Christian life

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Greater Things!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Greater Things!

“I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.”
John 14:12 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus will be about seeking, and doing, greater things.  It is easy to walk through life each day settling for “good enough” when God wants us to look to Him for “greater things”.  In fact, we are so used to settling that we generally find it unbelievable that Jesus would say we can do even greater things than He had done during His ministry on earth.  These words were spoken before His ultimate “great thing” of the death, burial, and resurrection so I believe being able to share that gospel news is a big part of the greater things in store for us to share with others.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you seek the greater things He offers.  Pray that your relationship with Jesus would equip you to do greater things as you serve people in His name.  Pray that you would not be one that settles for lesser things when God wants to amply supply you with greater things.  Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.  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 seek, and do, the greater things He has for you.

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 Greater Love.  Pray that you would always be aware of the great love God has shown you through the laying down of the life of Jesus.  Pray that you would love people like Jesus loves you.  Pray for a willingness to sacrifice for the benefit of others.  “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”  John 15:13 (NIV)

Tuesday: A Greater Gift.  Pray that you would use all of the gifts God has given to you, but always within the context of the “greater gift” of love.  Pray that God’s love would be expressed through you in ways that are “most excellent”.  Pray that you would always desire the things God calls “greater gifts”.  “But eagerly desire the greater gifts.  And now I will show you the most excellent way.”  1 Corinthians 12:31 (NIV)

Wednesday: A Greater Glory.  Pray that you would seek the things of God which will endure.  Pray that your appreciation for the things of glory that fade would lead you to discover the things of greater glory.  Pray that your life would share with others about the glory yet to come.  “And if what was fading away came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!”  2 Corinthians 3:11 (NIV)

Thursday: A Greater Value.  Pray that you would accurately evaluate the value you place on the “treasures” of this world.  Pray that you would learn to consider the cost of following Jesus to be of greater value than the things of the world.  Pray that you would keep your eyes focused on the reward that has eternal value.  “He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.”  Hebrews 11:26 (NIV)

Friday: A Greater Testimony.  Pray that you would view the testimony of God to be greater than the testimony of man.  Pray that you would listen for truthful testimony and find that its source is from God.  Pray that your life would be about sharing the greater testimony of God’s work in you.  “We accept man’s testimony, but God’s testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son.”  1 John 5:9 (NIV)

Saturday:  A Greater Joy.  Pray that you would find a greater joy than what the world can offer.  Pray that you would receive joy from having children in the faith.  Pray that you would bring greater joy to others by walking in truth.  “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”  3 John 1:4 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Like a Child!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Like a Child!

“‘I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’  And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.”
Mark 10:15-16 (NIV)

As we continue to grow in A Lifestyle of Prayer, it is important to remember prayer should be a lifestyle, not an event.  View prayer as your first priority, not as the last resort.  With summer being a season of Vacation Bible Schools and summer camp sessions, I have updated a previous prayer guide with a focus not only on children, but on our need to come to God as His child.  It is important to pray for our children, the children within our church congregation, and the children within our community.  But it is also important to understand the ways that God wants each of us to approach Him as a little child.  As you pray this week, ask God to watch over the children around you.  Pray that you would learn from them as you seek to approach God like a little child.  Pray for the wisdom to know the difference between child-like and childish.  Pray for the humility needed to approach God from the perspective of a child.  Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.  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 receive the kingdom of God “like a little child”.

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 Worshipful Child.  Pray that you would approach God with a heart and life of worship.  Pray that your praise of God would overcome and silence His enemies.  Pray that your worship would identify you as a child of God.  “From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.”  Psalm 8:2

Tuesday: A Kingdom Child.  Pray that you would understand how you must change in a way that opens the kingdom of heaven to you.  Pray for the courage to trust God with the changes He will make in your life when you live as His child.  “And he said: ‘I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.’”  Matthew 18:3

Wednesday: A Welcomed Child.  Pray that nothing would hinder you from knowing the welcome of Jesus.  Pray that you would not be a hindrance to others approaching Jesus to live as His child.  Pray that your child-like faith would welcome you into God’s kingdom.  “Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’”  Matthew 19:14

Thursday: A Forgiven Child.  Pray that you would know and accept the forgiveness God offers to all of His children.  Pray that you would live in a way that forgives others just as God has forgiven you.  “The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off — for all whom the Lord our God will call.”  Acts 2:39

Friday: An Obedient Child.  Pray that you would live a life that seeks to honor and obey your parents — no matter your age or theirs.  Pray that your obedience to those God has placed over you would follow your obedience to Him.  “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.”  Ephesians 6:1

Saturday:  A Faithful Child.  Pray that you would bring joy to those who have nurtured your faith.  Pray that you would take great joy in hearing that those you have disciple continue to walk in the truth.  Pray that your life would help others know, and walk in, truth.  “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”  3 John 1:4

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Prepared!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Prepared!

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday:  Prepared For Good Work.  Pray that you would know the things in your life that you need to be cleansed from so that you will be prepared for noble purposes.  Pray that you would allow God’s cleansing to prepare you for the good work He has for you.  “If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.”  2 Timothy 2:21 (NIV)

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

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

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

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Grow!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Grow!

“Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.  Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.”
Ephesians 4:14-15 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about our need to grow!  Far too often we think of church growth as being all about increasing attendance in a church building.  When the Bible talks about our need to grow, it is most often talking about the individual Christian growing so that the body as a whole will be healthy and grow as God intends.  When we spend time with God seeking to grow in Christ, we find that we are less distracted by the things the enemy will use in an attempt to keep us from maturing.  When we grow in Christ, we become a healthy part of the body and as the body increases in health, it will grow both naturally and supernaturally.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you see how you need to grow.  Pray that you would never lose sight of the need for growth in your life.  Pray that you would experience healthy growth in Christ that will benefit the entire body of Christ.  Pray that your growth would be according to the instruction from your Head, Christ.  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 ways He would want.

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:  Grow By God’s Power.  Pray that you would know and follow the source of true growth.  Pray that you would be actively involved in helping your growth even as you trust God’s power to cause it.  “So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.”  1 Corinthians 3:7 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Grow In Love.  Pray that you would grow in love as you care about others growing by you doing your part in the body.  Pray that you would live in a way that everything is held together by godly love.  “From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”  Ephesians 4:16 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Grow In Knowledge.  Pray that you would grow in knowledge where it counts — knowledge of God.  Pray that your knowledge would help you live a life that pleases the Lord.  “And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.”  Colossians 1:10 (NIV)

Thursday:  Grow In Faith.  Pray that you would grow in the faith required to love others as you ought.  Pray that you would live by faith in a way that increases your love for others.  “We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing.”  2 Thessalonians 1:3 (NIV)

Friday:  Grow In Your Salvation.  Pray that you would crave the things of God that will help you grow in your salvation.  Pray that the goodness of the Lord would increase your desire to grow in Him.  “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.”  1 Peter 2:2-3 (NIV)

Saturday:  Grow In Grace.  Pray that your knowledge of God would help you grow in the grace of God extended to you.  Pray that God’s grace in your life would help you to grow in the grace you are willing to extend to others.  “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever!”  2 Peter 3:18 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Remember Again!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Remember . . . Again!

 “The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’  In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.’”
1 Corinthians 11:23-25 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about our need to remember . . . again.  When Jesus ate with His disciples the night before His arrest and crucifixion, He did so in remembrance of the angel of death passing over the children of Israel who had followed God’s instructions.  He took that moment of remembrance and used it to ask His followers today to remember His sacrifice which has the power to free us from the penalty of death.  This week as we remember the sacrifices made by people on behalf of a nation, we will also spend time praying about remembering some things that God doesn’t want us to forget.  Things that we know, or have known, but would be good for us to remember . . . again.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you remember.  Pray that you would remember the sacrifice of Jesus on your behalf.  Pray that you would remember the sacrifices of those whose lives paid for the freedoms you enjoy each day.  Pray that you would remember the things God wants you to never forget.  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 remember the things you shouldn’t forget.

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:  Remember to Be Generous.  Pray that you would remember to be generous with the things you sow into the lives of others.  Pray that your generosity would result in an abundance of godly fruit.  “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”  2 Corinthians 9:6 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Remember the Poor.  Pray that you would be eager to remember, and care for, the poor.  Pray that God would fill you with the wisdom necessary to care for the poor as you ought.  “All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.”  Galatians 2:10 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Remember To Pray For Others.  Ask God to help you remember to pray for the people He has placed in your life.  Pray that your prayers would be filled with thanks as you remember others.  “I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.”  Ephesians 1:16 (NIV)

Thursday:  Remember Your Victories.  Pray that you would remember the victory obtained when God’s light first came upon you.  Pray that you would be able to stand firm as you remember the victories God has given you.  “Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering.”  Hebrews 10:32 (NIV)

Friday:  Remember Those In Prison.  Pray that you would be filled with compassion as you remember those who are in prison — whether in a literal or figurative prison.  Pray that you would share in the sufferings of those who are imprisoned and/or being mistreated.  “Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.”  Hebrews 13:3 (NIV)

Saturday:  Remember Your Leaders.  Pray that you would hold fast to the teachings of the leaders who have shared the word of God with you.  Pray that you would imitate the way of life of godly leaders so that your life is also worth imitating.  “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.”  Hebrews 13:7 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Acceptable Offerings!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Acceptable Offerings!

“You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
1 Peter 2:5 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about offerings which are acceptable to God.  For most people, the mind automatically turns to thoughts of money when someone mentions an offering.  Yet God’s view of an acceptable offering, while including money and possessions, goes way beyond financial giving.  Because God examines the heart, every offering we make is seen by Him according to our motives rather than by its appearance alone.  When we first offer ourselves fully to God, the rest of the offerings we make can become spiritual sacrifices which are acceptable to Him.  As you pray this week, examine both the motives and actions of your offerings to God and to others.  Pray that your offerings would always honor Jesus and be acceptable to God.  Pray that your acceptable offerings would be expressed in all of the ways you give.  Pray that your priorities in life would be seen in the offerings you make.  Pray that you would always allow God to define that which is acceptable.  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 offer to Him, and others, what is acceptable.

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:  An Offering of Trust.  Pray that a trust of God would allow you to offer sacrifices that are acceptable to Him.  Pray that your offering of trust would begin with God and extend to the people He brings into your life.  “Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD.”  Psalm 4:5 (NIV)

Tuesday:  An Offering of Yourself.  Pray that you would offer yourself to God as an act of worship.  Pray that God’s mercy shown to you would lead you to be a living sacrifice.  “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship.”  Romans 12:1 (NIV)

Wednesday:  An Offering of Sacrificial Gifts.  Pray for a willingness to sacrifice of yourself in order to meet the needs of others.  Pray that your giving to others would be done in a way that pleases God.  “I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.”  Philippians 4:18 (NIV)

Thursday:  An Offering of Praise.  Pray that you would live a life that fully expresses the praise that God deserves.  Pray that your praise of God would flow from a heart that continually confesses the name of Jesus in all you do.  “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise — the fruit of lips that confess his name.”  Hebrews 13:15 (NIV)

Friday:  An Offering of Prayer.  Ask God to help you view even your prayers for others as an offering that is acceptable to Him.  Pray that you would be ready, willing, and diligent in offering prayers to God on behalf of others.  “And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.”  James 5:15 (NIV)

Saturday:  An Offering of Hospitality.  Pray that you would be hospitable to others as you care for their needs above your own.  Pray that God would give you a proper attitude in your acts of hospitality.  Pray that your caring for others would be an acceptable offering to God.  “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.”  1 Peter 4:9 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Watch Your Mouth!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Watch Your Mouth!

“Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD;
keep watch over the door of my lips.”
Psalm 141:3 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about our mouth.  As I sat with God to determine a topic for the prayer guide for Mother’s Day week, this “mom phrase” came to mind — “Watch Your Mouth!”  Since it’s not just a “mom phrase” but was first wise instruction from God, we will spend the week praying about how we use the words which come from our mouth.  God wants to be the guard over our mouth, not just to filter the words we use but to also be the filter to the manner in which we speak.  The words that we use, the manner in which we use them, and even the words that we don’t use can be very helpful or very hurtful to others.  As you pray this week, ask God to give you the self-control and courage necessary to live with a guarded mouth.  Pray that you would seek God’s help in determining the words you use and the way you use them.  Pray for the wisdom to not only know when and what to speak, but to also know when to be silent and listen.  Pray that the way you use your mouth would always be a reflection of Christ that welcomes others to Him.  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 guard your words.

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:  Use Words That Please God.  Pray that God would help you see how your thoughts influence the words you use.  Pray that both your thoughts and words would always be pleasing to God.  “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.”  Psalm 19:14 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Use Words That Are Wise and Just.  Pray that the righteousness you have in Christ would produce words that contain godly wisdom.  Pray that you would use words which are right and just.  “The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just.”  Psalm 37:30 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Use Words of Praise.  Pray that you would use your mouth to declare praise of God.  Pray that you mouth would be opened by God to declare His praise at every opportunity.  Pray that your words would make known the worthiness of God to receive all praise.  “O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.”  Psalm 51:15 (NIV)

Thursday:  Use Words of Prayer.  Ask God to help you use words of prayer when you open your mouth to talk about others.  Pray that you words of prayer would be heard by God as you express them day and night.  Ask God to  help you have a heart that desires to spend time in communication with Him.  “Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth.”  Psalm 54:2 (NIV)

Friday:  Use Words of Salvation.  Pray that the salvation you have in Christ would be made known by the words you use.  Pray that you would continually talk about the righteousness and salvation of God even when you only know of them in part.  “My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure.”  Psalm 71:15 (NIV)

Saturday:  Use Words That Are True.  Pray that you would always evaluate your words for truth and only speak what is both true and helpful.  Pray that your disdain for wickedness would apply not just to others, but also to the words you use.  Pray that a desire for righteousness would guard your mouth from speaking things which are false.  “My mouth speaks what is true, for my lips detest wickedness.”  Proverbs 8:7 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Established Work!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Established Work!

“May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us;
establish the work of our hands for us —
yes, establish the work of our hands.”
Psalm 90:17 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about how we work . . . or at least about how we ought to work.  Many times people think of work itself as being part of the curse of sin, but God placed mankind in the garden with work to do from the very beginning.  Sin complicated the work process and added much difficulty to it, but God created us with a need for meaningful work and for times of rest.  Sometimes, though, it is so easy to get caught up in the world’s idea of meaningful work that we miss the work God wants us to do — work that is worthy of being established by Him.  When we commit ourselves to the work God would have us to do, we can count on Him establishing the work of our hands in a way that lasts beyond this lifetime.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you consider the value of the work He has created  you to do.  Pray that you would know the difference between work the world may value and work that will bear eternal fruit.  Pray that God would establish the work of your hands because it is Him working through you.  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 view work from His perspective.

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:  Work That Helps Others.  Pray for wisdom in how to make your work be a benefit to others.  Pray that you would experience the blessing of helping others through the work you do.  “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'”  Acts 20:35 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Work That Is Not In Vain.  Pray that you would work in a manner that shows you know it is the Lord you are working for.  Pray that you would have a confidence in knowing your work is important because you are doing it for the Lord.  “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”  1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Work That Builds Up The Body.  Pray that you would be faithful in doing the work God has given, and created you, to do.  Pray that you would be involved in building up the body of Christ through the work you do.  “From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”  Ephesians 4:16 (NIV)

Thursday:  Work That Wins Respect.  Pray that you would work in a way that would gain the respect of others.  Pray that your work would help others see how God provides for  your needs.  “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”  1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 (NIV)

Friday:  Work That Is Noble.  Pray that you would allow God to fully cleanse you so the work you do can be for noble purposes.  Pray that you would be useful to the Master as you do the good work He has created for you.  “If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.”  2 Timothy 2:21 (NIV)

Saturday:  Work Together For Truth.  Pray that your work would always be done in cooperation with those who seek truth.  Pray that you would be known as one who works together with others for truth.  “We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men so that we may work together for the truth.”  3 John 1:8 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Pray!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Pray!

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”
Colossians 4:2 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about our need to pray!  I suppose it may seem a bit strange at first to pray about praying, but if prayer is as central in our life as it ought to be then we ought to be talking with God and seeking His help in this area.  I suspect one of the big reasons we need to seek God’s help in our prayer life is the command to “devote yourselves to prayer”.  If God had said to simply pray when you feel like it or when it’s convenient, most of us could handle that.  But devoting ourselves to prayer is an entirely different task.  When we go to God about our prayer life, we open our self up to His instruction and guidance in the way we relate to Him.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine just how devoted to prayer you are.  Pray that you would understand your need for God’s  help in this part of your relationship with Him — as in all other parts.  Pray that you would be always watchful and thankful as you pray — both qualities that will require God’s help.  Pray that  your relationship with God would grow as your devotion to prayer grows.  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 pray as you ought.

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 you would be serious in the content of your prayers and in the expectation that God will act for the good of His children.  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 you would live in such a way that others would be filled with joy in their prayers for you.  “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 about specific individuals and situations in which you need to be restored.  “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 for the courage to have others pray for you during times of trouble.  “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.  “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.  “But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.”  Jude 1:20 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Be Perfect!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Be Perfect!

“If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?  Are not even the tax collectors doing that?  And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others?  Do not even pagans do that?  Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Matthew 5:46-48 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about God’s desire that we be perfect as our Father in heaven is perfect.  I suspect many have heard the instruction of Jesus calling us to be perfect, but have we really considered the context in which it is given?  For many, the pursuit of perfection seems to center around our self and/or our accomplishments.  We aim and we fall short, causing us to doubt if this command of Jesus is even possible.  In fact, we excuse it away with the statement that “no one is perfect except Jesus.”  Yet rather than a focus on us, Jesus puts the emphasis on how we relate to others when it comes to the perfection He desires in us.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine both how and who you love.  Pray that your interactions with others, all others, would display a perfection that reflects the interaction God has with you.  Pray for the courage to reach beyond, over, and through the walls you have created between you and others.  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 give you the wisdom, courage, and strength to be perfect in the things God would want us to excel in.

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:  Perfect In Christ.  Pray that you would know and teach Christ as the only way to be made perfect.  Pray that the way you interact with all people would reflect a perfection that comes from Christ.  “We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.”  Colossians 1:28 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Perfect In Weakness.  Pray that you would learn to accept your weakness as a way for God’s power to be made perfect in you.  Pray that you would live in a way that connects others to the strength that can be found in Christ.  “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”  2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Perfect In Unity.  Pray that you would pursue life with others in a way that is held together by godly love.  Pray for an understanding of how God’s love in and through you can hold people together in perfect unity.  “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”  Colossians 3:14 (NIV)

Thursday:  Perfect In Faith.  Pray for the courage to allow God to perfect your faith when you are filled with doubt.  Pray that the knowledge of all Christ endured would fill you with confidence in His ability to perfect your faith.  “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”  Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

Friday:  Perfect In Speech.  Pray that God would place a guard upon your words so that you would not stumble nor cause others to stumble.  Pray that your interactions with others would be marked by speech which is made perfect in Christ.  “We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.”  James 3:2 (NIV)

Saturday:  Perfect In Love.  Pray that you would know the freedom from fear that comes through perfect love.  Pray that your interactions with all people would take place in an environment of perfect love that has come from God.  “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”  1 John 4:18 (NIV)