Christian life

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Deliverance!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Deliverance!

“The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.  He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.  I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.”
Psalm 18:2-3 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus will be on God’s promise to be our deliverer.  God’s desire is to carry us from wherever we are, to a place where we shall dwell with Him for eternity.  He has sent His Son to deliver us — to carry us out of the bondage of sin and present us to the Father as His pure and spotless bride.  God has not only made a way for us to be where He is, He has become our deliverer as He picks us up and sets us free to continue our journey with Him.  As you pray, ask God to help you live as one who has been delivered out of the bondage of sin.  Pray that you would trust God’s promise to deliver you from, and through, everything that attempts to take hold of you.  Pray that you would understand what you have been delivered from and what you are being delivered to.  Pray each day for the individuals of your congregation as well as 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 that your life would be lived in a way that recognizes all that God has delivered you from and all that He intends to deliver you to.

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:  Delivered By God’s Righteousness.  Pray that you would always seek to find refuge in God.  Pray that you would know a true deliverance that only comes because of God’s righteousness.  “In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness.”  Psalm 31:1 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Delivered From Fears.  Pray that you would turn to God and seek him in the midst of all your fears.  Pray that God’s presence in your life would deliver you from the bondage of fear.  “I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”  Psalm 34:4 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Delivered From Troubles.  Pray that you would live a life of righteousness through Christ as you cry out to God in your times of trouble.  Pray that you would trust God to deliver you from trouble according to His will and plans.  “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.”  Psalm 34:17 (NIV)

Thursday:  Delivered From Wickedness.  Pray that your pursuit of God would keep you from joining with the wicked.  Pray that God would deliver you from both the wicked and from the acts of wickedness.  “The LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.”  Psalm 37:40 (NIV)

Friday:  Delivered From Death.  Pray that you would accept God’s deliverance from the death you have earned as the wages of sin.  Pray that you would walk securely in the knowledge that God has delivered you from death into life.  “For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.”  Psalm 56:13 (NIV)

Saturday:  Delivered By God’s Love.  Pray that you would know the love of God which has the power to fully save you and deliver you into His presence.  Pray that you would share the message and hope of God’s love with the people around you who also need to know His deliverance.  “Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered.”  Psalm 60:5 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Share!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Share!

“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 will be on God’s instruction that we share what we have been given.  Sharing is not usually an easy concept to do or to teach.  James says that it is our selfishness that often keeps us from receiving from God the things we ask for.  Many times we live by two standards.  One that sets forth what we believe God ought to share with us — everything.  And the other standard is what we feel we ought to share with others — only what we decide they deserve.  It is when we begin to see everything we have as gifts from God that we realize we are only being called to share His gifts.  My gifts and abilities are limited, so any gift that would originate with me has limits as well.  God, however, is not limited so His gifts are able to accomplish their purpose as He shares them with us and we share them with others.  As  you pray, ask God to help you learn to share in the way He would desire.  Pray that your sharing would be done in ways that benefit the needs of others.  Pray each day for the individuals of your congregation as well as 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 that your life would be lived in a way that recognizes all that God has shared with you and all that you ought to share with others.

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: Share With Those In Need.  Pray for wisdom in knowing how God would have you share with those in need.  Pray that you would use the things God has given you in a way that benefits others.  Pray that God would help you learn and practice hospitality as you share.  “Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”  Romans 12:13 (NIV)

Tuesday: Share With Those Who Teach.  Pray that your sharing with them would honor those who instruct you in God’s Word.  Pray that you would find ways to share with those you learn from.  Pray that you would share instruction with those who would listen.  “Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.”  Galatians 6:6 (NIV)

Wednesday: Share In the Troubles of Others.  Pray that you would be aware of the troubles that others go through.  Pray that God would give you wisdom to know how to share in the troubles of others in ways that help to bear their burdens.  “Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.”  Philippians 4:14 (NIV)

Thursday: Share the Gospel.  Pray that God would fill you with a love for people that makes it a delight to share the gospel with them.  Pray that the way you live your life would complement your sharing of the gospel with the people around you.  “We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.”  1 Thessalonians 2:8 (NIV)

Friday: Share Generously.  Pray that you would learn to give generously, not just with things and money, but with good deeds.  Pray that God would fill you with a willingness to share in a way that expresses God’s generosity to you.  “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”  1 Timothy 6:18 (NIV)

Saturday:  Share Sacrificially.  Pray that you would always remember to do the good that God requires of you.  Pray that your sharing with others would be offered to God as a pleasing sacrifice.  “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”  Hebrews 13:16 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Rejoice!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Rejoice!

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
Philippians 4:4 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus will be on God’s command that we rejoice always.  While we may not say it out loud, most of us have a problem with this command — we don’t always feel like rejoicing!  The key to keeping this command is hidden in plain sight.  Right there in the middle of the command to rejoice always, the secret to being able to do that is revealed — “in the Lord”.  When we live each day and moment of our life “in the Lord”, we are able to rejoice because of His presence with us and His working in us.  As you pray, ask God to help you live with an awareness of His presence each moment of your life.  Pray that you would learn to rejoice, even in difficult times, because of His presence that goes with you at all times.  Pray for the endurance to overcome feelings that would keep you from rejoicing and to see the eternal joy that God has called you to.  Pray each day for the individuals of your church congregation as well as the body of Christ as a whole. 

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”
Ephesians 6:18 (NIV) 

Please pray each day that your life would be lived in a way that rejoices in the Lord.

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: Rejoice in God’s Presence.  Pray that the blessings of God would always lead you to rejoice in His presence.  Pray that your work would result in rejoicing by you and your family.  “There, in the presence of the LORD your God, you and your families shall eat and shall rejoice in everything you have put your hand to, because the LORD your God has blessed you.”  Deuteronomy 12:7 (NIV)

Tuesday: Rejoice in God’s Protection.  Pray that the protection of your soul would be reason to rejoice even more than the protection of your body.  Pray that your love of God would protect you from the attacks of the enemy.  “But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy.  Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.”  Psalm 5:11 (NIV)

Wednesday: Rejoice in God’s Salvation.  Pray that the confidence of God’s promised salvation would lead you to a life of rejoicing.  Pray that the value you place on your salvation would bring about a great delight in your life.   “Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD and delight in his salvation.”  Psalm 35:9 (NIV)

Thursday: Rejoice in Righteousness.  Pray that you would live a life of righteousness that rejoices in God.  Pray that an upright lifestyle would be the result of you hiding in the Lord.  “Let the righteous rejoice in the LORD and take refuge in him; let all the upright in heart praise him!”  Psalm 64:10 (NIV)

Friday: Rejoice in Humility.  Pray that you would live with humility as you consider God as the source of you rejoicing.  Pray that your humility would help you see how God provides for your needs.  “Once more the humble will rejoice in the LORD; the needy will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.”  Isaiah 29:19  (NIV)

Saturday:  Rejoice in Suffering.  Pray that you would learn to rejoice even in suffering as you allow it to accomplish its work in your life.  Pray that the hope which awaits you would lead you to a life of rejoicing in the midst of trials.  “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”  Romans 5:3-4 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Give Thanks!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Give Thanks!

“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 5:19-20

As we approach the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday, it seems fitting to bring back a former prayer guide focused on being thankful.  It is  too easy to let the cares of the world steal our joy and thankfulness, so this week we will pray about a variety of reasons to be thankful as well as things to be thankful for.  God connects our attitudes and conversations with one another with our life of thankfulness to Him.  As you pray, ask God to help you live a life of thankfulness each day.  Pray that you would see His gifting in your life as reason to be thankful.  Pray that your sharing of God’s gifting in your life would cause others to give thanks to God.  Pray each day for the individuals of your church congregation as well as the body of Christ as a whole.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”
Ephesians 6:18 (NIV) 

Please pray each day that your life would be lived in a way that is pleasing and acceptable to God.

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

Monday: Thankful for Faithful Reputation.  Thank God for those people who inspire you because of their reputation of faith in Jesus.  Pray that you would be one whose faithful reputation inspires others.  “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world.”  Romans 1:8 (NIV)

Tuesday: Thankful for Changed Lives.  Thank God for the desire and strength to turn from sin and live obediently to the truth.  Pray that the people around you would wholeheartedly obey the teaching of the gospel.  “But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted.”  Romans 6:17 (NIV)

Wednesday: Thankful for Received Grace.  Thank God for His amazing grace that He offers to all who would accept it.  As you pray, recognize it is that same grace extended to you that allows you to be thankful for the people around you.  Pray that the people around you would see God’s grace extended through you.  “I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.”  1 Corinthians 1:4 (NIV)

Thursday: Thankful for Real Victory.  Thank God for the victory over sin and death, as well as for the daily victories, through Jesus.  Pray that the people around you would experience true victory through a relationship with Jesus.  “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”  1 Corinthians 15:57 (NIV)

Friday: Thankful for Shared Concern.  Thank God that He draws believers to a common concern for one another and pray that you would always remember it.  Pray that you would be filled with a concern for others.  “I thank God, who put into the heart of Titus the same concern I have for you.”  2 Corinthians 8:16 (NIV)

Saturday:  Thankful for Generous Giving.  Thank God for the ability, and opportunity, to supply the needs of one another through His provision.  Pray that your giving would cause others to give thanks to God.  “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)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Acceptable Things!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Acceptable Things!

“All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart.  To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.”
Proverbs 21:2-3 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus will be about some things that God says are acceptable to Him and should be acceptable ways for His children.  Often it seems like everyone wants us to settle for something that we know isn’t the best.  Compromise has become a way of life as we determine what we can get by with.  We adjust our behavior based on what is acceptable wherever we might be.  Unfortunately, we often carry that over into our relationship with God but rather than find out what is acceptable to Him, we attempt to relate to God based on what is acceptable to the people around us.  This week we will be praying about our response, our gift, our saying, our worship, our religion, and our testimony as we consider what would make them acceptable to God.  As you pray, ask God to help you to know what is good and right in His sight.  Pray that you would seek to live a life that is acceptable to Him regardless of how others may view it.  Pray for the courage to do the right things so you don’t have to try making up for doing the wrong things.  Pray each day for the individuals of your congregation as well as 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 that your life would be lived in a way that is pleasing and acceptable to God.

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:  Acceptable Response.  Pray that your response to God would be based on His Word and instruction so that it is acceptable to Him.  Pray that you would call people to an acceptable response when they consider the work of God in their lives.  “Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.”  Acts 2:41 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Acceptable Gift.  Pray that your giving would be done with a cheerful heart according to what you have received.  Pray that your gift to God would be accepted as generous because you have given Him your all.  “For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.”  2 Corinthians 8:12 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Acceptable Saying.  Pray that the statement of your life would be a saying that is acceptable to God.  Pray that you would acknowledge your need of God.  “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners — of whom I am the worst.”  1  Timothy 1:15 (NIV)

Thursday:  Acceptable Worship.  Pray that you would offer to God worship which is acceptable.  Pray that your worship would be consumed by God as pleasing to Him.  “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our ‘God is a consuming fire.’”  Hebrews 12:28 (NIV)

Friday:  Acceptable Religion.  Pray that your religious practices would be accepted by God because you look after those who are in need.  Pray that you would seek God’s help in remaining pure and unpolluted.  “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”  James 1:27 (NIV)

Saturday:  Acceptable Testimony.  Pray that the testimony you give about God would be found acceptable because it is true.  Pray that God’s testimony about Jesus would always be greater to you than what people may say.  “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)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Power!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Power!

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.  We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
2 Corinthians 4:7-9 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus will be about some aspects of the power of God that should be visible in these “jars of clay” that we walk around in.  Power has the ability to go to our head rather quickly and fill us with pride, so in God’s great wisdom He pours His power into weak earthen vessels, us, so that it becomes obvious the power that is at work in us is from Him and not our own.  When we see the power of God at work in those who are hard pressed, perplexed, persecuted, or struck down; we become keenly aware that there is a power at work that could only come from God.  As you pray, ask God to fill you with the humility necessary to allow His power to dwell and work in you.  Pray that you would use the power of God within you wisely as you strengthen and encourage others.  Ask God to help you be careful in the way you represent His power so that you would not become guilty of making others believe it is your power that they see at work.  Pray that God’s power within you would help you to not be crushed, in despair, abandoned, or destroyed.  Pray each day for the individuals of your congregation as well as the body of Christ as a whole.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”
Ephesians 6:18 (NIV) 

Please pray each day that your life would be lived in a way that overcomes through the power of God living in  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:  Power to be a Witness.  Pray that the power of God’s Spirit within you would compel you to be a witness for Christ wherever you go.  “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”  Acts 1:8 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Power to be a Servant.  Pray that the grace you have received from God would give you the power to serve others on His behalf.  Pray that God’s power would work within you to make you a servant of the gospel.  “I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power.”  Ephesians 3:7 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Power to Grasp the Love of Christ.  Pray that you would experience the power that helps you to know the incredible love of Christ.  Pray that the power of the love of Christ would be seen in you.  “And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.”  Ephesians 3:18 (NIV)

Thursday:  Power to do Immeasurably More.  Pray that you would look to God for the power to do His will in ways that exceed what you can imagine.  “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!”  Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)

Friday:  Power to do Faithful Work.  Pray that your intentions born of faith would be fueled by the power of God in order to be accomplished.  “With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.”  2 Thessalonians 1:11 (NIV)

Saturday:  Power for a Godly Life.  Pray that your life would be lived by the power of God so that you would reflect His nature in all things.  Pray that God’s glory and goodness would fill you with everything you need.  “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”  2 Peter 1:3 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Overcome!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Overcome!

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.”
Revelation 2:7 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus will be on some things that Jesus says awaits those who overcome.  The problem most people have with the idea of being an overcomer is that it implies there is some difficulty that needs to be overcome.  While we may want a life of ease and comfort, Jesus says that life as a follower of Him will be filled with trouble, misunderstandings, and even persecution.  While that is not news that anyone really wants to hear, Jesus also tells us to take heart because He has overcome the world.  When John wrote the messages from Jesus to the seven churches that we read of early in the book of Revelation, He ends each message with a promise for those who overcome.  As you pray this week, ask God to empower you to be an overcomer.  Pray that you would recognize, and value, what awaits those who overcome.  Pray that you would face whatever hardship comes your way with the courage that comes from knowing the crown of life is given to those who overcome.

“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 that your life would be lived in a way that overcomes through the power of God living in  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:  Overcome Death.  Pray that you would listen to the message of God’s Spirit as He calls you to overcome in a way that gives victory over death.  “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death.”  Revelation 2:11 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Overcome the Past.  Pray that you would feast on the spiritual manna and rejoice in a new name that frees you from the past.  “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.”  Revelation 2:17 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Overcome Oppression.  Pray that you would be faithful in doing God’s will as He empowers you to overcome oppression with His authority.  “To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations — ‘He will rule them with an iron scepter; he will dash them to pieces like pottery’ — just as I have received authority from my Father.”  Revelation 2:26-27 (NIV)

Thursday:  Overcome Abandonment.  Pray that you would overcome in a way that gives you a permanent place of belonging with those who are pure-.  “He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels.”  Revelation 3:5 (NIV) 

Friday:  Overcome Wandering.  Pray that you would find a place of belonging in the temple of God so you would have no need to wander away from Him.  “He who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name.”  Revelation 3:12 (NIV)

Saturday:  Overcome Weariness.  Pray that you would overcome everything that would keep you from being able to sit and rest at the throne of Jesus.  “To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.”  Revelation 3:21 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Refuge!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Refuge!

“But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy.  Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.  For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.”
Psalm 5:11-12 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is on the refuge we have available to us in Christ.  Each day we will pray about some aspect of the refuge God has promised to be for those who draw near to Him.  As we consider God as our refuge, we will also pray about how we should reflect His character by being a refuge for those in need.  Throughout scripture God has given His people instruction to care for the foreigner, the alien, the stranger — the refugee, if you will — but he also calls for His people to seek Him for wisdom in knowing the difference between those in need and those being deceitful in their claims (i.e. Joshua 9).  As you pray this week, trust God to be your refuge in all of your times of need as well as in your times of contentment.  Pray that you would live in such a way that your life would show others the true value of seeking refuge in God.  Pray that your compassion would outweigh your cynicism when it comes to providing refuge for those in need.  Pray that God would fill you with wisdom that would be able to see truth.

“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 that your life would be lived in a way that takes refuge in God and shares that same refuge with those in need.

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:  Refuge From Pursuers.  Pray that you would recognize all forms of danger that pursue you.  Pray that you would find refuge in God when that which pursues you tries to separate you from Him.  “O LORD my God, I take refuge in you; save and deliver me from all who pursue me.”  Psalm 7:1 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Refuge From Oppression.  Pray that you would be able to endure any oppression because of the refuge you have in God.  Pray that you would be one who provides a refuge for those around you who are oppressed as you share with them about a God of refuge.  “The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.”  Psalm 9:9 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Refuge From Shame.  Pray that your relationship with God would be a refuge from shame as you live in righteousness.  Pray that you would share a message of righteousness that would be a refuge from shame for others.  “In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness.”  Psalm 31:1 (NIV)

Thursday:  Refuge From Condemnation.  Pray that you would live as a servant of God who is redeemed from condemnation.  Pray that you would not be one who condemns those who take refuge in God.  “The LORD redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him.”  Psalm 34:22 (NIV) 

Friday:  Refuge From the Wicked.  Pray that you would be rescued from the wicked as you take refuge in God.  Pray that the people around you would experience the refuge of God when the wicked come against them.  “The LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.”  Psalm 37:40 (NIV)

Saturday:  Refuge From Death.  Pray that you would have confidence in the refuge you have from death that has been provided through Christ.  Pray that you would proclaim the message of hope that God has provided a refuge from death.  “When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge.”  Proverbs 14:32 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Victory!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Victory!

“But thanks be to God!  He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  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 15:57-58 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is on not just the victory we have in Christ, but how we ought to live victorious lives each day.  Living in a college town I do not have to follow sports to know if the local football team wins or loses on a particular weekend — the entire atmosphere of the area is different based on whether the fans feel part of something victorious or something defeated.  But it’s not just in sports that our lives reflect our identification with being, or not being, victorious — most churches I visit give off a clear impression of whether the body as a whole feels victorious or defeated.  Yes, there are losses that may be noticeable but they don’t have to define us.  Loss of people.  Loss of influence.  Loss of finances.  Loss of freedoms.  Loss of peace.  Loss of joy.  The list could go on, but the point is that when we focus on the losses, we tend to forget that God has already declared us victorious and calls us to live like victors!  As you pray, ask God to help you always remember the victory you have in Christ.  Pray that you would live as one who has claimed the victory that God desires to give His children.

“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 that your life would be lived in a way that represents the victory you have in Christ.

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:  Victory For the Faithful.  Pray that you would cling to the victory that awaits those who walk in blameless ways.  Pray that God would guard your path as you walk in faithfulness to Him.  “He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.”  Proverbs 2:7-8 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Victory Through Wise Counsel.  Pray that you would live victoriously because of the quality of counsel you surround yourself with.  Pray that you would always seek advice from God first and be sure your human advisers give godly advice.  “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure.”  Proverbs 11:14 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Victory By the Lord.  Pray that you would live with an understanding of where true victory comes from.  Pray that your preparations for battle would always understand that it is the Lord who will be able to give victory.  “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD.”  Proverbs 21:31(NIV)

Thursday:  Victory For Justice.  Pray that your hope for justice that prevails would rest fully in Jesus.  Pray that your life would reflect the heart of Jesus as you seek victory for justice.  “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he leads justice to victory.  In his name the nations will put their hope.”  Matthew 12:20-21 (NIV) 

Friday:  Victory Over Death.  Pray that you would live a life that reflects your knowledge that the power of death has been defeated.  Pray that you would be able to grieve as one with great hope, knowing that the victory over death has been won by Jesus.  “Death has been swallowed up in victory.  Where, O death, is your victory?  Where, O death, is your sting?”  1 Corinthians 15:55 (NIV)

Saturday:  Victory That Overcomes the World.  Pray that you would live each day in with a faith that overcomes.  Pray that the appearance of success in the world would not distract you from true victory that is found through faith in Christ.  “Everyone born of God overcomes the world.  This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.”  1 John 5:4 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Prosperity!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Prosperity!

“Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways.  You will eat the fruit of your labor;
blessings and prosperity will be yours.”
Psalm 128:1-2 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is on prosperity from God’s perspective.  As with many things, it is difficult to find balance when you hear people, even Christians, talk about the topic of prosperity.  I know Christians who believe that God desires to prosper them financially and it is only a lack of faith that would keep that from happening.  I also know Christians who believe that God has called them to a vow of poverty and any accumulation of material possessions would be a sin.  But what does God’s Word say?  We actually find examples of each type of person in scripture but more importantly, we find God’s view of the prosperity He desires for us has a greater eternal perspective than we often pay attention to.  As you pray, ask God to show you how He has already prospered you.  Pray that you would fully seek the things of God and in so doing, you would have a prosperity that lasts for eternity.

“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 that your life would be filled with the qualities necessary for prosperity from God’s 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:  Prosper Through Obedience.  Pray that you would spend time knowing, and keeping, God’s commands.  Pray that you would prosper in obedience to Him.  “My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.”  Proverbs 3:1-2 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Prosper Through Generosity.  Ask God to give you a heart of generosity that notices, and responds to, the needs of others.  Pray that you would experience the generosity of God, and others, in your times of need.  “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”  Proverbs 11:25 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Prosper Through Righteousness.  Pray that you would pursue a righteousness in Christ that leads to an eternal prosperity.  Pray that you would pursue righteousness above any temporary prosperity.  “Misfortune pursues the sinner, but prosperity is the reward of the righteous.”  Proverbs 13:21 (NIV)

Thursday:  Prosper Through Instruction.  Pray that you would be one who listens to godly instruction.  Pray that you would trust in the Lord to prosper you in the correct way as you follow His instruction.  “Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.”  Proverbs 16:20 (NIV)

Friday:  Prosper Through Understanding.  Ask God to fill you with the wisdom that He promises to give.  Pray that He would give you the understanding necessary to use wisdom well.  Pray that your love of wisdom and understanding will give you God’s view of prosperity.  “He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who cherishes understanding prospers.”  Proverbs 19:8 (NIV)

Saturday:  Prosper Through Contentment.  Pray that you would learn to be content as you trust God to provide your greatest needs.  Pray that you would seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness as you trust Him to bring a proper prosperity to your life.  “A greedy man stirs up dissension, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.”  Proverbs 28:25 (NIV)