“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Pray Submissively!

“During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.”
Hebrews 5:7 (NIV)

As we continue a #PraySTRONG emphasis, over the next weeks I will expand the original #PraySTRONG prayer guide to spend a week focused specifically on each point.  This week we will be praying about submission and how it looks from God’s perspective.  Praying submissively takes work because both the praying part and the submissive part are under constant attack from our enemy.  Since God’s view of submission may not look like the world defines it, we would do well to learn from the One who “was heard because of His reverent submission.”  As you pray this week, ask God to help you grow in your understanding and willingness to live a submissive life.  Pray that you would learn submission not just in your interactions with God and others, but in the content and expectations of your prayers.  Pray for a greater understanding of how a lack of a submissive spirit can hinder your prayers.  Pray for the courage to wait on God to lift you up when your submissiveness to others is taken advantage of.  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 submission 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: Submit to Governing Authorities.  Pray that your submission to governing authorities would come from a recognition of God’s authority over all things.  Pray for wisdom to know how to live submissively when authorities are not always godly.  “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”  Romans 13:1 (NIV)

Tuesday: Submit to One Another.  Pray that your reverence for Christ in all things would help you submit to others.  Pray for a submissive spirit that looks out for the needs of others above your own.  Pray that you would not take advantage of the submissiveness of others.  “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”  Ephesians 5:21 (NIV)

Wednesday: Submit to Discipline by God.  Pray that you would accept God’s discipline as the live-giving correction it is meant to be.  Pray that your response to discipline would help others to know the love of the Father.  “Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live!”  Hebrews 12:9 (NIV)

Thursday: Submit to Leaders.  Pray that your submission to leaders would make their work a joy.  Pray for godly leaders who lead out of their full submission to God.  “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)

Friday: Submit to God.   Pray that you would submit to God in all things so that the devil has no foothold in your life.  Pray for the humility needed to see everything from God’s perspective.  Pray for a greater understanding of how your submissiveness to God helps you to resist the devil.  “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”  James 4:7 (NIV)

Saturday:  Submit in Humility.   Pray that you would be filled with humility and grace as you learn to submit to the wisdom of those who are older.  Pray about how you will interact with others in a submissive way as you experience God’s grace.  “Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’”  1 Peter 5:5 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: #PraySTRONG!

“This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.”
Zechariah 4:6 (NIV)

As we finish out one year and move into the next, our prayer emphasis this week will begin a focus from Impact Prayer Ministry that I am calling #PraySTRONG 2020.  The “#______Strong” hashtag is often used on social media to rally a community or group of people around a person or cause.  Our main goal should be to lift up Jesus as the One we all must rally around, but prayer is one of the primary ways that we can come together to align ourselves with God’s will.  In fact, the prayer life of Jesus was so noticeable that it is the one thing the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to do.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you learn to pray according to His power and might rather than your own.  Pray that you would learn to have a strength in your prayers that comes from obedience rather than an American mindset of boldness.  Pray for the humility needed to seek God’s will rather than your own when you gather with others to pray.  Pray that others would see the transforming power of Jesus as they notice your lifestyle of prayer.  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 strong in His mighty power.

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 Submissively.  Pray that you would daily grow in submission to God’s will being done in your life.  Ask God to refine and shape your prayers so that they things you ask Him to do, and ask Him for, are things that are according to His will rather than your own desires.  “Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”  Matthew 6:10 (NIV)

Tuesday: Pray Truthfully.  Pray that honesty would be the foundation and substance of your conversations with God.  Pray that the strength of your prayers would flow from an honesty in regard to your need for God’s mercy.  Ask God to help you be truthful as you pray for others.  “He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’“ (NIV)

Wednesday: Pray Repentantly.  Pray that you would always approach God with a heart that desires to change.  Ask God to help you become more trusting of His goodness as you change the direction of your life to have faith like a little child.  “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”  Matthew 18:3 (NIV)

Thursday: Pray Observantly.  Pray that God would open your eyes to see both the need and His provision for that need as you look at the people around you.  Ask God to open your eyes to see the opportunities for harvest that exist and to give you the wisdom to pray about your role in that harvest.  “I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.”  John 4:35 (NIV)

Friday: Pray Noticeably.  Pray that you would live in such a way that God is noticed in your life.  Ask God to help you to have a prayer life that draws attention to Him.  Pray about how your communication with God helps others to see His goodness and love.  “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”  Matthew 5:16 (NIV)

Saturday:  Pray Globally.  Pray that you would be actively involved as a worker in God’s harvest field.  Pray for those who have answered the call to go to the “uttermost parts of the world” to share the good news of Jesus.  Ask God to help you have clarity in how you represent Him to the people around you wherever you go.  “Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”  Matthew 9:38 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!

“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
Matthew 16:15 (NIV)

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we will continue a prayer focus on who Jesus is beyond the manger.  The gift of God to us is definitely expressed through the Christmas story, but it doesn’t end there.  In fact, without the life, death, burial, and resurrection, the birth of Jesus is little more than an interesting event in time.  We celebrate not just a baby being born, but the coming of God to redeem mankind as He reconciles us to Himself.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you grow in your relationship with Jesus.  Pray that your celebration of the birth of Jesus would be magnified by who Jesus is in your life today.  Pray that you would be clear about who Jesus is, and what He has done for you, as you share Him with others.  Pray for a greater desire and practice of celebrating Jesus each day that you live.  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 gift of Jesus more fully.

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 Messiah.  Pray about how knowing Jesus as the One anointed by God should compel you to tell others about Him.  Pray for the courage, and urgency, to share the good news about the One you have found to be sent from God.  “The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ).”  John 1:41 (NIV)

Tuesday: The Son of God.  Pray about how knowing Jesus as the Son of God helps you to have confidence and trust in His ability to do what He has said He will.  Pray that your life would give Jesus the honor that is due to Him as God’s Son.  Pray for a life of greater obedience to Jesus as God’s Son.  “I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God.”  John 1:34 (NIV)

Wednesday: The Bread of Life.  Pray about how knowing Jesus as the bread of life will help you to be filled and satisfied.  Pray that you would be generous in sharing the bread you have found with the people around you who are in need.  “Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.’”  John 6:35 (NIV)

Thursday: The Way, the Truth, & the Life.  Pray about how knowing Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life will provide you with necessary direction each day you live.  Pray that your life, and words, would always direct people to Jesus as the true way to eternal life.  “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”  John 14:6 (NIV)

Friday: The Good Shepherd.  Pray about how knowing Jesus as the good shepherd will provide you with the comfort and protection that only He can.  Pray with gratitude as you consider how Jesus cares for you in your times of need.  Pray that you would share the good news of a good shepherd.  “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”  John 10:11 (NIV)

Saturday:  The Lamb of God.  Pray about how knowing Jesus as the Lamb of God will give you confidence in His ability, and desire, to forgive your sins.  Pray that you would be bold about sharing the good news of forgiveness of sins that is made possible by the sacrifice of Jesus as the Lamb of God.  “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’”  John 1:29 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Christmas Gifts!

“Do not be deceived.  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 1:16-17 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will wrap around some of the real gifts of Christmas — gifts we have been given through Jesus Christ.  As you consider the gifts you give and receive this Christmas season, my prayer is that each of us would recognize God as the source of all good gifts.  You’re ability to fully give to others will increase as you accept and share that which has been given by God.  As you pray this week, ask God to increase your awareness of the gifts you have been given through Jesus.  Pray each day that these gifts will grow in your life even as you learn to share them with others.  Pray about how your gifts to others will reflect the gift of Jesus.  Pray for courage and humility as you share the real gift of Christmas 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.

“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 gift of Jesus more fully.

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: Gift of Self.  Pray about how your life reflects an acceptance of the sacrifice of Jesus for your sins.  Pray that your remembrance of the gift of Jesus would help you to consistently help others to accept the gift of Jesus for themselves.  “And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’”  Luke 22:19 (NIV)

Tuesday: Gift of Understanding.  Pray that God would open the gift of understanding in your life as you seek Jesus with a whole heart.  Pray for a growing understanding of Jesus as the One who is true.  Pray that you would accurately represent the truth of Jesus.  “We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true.”  1 John 5:20 (NIV)

Wednesday: Gift of Rest.  Pray that you would always look to Jesus as the One who desires to give you real rest.  Pray for the  humility needed to approach Jesus in the midst of your weariness.  Pray for wisdom in helping others to always go to Jesus with their burdens as they seek to find rest.  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”  Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

Thursday: Gift of Peace.  Pray that you would know Jesus as the prince of peace.  Pray about how peace will look in your interactions with others.  Pray that the peace you experience in life would reflect the peace that Jesus brings between you and God.  “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”  2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV)

Friday: Gift of Strength.  Pray that God would help you to use the strength that is found in Jesus.  Pray for courage in doing the things God desires from you.  Pray that your service to others in the name of Jesus would be done in the strength which God provides.  “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.”  1 Timothy 1:12 (NIV)

Saturday:  Gift of Eternal Life.  Pray that you would daily rejoice in the gift of eternal life that is made possible by Jesus.  Pray that your life would be lived as a testimony to the eternal life that is found through Jesus.  Pray about how God would have you share the good news of life eternal with the people around you each day.  “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.”  1 John 5:11 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: More Than Just a Name!

“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”  
Matthew 1:21 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will wrap around the wonderful name of God’s Son, Jesus.  While Shakespeare claimed that a rose by any other name would be just as sweet, God was very purposeful about the name He gave His Son.  In a culture that often rejects, ignores, or mocks the name of Jesus, God’s desire is that we would know Jesus and know that His Name is more than just a name.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you value and honor the name of Jesus.  Pray that you would know Jesus as more than just a name.  Pray that the reality of Jesus in your life would help others to call upon His name and find Him waiting with open arms.  Pray about how you view and use the name of Jesus.  Pray for a greater trust in God as you hold fast to the name of Jesus as the source of life and meaning.  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 Jesus more fully and experience Him as more than just a name.

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 Welcoming Name.  Pray that you would both know and share the name of Jesus as a welcoming name.  Pray about how God would have you welcome others into your life.  Pray for a heart that desires children of all ages, including your age, to be welcomed in the name of Jesus.  “And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.”  Matthew 18:5 (NIV)

Tuesday: A Family Name.  Pray and ask God to help you live with the confidence that comes from being a part of God’s family.  Pray that you would live as a child of God with siblings around the world and throughout all generations who have believed in the name of Jesus.  “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”  John 1:12 (NIV)

Wednesday: A Protective Name.  Ask God to help you know and trust the protection that Jesus prayed about you having in His name.  Even more than a physical protection, pray that your relationship with God and with one another would be protected by the name of Jesus.  “While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me.”  John 17:12 (NIV)

Thursday: A Forgiving Name.  Pray with thanksgiving for a God who has saved you from your sins through the name of His Son, Jesus.  Pray that you would forgive others with the same measure of forgiveness that you have received through the name of Jesus.  “Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.”  Acts 2:38 (NIV)

Friday: An Exclusive Name.  Pray for the courage to live and proclaim Jesus as the only way for a person to have a relationship with God.  Pray that you would know the open availability of the exclusive name of Jesus that offers salvation to all who would call upon Him.  “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”  Acts 4:12 (NIV)

Saturday:  An Exalted Name.  Pray that you would exalt the name of Jesus to the highest place in your life, just as God has exalted it above all others.  Pray that your conversations with others would always lift up the name of Jesus above all other things you talk about.  “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name.”  Philippians 2:9 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: A Glimpse of Glory!

“And they were calling to one another:
‘Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty;
the whole earth is full of his glory.’”  
Isaiah 6:3 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on the glory of God and how He allows us to see glimpses of that glory each day.  When Isaiah was given a glimpse into the throne room of God, he heard the declaration that the “whole earth is full of His glory.”  While we view it through human eyes which are clouded and veiled, each day we are surrounded with opportunities to see glimpses of God’s glory.  As you pray this week, ask God to open your eyes to the glimpses of glory around you.  Pray that the way you live life in Christ would help others to see glimpses of God’s glory.  Pray that each glimpse of God’s glory would increase your longing for, and commitment to, the eternal glory that is yet to come.  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 being aware of His glory.

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: Announced Glory.  Pray that your ears would be opened to hearing the proclamation of God’s glory.  Pray that your life and words would announce the glory of God to those around you.  “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.’”  Luke 2:13-14 (NIV)

Tuesday: Visible Glory.  Pray that you would gaze intently into the Word of God to see His glory revealed in Jesus.  Pray that your life would be changed fully by the visible presence of God’s glory living in you.  “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”  John 1:14 (NIV)

Wednesday: Reflected Glory.  Pray to be still before the Lord in order to more accurately reflect His glory.  Pray that your desire to be more like Jesus would help others to see Him more accurately.  “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)

Thursday: Light of Glory.  Pray that the light of God’s glory would daily direct your steps as you walk with Him.  Pray that you would live as one who has been called out of darkness and into the glory of God.  “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.”  2 Corinthians 4:6 (NIV)

Friday: Called By God’s Glory.  Pray that you would live with contentment as you trust God to provide what is truly needed.  Pray that the people around you would pursue godliness as they respond to being called by God’s glory.  “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”  2 Peter 1:3 (NIV)

Saturday:  Eternal Glory.  Pray that God would be the glory which illuminates the place where you live now just as He does the eternal home He is preparing you for.  Pray that your life would be fully illuminated by the glory of God shining in you just as it does in His eternal dwelling.  “The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.”  Revelation 21:23 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Being Thankful!

“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)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on being thankful.  God indicates that our thankfulness will greatly influence our desire and ability to worship Him in an acceptable manner.  While it is easy to use this season of Thanksgiving here in the United States to encourage people to be more thankful, gratitude should be a characteristic the Christian excels at all year long.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you grow in being thankful.  Pray that you would learn to express your thanks to God as you recognize the work of His hand in your life.  Pray that you would grow in your appreciation, and the expression of that appreciation, for the work God is doing in others.  Pray that God would show you ways to give thanks in all circumstances — even the circumstances you aren’t necessarily thankful for.  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 being thankful.

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 God’s Righteousness.  Pray that you would grow in your appreciation of God’s righteousness.  Pray that you would learn to praise God with thankfulness for His words and actions which are always right.  “I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.”  Psalm 7:17 (NIV)

Tuesday: Thankful for God’s Goodness and Love.  Pray that your thankfulness would increase as you recognize the goodness of God.  Pray that you would know, and share, the enduring love of God that leads to a growing attitude of thankfulness in all who experience it.  “Praise the LORD.  Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.”  Psalm 106:1 (NIV)

Wednesday: Thankful for Victory In Christ.  Pray that you would live with thankfulness as you hold fast to the victory that you have in Jesus.  Pray that you would live as one who has been given victory, then in thankfulness share the source of that victory with others at every opportunity you have.  “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”  1 Corinthians 15:57 (NIV)

Thursday: Thankful In Prayer.  Pray that you would practice being thankful in every aspect of your prayer life.  Pray that your worry would be replaced by thankfulness as you take all circumstances of your life to God in prayer.  “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”  Philippians 4:6 (NIV)

Friday: Thankful for Purposeful Work.  Pray that you would trust God to use your gifts and abilities for His glory as you thank Him for purpose.  Pray that you would help others to know of the purpose God has for them as they do all in the name of Jesus.  “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”  Colossians 3:17 (NIV)

Saturday:  Thankful for One Another.  Pray with thankfulness for one another.  Ask God to help you remember people specifically and thankfully in your prayers.  Pray that you would be consistent in praying for the people He has surrounded you with in every area of your life.  “We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers.”  1 Thessalonians 1:2 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Purpose!

“Many are the plans in a man’s heart,
but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.”  
Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on finding greater meaning in life through a better understanding of God’s purposes.  It is easy to get so invested in our own plans and ideas that we become frustrated when our plans are thwarted so that God’s purpose will prevail.  Our life as a Christian ought to be a continual surrendering of our self so that God’s good will and purposes can be easily fulfilled in us.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you live a surrendered life.  Pray that you would constantly look to Him as the one to define your meaning and purpose as you walk this earth.  Pray for the courage to pray, “Not my will but thine be done.” — and mean it.  Pray that you would learn to rejoice in the accomplishment of God’s purposes even when it goes against what you had planned.  Pray that God would fill you with the humility and wisdom to constantly grow into the likeness of Christ so that your desires would become more in line with the good purposes of God.  Pray for an openness in listening to God, and to others, as you seek plans which are better than your own.   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 acknowledge and live according to His purpose.

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: Fulfilled Purpose.  Pray that you would live with confidence in a God who will fulfill His purpose in you.  Pray for a willingness to wait upon the Lord when if feels like His work isn’t being completed according to your timetable.  “The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever — do not abandon the works of your hands.”  Psalm 138:8 (NIV)

Tuesday: Eternal Purpose.  Pray that your life would fulfill the eternal purpose of God as you live with, and share, a wisdom that can only come from Him.  Pray that you would look to Jesus and lift Him up as the key to knowing the wisdom of  God.  “His intent was that the manifold wisdom of God should be made known according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Ephesians 3:10-11 (NIV)

Wednesday: Common Purpose.  Pray that you would join with others in having a common purpose based on each of you taking on the attitude of Christ Jesus.  Pray for a life of joy for you and for those around you as you live with unity by each of you becoming more Christ-like.  “Make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.”  Philippians 2:2 (NIV)

Thursday: Good Purpose.  Pray for a submissive spirit that expects the good purposes of God to be at work in your life.  Pray for the humility needed to see God’s plans and purpose as being above your own and always for your good.  “For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.”  Philippians 2:13 (NIV)

Friday: Communicated Purpose.  Pray that you would live in such a way that others would know of God’s purpose at work in your life.  Pray that you would see the purpose of God at work through the lives of the people you read about in the Bible, and through the lives of faithful people around you.  “You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance.”  2 Timothy 3:10 (NIV)

Saturday:  Unchanging Purpose.  Pray that you would hold fast to the unchanging nature of God as you discover His purpose for you.  Pray that you would be bold about sharing the unchanging purpose of God that desires all would come to know Him.  “Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath.”  Hebrews 6:17 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Responding To God’s Mercy!

“Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.”  
Daniel 4:37 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on responding to God’s mercy and goodness with lessons learned from a somewhat unlikely source — the king of Babylon.  While it can be easy to cheer when God punishes the wicked, many question why God would then turn around and lift up the very people who were brought down by their own pride.  Yet God’s mercy is good news to all of us when we truly look deep within ourselves with the same view that God has, and then see how we have needed both the discipline and restoration that God offers.  As you pray this week, ask God to give you a clearer view of His love for all people.  Pray that you would not become bitter when God opposes your pride, but would welcome His discipline as the means of bringing mercy and restoration.  Pray that your response to God’s goodness would lift Him up in the eyes of those around you.  Pray that you would learn to imitate God as you extend mercy to others in the same measure it has been shown to 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 acknowledge His goodness and mercy in the midst of discipline.

Extra Prayer Focus for the Week:  Impact Prayer Ministry & ICOM.  Tom Lemler will be traveling to Kansas City this week with an Impact Prayer Ministry display for the International Conference on Missions.

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: Praise God.  Pray that God’s mercy would lead you to live a life that praises Him.  Praise God for the healing and salvation that God brings even in the midst of the discipline you need.  “Heal me, O LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.”  Jeremiah 17:14 (NIV)

Tuesday: Exalt God.  Pray that you would be one who lifts God above all else in your life.  Pray that the restoration that comes as a result of God’s discipline would lead you to exalt Him always.  “But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, ‘Let God be exalted!’”  Psalm 70:4 (NIV)

Wednesday: Glorify God.  Pray that you would glorify God as one who keeps his promises throughout all generations.  Pray that God’s mercy in the midst of discipline would result in the giving of glory to Him.  “Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs so that the Gentiles may glorify God for his mercy.”  Romans 15:8-9 (NIV)

Thursday: Imitate God’s Righteousness.  Pray that you would always acknowledge, and accept, the “rightness” of God in His discipline of you.  Pray that you would be one who proclaims God is right and then seeks to live according to His righteousness.  “Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous.”  1 John 3:7 (NIV)

Friday: Practice Godly Justice.  Pray that you would learn from God about how to practice true justice.  Pray for the courage to do what you can to make things right for those who are oppressed.  “This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.’”  Zechariah 7:9 (NIV)

Saturday:  Walk Humbly.  Pray for a heart that considers yourself accurately as a valued servant of God.  Pray for the humility needed to not think too highly of yourself, or too poorly either.  Pray that you would find joy in lifting up others rather than yourself.  “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”  Luke 14:11 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Trusting God!

“If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king.  But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”  
Daniel 3:17-18 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on trusting God, especially in the “even if” times of life.  Because God’s ways are so much higher and purer than ours, He often acts in ways which are different from our expectations.  It is easier to trust Him when He does what we think He should, but learning to trust Him even if He acts in a different way is where our faith is often put to the test.  As you pray this week, ask God to remind you of the times He brought you through tough circumstances even when it was not in the way you expected or wanted.  Pray that your trust in God, and trust of God, would grow even as you grow in relationship with Him.  Pray for the courage to stand for what is right, and the wisdom to do so in humility, as you trust God to always do what is best.  Pray for the ability to see specific areas of your life in which your trust of God needs to grow.  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 your trust of 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 the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: Trust God in Your Giving.  Pray that your giving is done with a sacrificial attitude that reflects your trust in God.  Pray that you would honor God with your giving as you “decide in your heart” to trust Him to supply your needs.  Pray that God’s Word would be your standard for what are “right sacrifices” in your giving.  “Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD.”  Psalm 4:5

Tuesday: Trust God in Conflict.  Pray that you would seek God during times of conflict and trust Him to be your source of deliverance and protection.  Pray for the courage to look beyond, and above, the conflict resolution offered by people as you trust God to bring peace in the midst of conflict.  “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.”  Psalm 20:7

Wednesday: Trust God in Your Decisions.  Pray that you would seek God in all of your decisions and allow Him to shine forth as you walk in His ways.  Pray that your life would reflect to others the joy of walking with the Lord.  “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.”  Psalm 37:5-6 

Thursday: Trust God When You’re Afraid.  Pray that you would not forget God’s everlasting presence when you face times of fear.  Pray that you would learn to always look to God when you experience times of fear.  Pray that your trust in God would grow as you learn to walk with Him through the circumstances of life which make you afraid.  “When I am afraid, I will trust in you.”  Psalm 56:3

Friday: Trust God in Times of Trouble.  Pray that you would have the wisdom and humility to “retreat” more fully into God’s presence when you face overwhelming trouble.  Pray that your life would help others know of an eternal refuge that can be found when you trust fully in God.  “I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’”  Psalm 91:2

Saturday:  Trust God During Persecution.  Pray that you would have a confidence in God’s word so that it will be your answer in times of persecution.  Pray that your answers during times of persecution would be words and actions which honor Christ.  Pray that the promises of God’s Word would give you hope as you trust in Him.  “Then I will answer the one who taunts me, for I trust in your word.”  Psalm 119:42