daily prayer

Lifestyle of Prayer: Being Peaceful!
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Lifestyle of Prayer: Being Peaceful!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Being Peaceful!

“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.  If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. ”
Romans 12:17-18 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about being peaceful.  Because we live in a world that seems dominated by conflict, peace can appear to be very elusive and even unattainable.  Yet God calls His children to do everything possible from their side to be at peace with everyone.  When Paul writes to the Romans, I don’t believe he is saying to only do what is right in the eyes of everyone — that would be pretty short list.  But putting into practice the things that everyone agrees are right, is a good starting point to living at peace with people.  While peace with others is not completely dependent on us, we can help that process by not creating unnecessary conflict.  But not only is peace with everyone about others, I believe it is also about living at peace with ourselves and with God.  As you pray this week, ask God to fill you with a peace that can only come from the presence of His Spirit within you.  Pray that you would value those things that are universally right.  Pray that you would seek peace with others in a way that leads them to a true peace with God.

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

Please pray each day for God to help you be peaceful in all situations.

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 Peaceful In Times Of Trouble.   Pray that you would look to God for a peace that is beyond anything the world could offer.  Pray that you would be filled with God’s peace when trouble and fear come your way.  “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”  John 14:27 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Being Peaceful As You Trust In God.  Pray that you would put your hope in God so that He would fill you with a peace that comes from having a complete trust in Him.  Pray that this peace would overflow with a hope that the world can notice.  “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”  Romans 15:13 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Being Peaceful Through God’s Spirit.  Pray that you would live a Spirit-filled life that would give you a peace that cannot be taken from you.  Pray that you would incorporate the fruit of God’s Spirit into your daily practice of living with peace.  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”  Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)

Thursday:  Being Peaceful To Bring Unity.  Pray that you would work diligently at maintaining unity as God’s Spirit binds you together in peace.  Pray that your interactions with other believers would present a picture of unity through a common peace.  “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”  Ephesians 4:3 (NIV)

Friday:  Being Peaceful To Prepare You to Move.  Pray that you would be prepared to take the gospel message with you because of its message of peace.  Pray that your readiness to go wherever God leads you would come from a belief in the gospel of peace.  “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)

Saturday:  Being Peaceful That Surpasses Understanding.  Pray that your prayer life would fill you with a peace that surpasses understanding.  Pray that God’s peace would always guard your heart and mind.  “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Being Honest!
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Lifestyle of Prayer: Being Honest!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Being Honest!

“Go up and down the streets of Jerusalem, look around and consider, search through her squares.  If you can find but one person who deals honestly and seeks the truth, I will forgive this city.  Although they say, ‘As surely as the LORD lives,’ still they are swearing falsely.”
Jeremiah 5:1-2 (NIV)

This week’s prayer guide will focus on some aspects of honesty that God expects us to have as His children.  While Jesus taught us to “let our yes be yes and our no be no”, we have become very good at justifying why our promises are not absolutes.  God’s people have often become very good at saying whatever it takes to gain support for their particular project while feeling no commitment to following through with the content of their words.  Honesty is vital, because without it we will never realize the need we have for a Savior.  It is also vital because it is the foundation for which trust is built not only among believers, but between believers and non-believers.  As you pray this week, ask God to fill you with a desire for honesty and a conviction in the situations where you are less than honest.  Pray that your honesty would not waver, especially when you find yourself in situation where honesty is not valued.  Pray that your honesty before God would be such that your words and actions match.

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

Please pray each day for God to help you be honest in all things with Him and 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:  Honest Measurements.  Pray that you would be honest and impartial in your dealings with others.  Pray that God would help you to see, and change, any areas where you deal differently with people because of who they are.  “You must have accurate and honest weights and measures, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.”  Deuteronomy 25:15 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Honest Finances.  Pray that you would have complete integrity as a steward of the King’s resources.  Pray that your honesty in managing finances would lead others to trust you in all things, especially in your testimony of Jesus.  “They did not require an accounting from those to whom they gave the money to pay the workers, because they acted with complete honesty.”  2 Kings 12:15 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Honest Intentions.  Pray that your honesty would be deeper than appearances as you live with honest intentions.  Pray that  you would never have a pretense of honesty simply for your own gain.  “I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things have I given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you.”  1 Chronicles 29:17 (NIV)

Thursday:  Honest Testimony.  Pray that you would be honest in the words you speak about others.  Pray that the testimony you share about Christ in your life would be an honest portrayal of His power to transform.  Pray that there would be no falsehood in what you say about others.  “A truthful witness gives honest testimony, but a false witness tells lies.”  Proverbs 12:17 (NIV)

Friday:  Honest Words.  Pray that you would be honest in the words you speak to others.  Pray that your honesty would be shared in a way that brings value to those who hear your words.  Pray that your words would be valuable to others as you speak truth.  “Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value a man who speaks the truth.”  Proverbs 16:13 (NIV)

Saturday:  Honest Answers.  Pray that you would always give honest and loving answers to the questions you are asked.  Pray for the wisdom to be able to not give an answer when no one is asking for one.  Pray for the courage to give answers that are honest even when it is awkward and uncomfortable to speak truth.  “An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.”  Proverbs 24:26 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Being Pure!
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Lifestyle of Prayer: Being Pure!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Being Pure!

“Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” 
2 Corinthians 7:1  (NIV)

I believe most Christians, even most people, would agree that being pure is important — at least if the subject of purity is something that they value.  If I were to ask how pure a person thinks their drinking water should be, most people would say that being pure is an absolute necessity.  Yet many times we have learned to settle for less than pure in areas that God would want us to be pure in.  To know that something is pure requires a standard by which all else is measured.  When it comes to being pure, God has not only set the standard, He has given us a personal example in Jesus of what that standard looks like.  This week we will be praying about some things that God says should be pure in the lives of His children.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you be pure in His sight.  Pray that you would allow Him to continue to refine you as the impurities are removed from your life.  Pray that your desire to be pure would be lived in complete humility as you serve others.

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

Please pray each day for God to help you be pure in all 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: Pure Offering.  Pray that the greatness of God’s name would cause you to examine the purity of your offerings to Him.  Pray that your offerings to God would be pure in every way.  “My name will be great among the nations, from the rising to the setting of the sun. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to my name, because my name will be great among the nations,” says the LORD Almighty.”  Malachi 1:11 (NIV)

Tuesday: Pure Heart.  Ask God to purify your heart as you continue to seek Him with a whole heart..  Pray that you would be still before God as you seek His help in having a heart that is pure.  Pray that you would know the blessing of seeing God as you live with a heart that is pure.  “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”  Matthew 5:8 (NIV)

Wednesday: Pure Joy.  Pray that you would know a joy that is made pure through the refining trials of life.  Pray for a pure joy that is strengthened by difficulties rather than destroyed by them.  Pray for the strength needed to consider, and pursue, the joy that awaits those who are faithful to the end.  “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds.”  James 1:2 (NIV)

Thursday: Pure Religion.  Pray that you would grow in an understanding of what God’s view of pure religion is.  Pray that you would seek to live out a pure religion as you care for people who have no one looking out for them.  “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)

Friday: Pure Wisdom.  Ask God to fill you with a wisdom that comes from above and is far greater than human wisdom.  Pray that your life would show to those around you what pure wisdom looks like in practice, not just in words.  “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”  James 3:17 (NIV)

Saturday:  Pure Spiritual Milk.  Pray that you would accept no contamination in the spiritual milk of God’s Word as you spend time in it each day.  Pray that you would develop a craving for the purity of God’s Word as you grow in faith.  Pray that the purity of God’s Word in your life would lead to growth and maturity.  “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.”  1 Peter 2:2 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Being Reconciled!
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Lifestyle of Prayer: Being Reconciled!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Being Reconciled!

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!  All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.”
2 Corinthians 5:17-18 (NIV)

In a time when the things which divide us from one another often seems greater than that which unites us, this week’s prayer focus is about being reconciled to God with the task of facilitating reconciliation with others.  Webster’s dictionary says that reconcile means “to bring one thing into correspondence with another.”  I really like that definition as it highlights the importance of dialogue and honest communication with one another.  When we are reconciled to God, it is through the blood of Jesus that the line of communication has been opened between us and God.  It is only through Christ that we can be brought into balance and agreement with God and then with one another.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you walk in balance with Him.  Pray about the reconciliation you need with God and with others.  Pray that your ears, and heart, would be open to truly listen to others.  Pray that you would seek out ways to enter into “correspondence with another” as you seek to be reconciled to those you don’t currently understand.  Pray that you would be “quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry” in all of your interactions with others.

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

Please pray each day for God to help you be reconciled through Jesus so that you may be involved in the ministry of reconciliation 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:  Be Reconciled Before Worship.  Pray for clarity in seeing how a lack of reconciliation has hindered your worship of God.  Pray that you would  have the courage to be reconciled to others so that your worship would be pleasing and acceptable to God.  “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, . . . First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.”  Matthew 5:23-24 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Be Reconciled with Adversaries.  Pray for the courage needed to have conversations of reconciliation with those who oppose you.  Pray that you would make a sincere effort to be reconciled to those who are against you.  “As you are going with your adversary to the magistrate, try hard to be reconciled to him on the way, or he may drag you off to the judge, and the judge turn you over to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison.”  Luke 12:58 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Be Reconciled with One Another.  Pray that you would see the people around you as brothers and sisters who need each other.  Pray that you would listen to the attempts of people when they try to help you be reconciled to others.  “The next day Moses came upon two Israelites who were fighting. He tried to reconcile them by saying, ‘Men, you are brothers; why do you want to hurt each other?’”  Acts 7:26 (NIV)

Thursday:  Be Reconciled through Jesus Christ.  Pray that Jesus would be at the center of your conversations and desire for reconciliation.  Pray that you would always seek to be reconciled to God through Jesus and that you would see Jesus as the means for all reconciliation.  “For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!”  Romans 5:10 (NIV)

Friday:  Be An Ambassador of Reconciliation.  Pray that you would be an instrument of peace as you carry a message of reconciliation.  Pray that you would actively be involved in calling people to be reconciled to God.  “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”  2 Corinthians 5:20 (NIV)

Saturday:  Be Reconciled to Be Holy.  Pray that the holiness of Christ in you would be the center of your reconciliation with God and with others.  Pray that you would value the cost of reconciliation by pursuing a holy life in Christ.  “But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.”  Colossians 1:22 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Being Righteous!
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Lifestyle of Prayer: Being Righteous!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Being Righteous!

“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 3:9 (NIV)

Our prayer focus this week is about being chosen by God to be righteous — 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 of our own will and effort, 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 that you would seek to live the righteous life God has called you to.  Pray for a humility which makes a life of righteous attractive even to the unrighteous.  Pray that your life would be a testimony to others of the power of God to make a person righteous.

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

Please pray each day for God to help you become righteous because He has declared you so.

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:  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 your 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 would be 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.  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.  Pray that you would share a message of healing through choosing a righteous life.  “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.  Pray that others would accept the promises of God which lead them to a righteous home.  “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)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Being Salt and Light!
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Lifestyle of Prayer: Being Salt and Light!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Being Salt and Light!

“Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.”  
Matthew 5:1-2 (NIV)

This week we continue a prayer focus on the Sermon on the Mount as we find God’s goal behind the Beatitudes, in Jesus blessing us, is for us to be His salt and light to the World!  Being blessed means a lot of different things to people based often on the things we prioritize.  When Jesus taught about the things that ought to make His children so very happy, He did so in ways that turn the worlds ideals of health, wealth, and comfort upside down.  The real blessings of life that God would have us to pursue are blessings that transcend the things of this culture and make us the salt of the earth and the light of the world.  As you pray this week, ask God to give you a greater understanding of His view of being blessed.  As you pray each day, give careful consideration to how Jesus would have you view those who are experiencing life in ways that the world does not see as being blessed.  Pray that you would not only experience the blessings of God according to His definition, but that you would be the blessing of God to the people around you.  Pray also that the blessings of these qualities would be ever-increasing in your life.

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

Please pray each day for God to help you be salt and light as you are blessed by 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:  Blessed are the Peacemakers.  Pray that you would look for ways to make peace in the situations you face.  Pray that being a child of God would lead you to being a peacemaker where you live.  Pray that your life would be an example to others as they seek peace in all of their relationships.  “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”  Matthew 5:9 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Blessed are The Persecuted.  Pray that you would understand the difference between being persecuted for righteousness and just being treated badly.  Pray that God’s blessings would help you to do right no matter what as you live as a citizen of God’s kingdom.  “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”  Matthew 5:10 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Blessed are the Insulted.  Pray that you would learn how to rejoice when you suffer because of your relationship with Jesus.  Pray that the people around you would be encouraged by your response to trouble.  “Blessed are you when people insult you . . . because of me.  Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”  Matthew 5:11-12 (NIV)

Thursday:  Blessed are the Falsely Accused.   Pray that you would accept God’s blessing and refuse to respond with hatred when people speak evil against you.  Pray that your faithfulness to Jesus would stand in the midst of false accusations.  “Blessed are you when people . . . falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.  Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”  Matthew 5:11-12 (NIV)

Friday:  Being Salt.  Pray that your life in Christ would add flavor to the world around you.  Pray for a life that is useful in the kingdom of God.  “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?  It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.”  Matthew 5:13 (NIV)

Saturday:  Being Light.  Pray that God’s light would shine through you in a way that would not be hidden by you or anyone else.  Pray for wisdom in knowing how to put the light of Jesus in you on a stand so all those around you can see Him.  Pray that all of the good you do would point people to God.  “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.”  Matthew 5:14 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Being Blessed!
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Lifestyle of Prayer: Being Blessed!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Being Blessed!

“Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.”  
Matthew 5:1-2 (NIV)

This week we begin a focus on the Sermon on the Mount in our Summer With the Son sermon series, so our weekly prayer guides will follow that series beginning with an emphasis on Being Blessed!  While most of us like the idea of being blessed, we often struggle to even understand what that would look like.  When the Bible talks about someone being blessed, the emphasis is not on the “stuff” we often think of as blessings but rather on the attitude of being very happy and filled with joy.  As you pray this week, ask God to give you a greater understanding of His view of being blessed.  As you pray each day, pray that you will see beyond the ordinary and that God will use that characteristic in your life to bring blessing to you and to others through you.  Pray for the people in your life.  Pray for your family, your neighbors, your church family, your co-workers, and anyone else God brings to your mind.  Pray also that the blessings of these qualities would be ever-increasing in your life.  Pray about how God would have your being blessed by Him result in you being a blessing to others.

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

Please pray each day for God to help you be truly blessed.

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: Blessed are the Poor In Spirit.  Pray that your acknowledgement of need in your spiritual life would lead you to Jesus.  Pray that the poverty you feel in  your spirit would be filled with God’s Spirit as you seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.  “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”  Matthew 5:3 (NIV)

Tuesday: Blessed are Those Who Mourn.  Pray that your realization and expression of loss would lead you to the comfort of God’s love.  Pray that your mourning would receive God’s comfort so you may comfort others.  Ask God to help you be a blessing to those who mourn and seek comfort.  “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”  Matthew 5:4 (NIV)

Wednesday: Blessed are the Meek.  Pray that you would live daily with the power of God in control of your life.  Pray that godly meekness would be learned and practiced as you possess a great power that is used with control in your life.  Pray for humility in the ways you use the inheritance God has given to you.  “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”  Matthew 5:5 (NIV)

Thursday: Blessed are Those Who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness.   Pray that your hunger and thirst for the things of God would fill you with His righteousness.  Pray for opportunities to share with others from that which God has filled you.  Pray that the longing in the lives of others would be filled with the presence of God.  “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”  Matthew 5:6 (NIV)

Friday: Blessed are the Merciful.  Pray that God would fill you with an understanding of your need for mercy in such a way that you would show mercy to others.  Pray that God’s mercy would be desired and received by those you pray for today.  “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”  Matthew 5:7 (NIV)

Saturday:  Blessed are the Pure In Heart.  Pray that your desire to see God would lead you to a cleansing of your heart through the blood of Jesus.  Pray that your dealings with others would come from a pure heart.  Pray that God would purify the hearts of those you pray for today, even as He continues to purify your heart.  “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”  Matthew 5:8 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Growing In Greatness!
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Lifestyle of Prayer: Growing In Greatness!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Growing In Greatness!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lifestyle of Prayer: Mission Partnership!
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Lifestyle of Prayer: Mission Partnership!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Mission Partnership!

“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 continue our Lifestyle of Prayer emphasis, this week’s focus is a reminder to pray for the mission work supported by you and your congregation.  God expects every believer to be involved in sharing the good news of Jesus everywhere we go.  For some, that calling is to a coworker in a community that you’ve spent your entire life in.  For others, that calling is to take the gospel message to a people group in a distant land that you’ve never been to until responding in obedience to God’s calling.  For many, that calling is somewhere between those two examples as we carry the gospel message everywhere we go.  As we pray about the spread of the gospel, we also pray about our part in taking the message of Jesus to all the world.  Our involvement in missions ought to be an integral part of who we are as a Christian.  We give financially to missions so that their work would not be hindered by a lack of resources.  We pray fervently for missions so that we would hear how God wants to work through them, and through us in partnership with them. 

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

Please pray each day for God to help you pray effectively for missions.

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: Encouragement.  Pray that God would help you find ways to encourage those directly involved in mission work throughout the world.  Pray that you would be known as one who refreshes the hearts of others.  Pray that those being served by our missions would be encouraged.  “Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.”  Philemon 1:7 (NIV)

Tuesday: Provision.  Pray that each mission would have all that is needed for their work as Christians around the world are “credited” with being the instrument God uses to meet the needs of missionaries.   Pray that  you would know God’s provision as you give to others.  “Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account.  And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:17, 19 (NIV)

Wednesday: Wisdom.  Pray for a wisdom that comes from God as our missionaries make decisions.  Pray for the patience that is required to know God’s wisdom.  Pray that the good news of Jesus being shared through our missions would be accepted as godly wisdom.  “Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him.”  2 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

Thursday: Effectiveness.  Pray that the work of missionaries would be effective in reaching people with the good news of Jesus.  Pray for a knowledge of doors which have been opened for effective work.  Pray that an obedience to those open doors would bear much fruit for the kingdom.  “But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.”  1 Corinthians 16:8-9 (NIV)

Friday: Boldness.  Pray that the missionaries, and yourself, would be filled with a boldness to proclaim the gospel as we ought.  Pray for the courage to fear God more than the threats of men.  Pray for a spirit of love to fill the bold message of the gospel.  “Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.”  Acts 4:29 (NIV)

Saturday: Faithfulness.  Pray for missionaries to be great examples of faithfulness and that they would be filled with joy by the faithfulness of those who hear the message from them.  Pray for a faithfulness to the knowledge of the truth in both message and practice.  “It gave me great joy to have some brothers come and tell about your faithfulness to the truth and how you continue to walk in the truth.”  3 John 1:3 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Prepared For the New!
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Lifestyle of Prayer: Prepared For the New!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Prepared For the New!

“Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people the full message of this new life.”
Acts 5:20 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about being prepared for the Son as one made new through the resurrected Christ.  When Jesus said he came to give us life — life to the full, He called us to a life that is new in every way.  This new life is more than just an eventual life with Christ in heaven, it is a life that is meant to be lived new each day.  While it is important to have our sins washed away by the blood of Jesus, it is also important to die to the old life so the new life can be lived to the full.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you accurately examine yourself for any traces of the old life you may be holding on to.  Pray that you would see each day as another opportunity to live a new life that represents Christ to the world.  Pray that you would live fully surrendered to Christ so that He can make all things new within you.  Pray for the courage to tell others the full message of the new life you have been given.

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

Please pray each day for God to help you walk as one prepared for the new.

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

Monday:  A New Birth.  Pray that you would live with great hope because of your new birth in Christ.  Pray that you would use every opportunity available to share with others about the mercy of God which brings about new birth.  “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”  1 Peter 1:3 (NIV)

Tuesday:  A New Way.  Pray that you would recognize Jesus as not only a new way, but as the only way to enter this new life made possible by His resurrection.  Pray that  you would proclaim Jesus as the only way to enter God’s presence.  “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body.”  Hebrews 10:19-20 (NIV)

Wednesday:  A New Self.  Pray that you would put away the old ways of dealing with one another.  Pray that you would live a changed life as you put on this new self each day.  “Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”  Colossians 3:9-10 (NIV)

Thursday:  A New Attitude.   Pray that you would allow God to transform your mind as you live this new life in Christ.  Pray that you would take on the attitude of Christ Jesus in everything.  Pray that your actions would follow the new attitude that come from Christ.  “To be made new in the attitude of your minds.”  Ephesians 4:23 (NIV)

Friday:  A New Creation.  Pray that you would surrender to God all of the things that represent the old you without Christ.  Pray that you would view yourself as a new creation, just as God views you through Jesus.  “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”  2 Corinthians 5:16 (NIV)

Saturday:  A New Life.  Pray that you would allow your old self to die so that Christ can raise you to a new life.  Pray that you would live a new life each day through the same power that raised Christ from the dead.  “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”  Romans 6:4 (NIV)