“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Holding On and Letting Go!
(Week One)

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”
James 1:5 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will begin a two week series based on devotions I have written in the book, “Holding On and Letting Go”.  As we enter into a time period filled with much unknown, it is likely that life will feel rather chaotic at times.  The full devotions behind each of these daily prayer starters were written for those recovering from the all too common disasters of earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, and such; but I believe the same principles of holding on and letting go will serve each of us well in this current season of COVID-19 chaos.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you trust Him in the midst of whatever chaos surrounds you and is in you.  Pray that you would find wisdom from Him in how to respond in ways that represent Christ well.  Pray for greater understanding and compassion for others who may be responding to the chaos differently than you.  Pray that your eyes would be open to ways you can love and serve people who may be searching for hope they have not yet found.  Pray for those working with the sick.  Pray that God would have mercy and compassion on each of us that would be visible to the world in the way we show mercy and compassion to others.  Pray for a spirit of unity within your church congregation and within the body of Christ as a whole.  Pray each day for the individuals of your church congregation as well as 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 to fill you with wisdom as you learn to hold on and let go.

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: Let Go Of Anger.  Pray that you would not simply attempt to hide anger, but address it in ways that allow you to let go of it.  Pray that you would know the hope that comes through letting go of anger after it has been dealt with.  “‘In your anger do not sin’: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”  Ephesians 4:26-27 (NIV)

Tuesday: Hold On To What Is Good.  Ask God to help you see beyond the difficulty to find the good that remains.  Pray that you would hold on to the good that you find in life and in people.  Pray for the courage to be the good that others can hold on to in their time of need.  Pray that you would find hope as you hold on to God’s goodness.  “Test everything. Hold on to the good.”  1 Thessalonians 5:21 (NIV)

Wednesday: Let Go Of Worry.  Ask God to give you a peace that dispels harmful worry as you trust in Him.  Pray that your concern for today would drive you to a responsiveness to God rather than to a mindset of worry.  Pray that you would know the great hope that God wants to give you as you let go of worry.  “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”  Matthew 6:34 (NIV)

Thursday: Hold On To Instruction.  Ask God for wisdom to discern between instruction which is good and that which is not.  Pray that you would be active in holding on to instruction as you put it into practice.  Pray for courage to share the instructions you are holding on to when it will help others.  “Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.”  Proverbs 4:13 (NIV)

Friday: Let Go Of Selfishness.  Ask God to help you see any seeds of selfishness that may exist in you.  Pray that you would continue to share freely, even in chaotic situations, as you learn to let go of all traces of selfishness.  “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.”  (Philippians 2:3 NIV)

Saturday:  Hold On To Courage.  Ask God to help you understand the things in your current situation that cause you to be filled with fear.  Pray that you would live with courage from God that helps you to face each day’s fears and keep going.  Pray that you would draw courage from being a part of God’s eternal family.  “But Christ is faithful as a son over God’s house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast.”  Hebrews 3:6 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: The Mighty Works of God!

“O Sovereign LORD, you have begun to show to your servant your greatness and your strong hand. For what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do the deeds and mighty works you do?”
Deuteronomy 3:24 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on the mighty works of God.  Since the mighty work of creation itself, God has been calling each generation to both notice His mighty works and to tell the next generation of a God who works in mighty ways.  In the midst of all of the mighty works of God, He sent Jesus to accomplish His work on a cross so that we can be free from our sins.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you pay attention to His mighty works which continually surround you.  Pray that you would live with the humility needed to give God the credit for the mighty works He does in and through you.  Pray for the courage to help others see and express the mighty works God has been doing in them.  Pray for the faith that knows God is at work even when that work is being done in ways that are difficult to recognize.  Pray for the wisdom to pass along to others the great news of a God who works in mighty ways.  Pray for a spirit of unity within your church congregation and within the body of Christ as a whole.  Pray each day for the individuals of your church congregation as well as 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 to help you experience and share His mighty works.

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: Notice the Mighty Works of God.  Pray that you would pay attention to creation itself as it declares the mighty works of God.  Pray that you would always be reminded of God’s presence as you observe His handiwork spread throughout creation.  Pray that you would tell others about the God who created.  “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”  Psalm 19:1 (NIV)

Tuesday: Consider the Mighty Works of God.  Pray that you would give careful thought to the works you have heard of God doing and His deeds you have experienced.  Pray that your careful consideration of the mighty works of God would fill you with amazement as you notice things that are often easily overlooked.  “I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.”  Psalm 77:11 (NIV)

Wednesday: Tell Of the Mighty Works of God.  Pray about how you will share with the next generation about the mighty works God has accomplished in your lifetime.  Pray for the humility needed to give God credit for the great works He has done in and through you.  “One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts.”  Psalm 145:4 (NIV)

Thursday: The Transforming Mighty Work of God.  Pray that God’s Spirit would continually work in a mighty way to transform you more and more into the likeness of Christ each day.  Pray for a submissive spirit which allows God to work freely in you.  “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”  2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)

Friday: The Mystery Of the Mighty Works of God.  Pray that your faith would grow as you learn to trust God to work in ways that are a mystery.  Pray that you would find joy in the marvelous and mysterious works of God.  “As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.”  Ecclesiastes 11:5 (NIV)

Saturday:  Live As a Mighty Work of God.  Pray that you would see yourself as God’s workmanship.  Pray for the wisdom to understand and know the good works God has prepared for you to do with your life.  Pray for the courage to actually do those good works.  “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”  Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Living As God’s Gift!

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on a topic which requires great humility in us for it to be seen as a good thing.  While referring to someone as thinking they are God’s gift to mankind is usually a reference to attitudes and actions of arrogance, when we live in the humility of God’s Spirit we find God really has created us as His gift.  It is this humility that helps us understand the gift doesn’t choose either the giver or the recipient.  There will not be much that is as affirming in your life as knowing God has chosen you as His gift to others through the good works He created in advance for you to do.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you see the value He places on the workmanship of His hands.  Pray that you would learn to communicate to others the precious gift of God that they are.  Pray that you would live as one who does the will and works of God in such a way that others praise Him for His wonderful gifts.  Pray that you would always view the children in your family, your church, and your community as the gifts from God that they are. Pray for a spirit of unity among brothers and sisters in Christ as we grow in our love for one another.  Pray each day for the individuals of your congregation and for 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 to help you know the value and purpose you have as His gift.

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 Gift To Your Parents.  Pray that you would view all children as the gift that God says they are.  Pray that you would live as one who is God’s gift to your parents regardless of your age or their level of deserving such a gift.  Ask God to help you know how to be the gift that is “just right” for the time at hand.  “Behold, children are a gift of the LORD; The fruit of the womb is a reward.”  Psalm 127:3 (NASB)

Tuesday: A Gift To Serve Others.  Pray that your life as God’s gift to others would be displayed in the way you serve them.  Pray for the humility necessary to serve others according to their need rather than according to your desire.  “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”  1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)

Wednesday: A Gift That Comes From God.  Pray that you would always acknowledge God as the source of every good gift, even when that gift may appear to come from you.  Pray that you would pour yourself into the lives of others as a gift to them from God.  “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”  James 1:17 (NIV)

Thursday: A Gift That Is Enough.  Pray that you would live with an understanding that God has created you to be enough for the need He has called you to meet.  Pray that you would be willing to give fully based on what you have rather than based on what you want.  “For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.”  2 Corinthians 8:12 (NIV)

Friday: A Gift Of Yourself.  Pray that your life as God’s gift would be a result of first giving yourself to the Lord.  Pray that your obedience to God would lead you to give of yourself to Him and to those around you who need what He has placed in you.  “And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will.”  2 Corinthians 8:5 (NIV)

Saturday:  A Gift Of Love.  Pray that you would live fully within the love of God so what you share with others is that which is greatest.  Pray that God would transform your heart so that pure love would be your motive in all of your interactions with people.  Pray that God’s love would be at the center of what He gives to others through you.  “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”  1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Directed Toward God!

“For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, so that the LORD will bring about for Abraham what he has promised.”
Genesis 18:19 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on praying about how we can be directed toward God and in turn help direct others toward Him.  God has called us to Himself not just so we can be with Him, but also for the purpose of directing others toward God and His promises.  The more we seek and follow the ways of the Lord, the better prepared we will be to help others in their pursuit of God.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you live according to His ways.  Pray that you would not just value what is right and just, but would actually do such things.  Pray that you would cling to the precious promises of God as you live according to His Word and direct others toward Him as well.  Pray about the example you are to others and ask God to clarify and refine how that example directs others towards Him. Pray for a spirit of unity among brothers and sisters in Christ as we grow in our love for one another.  Pray each day for the individuals of your congregation and for 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 to help you be directed toward Him and for you to be able to help direct others toward Him.

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

Monday: Directed By God’s Love.  Pray that God would open your heart and mind to respond to the direction of His love.  Pray that you would be filled with God’s love so that His song of love would be the foundation in both the how and why you direct others towards Him.  “By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me — a prayer to the God of my life.”  Psalm 42:8 (NIV)

Tuesday: Directed By God’s Commands.  Pray for the wisdom needed to not only walk in the path of God’s commands, but to find delight in them.  Pray that your obedience to God would be a joyful thing that helps direct others to find delight in doing life according to the ways of God.  “Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.”  Psalm 119:35 (NIV)

Wednesday: Directed By God’s Word.  Pray that you would find direction in the full counsel of God’s Word.  Pray for the help of God’s Spirit in following the Word of God with your every footstep.  Pray that God’s Word would be the source of direction in your life and in the direction you give others.  “Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.”  Psalm 119:133 (NIV)

Thursday: Directed Step by Step.  Pray for the courage to follow God’s direction with each step of life that you take.  Pray that you would trust God’s directions when you lack understanding.  Pray that the direction  you give others would be to seek God rather than human understanding.  “A man’s steps are directed by the LORD.  How then can anyone understand his own way?”  Proverbs 20:24 (NIV)

Friday: Directed In What Is Best.  Pray that you would not settle for “good enough” when God wants to teach you what is best.  Pray that you would trust God to direct you.  Pray that the direction you give others would always point them to a God who desires the very best for them.  “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.”  Isaiah 48:17 (NIV)

Saturday:  Directed In Love & Perseverance:  Pray that you would live a life that has been directed into the love of God.  Pray that you would know the perseverance of Christ as you are directed into a life of faithfulness.  Pray that the direction you provide others would lead them to know God’s love and faithfulness.  “May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.”  2 Thessalonians 3:5 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: A SIMPLE Witness!

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:8 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on some simple ways that we can be a witness for Christ.  While most people reading this prayer guide would readily agree that the instruction from Jesus about being His witness wherever we go is for all believers, many of us struggle with what that actually looks like in everyday life.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you keep it simple when it comes to being His witness.  Pray that you would understand and overcome the difficulty in doing the simple things which lead to being a faithful witness.  Pray for a refining of your thoughts, words, and actions so that your witness for Christ would be pure and clear.  Pray for the courage to live out your faith in a way that helps others have a greater desire to be in fellowship with Jesus so they can experience the transforming power of His love. Pray for a spirit of unity among brothers and sisters in Christ as we grow in our love for one another.  Pray each day for the individuals of your congregation and for 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 to help you be His witness wherever you are.

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 Serving Witness.  Pray that you would use your gifts and abilities to serve people in ways that help them see the work of God in you.  Pray that you would be a faithful witness of Jesus as you serve people according to the grace you have been given.  “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”  1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)

Tuesday: An Including Witness:  Pray that you would be able to see people through the eyes of God’s grace.  Pray for a heart that desires to include people without showing favoritism.  Pray that your witness for Jesus would be amplified by the way you include people who are different from you.  “My brothers and sisters, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism.”  James 2:1 (NIV)

Wednesday: A Motivating Witness:  Pray that your witness of Jesus would motivate others to reflect His love through the good they do.  Pray that your life would be a witness to others in a way that motivates them to pursue Him more fully.  Pray that your “spurs” would be gentle but effective.  “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”  Hebrews 10:24 (NIV)

Thursday: A Praying Witness:  Pray that you, and others, would be active witnesses for Jesus as you share your faith.  Ask God to help your prayer life to be such that people would notice a witness of the goodness of God in you.  “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)

Friday: A Loving Witness:  Pray that your witness for Jesus would always make known His love for you and for those who you interact with.  Pray that you would grow in your love for people who live as enemies of Christ as your love becomes a witness to them of His love.  “But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.”  Matthew 5:44 (NIV)

Saturday:  An Encouraging Witness:  Pray that you would make the most of the opportunities you have to encourage others.  Pray for eyes to see those who are discouraged and wisdom to know how to encourage them in a way that keeps them from becoming hardened by bitterness.  “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”  Hebrews 3:13 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Pray Globally!

“The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.  Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
Matthew 9:37-38 (NIV)

As we continue the #PraySTRONG emphasis, we have focused on praying submissively, praying truthfully, praying repentantly, praying observantly, and praying noticeably.  This week our #PraySTRONG emphasis wraps up with a focus on praying globally.  As we pray about the spread of the gospel, we also pray about our part in taking the message of Jesus to all the world.  Our involvement in missions ought to be an integral part of who we are as a Christian.  We give financially to missions so that their work would not be hindered by a lack of resources.  We pray fervently for missions so that we would hear how God wants to work through them, and through us in partnership with them.  As you pray for the missions and missionaries you know, pray that they would have fruitful labor as you ask God to fill them with the characteristics listed for each day of this prayer guide. (Oh, and by the way, you are called to be a missionary wherever you are.) Pray for a spirit of unity among brothers and sisters in Christ as we grow in our love for one another.  Pray each day for the individuals of your congregation and for 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 to help you see Him at work around the world.

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: Global Encouragement.  Pray that God would help you to find ways to encourage those who take the gospel around the world.  Pray that you would be known as one who refreshes the hearts of others.  Pray that others would be encouraged by your sharing the gospel.  “Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.”  Philemon 1:7 (NIV)

Tuesday: Global Provision:  Pray that each mission would have all that is needed for their work as Christians around the world are “credited” with being the instrument God uses to meet the needs of missionaries.   Pray that  you would know God’s provision as you give to others.  “Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account.  And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:17,19 (NIV)

Wednesday: Global Wisdom:  Pray that missionaries around the world, and close to home, would seek a wisdom that comes from God.  Pray for the patience that is required to know God’s wisdom.  Pray for wisdom in understanding cultures which are different.  “Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him.”  2 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

Thursday: Global Effectiveness:  Pray that the witness of both the testimony and life of believers would be effective in reaching people with the good news of Jesus.  Pray for a knowledge of doors which have been opened for effective work.  “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: Global Boldness:  Pray for a boldness to proclaim the gospel as we ought.  Pray for the courage to fear God more than the threats of men.  Pray for a trust in God’s faithfulness that keeps the threat of persecution from hindering a proclaiming of the gospel with boldness.  “Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.”  Acts 4:29 (NIV)

Saturday:  Global Faithfulness:  Pray for missionaries to be great examples of faithfulness and that they would be filled with joy by the faithfulness of those who hear the message from them.  Pray for a faithfulness to the knowledge of the truth.  “It gave me great joy to have some brothers come and tell about your faithfulness to the truth and how you continue to walk in the truth.”  3 John 1:3 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Pray Noticeably!

“Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16 (NIV)

As we continue the #PraySTRONG emphasis, we have focused on praying submissively, praying truthfully, praying repentantly, and praying observantly.  This week our prayer emphasis will focus on praying noticeably.  If the topic of praying noticeably sounds strange, I should probably point out that praying to be noticed and praying that is noticed aren’t the same thing.  A lifestyle of prayer isn’t designed to draw attention to yourself, but it ought to produce fruit in your life that helps others to see God more clearly.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine the motives behind  your prayers.  Pray that the things you talk to God about would result in others noticing the work of God in your life.  Ask God to help your prayer life be an example that would lead people to seek greater depth in their relationship with God.  Ask God to help your practice of these daily prayer points help others to know they too can have meaningful conversations with God.  Pray for a spirit of unity among brothers and sisters in Christ as we grow in our love for one another.  Pray each day for the individuals of your congregation and for 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 to help your prayer life be such that it draws attention to Him.

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

Monday:  Pray Earnestly.  Ask God to help you pray earnestly for those whose situations may seem hopeless.  Pray that the earnestness of your prayers would help others notice how important prayer is to you.  Ask God to help you always keep on praying without giving up.  “So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.”  Acts 12:5 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Pray With Joy.  Ask God to fill you with joy about Him and about those you pray for.  Pray that your joy would be expressed, and even increased, because of the way you pray for all of those around you.  Pray that the joy in your prayers would be noticed by the people around you who need to experience God’s joy.  “In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.”  Philippians 1:4 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Pray For Restoration.  Ask God to help you notice those who are distant and need to be restored.  Pray that you would not only be restored to God, but that you would seek God’s help in seeing people restored to one another.  Pray that the restoration you have experienced would fill others with hope.  “I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you soon.”  Hebrews 13:19 (NIV)

Thursday:  Pray During Times of Trouble.  Ask God to help you look to Him in times of trouble — whether it is trouble you face or trouble those around you experience.  Pray that you would know the praise of peace that comes to those who seek God in times of trouble.  Pray that others would notice the peace that is found in prayer.  “Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.”  James 5:13 (NIV)

Friday:  Pray With a Clear Mind.  Ask God to help you overcome distractions that keep you from praying as you ought.  Pray that you would recognize in the brevity of life the importance of praying with a clear mind and with self control.  Pray that others would notice the clarity that comes from a lifestyle of prayer.  “The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.”  1 Peter 4:7 (NIV)

Saturday:  Pray In the Holy Spirit.  Ask God to make you more aware of His Spirit’s presence in your life as you pray.  Pray that your faith would be built up as you allow God’s Spirit to intercede for you when it seems your words of prayer are inadequate.  Pray that your faith would be noticed as you choose to walk by the power of the Spirit each day.  “But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.”  Jude 1:20 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Pray Observantly!

“Do you not say, ‘Four months more and then the harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.”
John 4:35 (NIV)

As we continue the #PraySTRONG emphasis, we have focused on praying submissively, praying truthfully, and praying repentantly.  This week our prayer emphasis will focus on praying observantly.  As we walk with God, it is important that we ask Him to open our eyes to the work He is doing — and to the work He has for us to do.  When we pray observantly, we learn to take notice of the things around us and we use those visual cues as prayer prompts.  As you pray this week, ask God to open your eyes to see Him.  Pray that you would see God more clearly, others more fully, and yourself more accurately.  Pray that you would live with open eyes as you interact with God and with people.  Pray that your open eyes would help you to see others as God sees them — and yourself as God sees you.  Pray that God’s presence would always be noticed by you and through you.  Pray for a spirit of unity among brothers and sisters in Christ as we grow in our love for one another.  Pray each day for the individuals of your congregation and for 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 to help you grow in the observation skills necessary to grow in a lifestyle of prayer.

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: Observe Your Need.  As you pray, ask God to give you clarity in your observation of the great need that is common among people.  Pray that your eyes would be open to your need for a covering that only  God can provide.  “Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.”  Genesis 3:7 (NIV)

Tuesday: Observe God’s Provision.  As you pray, ask God to help you observe all that He has provided as you acknowledge Him as the source of all good things.  Pray that you would see how you could be the instrument of God’s provision in the lives of others.  “Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water. So she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink.”  Genesis 21:19 (NIV)

Wednesday: Observe God’s Message.  As you pray, ask God to help you observe and pay attention to the many ways He communicates His message.  Pray that you would respond with appropriate worship to the message of  God’s Word.  “Then the LORD opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with his sword drawn. So he bowed low and fell facedown.”  Numbers 22:31 (NIV)

Thursday: Observe God’s Word.  As you pray, ask God to help you observe the wonder that is found in His Word.  Pray that the wonder of creation would help you to see the wonder of God throughout His word.  Pray that your eyes would be opened in a way that sees God’s law in a whole new light.  “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.”  Psalm 119:18 (NIV)

Friday: Observe God’s Promises.  As you pray, ask God to help you watch for the many ways that God keeps and fulfills His promises.  Pray for a life which shares the promises of God.  Pray that you would never tire of looking into the Word of God to consider the incredible promises God makes to His children.  “My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises.”  Psalm 119:148 (NIV)

Saturday:  Observe the Harvest.  As you pray, ask God to give you eyes which are observant to the harvest opportunities around you.  Pray that you would not miss your chances to make the most of every opportunity.  Pray that you would see the urgency of sharing Jesus with the people around you.  “Do you not say, ‘Four months more and then the harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.”  John 4:35 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Pray Repentantly!

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)

As we continue the #PraySTRONG emphasis, we have focused on praying submissively and praying truthfully.  This week our prayer emphasis will focus on praying repentantly.  The Bible says all have sinned but the unfortunate truth is that we not only have sinned, we still sin even after coming to Christ.  Therefore, repentance is not only for the unsaved, but perhaps more importantly, it is for those of us who seek to walk with Christ daily.  Repentance is more than a change of action, although the Bible is clear that it must be visible in our actions.  It is a complete change of heart — a change of thinking about that which we are repenting of.  As you pray this week, ask God to help  you see the need for repentance in your life and that you would learn to see the things you are repenting of from God’s perspective.  Pray that you would have a greater understanding of God’s desire that everyone would come to repentance.  Pray for the humility needed to repent and to graciously help others recognize their need to repent.  Pray for a spirit of unity among brothers and sisters in Christ as we grow in our love for one another.  Pray each day for the individuals of your congregation and for the body of Christ as a whole.

Missions Focus:  Pray for the work Tom Lemler is doing with Impact Prayer Ministry.  Pray for the effectiveness of the Impact Prayer Ministry resources as they are used around the world.  Pray for increased opportunities and support that will allow Impact Prayer Ministry to do all that is within God’s will.

“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 grow in a repentance that leads to a stronger prayer 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:  Repent in Godly Sorrow.  Pray that the sorrow you experience when doing wrong would be godly sorrow that leads you to repentance.  Pray with thanksgiving that the results of your repentance leaves you with no regrets.  “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”  2 Corinthians 7:10 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Repent in Obedience.  Pray that you would be obedient to God’s command to repent even of acts done in ignorance.  Pray for the courage to seek God’s instruction and to follow it in full obedience.  Pray that your obedience would help others have a desire to repent.  “In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.”  Acts 17:30 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Repent of Pride.  Pray that God would help you to identify and repent of all traces of sinful pride in your life.  Pray that God’s grace would be showered upon you and those around you as you repent.  “Then Hezekiah repented of the pride of his heart, as did the people of Jerusalem; therefore the LORD’s wrath did not come upon them during the days of Hezekiah.”  2 Chronicles 32:26 (NIV)

Thursday:  Repent of Wickedness.  Pray that  you would turn to God and repent of all aspects of wickedness — even wickedness that currently only resides in your thoughts.  Pray for a clear mind that understands the need to be rid of all wickedness.  “Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart.”  Acts 8:22 (NIV)

Friday:  Repent for Refreshment.  Pray that your repentance would bring a time of refreshment in your life as you experience the penalty of your sins being wiped away.  Pray that the cleansing you receive from God would lead you to be an instrument of God’s refreshing.  “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.’”  Acts 3:19 (NIV)

Saturday:  Repent for Restoration.  Pray that you would experience God’s restoration in your life as you turn to Him in repentance.  Pray that your restoration by God would help you to restore others who also repent.  “Therefore this is what the LORD says: ‘If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman.”  Jeremiah 15:19 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Pray Truthfully!

“Jesus answered, ‘You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.’”  
John 18:37 (NIV)

As we continue to #PraySTRONG in 2020, it is important to remember prayer should be a lifestyle, not an event.  This week our prayer focus will be on truth.  Matthew and John each record 30 times when Jesus used the phrase, “I tell you the truth”.  Truth is important to God and therefore ought to be important to us as his children when we talk with Him.  If praying submissively lays the foundation for our conversations with God, praying truthfully may well set the walls that provide the boundaries for our prayers.  As  you pray this week, ask God to fill you with His truth in all that you do, but especially in your conversations with Him.  Pray that you would trust God enough to be fully honest with Him in all things.  Pray that your honesty with God would help you to be more truthful in every area of your life.  Pray about how you can live out a truthful prayer life in a way that shows God’s love to the world.  Pray that your truthfulness with God would help you to live in greater unity with others.  Pray for a spirit of unity among brothers and sisters in Christ as we grow in our love for one another.  Pray each day for the individuals of your congregation and for the body of Christ as a whole.

Missions Focus:  Pray for the work Tom Lemler is doing with Impact Prayer Ministry.  Pray for the effectiveness of the Impact Prayer Ministry resources as they are used around the world.  Pray for increased opportunities and support that will allow Impact Prayer Ministry to do all that is within God’s will.

“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 grow in the truthfulness that leads to a stronger prayer 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:  Truthful Speech.  Ask God to help your words be truthful as you talk with Him and as you talk with others.  Pray that you would be one who always speaks truth because that is what resides within you.  “LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill?  He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart.”  Psalm 15:1-2 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Truthful Learning.  Ask God to help your prayers contain the truth you have learned from His Word.  Pray that you would be a continual student of God’s Word as you learn truth from Him on a daily basis.  “Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.”  Psalm 25:4-5 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Truthful Walk.  Ask God to help you walk in with Him in such a way that your conversations with Him are always genuine.  Pray that you would be known by the people around you as one who walks in truth no matter what.  “Test me, O LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth.”  Psalm 26:2-3 (NIV)

Thursday:  Truthful Protection.  Ask God to help you know His protection and to help you be honest about your need for His protection.  Pray that you would know the protection of having your life centered in the truth of God.  “Do not withhold your mercy from me, O LORD; may your love and your truth always protect me.”  Psalm 40:11 (NIV)

Friday:  Truthful Guidance.  Ask God to guide you in truthfulness in all things, especially in the way you talk with Him and talk about Him.   Pray that you would seek God’s truth for your source of guidance in all things.  “Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell.”  Psalm 43:3 (NIV)

Saturday:  Truthful Judgment.  Ask God to help you talk with Him truthfully about the judgment you deserve and about how His mercy triumphs over that judgment.  Pray that you are always prepared by the blood of Jesus to be judged by the truth of God and His Word.  “They will sing before the LORD, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth.  He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his truth.”  Psalm 96:13 (NIV)