“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Service!

“It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 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 4:11-13 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on our call to service.  While it can be easy to look to those with specific gifts as the ones who ought to be involved in serving others, God says their role is to prepare each of us for works of service.  Granted, their responsibility to prepare others doesn’t exclude them from serving as well, but their service ought to be alongside those they are preparing — not in place of it.  Whoever you are, if you are God’s child, He has service for you to do in His kingdom.  You are most like Jesus when you choose to “be servant of all” rather than seeking to be served.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you grow in your desire to serve.  Pray that you would listen to those God has sent to prepare you more fully.  Pray that you would faithfully serve those whom God has sent you to for the purpose of helping to prepare them.  Pray for the courage and humility to serve others as one serving the Lord.  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 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 choose to serve others as you serve 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: Service That You Are Ready For.  Pray that you would make the preparations necessary to be ready for service.  Pray that you would shine brightly with the love of Jesus as you make the most of every opportunity to serve people.  “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning.”  Luke 12:35 (NIV)

Tuesday: Service Which Is a Privilege.  Pray that you would be able to see service to others as  “get to” rather than a “have to”.  Pray that you would eagerly look for opportunities to help others who are involved in serving people.  “They urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.”  2 Corinthians 8:4 (NIV)

Wednesday: Service Which Supplies Needs.  Pray that you would notice opportunities to serve that actually supplies the needs of people.  Pray for service which is meaningful in supplying the needs of one another.  “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)

Thursday: Service Which Brings Praise to God.  Pray that your character would be proved by your works of service.  Pray that your heart and attitude displayed through your service would lead people to give praise to God.  “Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God.”  2 Corinthians 9:13 (NIV)

Friday: Service Appointed By God.  Pray that you would serve according to the strength of Christ within you.  Pray that you would serve faithfully as you acknowledge God’s calling in your life and His appointment of you as one who serves.  “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:  Service That Is Known By God.  Pray that you would not become weary in serving others as you remember that God knows everything about the service you give on His behalf.  Pray that you would continually grow in both the depth and quantity of the service you do for God.  “I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.”  Revelation 2:19 (NIV)

Bonus Prayer Focus:  Pray for Impact Prayer Ministry as I have a display set up at the International Conference on Missions this week.

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Wise Choices!

“To [those] who keep my Sabbaths, who choose what pleases me and hold fast to my covenant — to them I will give within my temple and its walls a memorial and a name better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that will not be cut off.”
Isaiah 56:4-5 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on our need to make wise choices.  We live in a culture that wants us to believe that our choices should always reflect whatever benefits us the most or what we want the most — regardless of whether such a choice honors God and reflects the character of Jesus in our life.  Sometimes we get so caught up in trying to make a name for our self that we miss out on the name that God wants us to have.  Our choices ought to be the ones that please God as we hold fast to Him even in the midst of our shortcomings and insecurities.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine the choices you make.  Pray that you would seek to honor God in all of your choices.  Pray for the courage to make choices that please God and pray for wisdom to know what pleases Him.  Pray for a focus in your choices that looks beyond the temporary satisfaction offered in this world and can gaze into the eternal reward that God gives.  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 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 make wise choices.

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: Choose Life.  Pray that you would understand the choice of life and death which stands before you each day.  Pray for the courage to choose the life offered by God.  Pray that you would honor the choice of life for those who need someone to stand for them.  “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: Choose to Serve the Lord.  Pray that you would recognize that serving is mandatory, who you serve is your choice.  Pray that serving the Lord would be most desirable to you.  Pray that you would daily choose to serve the Lord.  “But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”  Joshua 24:15 (NIV)

Wednesday: Choose Instruction & Knowledge.  Pray that you would learn to choose the things of true value.  Pray that you would be teachable as you choose instruction.  Pray that God would help you to apply the instruction you receive so that you would grow in knowledge.  “Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold.”  Proverbs 8:10 (NIV)

Thursday: Choose Wisdom & Understanding.  Pray that you would not weary yourself pursuing things that the world values.  Pray that God would give you the wisdom you need for every situation.  Pray that you would choose a life of understanding as you apply the wisdom God provides.  “How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!”  Proverbs 16:16 (NIV)

Friday: Choose What Is Right.  Pray that you would look to God in order to know the difference between what is right and wrong.  Pray that you would have the courage to reject the things which are wrong.  Pray for the strength to choose what God says is right.  “He will eat curds and honey when he knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right.”  Isaiah 7:15 (NIV)

Saturday:  Choose Spirit-Filled Leaders & Workers.  Pray that you would look for a God-given Spirit and wisdom in the leaders you help choose.  Pray that you would be both a leader and worker who values wisdom and God’s Spirit more than the things of the world.  “Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them.”  Acts 6:3 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Proclaim!

“What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.”
Matthew 10:27 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on our responsibility to proclaim to others what we have learned from God.  When we recognize God’s authority over us and surrender our will to Jesus, there ought to be such a transformation within us that we couldn’t keep it a secret if we wanted to.  The light of truth that God has used to illuminate the darkness within us ought to be shared with all we encounter.  The whispers of love that we hear from God’s Word and His Spirit ought to be proclaimed by us to a world desperately in need of true love and hope.  Proclaiming what God has done for you isn’t always about shouting loudly or drawing attention to yourself.  In fact, it is often most effective when done with a combination of quiet words and bold, loving actions.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you be deliberate in how you proclaim His work in your life.  Pray for the courage to tell your story and give God the credit.  Pray that you would live in such a way that your actions proclaim God’s working in your life just as much as your words do.  Pray for the wisdom to know what needs proclaimed in a way that benefits those who hear.  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 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 proclaim to others the things He has entrusted you to share.

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: Proclaim Righteousness.  Pray that you would not hesitate in proclaiming what is right.  Pray that God’s righteousness would be the standard for what you consider to be right.  Pray that your surroundings would not keep you from proclaiming righteousness.  “I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, as you know, O LORD.”  Psalm 40:9 (NIV)

Tuesday: Proclaim the Works of God.  Pray that you would proclaim the works of God as you consider all He has done.  Pray that you would know a fear of the Lord as you proclaim His works to others.  Pray that others would fear God as you proclaim His works.  “All mankind will fear; they will proclaim the works of God and ponder what he has done.”  Psalm 64:9 (NIV)

Wednesday: Proclaim the Kingdom of God.  Pray that you would never lose sight of the importance of proclaiming the kingdom of God.  Pray that you would be diligent about sharing life with those who need to know of the kingdom of God.  Pray that you would not be distracted by good things as you proclaim the best things.  “Jesus said to him, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.’”  Luke 9:60 (NIV)

Thursday: Proclaim the Will of God.  Pray that you would seek to know God’s will through knowing Him.  Pray that you would understand God’s “good, pleasing, and perfect” will so that you would not hesitate to proclaim it to those who would hear.  Pray for the courage to live the will of God so that your proclamation of it is honest.  “For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God.”  Acts 20:27 (NIV)

Friday: Proclaim the Lord’s Death and Return.  Pray that you would know the importance of the body and blood of Christ as you proclaim what He has done in death and what He is doing in life.  Pray that you would  proclaim a risen Lord who is returning for His bride.  “For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”  1 Corinthians 11:26 (NIV)

Saturday:  Proclaim Clearly.  Pray that you would understand the “mystery of Christ” in such a way that you may proclaim it clearly.  Pray for an understanding of those you proclaim Christ to so that your words and actions would be clear to them.  Pray that you would accept your responsibility to proclaim Christ clearly.  “Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.”  Colossians 4:4 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Rescued!

“Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.”
Psalm 91:14-15 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on being rescued by God.  As I study scripture, it seems that the foundational requirement for being rescued by God is a willingness to cry out to God as we admit we need rescued.  Being rescued isn’t the same as being safe at all times, rather it is a process of being brought out of trouble and placed on solid ground.  In fact, it is in the times of great trouble or danger that we most recognize the need for God to rescue us.  Being rescued by God is something He chooses to do because of His love for us and through our love for Him as we learn to call upon Him.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you call out to Him in every troubling situation.  Pray that you would praise God for rescuing you even from the trouble you create for yourself.  Pray that you would know the peace that comes from God’s rescue.  Pray for those around you who also need to be rescued by God.  Pray that the rescue you have received would help you proclaim God’s ability to rescue anyone. 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 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 live as one who has been rescued so that you can help others know God’s rescue.

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: Rescued By God’s Delight.  Pray that you would know the delight God has in you.  Pray that you would learn to delight in the Lord even as He delights in you.  Praise God for choosing to rescue you simply because He delights in you.  “He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.”  Psalm 18:19 (NIV)

Tuesday: Rescued From the Grave.  Pray that you would experience the rescue that comes through the power of God’s Word.  Pray that the healing you desire from God would be of a nature that rescues you from an eternal grave.  Pray that you would have the courage to share God’s Word with those who need to experience His rescue.  “He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.”  Psalm 107:20 (NIV)

Wednesday: Rescued From Trouble.  Pray for a righteousness that can only come through Christ so that you would experience the rescue that only He can give.  Pray for the courage to endure times of trouble, knowing that God’s rescue is on its way.  “The righteous man is rescued from trouble, and it comes on the wicked instead.”  Proverbs 11:8 (NIV)

Thursday: Rescued By Our Words.  Pray that you would surrender all of  your words to God so that He can rescue you through them.  Pray that you would choose words which honor Christ in all of your communication with others.  Pray that you would use words that not only rescue you, but words that would lead others to be rescued.  “The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them.”  Proverbs 12:6 (NIV)

Friday: Rescued From Darkness.  Pray that you would daily choose to walk in the light as God rescues you from the darkness of this age.  Pray that you would live each day as a citizen of Christ’s kingdom.  Pray that you would help others know that darkness need not have dominion over them.  “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.”  Colossians 1:13 (NIV)

Saturday:  Rescued From Evil Attacks.  Pray for a heavenly perspective that helps you have confidence that no evil formed against you can prosper.  Pray for the courage to endure the attacks of the enemy, and of those he uses, as you trust God to rescue you and carry you safely home.  “The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom.”  2 Timothy 4:18 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Every Effort!

“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.”
2 Peter 1:5-7 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on some things that God says we should make every effort to add to our faith.  As you read through the list in the above verses out of 2 Peter, it is good to stop and consider how much effort you are currently putting into adding and developing those things in your life.  There are many things that seem to demand our attention and efforts and, unfortunately, those things can easily distract us from giving our best effort to the things that really matter.  As  you pray this week, ask God to help you focus your efforts on the things that will make an eternal difference.  Pray for the wisdom and courage to notice and move away from the distractions that try to steal  your efforts away from that which is important.  Pray that your desire to grow in faith would compel you to give your best efforts, with God’s help, in adding to your faith the things that make it grow.  Pray that the people around you would see God at work in you as you apply your every effort toward the things of God.  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 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 to give every effort to the things that matter.

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: Every Effort to Add Goodness.  Pray that you would not only know the goodness of the Lord, but that you would make every effort to add goodness to your faith.  Pray that you would live as a child of the light as you seek to please the Lord in the goodness He provides.  “Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.”  Ephesians 5:9-10 (NIV)

Tuesday: Every Effort to Add Knowledge.  Pray that you would desire to grow in godly knowledge through the grace given by Jesus.  Pray that your faith and goodness would increase as you make every effort to add knowledge to them.  “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.”  2 Peter 3:18 (NIV)

Wednesday: Every Effort to Add Self-Control.  Pray that your life would have the walls of protection that self-control can provide.  Pray that you would know the importance of giving effort to adding self-control to the faith, goodness, and knowledge that you  possess.  “Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.”  Proverbs 25:28 (NIV)

Thursday: Every Effort to Add Perseverance.  Pray that you would persevere through the difficulties of life as God completes His work in you.  Pray that you would give your best effort into growing in the grace of perseverance as you add godly characteristics to your life.  “Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”  James 1:4 (NIV)

Friday: Every Effort to Add Godliness.  Pray that you would know and accept the incredible value that a life of godliness brings.  Pray that you would share with others regarding the current and future value of adding godliness to your life.  “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”  1 Timothy 4:8 (NIV)

Saturday:  Every Effort to Add Kindness and Love.  Pray that you would do the work required to add kindness to others into your life.  Pray that Jesus would be your prime example and pattern for adding kindness and love to your “every effort” things.  “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us.”  Titus 3:4 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Waiting!

“I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,
and in his word I put my hope.”
Psalm 130:5 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on the oft-dreaded subject of waiting.  While many can quote God’s promise that “they who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength”, it seems to only be thought of when we find ourselves forced to wait.  In fact, this week’s prayer guide came together while I was sitting in a waiting room at a local hospital or I may not have even thought to pray about waiting!  How different would our life be if we chose to cheerfully wait for the Lord instead of doing so grudgingly?  We know that God’s timing is most often different from our timing, but learning to be content with waiting can be a very difficult thing.  As you pray this week, spend time not just talking to God but also deliberately waiting for Him to answer through His Spirit and His Word.  Pray that you would learn to value the times when you must wait.  Pray that you would find yourself renewed in strength and spirit as you learn to be more deliberate in your waiting.  Pray for the wisdom to know when to wait and when to act, and for the courage to do the proper one at all times.  Pray that God’s Word would fill you with great hope as you grow in your practice of waiting for the Lord.  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 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 to learn and practice the essence of waiting.

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: Waiting With Expectation.  Pray that you would find joy in waiting with the expectation that God listens and answers.  Pray that you would always be confident in going to God with your requests as you wait with the expectation that He hears and cares.  “In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.”  Psalm 5:3 (NIV)

Tuesday: Waiting With Courage.  Pray that you would learn to grow in strength and courage in the midst of your times of waiting.  Pray that you would be an example to others by the way you practice waiting with courage.  Pray that your courage would be based on the Lord’s strength rather than your own.  “Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.”  Psalm 27:14 (NIV)

Wednesday: Waiting With Hope.  Pray that you would live life with great hope as you trust God’s help during your times of waiting.  Pray that you would have hope as you wait for the Lord.  Pray that your waiting would keep you protected by the shield God sets before you.  “We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.”  Psalm 33:20 (NIV)

Thursday: Waiting With Patience.  Pray that you would learn to wait patiently for the help and answers God will provide as you cry out to Him.  Pray that patience and waiting would be things you learn to value rather than things  you seek to avoid.  “I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.”  Psalm 40:1 (NIV)

Friday: Waiting With Obedience.  Pray that  you would know the salvation of God now even as you learn to wait for its complete fulfillment.  Pray that you would live obediently as you wait for the completion of God’s work in  you.  Pray that your obedience to God would stand out to others as you wait.  “I wait for your salvation, O LORD, and I follow your commands.”  Psalm 119:166 (NIV)

Saturday:  Waiting With One Another.  Pray that you would grow in your practice of waiting on, and with, one another.  Pray for an attitude and practice in your life that seeks the good of others to such an extent that you find it a joy to wait with them and to wait for them.  “So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for each other.”  1 Corinthians 11:33 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: God’s Presence!

“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)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on living in God’s presence as a current reality, not just a distant dream.  It may be is easy to think of being in God’s presence in eternity when we reach heaven, but God has promised to be with us now — “to the very end of the age.”  When we look for God’s presence in this life, we soon find that He really is with us at all times!  Choosing to live in God’s presence is not so much about changing our location as it is about changing our attitude and awareness.  While God can surely speak in thunderous tones and with powerful volume, more often He chooses to make His presence known in the gentle whispers of a still, small voice.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you be more aware of His presence.  Pray that you would learn to “be still and know” that He is God.  Pray for the ability to see beyond the spectacular works of man in order to see the supernatural work of God.  Pray that your daily life would reflect the presence of God dwelling in you and around you.  Pray that you would always seek to live in a way that both acknowledges and honors God’s presence with you.  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 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 walk, and live, with an awareness of His presence.

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

Monday: Dwell In God’s Presence.  Pray that you would live with an integrity that both honors God and is honored by Him.  Pray that you would be upheld by God as you dwell in His presence each day that you live.  “In my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever.”  Psalm 41:12 (NIV)

Tuesday: Walk In God’s Presence.  Pray that you would learn to praise God as you walk in His presence.  Pray that you would always reflect the light of God to the people around you as you walk in the light of His presence daily.  “Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD.”  Psalm 89:15 (NIV)

Wednesday: Listen In God’s Presence.  Pray that you would not only enjoy the presence of God, but that His presence within you would influence how you listen to Him.  Pray that you would listen intently as you seek to hear, and share, the things of God.  “Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.”  Acts 10:33 (NIV)

Thursday: Joy In God’s Presence.  Pray that you would be filled with joy in God’s presence because of the people around you who pursue Him.  Pray that your live would fill others with joy in God’s presence as you honor Him.  “How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?”  1 Thessalonians 3:9 (NIV)

Friday: No Condemnation In God’s Presence.  Pray that you would live by the love of God which gives your heart rest.  Pray that you would trust the forgiveness of God that helps you rest in His presence.  “This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us.”  1 John 3:19 (NIV)

Saturday:  Without Fault In God’s Presence.  Pray that you would trust God to keep you in His presence both now and forever more.  Pray that you would walk by faith as you continue to live now, and be prepared to live forever, without fault in His presence.  “To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy.”  Jude 1:24 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Walk Humbly!

“He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.”
Micah 6:8 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on our need to “walk humbly with your God.”  Humility seems to be one of those traits that we may admire in others but we tend to avoid pursuing because “that’s not what gets you ahead in this world.”  Yet humility is a trait that is not only admirable, God says it is required!  When we humble ourselves, we deliberately place our self and our needs below that of others.  While this humility begins by placing our self under the will of God, it continues into considering the needs of others above our own.  True godly  humility isn’t really about thinking less of our self, rather it is about thinking more of others.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you be confident of the great value you have in His eyes that is not lessened by serving others.  Pray that you would start each day with a deliberate decision to live under the authority of God in all things.  Pray that you would walk in humility as you interact with people — especially those with whom you find it most difficult to view highly.  Pray that God would help you both notice and care about the needs of others as you trust Him to lift you up.  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 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 walk, and live, with the humility that God requires.

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: Walk Humbly In What Is Right.  Pray that you would accept the guidance that God gives to those who walk in humility.  Pray that you would live a life of humility as you learn to walk in the ways of God.  “He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.”  Psalm 25:9 (NIV)

Tuesday: Walk Humbly With Salvation.  Pray that you would know the delight of the Lord as you walk humbly in the salvation He offers.  Pray for the humility necessary to both accept salvation from God and to share it with others so they would also know His delight.  “For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation.”  Psalm 149:4 (NIV)

Wednesday: Walk Humbly With Rejoicing.  Pray that you would learn to rejoice because of the humility you walk in.  Pray that your humility would help you rejoice in your times of need and that others would rejoice in God because of your humility.  “Once more the humble will rejoice in the LORD; the needy will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.”  Isaiah 29:19 (NIV)

Thursday: Walk Humbly As God’s Child.  Pray that you would learn the humility of a child as you walk humbly as God’s child.  Pray that you would value your position in the kingdom of heaven more than you seek greater position in this world.  “Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”  Matthew 18:4 (NIV)

Friday: Walk Humbly With One Another.  Pray that you would walk humbly with the people around you as you learn to care for others above yourself.  Pray that your interactions with others would be centered in a genuine love that comes through humility.  “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”  Ephesians 4:2 (NIV)

Saturday:  Walk Humbly Before the Lord.  Pray that you would daily choose to walk humbly before the Lord in everything you do.  Pray that you would trust God to lift you up even as you lift up others through genuine humility.  Pray for a heart that is willing to walk humbly before the Lord.  “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”  James 4:10 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Extra Focus:  Pray for those in the midst of, and recovering from, storms.  As I write this, there is currently a major hurricane headed for the eastern US coast and a major typhoon bearing down on the Philippines and surrounding areas.  As you pray for those experiencing disaster, ask God about how He would have you help . . . then do it!

This week’s prayer focus: Wise Words!

“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.  Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.”
James 3:17-18 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on using wise words as we allow God’s Spirit to direct what comes out of our mouth.  It seems many expect more purity in the things that go into their mouth than in what they allow to come out in their words.  In many ways, our words can either strengthen or destroy the witness for Christ we have in our community.  While many would consider the book of James as being all about “actions speak louder than words”, in reality James seems to be saying that our actions and words must be speaking the same thing or they will cancel each other out.  This week we will apply to our speech the characteristics that James gives us about wisdom which comes from heaven.  As you pray, ask God to help you examine how you use words and how well those words represent Him.  Pray for the self-control to manage your words in ways that  honor God both in speech and writing.  Pray that you would choose wise words that promote peace in all of your surroundings.   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 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 use wise words in every situation.

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: Words That Are Pure.  Pray that you would use words that come from a heart purified by God.  Pray that your words would bring honor to God.  Pray that your choice of words would reveal God as your friend to those who listen.  “He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend.”  Proverbs 22:11 (NIV)

Tuesday: Words of Peace.  Pray that you would use words that promote peace among people.  Pray that your words would help the people around you to find peace with God.  “You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.”  Acts 10:36 (NIV)

Wednesday: Words That Are Considerate.  Pray that you would use words that always consider the needs of others.  Pray that your words would be beneficial to others — both to those you are speaking to and to those who are also listening.  “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”  Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

Thursday: Words That Are Submissive.  Pray that you would use words that are submissive to God and to one another.  Pray that your words would seek to honor Christ by your submissive words that look out for the interests of others.  Pray that submissive words would be a natural product of your submissive life.  “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”  Ephesians 5:21 (NIV)

Friday: Words That Are Merciful.  Pray that you would always use words that are full of mercy.  Pray that you would constantly live with an awareness of God’s mercy toward you.  Pray for wisdom that leads you to share words of mercy with the people around you.  “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”  Luke 6:36 (NIV)

Saturday:  Words That Are Impartial and Sincere.  Pray that you would use words that don’t change depending on who you are talking to.  Pray that the thoughts behind your words would lead you to speak with a sincerity that honors God.  Pray for the courage to speak with impartiality and sincerity.  “My words come from an upright heart; my lips sincerely speak what I know.”  Job 33:3 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Faith In Action!

“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’s prayer emphasis will focus on putting our faith into action.  James tells us that we will either have faith in action or we will have faith inaction, the choice is ours.  Since faith is required to please God, it is vital that we hold on to the seeds of faith which have been planted in us and nurture them so they grow into an ever-increasing active faith.  Faith includes a huge element of belief, but it also is made up of confidence and trust which should lead us to do something about what we believe.  As you pray, ask God to increase your belief in a way that gives you confidence to do the things of God.  Pray that you would rightly examine what your faith is currently leading you to do.  Pray that you would be wise in living life by faith and not use faith as an excuse for foolish decisions.  Pray that your life of active faith would be centered in a relationship with God as you seek to represent Jesus well to those around you.  Pray that the people around you would be more aware of Jesus because of your faith.  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 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 put your faith into action.

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: Faith That Is Visible.  Pray that you would live with a faith that can be seen.  Pray that your faith would be put into action in ways that are not only noticed, but ways that  help others.  “When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’”  Mark 2:5 (NIV)

Tuesday: Faith That Is Growing.  Pray that you would understand the need to constantly grow in your faith.  Pray that you would always go to God as both the source of your faith and the source of its growth.  Ask God to increase your faith.  “The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith!’”  Luke 17:5 (NIV)

Wednesday: Faith That Encourages Others.  Pray that your faith would be practiced in such a way that others are encouraged by it.  Pray that you would know the encouragement that comes from being with people of faith.  Ask God to help you grow through a shared faith.  “I long to see you so that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.”  Romans 1:11-12 (NIV)

Thursday: Faith That Is Tested.  Pray that you would be strong in faith as you experience times when it is tested.  Pray that you would accurately examine your faith as you consider the fruit it is producing.  Ask God to fill you with a faith that will pass every test it is put through.  “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.”  2 Corinthians 13:5 (NIV)

Friday: Faith That Protects.  Pray that you would put your faith into action in such a way that it protects you from the attacks of the enemy.  Pray that you would be aware of the temptations of the evil one, and in faith resist and overcome them.  “In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”  Ephesians 6:16 (NIV)

Saturday:  Faith That Produces Work.  Pray that your faith in action would produce good works that honor God.  Pray that you would live a life of thankfulness as you consider the work God has produced in others through their faith.  Ask God to help you recognize His work being done in the lives of others.  “We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith.”  1 Thessalonians 1:3 (NIV)