Christian life

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Respect!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Respect!

“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, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” 
1 Peter 3:15-16 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is on some qualities of the respect that ought to be present in our lives as children of God.  Without careful diligence, it is easy to find ourselves treating people and situations without the respect they deserve.  Even the little things like respecting the property of others, cleaning up after yourself, not littering, watching both the subject and language of the words we use around others are sometimes difficult to put into practice.  Respect is important because it should flow from our respect of God and His creation.  As you pray, ask God to fill you with the desire and courage to grow in the way you show respect.  Pray that the respect you give would be done so without partiality.  Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.  

“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 spend time praying each day about living a life that is filled with the respect that God would have you show to Him and to 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: Respect Your Parents.  Pray that you would have a respect for your parents which shows.  Pray that God would help you know how to respect your parents regardless of how respectable they may or may not be.  “Each of you must respect his mother and father, and you must observe my Sabbaths. I am the LORD your God.”  Leviticus 19:3 (NIV)

Tuesday: Respect All Offerings to God.  Pray that your offerings to God would be treated with respect — both by you and by those who administer them.  “Tell Aaron and his sons to treat with respect the sacred offerings the Israelites consecrate to me, so they will not profane my holy name. I am the LORD.”  Leviticus 22:2 (NIV)

Wednesday: Respect God’s Commands.  Pray that you would show proper respect to God’s commands by keeping them.  Pray that you would understand the eternal nature of being rewarded for your respect of God’s commands.  “He who scorns instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command is rewarded.”  Proverbs 13:13 (NIV)

Thursday: Respect Those Who Work Hard.  Pray that you would take notice of those who work hard among you as leaders in spiritual things.  Pray that you would respect those who must admonish you at times.  “Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you.”  1 Thessalonians 5:12 (NIV)

Friday: Respect Discipline.  Pray that you would the need to give, and receive, appropriate discipline.  Pray that the discipline you experience would cause greater respect for those who administer it.  “Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live!”  Hebrews 12:9 (NIV)

Saturday:  Respect Everyone.  Pray that God would show you how to give the respect due to the people around you.  Pray that your attitude of proper respect would extend to fellow believers, to God, and to political authorities.  “Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.”  1 Peter 2:17 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Wisdom From Heaven!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Wisdom From Heaven!

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

This week’s prayer focus is on some qualities of wisdom that God says identifies it as wisdom from heaven.  Our society is filled with opportunities for information and knowledge, but wisdom — godly wisdom seems to be in short supply.  We value wealth and possessions to such an extent that somehow we define wisdom according to a person’s ability to accumulate “stuff”.  God says that wisdom from heaven is nothing like the wisdom of man.  And the good news is that He promises to give wisdom from heaven to all who would ask.  As you pray, ask God to change your heart and perspective regarding true wisdom.  Pray that you would no only ask God for wisdom, but that you would ask Him for the courage to use the wisdom He gives.  Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.  

“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 spend time praying each day about living a life that is filled with the wisdom that comes from 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: Wisdom that is Pure.  Pray that you would evaluate all appearance of wisdom according to the purity of God’s Word.  Pray that you would be careful not to contaminate the purity of the wisdom from heaven as you put it into practice.  “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure.”  James 3:17 (NIV)

Tuesday: Wisdom that Loves Peace.  Pray that you would use wisdom to pursue peace.  Pray that God’s wisdom poured into you would empower you to be a peacemaker.  “The LORD gave Solomon wisdom, just as he had promised him. There were peaceful relations between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a treaty.”  1 Kings 5:12 (NIV)

Wednesday: Wisdom that is Considerate.  Pray that your considerate treatment of all people would reflect godly wisdom.  Pray for the wisdom to consider others better than yourself.  “Remind the people to . . . to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.”  Titus 3:1-2 (NIV)

Thursday: Wisdom that is Submissive.  Pray that the wisdom from heaven would remove all traces of pride from your life as you submit to others.  Pray that God’s grace would help you be submissive.  “. . . In the same way be submissive to those who are older.  All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’”  1 Peter 5:5 (NIV)

Friday: Wisdom that Produces Mercy and Good Fruit.  Pray that you would know the freedom that comes from God’s mercy.  Pray that wisdom would bear the good fruit of mercy in your life.  “Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!”  James 2:12-13 (NIV)

Saturday:  Wisdom that is Impartial and Sincere.  Pray that you would treat everyone with impartiality as people created in God’s image.  Pray that your reverent fear would lead to sincerity in the way you treat others.  “Since you call on a Father who judges each man’s work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear.”  1 Peter 1:17 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Refreshed!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Refreshed!

 “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you — even Jesus.” 
Acts 3:19-20 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is on being refreshed.  If you followed along on last week’s focus on being satisfied, being refreshed will seem like a natural follow-up.  We all have times, even in living a satisfied life, when we become weary and find ourselves in need of refreshing.  God sends out the refreshing streams of His Spirit through our relationship with Jesus.  But the refreshing is not just for us.  We are refreshed by God, and others, so that we can be an instrument of refreshing in the lives of the people around us.  As you pray, ask God to fill you with the humility to seek Him for times of refreshing.  Pray that you would not only be refreshed, but that you would listen to God for ways to refresh others.  Pray that you would experience the refreshing power of God through your times of repentance.  Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.  

“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 spend time praying each day about living a life that is refreshed by God in response to your repentance.

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: Refreshed with Rest.  Pray that you would value rest and find ways to make it a regular part of your schedule.  Pray that you would help others to find times of rest in their life.  “Six days do your work, but on the seventh day do not work, so that your ox and your donkey may rest and the slave born in your household, and the alien as well, may be refreshed.”  Exodus 23:12 (NIV)

Tuesday: Refreshed by God.  Pray that you would spend time with God for the purpose of being refreshed.  Pray that your life would soak in the abundant showers that come from God.  “You gave abundant showers, O God; you refreshed your weary inheritance.”  Psalm 68:9 (NIV)

Wednesday: Refreshed through Generosity.  Pray that God would fill you with a spirit of generosity that refreshes others.  Pray that you would be refreshed by God as you share with others, and they share with you.  “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”  Proverbs 11:25 (NIV)

Thursday: Refreshed Spirit.  Pray that your spirit would be refreshed through your relationships with people.  Pray that you would be a source of refreshing to others and that you would honor those who excel in this gift of refreshing.  “For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.”  1 Corinthians 16:18 (NIV)

Friday: Refreshed Heart.  Pray that the broken-hearted would be refreshed by the love of God which you share.  Pray that you would be filled with joy because of the refreshing God does through people.  “Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.”  Philemon 1:7 (NIV)

Saturday:  Refreshed Memory.  Pray that you would look for the reminders of God’s truth to refresh your memory.  Pray that you would be diligent about reminding others of the refreshing that is found in remembering the works of God in their life.  “So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have.  I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body.  2 Peter 1:12-13 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Satisfied!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Satisfied!

 “Abraham breathed his last and died in a ripe old age, an old man and satisfied with life; and he was gathered to his people.” 
Genesis 25:8 (NASB)

How would you rate your level of satisfaction with life?  Would the people closest to you agree with your assessment?  This week’s prayer focus is about being satisfied.  In a statement that is easy to read right past as you read about the family line of Abraham in Genesis 25, God says that Abraham was “satisfied with life” when he died.  In a society where our satisfaction often depends on our accomplishments, it is important to note that in Hebrews God says that Abraham died still looking for an inheritance he had not yet received.  His satisfaction came through a faithful obedience to God that involved a trust that the fruit of God’s promises would outlast the temporary life on earth.  As you pray, ask God to help you live a satisfied life.  Pray that you would fully trust God to be the One who completely satisfies you.  Pray that you would be a willing and open vessel in God’s plan to satisfy the needs of the poor and the oppressed.  Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.  

“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 spend time praying each day about living a satisfied life.

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

Monday: Satisfied with God’s Provision.  Pray that you would recognize all that God is providing in your life.  Pray that you would live a satisfied and thankful life because of His provision.  “When you have eaten and are satisfied, you shall bless the LORD your God for the good land which He has given you.”  Deuteronomy 8:10 (NASB)

Tuesday: Satisfied by Seeking God’s Face.  Pray that your life would be lived in a way that seeks God’s presence daily.  Pray that you would be filled with great satisfaction as you recognize God’s presence with you.  “As for me, I shall behold Your face in righteousness; I will be satisfied with Your likeness when I awake.”  Psalm 17:15 (NASB)

Wednesday: Satisfied Daily with God’s Love.  Pray that you would live with a constant awareness of God’s love.  Pray that you would be filled with joy and praise because of the satisfaction you receive through God’s lovingkindness.  “O satisfy us in the morning with Your lovingkindness, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.”  Psalm 90:14 (NASB)

Thursday: Satisfied through a Fear of the Lord.  Pray that you would have an accurate understanding of how to live with a healthy fear of the Lord.  Pray that your fear of the Lord would help you to avoid evil so that even you sleep would be satisfying.  “The fear of the LORD leads to life, so that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil.”  Proverbs 19:23 (NASB)

Friday: Satisfied with God’s Goodness.  Pray that you would experience the abundance of God as one who is a part of His royal priesthood.  Pray that your acceptance of the teachings of God would fill you with satisfaction of His goodness.  “‘I will fill the soul of the priests with abundance, and My people will be satisfied with My goodness,’ declares the LORD.”  Jeremiah 31:14 (NASB)

Saturday:  Satisfied by Right Desires.  Pray that your desires would be brought into line with God’s righteousness.  Pray that righteous desires would lead you to great satisfaction.  “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”  Matthew 5:6 (NASB)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Words!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Words!

“The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.  But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.  For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” 
Matthew 12:35-37 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about the words we choose to use.  The Bible has a lot to say about how we use words and Jesus taught that we will have to give an account for how we use our words.  Many times I hear people say they can’t help the words they use, but Jesus says that the words which come out of our mouths are a reflection of what is inside of us.  Each day this week we will pray about some of the ways that God wants us to use our words.  As you pray, ask God to transform you from the inside out.  Pray that His Spirit would fill you with words which honor Christ and are beneficial to those who hear them.  Pray that your relationship with Christ would cause you to put a guard on your tongue.   Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.  

“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 spend time praying about each day’s specific focus on how you use 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: Choose Encouraging Words.  Pray that you would be greatly encouraged by the time you spend in God’s Word.  Pray that the words you choose each day would be an encouragement to the people around you.  “He traveled through that area, speaking many words of encouragement to the people, and finally arrived in Greece.”  Acts 20:2 (NIV)

Tuesday: Choose Pleasant Words.  Pray that God would help you to hear what your words sound like, both in their tone and content.  Pray that you would represent Christ well by your choice to use pleasant words.  “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”  Proverbs 16:24 (NIV

Wednesday: Choose Prayerful Words.  Ask God to help you consider how your words sound to Him.  Pray that the words you use in conversations with others would come from a prayer-filled mouth.  “Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth.”  Psalm 54:2 (NIV)

Thursday: Choose Satisfying Words.  Pray that the words you use would produce a sweet and satisfying harvest.  Pray that your words would also be satisfying to those who hear them.  “From the fruit of his mouth a man’s stomach is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied.”  Proverbs 18:20 (NIV)

Friday: Choose Timely Words.  Pray that God would fill you with the wisdom to not only know what to speak, but when to speak it.  Pray that you would bring joy to others by your choice of timely words.  “A man finds joy in giving an apt reply — and how good is a timely word!”  Proverbs 15:23 (NIV)

Saturday:  Choose Wise Words.  Pray that your words would be filled with a wisdom that comes from God.  Pray that God would fill you with the humility to share His wisdom in a manner that others will listen to.  “The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just.  The law of his God is in his heart; his feet do not slip.”  Psalm 37:30-31 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Children!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Children!

“‘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 bring back a previously published prayer guide with an emphasis on children.  God has a lot to say about His concern for children.  Many children are struggling with little or no perceived value — not just in far off places of the world, but in our own communities and neighborhoods.  As you pray this week, listen intently for what God would have you do to show children the great value He places on them.   Pray that your life would show children that you value them as much as God does.  Pray that you would understand the immense value you have as a child of God.  Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.  

“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 spend time praying about each day’s specific focus for children.  Pray for those on the front lines of representing Jesus to the children — parents, grandparents, youth workers, school teachers, school counselors, school staff, coaches, and all others who have consistent contact with young people each day.

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: Worshipful Children.  Pray that the children would be worshipers of God.  Pray that they would always know the value of true worship, regardless of their age.  “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: Kingdom Children.  Pray that the children of this world would become children of God’s kingdom.  Pray that they would never lose the innocent faith of a 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: Welcomed Children.  Pray that the children around you today would know that Jesus welcomes them to Himself.  Pray that nothing would hinder them from coming to Jesus.  “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: Forgiven Children.  Pray that the children who are living with great guilt would know the forgiveness that God offers.  Pray that they would learn of that forgiveness from 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: Obedient Children.  Pray that the children of your community would learn the value of obedience.  Pray that they would know what is right and choose to do it.  “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.”  Ephesians 6:1

Saturday:  Faithful Children.  Pray that the children who have come to Christ would remain faithful all the days of their life.  Pray that they would be protected from the evil one.  “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: Stand Firm!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Stand Firm!

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”
Ephesians 6:13 (NIV)

This week our prayer focus will be on our need to stand firm in our relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  We have an enemy that constantly tries to knock us off our feet to disrupt our walk with Christ.  God has not only given us armor to help us be able to stand our ground, He gives instructions on the how, when, and why we ought to stand firm.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you to stand firm in your daily walk with Christ.  Pray that you would be equipped through the armor of God to stand against the schemes of the devil.  Pray that God would fill you with the wisdom to know exactly what standing firm should look like in each situation you face.  Pray that the people around you would know the power of God because of His ability to help you stand firm in difficult times.   Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.  

“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 spend time praying each day about how God would have you to stand firm against the attacks of the evil one.

Sunday: Pray for your church, its staff and leadership, and for all of the preaching and teaching that takes place.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.  

Monday:  Stand Firm in the Lord’s Work.  Pray that your commitment to the work of the Lord would remain steadfast through all obstacles.  Pray that you would never lose sight of the eternal reward that awaits you when your work is completed.  “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)

Tuesday:  Stand Firm in Christ.  Pray that your faith in God would help you stand firm in Christ.  Pray that the people around you would know that it is your trust in God that enables you to stand firm when difficult times come.  “Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ.”  2 Corinthians 1:21 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Stand Firm in Freedom.  Pray that you would experience the fullness of the freedom you have in Christ.  Pray that you would stand firm in that freedom and  not be drawn back into the bondage of sin.  “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”  Galatians 5:1 (NIV)

Thursday:  Stand Firm in the Will of God.  Pray that you would constantly seek God for the wisdom to stand firm in His will.  Ask God to fill you with a desire to wrestle in prayer for other so they would also stand firm in the will of God.  “Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.”  Colossians 4:12 (NIV)

Friday:  Stand Firm on the Word of God.  Pray that you would hold fast to the teachings of Scripture.  Pray that you would be a student of the Word so that you would know what is good and right.  “So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.”  2 Thessalonians 2:15 (NIV)

Saturday:  Stand Firm with Patience.  Pray that you would never give up in your desire to stand firm.  Pray that God’s Spirit would produce in you a patience that allows you to stand firm until the Lord’s coming.  “You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.”  James 5:8 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Righteousness

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Righteousness!

“What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ — the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.”
Philippians 3:8-9 (NIV)

Our prayer focus this week is about the righteousness of God that ought to be reflected in our life.  Yes, it is true that the Bible says, “There is none righteous, no, not one.”  But that is a statement made about our own ability to be, and become, righteous.  We are not righteous, but we can be declared by God to be righteous because of our faith in the power of Christ’s blood to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  As you pray this week, ask God to help recognize, and admit, that you will never become righteous through your own efforts or deeds.  Pray that your obedient response to God’s Word would be what you rely on fully for righteousness to be credited to you by God.   Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.  

“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 spend time praying each day about the righteousness God desires for you to have through the power of His Spirit.

Sunday: Pray for your church, its staff and leadership, and for all of the preaching and teaching that takes place.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.  

Monday:  Protected by Righteousness.  Pray that your heart would be protected by righteousness as you put on the full armor of God.  Pray that the righteousness you have in Christ would serve as you protection against the attacks of the evil one.  “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.”  Ephesians 6:14-15 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Pursue Righteousness.  Pray that you would be active in pursuing a life of righteousness along with others who seek God.  Pray that your pursuit of righteousness would include a deliberate fleeing from evil desires.  “Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”  2 Timothy 2:22 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Trained in Righteousness.  Pray that you would be a good student of God’s Word so that it is used accurately in your life.  Pray that the training in righteousness you receive from God’s Word would equip you for every good work.  “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) 

Thursday:  Harvest of Righteousness Through Discipline.  Pray that you would accept God’s discipline as a means of producing righteousness.  Pray that you would share with others the peace that you have because of God’s discipline.  “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”  Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)

Friday:  Live for Righteousness.  Pray that you would understand the price paid to declare you righteous.  Pray that you would live for righteousness by dying to sin daily.  “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.”  1 Peter 2:24 (NIV)

Saturday:  A Home of Righteousness.  Pray that your eyes would remain fixed on a home of righteousness.  Pray that your desire for that home would lead you to pursue God’s righteousness each day.  “But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.”  2 Peter 3:13 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Holiness!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Holiness!

“As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.  But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”
1 Peter 1:15-16 (NIV)

Our prayer focus this week is about the holiness of God that ought to be reflected in our life.  Not only does God instruct us to live a life that rejects our evil desires, He says that we do so in order to be more like the One who has called us to Himself.  When Peter writes instructions for God’s children to live holy lives, he backs up the authority for the command with a quote of God telling His people to be holy because He is holy.  We’re His children, we ought to look and act like His children.  As you pray this week, ask God to  help you identify, and reject, the evil desires that are a temptation to you.  Pray that your desire to be more like your Father would be all the motivation you need to live a  holy life.  Pray that you would learn from Jesus on how to live a holy life that draws people to God rather than pushes them away.   Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.  

“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 spend time praying each day about the holiness of God and His desire for you to reflect that to the world.

Sunday: Pray for your church, its staff and leadership, and for all of the preaching and teaching that takes place.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.  

Monday:  Worship God as Holy.  Pray that you would recognize, and express, God’s holiness in your worship of Him.  Pray that He would fill you with an understanding of all holiness coming from Him.  “And they were calling to one another: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.’”  Isaiah 6:3 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Live a Holy Life of Purity.  Pray that God would reveal any impurity in your life so that it can be removed.  Pray that you would actively pursue a life of holy purity.  “For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.”  1 Thessalonians 4:7 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Live as Part of a Holy Family.  Pray that you would be encouraged by being a part of God’s holy family.  Pray that you would recognize God’s holiness in the lives of your brothers and sisters in Christ.  “Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers.”  Hebrews 2:11 (NIV)

Thursday:  Live a Holy Life of Peace.  Pray that your reflection of God’s holiness would help you live at peace with everyone.  Pray that your efforts to live at peace and to be holy would help the people around you see Christ in you.  “Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”  Hebrews 12:14 (NIV)

Friday:  Live a Holy Life with Anticipation.  Pray that God would help you to keep in mind the end result of all the things that might appear to be valuable.  Pray that your anticipation of Christ’s return would motivate you in living a holy life.  “Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.”  2 Peter 3:11-12 (NIV)

Saturday:  Pray With a Holy Faith.  Pray that you would be filled with a faith that is completely holy.  Ask God to help you grow in your communication with Him through a holiness empowered by His Spirit living in you.  “But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.”  Jude 1:20 (NIV)

Bonus:  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the publishing ministry of Impact Prayer Ministry.  Pray that I would continue to listen to God for direction and that He would give me the time and words to finish the writing assignments He has me working on.

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Wonderful!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Wonderful!

“One generation will commend your works to another;
they will tell of your mighty acts.
They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty,
and I will meditate on your wonderful works.”
Psalm 145:4-5 (NIV)

Our prayer focus this week is about our wonderful God.  Sometimes I think wonderful is one of those words that gets thrown around like awesome to describe things that may not always be filled with wonder or awe.  Our God and His works are wonderful not only because they are filled with great wonder, but because they ought to cause us to be filled with wonder as to why He would choose to love us so.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you see Him as completely wonderful.  Pray that you would never tire of the depths of God’s wonder and love.  Pray that you would live in a way that is okay with never completely figuring out God — because you never will.  Pray that God working through you would display His wonder to the people you interact with on a daily basis.  Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.  

“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 spend time praying each day about the many wonderful things God has done in your life.

Sunday: Pray for your church, its staff and leadership, and for all of the preaching and teaching that takes place.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.  

Monday:  Proclaiming God’s Wonderful Deeds.  Pray that your life and words would tell of the wonderful deeds God has done.  Pray that you would live a life of innocence because of God’s wonderful deed accomplished through Jesus.  “I wash my hands in innocence, and go about your altar, O LORD, proclaiming aloud your praise and telling of all your wonderful deeds.”  Psalm 26:6-7 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Experiencing  God’s Wonderful Love.  Pray that you would recognize God’s wonderful love for you that He would rescue you when you were trapped in sin.  Pray that you would share God’s wonderful love with the people around you today.  “Praise be to the LORD, for he showed his wonderful love to me when I was in a besieged city.”  Psalm 31:21 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Obeying God’s Wonderful Law.  Pray that you would have open eyes and an open heart as you examine God’s wonderful law.  Pray that you would set you heart and mind on obeying the laws of God.  “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.  Your statutes are wonderful; therefore I obey them.”  Psalm 119:18 & 129 (NIV) 

Thursday:  Made in a Wonderful Way.  Pray that you would recognize the incredible work God has done in creating you!  Pray that you would value all life because of the wonderful work God has done in making it.  “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”  Psalm 139:14 (NIV)

Friday:  Receiving Wonderful Counsel.  Pray that you would always turn to God as the source of all wonderful counsel.  Pray that you would apply and share God’s Word when you have opportunity to offer counsel to others.  “All this also comes from the LORD Almighty, wonderful in counsel and magnificent in wisdom.”  Isaiah 28:29 (NIV)

Saturday:  Belonging to a Wonderful Light.  Pray that your life would shine brightly in a dark world because of the wonderful light you belong to.  Pray that you would declare God’s light in the midst of the great darkness we live in.  “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”  1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)

Bonus:  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the publishing ministry of Impact Prayer Ministry.  Pray that I would continue to listen to God for direction and that He would give me the time and words to finish the writing assignments He has me working on.