pray that you would always realize how timely the good news of God’s kingdom is.  Pray that your response to God’s good news would always be one of belief and transformation.  Pray that your sharing of good news would be believed and acted upon.  “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” Mark 1:15 (NIV)

Friday: Proclaim Good News.  Pray that God would give you the courage and wisdom to proclaim the good news of Jesus everywhere you go.  Pray for discernment to know the most effective means of sharing the good news in every situation you are in.  Pray that God’s Spirit would produce much fruit in the lives of the people you proclaim good news to.  “He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.’”  Mark 16:15 (NIV)

Saturday:  The Good News of Scripture.  Pray that you would be a consistent student of the Word of God so that the good news you share about Jesus would be accurate.  Pray that God’s Spirit would help you understand and retain the truths of scripture so you can share its good news with everyone.  “Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.”  Acts 8:35 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: An Obedient Life!

“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)

This week we will pray about growing in obedience.  As we head into the Christmas season with a focus on giving, one of the answers to the question “What does God want?” is simple — He wants obedience.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you accurately evaluate how obedient you are.  Pray that you would reject the temptation to turn to excuses and “sacrifices” in an attempt to make up for a lack of obedience.  Pray that God’s mercy and grace in times of disobedience would lead you to a greater growth in your desire and practice of obedience.  Pray for the humility necessary to make your obedience to God attractive to all who would see it.  Please continue to pray for one another in the midst of these confusing and changing times.  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.

December Prayer Focus:  “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.”  Romans 12:9-13 (NIV)

“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 an obedient life every day.

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 your obedience to the commands of Jesus would be reflected in the way you teach others to obey all He commanded.  Pray that the presence of God with you at all times would motivate you to a life of obedience and a teaching of obedience.  “. . . teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  Matthew 28:20 (NIV)

Tuesday: Blessings from Obedience.  Pray that you would always listen to the word of God with a desire to obey what He says.  Pray that you would know the blessings of God which He pours out upon those who both listen and obey.  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 Given To Those Who Obey.  Pray that you would serve as a witness to the things God does in the lives of people.  Pray that you would recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life through your obedience to 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: Obedience To Parents.  Pray for a heart that desires to obey in a way that pleases God.  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.  “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.”  Colossians 3:20 (NIV)

Friday: Obedience To Leaders.  Pray that you would obey the leaders that God has placed in positions of authority over you.  Pray that your obedience would help leaders to serve with joy.  “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:  Obedience To God’s Commands.  Pray that your love for God would always be expressed in your willingness to obey Him.  Pray that you would not become weary in doing what is right.  Pray that you would not view God’s commands as burdensome but would know how He lifts your real burdens as you obey.  “This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome.”  1 John 5:3 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: A Thankful Heart!

“The LORD is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.
My heart leaps for joy
and I will give thanks to him in song.”  
Psalm 28:7 (NIV)

As the nation I live in pauses to give thanks, this year we do so under a cloud of uncertainty in so many areas of life.  Knowing God as our strength and shield ought to serve as a reminder to be thankful each day that we live, whether it is the week of a national holiday or not.  As you pray this week, ask God to help your trust of Him to grow as you live with a thankful heart.  Pray that you would see His hand at work in the midst of these times so that your thankfulness would increase.  Pray that God’s presence and help would flow from Him to all those around you — and that you would be an instrument of those things to all you encounter.  Please continue to pray for one another in the midst of these confusing and changing times.  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.

Extra Prayer Focus:  “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”  1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NIV)

“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 a thankful heart every day.

Sunday: Pray for your church staff, the preaching and teaching that takes place, the church leadership, the volunteers that are helping in so many areas, the spiritual and financial health of the congregation, and the work of the missions ministry of the church.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: Thankful For a Faithful Reputation.  Thank God for those people who inspire you because of their reputation of faith in Jesus — and pray to be one of them.  Pray that the good news of Jesus would be spread around the world because of the faithful witness and reputation of believers everywhere.  “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world.”  Romans 1:8 (NIV)

Tuesday: Thankful For Changed Lives.  Thank God for the desire and strength to turn from sin and  live obediently to the truth.  Pray that you would wholeheartedly turn to God in obedience to all of the teaching He has given in His Word.  “But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted.”  Romans 6:17 (NIV)

Wednesday: Thankful For Received Grace.  Thank God for His amazing grace that He offers to all who would accept it.  Pray that you would recognize it is that same grace that allows you to be thankful for the people around you.  Pray that the grace you have received would be shared with others so they too would be thankful.  “I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.”  1 Corinthians 1:4 (NIV)

Thursday: Thankful For Real Victory.  Thank God for the victory He gives over sin and death, as well as for the daily victories, through Jesus.  Pray that your life of thankfulness would help others to desire, and seek out, the real victory they too can have.  Pray that you would be faithful in giving God credit for the victories you experience.  “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”  1 Corinthians 15:57 (NIV)

Friday: Thankful For Shared Concern.  Thank God that He draws believers to a common concern for one another and pray that you would always remember it.  Pray that you would pay attention to the promptings of concern for others which God puts in your heart.  Pray about how God would have you to show your concern for others.  “I thank God, who put into the heart of Titus the same concern I have for you.”  2 Corinthians 8:16 (NIV)

Saturday:  Thankful For Generous Giving.  Thank God for the ability, and opportunity, to supply the needs of one another through His provision.  Pray that you would be thankful to God for the way He uses others to meet your needs.  Pray that you would notice the needs of others and that your response would result in them giving thanks to God.  “This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.”  2 Corinthians 9:12 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Living By Faith!

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”  
Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)

This week we will pray about living by faith.  Each day our prayer time will focus on an aspect of our faith and how critical it is to our relationship with Jesus . . . and to our relationship with others.  God says that it is impossible to please Him without faith, so we probably ought to focus more attention on what it is, how to have it, and how to share it.  As you pray this week, ask God to increase your faith.  Pray that your faith would guide how you do every aspect of life.  Pray that a growing faith would increase your trust of God regardless of the circumstances which surround you.  Pray that choosing to live by faith would make your witness for Jesus more visible to others.  Please continue to pray for one another in the midst of these confusing and changing times.  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.

Extra Prayer Focus:  “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”  1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NIV)

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

Please pray each day for God to help you live by faith every day.

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:  Living by a Growing Faith.  Pray that you would want your faith to grow regardless of how big or small it may seem to you today.  Pray that your faith in God’s ability would be seen as great from His perspective.  Pray that the people around you today would be impacted in a positive way because of your growing faith.  “The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith!'”  Luke 17:5 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Living by a Saving Faith.  Pray that you would always live by faith in a God who saves.  Pray that you would have a greater practice of a faith that saves you.  Pray that the people around you today would experience a faith in  Christ that saves them.  “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”  Ephesians 2:8 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Living by a Powerful Faith.  Pray that you would see how your faith in God has equipped you to powerfully do His will.  Pray that the people around you today would experience the power of God at work in their life.  “Who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions,  quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies.”  Hebrews 11:33-34 (NIV)

Thursday: Living by a Uniting Faith.  Pray that your faith would be both the bridge and glue that unites you with other believers.  Pray that the people around you today would see a greater unity among Christians because of their faith.  “until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”  Ephesians 4:13 (NIV)

Friday:  Living by a Communicated Faith.  Pray that you would grow in faith through the hearing of God’s Word.  Pray that the people around you today would be open to hearing God’s Word so faith can grow in their life.  Pray that you would be active in communicating your faith.  “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.”  Romans 10:17 (NIV)

Saturday:  Living by an Active Faith.  Pray that you would build your life upon a faith that is active in doing God’s will.  Pray that your faith would cause you to care for people as you should.  Pray that the people around you today would not only hear of faith, but they would see your faith in action.  “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”  James 2:17 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Unhindered!

“For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him.  Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Acts 28:30-31 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus will be on living a life in Christ which is unhindered.  It is important that we let nothing hinder our walk with  Christ and that we do not become a hindrance to others as they pursue Him.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you stay focused on sharing Him with others.  Pray that you would not allow your circumstances to become a hindrance to sharing the gospel in every way that you can.  Pray that the freedom given to you by Christ would prevail as you live an unhindered life.  Pray for the courage and boldness needed to be God’s representative to a world in desperate need of hope.  Please continue to pray for one another in the midst of these confusing and changing times.  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.

Extra Prayer Focus:  “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”  1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NIV)

“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 unhindered 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:  Unhindered Salvation.  Pray that you would always trust in  God’s ability to save, regardless of how difficult a situation may appear.  Pray that you and those around you would consistently call out to God, requesting Him to act on your behalf in ways that brings Him glory.  “Perhaps the LORD will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.”  1 Samuel 14:6 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Unhindered Knowledge.  Pray that you would seek and find the knowledge that comes from God and that nothing would hinder you from following it.  Pray that you would help others, rather than becoming a hindrance, in finding the true knowledge that is of God.  “Woe to you experts in the law, because you have taken away the key to knowledge. You yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who were entering.” Luke 11:52 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Unhindered Children.  Pray that your life and testimony would help children know Jesus more fully.  Pray that your words and actions would not only invite children to Jesus, but would represent Him well to them.  “But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.’”  Luke 18:16 (NIV)

Thursday: Unhindered Gospel.  Pray that the pursuit of your rights would not become a hindrance to your testimony of the gospel.  Pray that the people around you would see that the gospel of Jesus is of utmost importance to you.  “If others have this right of support from you, shouldn’t we have it all the more?  But we did not use this right. On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ.”  1 Corinthians 9:12 (NIV)

Friday:  Unhindered Race.  Pray that you would not hold on to anything that could become a hindrance to your walk with Christ.  Pray that your life would encourage others to live an unhindered life for Christ.  “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”  Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)

Saturday:  Unhindered Prayers.  Pray that your relationships with others would honor them, and Christ, in a way that empowers your prayers rather than hinders them.  Pray that you would always value the gracious gift of life that comes from God.  “Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.”  1 Peter 3:7 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: A Better Kingdom (Week Two)!

 “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.”
Matthew 6:9b-10 (NIV)

As we approach election day here in the United States, we will finish a two-week focus on praying about being citizens of a better kingdom — the Kingdom of God!  We will be looking at various scriptures about the kingdom and praying about the characteristics we find.  Jesus taught us to pray that God’s kingdom would come and His will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Pray that your pursuit of God would lead you to a better understanding of God’s kingdom and your part in it.  Pray that you would seek God’s help in living as a kingdom citizen while you journey through this life.  Pray for the courage to pursue God’s will above that of your own or of those around you.  Pray about how you can best represent God’s kingdom to the people you encounter each day.  Pray that God’s kingdom would come in your life each day as you live in obedience to His will.  Please continue to pray for one another in the midst of these confusing and changing times.  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 life as one whose citizenship is in a better kingdom.

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 Kingdom Within You.  Pray that you would recognize the kingdom of God within you through the presence of His Spirit.  Pray that you would not limit the kingdom of God to what you can observe and understand.  “The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is within you.”  Luke 17:20b-21 (NIV)

Tuesday:  A Kingdom Not of this World.  Pray that you would always look outside the structures of this world to see God’s kingdom.  Pray that you would live as one who is a citizen of a kingdom which is not like the political structures of this world.  Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place.”  John 18:36 (NIV)

Wednesday:  A Kingdom of Righteousness, Peace, and Joy.  Pray that you would live by the spirit in a kingdom full of righteousness, peace, and joy.  Pray that you would live with the kingdom attitudes which come from God’s Spirit.  Pray that your heart would be changed even more than your actions as a kingdom citizen.  “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”  Romans 14:17 (NIV)

Thursday: A Kingdom of Power  Pray that you would be filled with the power of the kingdom of God.  Pray that the power of God’s Spirit within you would produce a life of kingdom work that is more than just talk.  Pray that the people around you would recognize the power of God’s kingdom as it is made visible in you.  “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.”  1 Corinthians 4:20 (NIV)

Friday:  A Kingdom of Light.  Praise God that He qualifies you to share in the inheritance of His kingdom of light.  Pray that your sharing in the kingdom would lead you to share that light with others.  Pray that the people around you would see the light of God’s kingdom through you.  “Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.”  Colossians 1:12 (NIV)

Saturday:  A Kingdom that Cannot be Shaken.   Pray that your faith in God will maintain your trust in an unshakeable kingdom.  Pray that your life would reflect a thankfulness which comes from a solid foundation.  Pray that this trust will lead you to worship God appropriately.  “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our ‘God is a consuming fire.'”  Hebrews 12:28-29 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: A Better Kingdom (Week One)!

 “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.”
Matthew 6:9b-10 (NIV)

As we approach election day here in the United States, we will begin a two-week focus on praying about being citizens of a better kingdom — the Kingdom of God!  We will be looking at various scriptures about the kingdom and praying about the characteristics we find.  Jesus taught us to pray that God’s kingdom would come and His will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Pray that your pursuit of God would lead you to a better understanding of God’s kingdom and your part in it.  Pray that you would seek God’s help in living as a kingdom citizen while you journey through this life.  Pray for the courage to pursue God’s will above that of your own or of those around you.  Pray about how you can best represent God’s kingdom to the people you encounter each day.  Pray that God’s kingdom would come in your life each day as you live in obedience to His will.  Please continue to pray for one another in the midst of these confusing and changing times.  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 life as one whose citizenship is in a better kingdom.

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 Kingdom of Justice.  Pray that you would have a better understanding of God’s view of justice.  Pray that your life as a kingdom citizen would be marked by a growing practice of godly justice.  Pray that the people around you would turn to a kingdom that is just.  “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.”  Psalm 45:6 (NIV)

Tuesday:  A Kingdom that Rules All.  Pray that you would not rebel against the rule of God’s kingdom.  Pray for the humility to allow God and the principles He has established for His kingdom to rule over every aspect of your life.  Pray that the people around you would willingly put themselves under the rule of God’s kingdom.  “The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.”  Psalm 103:19 (NIV)

Wednesday:  A Kingdom of Glory.  Pray that you would tell of God’s glory as you live in His kingdom.  Pray that you would see yourself and others as part of the glory of this better kingdom.  Pray that the people around you would see the glory of God’s kingdom.  “They will tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might,  so that all men may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.”  Psalm 145:11-12 (NIV)

Thursday: An Advancing Kingdom.  Pray that you would be involved in advancing the kingdom of God.  Pray that your life would help others know how obtainable the kingdom is.  Pray that the people around you would take hold of the kingdom of God.  “From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.”  Matthew 11:12 (NIV)

Friday:  A Prepared Kingdom.  Pray that you would be found ready for the kingdom prepared for your inheritance.  Pray that the people around you would  accept the inheritance of a prepared kingdom.  “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)

Saturday:  A Kingdom that is Near.   Pray that you would have a greater understanding of the present kingdom of God.  Pray that you would live each day as one who believes the good news about God’s kingdom having come near.  Pray that the people around you would repent and believe the good news that the kingdom is near.  “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!”  Mark 1:15 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Sharing  Goodness!

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Against such things there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer emphasis on the goodness God’s Spirit produces in us.  The fruit of God’s Spirit within us brings great benefit to our lives but more importantly, it is designed to help us represent Christ well to the people around us.  As with all parts of the fruit of the Spirit, God says there is no law against being good.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you understand goodness from His perspective.  Pray that you would allow His Spirit to produce goodness in you that overflows from your life.  Pray that you would have an increasing goodness in your life as you grow in Christ.  Pray that God’s goodness would be seen in a way that the people around you would be attracted to Jesus.  Please continue to pray for one another in the midst of these confusing and changing times.  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.

Extra Prayer Focus: Thanks to the generous support of so many, Tom Lemler has taken a truck load of diapers to the gulf coast and will be helping with disaster relief there this week.  Pray for an effectiveness in sharing the goodness of God with people who need hope.

“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 life as one who experiences and reflects the goodness that is 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:  Equipped To Share Goodness.  Pray that you would be a student of God’s Word so that you would be equipped to share God’s goodness with others.  Pray that being equipped would give you the confidence to do the good works God created for you to do.  “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)

Tuesday:  Sharing the Goodness of Your Faith.  Pray that you would know the goodness of actively sharing your faith.  Pray that a sharing of your faith would help you to understand what you have in Christ.  Pray that those around you would know the goodness of faith in God.  “I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.”  Philemon 1:6 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Sharing a Goodness that Pleases God.  Pray that you would seek to live with a goodness that honors God.  Pray that God’s goodness would be seen in the way you share with others.  Pray that you would grow in an understanding of how sharing and goodness please God.  “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”  Hebrews 13:16 (NIV)

Thursday: Sharing the Wisdom and Humility of Goodness.  Pray that you would be filled with God’s wisdom that leads to goodness.  Pray that your goodness would come from wisdom that is expressed in humility.  Pray that you would be known as one who is wise and understanding as people see your good deeds which glorify God.  “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.”  James 3:13 (NIV)

Friday:  Sharing a Reputation of Goodness.  Pray that God would help you see how the goodness of your deeds represent Him.  Pray that you would live in a way that glorifies God.  Pray that the people around you would notice your goodness whether they agree with you or not.  “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.”  1 Peter 2:12 (NIV)

Saturday:  Sharing the Goodness of God.  Pray that you would know the difference between good and evil.  Pray that you would imitate the good that comes from God.  “Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.”  3 John 1:11 (NIV)