“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Being Content!

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV)

It is amazing how quickly a focus on Thanksgiving turns to a pursuit of “stuff” here in the United States.  We immediately follow Thanksgiving Day with “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday” where many people run out to buy the “latest and greatest stuff” that they absolutely have to have.  In fact, it has gotten to where many can’t even wait to finish a day of thanks before they run out to find the latest and best bargain possible.  Fights often break out and credit card debt piles up as we soon forget all that we were thankful for just a few hours earlier.  It’s not that there is anything wrong with wanting to get the best value we can in purchasing the things we need and want to provide for our family; but contentment is found, or not found, in our attitude and motives in everything we do.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine your level of contentment.  Pray that your motivation in obtaining the things you have would always be pure.  Pray that your contentment would be centered in your relationship with God and not be based on material things you have or don’t have.  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’s help in being content.

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: Being Content in Rest.  Pray that you would live with a life-giving fear of the Lord that keeps trouble from defining who you are.  Pray that you are able to be content in rest as you trust God to handle your troubles.  “The fear of the LORD leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble.”  Proverbs 19:23  (NIV)

Tuesday: Being Content with Your Income.  Pray that you would be content enough with your income that you are not using sinful ways to increase it.  Pray that your efforts to increase your income would always be done with an attitude of contentment with what God provides.  “He replied, ‘Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely — be content with your pay.’”  Luke 3:14 (NIV)

Wednesday: Being Content in All Circumstances.  Pray that you would learn contentment in the midst of all circumstances even as you seek God’s help in changing some of them.  Pray that your requests of others would be pure and not come from a spirit of discontentment.  “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”  Philippians 4:11 (NIV)

Thursday: Being Content with Godliness.  Pray that your pursuit of godliness would be filled with contentment.  Pray that you would know the “great gain” God promises as you pursue Him from a heart filled with contentment.  “But godliness with contentment is great gain.”  1 Timothy 6:6 (NIV)

Friday: Being Content with Necessities.  Pray that  you would know and understand the difference between necessities and wants.  Pray that even in the pursuit of the things you want, you would learn to be content with having what you need.  “But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.”  1 Timothy 6:8 (NIV)

Saturday:  Being Content with God’s Presence.  Pray that you would live with a confidence of God’s presence always being with you.  Pray that you would learn contentment with what you have as you realize there is nothing greater than knowing God will never leave you.  “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’”  Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)

Bonus thought:  Pray that your contentment would be visible in the way you share with others.

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Giving Thanks!

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

As we approach the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday, our prayer focus this week will be on giving thanks.  As with the vast majority, if not all, of these prayer guides this is not something that we should pray about for a week and then dismiss.  God’s desire is that we give thanks in all circumstances at all times.  Giving thanks shows our appreciation not only for what God has done, but for what He is doing and what He will do.  This week we will focus each day on something different the Bible says God’s people should give thanks for.  As you pray, examine your typical level of thankfulness and ask God to help you grow in gratitude.  Pray that you would grow in a godly reputation of being a thankful person.  Pray that you would be diligent about looking for things to be thankful for in all circumstances.  Pray that the life you live would be reason for others to be thankful.  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’s help in being a thankful person.

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: Give Thanks for God’s Righteousness.  Pray that you would be thankful because of the righteous work of God in Jesus.  Pray that God’s righteousness would fill you with a gratitude that leads to praise.  “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: Give Thanks for God’s Presence.  Pray that you would live with an awareness of God’s presence at all times.  Pray that the work of God in your life would make you thankful for His presence.  “We give thanks to you, O God, we give thanks, for your Name is near; men tell of your wonderful deeds.”  Psalm 75:1 (NIV)

Wednesday: Give Thanks for God’s Goodness.  Pray that you would both receive and acknowledge God’s goodness in your life.  Pray that thankfulness would always be your response to God’s goodness and love.  “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.”  Psalm 118:1 (NIV)

Thursday: Give Thanks for a Kingdom Inheritance.  Pray that you would be filled with gratitude as you consider how God has qualified you for an eternal inheritance.  Pray that you would be thankful for all those who will share in this inheritance.  “Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.”  Colossians 1:12 (NIV)

Friday: Give Thanks for the Work God Gives You.  Pray that you would recognize God’s hand in providing with the opportunities for all you do.  Pray that you would be thankful for every word and deed that God allows you to do through 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:  Give Thanks for Everyone.  Pray that you would find ways to follow God’s instruction to be thankful for everyone.  Pray that your level of thankfulness would contribute greatly to a peaceful and quiet life.  “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”  1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Stewardship!

“For who makes you different from anyone else?  What do you have that you did not receive?  And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?”
1 Corinthians 4:7 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about God’s desire that we live as stewards of His.  Perhaps the most difficult part of doing that is the first hurdle of acknowledging His ownership of everything.  Many people hear the word stewardship and their first reaction is to tune out the person speaking because “they’re just wanting my money.”  There are two problems with that thought — one, it assumes stewardship is only about money; and two, it assumes your ownership of whatever money, or anything else, you’ve been entrusted with.  Godly stewardship recognizes that we do not have anything that we have not received from God, and what we have received God expects us to use for the benefit of others as He advances His kingdom through us.  As you pray this week, ask God to fill you with His perspective on the purpose of “things”.  Pray that you would seek to be a good steward as you spend time listening for how the Owner would want His things used . . . and yes, that includes the money that you think is yours.  Pray that you would learn to live with a loose grip on the things you have been entrusted with.  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’s help in being a faithful steward of all He entrusts you with.

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:  Stewardship of People.  Pray that you would be known as both faithful and sensible in the way you deal with the people God surrounds you with.  Pray that part of your stewardship would involve giving to others as they have need.  “And the Lord said, ‘Who then is the faithful and sensible steward, whom his master will put in charge of his servants, to give them their rations at the proper time?’”  Luke 12:42 (NASB)

Tuesday:  Stewardship of God’s Mysteries.  Pray that you would recognize the mysteries of God that He has entrusted you with.  Pray that even when the nature of God remains mysterious, you would be known as one who is a good steward of those mysteries.  “Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.”  1 Corinthians 4:1 (NASB)

Wednesday:  Stewardship that is Trustworthy.  Pray that the way in which you use the things God has entrusted you with would be worthy of His trust.  Pray that others would know you as trustworthy because of the visible way you use the resources you have received from God.  “In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy.”  1 Corinthians 4:2 (NASB)

Thursday:  Stewardship of God’s Word.  Pray that you would view God’s Word as a valuable resource He expects you to be a wise steward of.  Pray that you would use God’s Word fully as you serve people.  “Of this church I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit, so that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God.”  Colossians 1:25 (NASB)

Friday:  Stewardship that is Above Reproach.  Pray that you would be known as one who uses God’s resources for the good of others above your own.  Pray that your lifestyle would show you to be above reproach as you manage the things God has given you.  “For the overseer must be above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain.”  Titus 1:7 (NASB)

Saturday:  Stewardship of God’s Grace.  Pray that you would know the gifting of God in your life and be a good steward of each aspect of that grace.  Pray that you would serve faithfully with the grace God has given you.  “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”  1 Peter 4:10 (NASB)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Growing Strong!

 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
Ephesians 6:10-11 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about some important elements that we need to grow in as we seek to be strong in the Lord.  It is important to note that this strength is not of our own doing, but it is the power of God at work through our weaknesses.  But that doesn’t mean that we can sit back and take a passive role in growing strong.  No, God has work for us to do as we grow in the characteristics that His Spirit produces in our life.  We grow strong when we put on the full armor of God so that we are equipped to stand against the schemes of the devil.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you see strength from His perspective.  Pray that you would not only put on the full armor of God, but that you would check it each day to make sure you are still using it.  Pray that you would pursue the things of God that make you strong — not necessarily strong by the world’s standards, but strong according to God.  Pray for the wisdom to live with the strength only God can give.  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’s help in growing strong by His might 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:  Grow in Submission.  Pray that you would have the strength to submit not only to Christ, but also to the needs of others.  Pray that your strength will allow you to submit even when others fail due to weakness.  “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.”  Romans 15:1 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Grow in Truth.  Pray that you would grow in godly strength as you pursue truth.  Pray that you would grow strong as you speak the truth in love and as you listen to truth spoken in love.  “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.”  Ephesians 4:15 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Grow in Repentance.  Pray that you would grow strong as you learn to repent of sin and of all the times you fail to do what you have received and heard from God’s Word.  Pray that your strength in repentance would prepare you for the return of Jesus.  “Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.”  Revelation 3:3 (NIV)

Thursday:  Grow in Observing.  Pray that you would gain strength as you grow in the practice of observing the commands of God.  Pray that the strength of observing God’s laws would keep you from being afraid or discouraged as you learn success from God’s perspective.  “Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the LORD gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”  1 Chronicles 22:13 (NIV)

Friday:  Grow Naturally.  Pray that you would have the strength to “wait upon the Lord” and grow naturally as you live life in Christ.  Pray that you would be filled with wisdom and strength as you enjoy the natural process of growing as a child of God.  “And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.”  Luke 2:40 (NIV)

Saturday:  Grow in Grace.  Pray that you would know the grace of God that is given through His Son, Jesus.  Pray that the grace you have received would be the grace you give to the people around you.  Pray that you would live with the strength that comes from sharing God’s grace with others.  “You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”  2 Timothy 2:1 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Things to Remember!

“And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things.”
2 Peter 1:15 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about some things God wants us to remember.  Five years ago, I began writing these weekly prayer guides with a series called “A November to Remember”, where each day was focused on praying for specific people by name.  The idea was that when God’s people commit to praying for one another as we ought, the starting point would become a point of remembrance as we looked back and saw what God had begun.  Our forgetfulness doesn’t surprise God — throughout scripture we see Him instituting memorials and means for His people to remember the important things He has done for them.  This prayer guide is written with that in mind, to help you pray about some things to remember.  As you pray, ask God to help you use the reminders and memorials He has established so that you do not forget Him, nor the work He has called you to do.  Pray that your life would be lived in a way that shows that you not only remember the work of God, but that others would be able to remember His work by observing you.  Pray for the wisdom to correctly use the things God calls you to remember.  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’s help in remembering the things He doesn’t want you to 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 the Mighty Works of God.  Pray that you would have a greater remembrance and understanding of the work God has already done in your life.  Pray that this remembrance would fill you will a greater boldness in your trust of Him.  “Do you still not understand? Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered?”  Matthew 16:9 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Remember to Be Generous.  Pray that you would remember that the “laws of nature” are really the way God has established things to be.  Pray that you would remember to be generous as you expect and desire a great harvest of righteousness.  “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”  2 Corinthians 9:6 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Remember to Pray for One Another.  Pray that your awareness of the faith of others would lead you to remember to pray for them.  Pray that God would help you remember to lift up the needs of others with joy and thankfulness in your prayers.  “I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints.”  Philemon 1:4-5 (NIV)

Thursday:  Remember a Life Worth Imitating.  Pray that you would remember those whose way of life produced godly results.  Pray that you would live life in a way that would be worthy of being remembered.  “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)

Friday:  Remember the Height God Has Lifted You To.  Pray that you would remember how high God has lifted you before you are tempted to fall.  Pray that when you do fall, you would remember the goodness of the height God can restore you to.  “Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.”  Revelation 2:5 (NIV)

Saturday:  Remember Godly Instruction.  Pray that God would help you to not only remember His instructions, but obey them.  Pray that your obedience to God would prepare you for the return of Jesus.  “Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.”  Revelation 3:3 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Watch Out!

 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”
Matthew 26:41 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about our need to watch out!  Much of the watching that most people do tends to be very passive.  We go through our daily life casually observing our surroundings, but rarely paying enough attention to list at the end of the day all that we have seen.  We watch television — often allowing into our mind messages that are unguarded due to our passiveness.  When God calls us to watch and pray, He has something much more deliberate in mind.  He wants our watchfulness to be very active as we pay attention both to the goodness that He desires to bring into our life and to the temptations the enemy surrounds us with in an attempt to make us choose anything other than God.  Much of what we’ll pray about this week are things that easily sneak into our lives if we are not watching out for them.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you pay attention to how you watch.  Pray that you would watch out for the opportunities God brings your way.  Pray that you would watch out for the many things that the enemy is trying to use to derail you from a fruitful walk with God.  Pray that you would watch out for the people around you, just as you watch out for your own interests.  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’s help as you watch and pray.

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:  Watch Out for Greed.  Pray that you would be on guard against all kinds of greed that seeks to destroy you.  Pray that you would always watch out so that your possessions do not possess you.  “Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.’”  Luke 12:15 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Watch Out for Deception.  Pray that you would stay in relationship with Jesus so that you would not be deceived.  Pray that you would watch out for those who would claim to represent Jesus, but don’t.  He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them.”  Luke 21:8 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Watch Out for Division.  Pray that you would recognize the things that cause division and obstacles within the body of Christ.  Pray that you would watch out for the people whom the enemy uses to spread such divisions and obstacles.  “I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.”  Romans 16:17 (NIV)

Thursday:  Watch Out for Destructive Behavior.  Pray that you would pay attention to how you treat others.  Pray that you would watch out for the destruction caused by internal bickering and conflict.  “If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.”  Galatians 5:15 (NIV)

Friday:  Watch Out for Temptation.  Pray that you would be aware of the things which are enticing temptations to you so that you don’t get caught up in them.  Pray that you would watch out for how the sins of others can be contagious.  “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.”  Galatians 6:1 (NIV)

Saturday:  Watch Out for Eternal Loss.  Pray that you would pay attention to all that you have in Christ.  Pray that you would watch out for what you have worked for in Christ so that your eye would always be on the eternal prize.  “Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully.”  2 John 1:8 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Discernment!

“Who is wise? He will realize these things.
Who is discerning? He will understand them.
The ways of the LORD are right;
the righteous walk in them,
but the rebellious stumble in them.”
Hosea 14:9 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about living with godly discernment.  Discernment is the quality necessary to live in the world between “everything is permissible” and “not everything is beneficial”.  Without discernment we will often find our self drifting to one extreme or the other.  We either latch onto the “everything is permissible” mantra and begin to live as if anything goes, or we focus almost exclusively on the “thou shalt not” mindset and limit what we approve only to the things we deem beneficial.  Discernment is a gift from God that helps us to live in the freedom of doing what benefits others according to their need.  As you pray this week, ask God to fill you with a discernment that gives you a greater understanding of His righteous ways.  Pray that discernment would help you to choose the best — not only over what is bad, but perhaps more importantly, over what is simply “good enough”.  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’s help in living with discernment.

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:  Discernment to Understand God’s Laws.  Pray that you would serve God with discernment in order to understand how He works through His laws.  Pray for the discernment needed to accurately share the beauty of God’s laws with others.  “I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes.”  Psalm 119:125 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Discernment to Guide Your Understanding.  Pray for discernment to find God’s guidance in understanding the proverbs and parables of the Bible.  Pray that your discernment would lead to knowing the truth found in the sayings of the wise.  “Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance — for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.”  Proverbs 1:5-6 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Discernment that Leads to Life.  Pray that you would hold onto the discernment that comes from sound judgment.  Pray that you would wear discernment in a way that brings life to you and to those around you.  “My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck.”  Proverbs 3:21-22 (NIV)

Thursday:  Discernment that Leads to Wise Instruction.  Pray for a heart of wisdom that would lead to you being known as discerning.  Pray for the discernment needed to share pleasant words that lead to the instruction of those who hear.  “The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction.”  Proverbs 16:21 (NIV)

Friday:  Discernment that Seeks True Knowledge.  Pray that the discernment you seek from God would lead to actual knowledge.  Pray that you would have “wise ears” that seek out the knowledge that comes through godly discernment.  “The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out.”  Proverbs 18:15 (NIV)

Saturday:  Discernment that Leads to What is Best.  Pray that you would live with a discernment that comes from an abundance of love.  Pray that you would allow godly discernment to lead you in doing what is best in all things.  “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ.”  Philippians 1:9-10 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Pursue!

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.  But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.”
1 Timothy 6:10-11 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about some things that God says we ought to pursue.  Our world is filled with many things that call to us daily, wanting us to chase after them.  The allure of money and the accumulation of “treasures” of many kinds often call for us to chase after them instead of the things that have eternal value.  What we choose to chase after will have a profound effect not only on ourselves, but on the people around us.  Pursuing the wrong things can cause us great grief and even lead us away from the faith we ought to cling to.  Pursuing the things of God will help us to hold onto that faith as we represent Jesus to the world.  As you pray, ask God to help you see what it is you are currently pursuing.  Pray that you would call off any pursuits that are not of God as you devote yourself to pursuing Him fully.  Pray that your pursuit of the things of God would be reflected in the way you interact with people.  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’s help in pursuing the right things.

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:  Pursue Righteousness.  Pray that you would reject all wicked ways and pursue righteousness wholeheartedly.  Pray that you would experience and share the love of the Lord who makes you righteous.  “The LORD detests the way of the wicked but he loves those who pursue righteousness.”  Proverbs 15:9 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Pursue Godliness.  Pray that you would keep a proper perspective in regard to things which are physical and that which is eternal.  Pray that you would experience the value of godliness both now and forever more.  “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)

Wednesday:  Pursue Faith.  Pray that you would understand the importance of the faith required to please God.  Pray that you would not only hold fast to your faith, but that you would earnestly pursue it.  “Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.”  Jude 1:3 (NIV)

Thursday:  Pursue Love.  Pray that your acceptance of the love of God would lead you to a greater love for Him and for people.  Pray that you would look for ways to be encouraged, and encourage others, to greater love and good deeds.  “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”  Hebrews 10:24 (NIV)

Friday:  Pursue Endurance.  Pray that you would always look to Jesus as the example to follow in all things.  Pray that you would see in Him the value of endurance.  Pray that you would draw near to God when you experience opposition so that you would not give up in doing good.  “Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”  Hebrews 12:3 (NIV)

Saturday:  Pursue Gentleness.  Pray that you would pursue a life of gentleness that is obvious to all.  Pray that the Lord’s nearness to you would lead you to greater gentleness in your interaction with others.  Pray for a spirit of gentleness to be present in all of your conversations with people, and with God.  “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”  Philippians 4:5 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Honoring God!

 “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
1 Timothy 1:17 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about our need to honor God.  While there is instruction throughout scripture about our need to honor parents, one another, faithful workers, elders, kings, and those in authority, among others; all of that pales in comparison to the honor that God expects and deserves from us.  While kind words and nice platitudes can be good, they are a shallow substitute for real honor.  The honor that we give God must be more than just lip service.  The prophets, and Jesus, speak against those who attempt to honor God with their lips but their hearts are far from Him.  The honor that we owe God is best given with our life — when our words and our actions line up together in recognition of God’s supremacy in everything.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine the kind of honor that you give Him on a daily basis.  Pray that you would grow in the way you honor Him.  Pray that you would give honor to those to whom honor is due, but that God would always be at the top of that list.  Pray that you would use scripture to help you understand the honor God wants, and deserves.  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’s help in honoring Him as you ought, and as He deserves.

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:  Honor God as a Message to Future Generations.  Pray that you would be vigilant in the way you honor God.  Pray that the way in which you honor God would serve as an example to future generations.  “Because the LORD kept vigil that night to bring them out of Egypt, on this night all the Israelites are to keep vigil to honor the LORD for the generations to come.”  Exodus 12:42 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Honor God as Holy.  Pray that your treatment of God in front of others would show that you honor Him as holy.  Pray that you would trust God fully so that you would honor Him as you ought.  “But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, ‘Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them.’”  Numbers 20:12 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Honor God as Your Deliverer.  Pray that you would recognize God’s deliverance in your life and honor Him for it.  Pray that you would honor God by your thankfulness when He delivers you from trouble.  “Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”  Psalm 50:14-15 (NIV)

Thursday:  Honor God With Your Possessions.  Pray that you would understand the wealth that God has entrusted you with, and honor Him with the way you use it.  Pray that your recognition of God’s provision in everything would lead you to give to Him first.  “Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops.”  Proverbs 3:9 (NIV)

Friday:  Honor God Alone as Your Ruler.  Pray that you would acknowledge the authority that God has over all who rule in positions of leadership and authority.  Pray that you honor God in a way that is far above any honor and respect you show to other rulers and authorities.  “O LORD, our God, other lords besides you have ruled over us, but your name alone do we honor.”  Isaiah 26:13 (NIV)

Saturday:  Honor God With Your Body.  Pray that your body would be a dwelling that is suitable to the presence of God’s Spirit living within it.  Pray that the things you do with your body would always be done in ways that honor God.  “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.”  1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Serving Others!

“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave — just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Matthew 20:26-28 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about serving others.  While many people put much time and effort into climbing their version of the ladder of success, few take time to understand God’s instructions for becoming great.  Not only did Jesus serve others as He walked this earth, that was His purpose in coming.  He made it clear through His teaching and His example that true success is found by climbing down the ladder to be with those who need served rather than climbing up the ladder away from them.  Any level of greatness that we might achieve will only be found as we view ourselves accurately according to God’s perspective and serve others as Jesus did.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you live with the humility that sees yourself as He sees you.  Pray for the courage to serve others when your flesh desires to be served.  Pray for the wisdom to serve others according to their need.  Pray for the desire to be more Christ-like in the way you serve.  Pray that your greatness would be measured by your sacrificial acts of service to 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’s help in serving others as you follow the example of Jesus.

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

Monday:  Serve Others By God’s Power.  Pray that your weaknesses would allow God’s power to be evident in you as you serve others.  Pray that you would not use your weakness as an excuse to not serve others.  “For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God’s power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God’s power we will live with him to serve you.”  2 Corinthians 13:4 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Serve Others In Love.  Pray that you would experience true freedom in Christ as you serve others in love.  Pray that godly love would compel you to use your freedom to serve others rather than your own selfish desires.  “You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.”  Galatians 5:13 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Serve Others Wholeheartedly.  Pray that you would always view serving others as a way of serving the Lord.  Pray that your service to others would be wholehearted as you serve God.  “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.”  Ephesians 6:7-8 (NIV)

Thursday:  Serve Others Prayerfully.  Pray that your service to God would be filled with continual prayer for others.  Ask God to help you remember people in your prayers as you serve them.  “I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.”  2 Timothy 1:3 (NIV)

Friday:  Serve Others Faithfully.  Pray that God would help you understand His gifting in your life.  Pray that recognizing the gifting in your life as coming from the hand of God would help you use it to faithfully serve others.  “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”  1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)

Saturday:  Serve Others Eagerly.  Pray that you would be eager to serve even in areas where you are viewed as the leader.  Pray that your eagerness to serve would be an example to those around you.  “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers — not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”  1 Peter 5:2-3 (NIV)