daily prayer

July 21, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Chosen To Be Ready!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Chosen To Be Ready!

“If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into.  You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
Luke 12:39-40 (NIV)

This week our prayer emphasis will focus on being called by God to be ready.  Have you ever missed out on something because you were not ready?  It could just be me, but I’m guessing we’ve all “been there and (not) done that.”  Sometimes we’re not ready simply because we didn’t want to be.  Perhaps we actually wanted to miss whatever it was, and the easiest way to do that was to not be ready for it.  Many times we miss out by not being ready because we thought we had more time.  We either miscalculated how much work would be required to get ready or what we were getting ready for happened sooner, or at a different time, than we had anticipated.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you to not only be being ready for the return of Christ, but also to help you live life ready for the moment.  Pray that your life in Christ would make you ready today for all that He desires in you.  Pray that your readiness would result in a life which represents Jesus well.

“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 ready.

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 Ready for Jesus.  Pray that your relationship with Jesus would grow in such a way that you are ready for His return at any time.  Pray that you would know the urgency of sharing about Jesus with others so they will be ready.  “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”  Matthew 24:44 (NIV)

Tuesday: Be Ready to Give Generously.  Pray that you would be prepared to give in accordance to the desire God has placed within you.  Pray that your readiness to give generously would be an encouragement and example to others.  “For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action.”  2 Corinthians 9:2 (NIV)

Wednesday: Be Ready for Works of Service.  Pray that God’s gifting in the lives of others would prepare you for the works of service that are yours to do.  Pray that God’s gifting in your life would prepare others for works of service.  “It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”  Ephesians 4:12 (NIV)

Thursday: Be Ready to Do Good.  Pray that your obedience to those in authority would prepare you to do whatever is good.  Pray for those in authority, that their decisions would allow you to do good most effectively.  Pray that you would know, and do, the good you ought to do.  “Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good.”  Titus 3:1 (NIV)

Friday: Be Ready for Action.  Pray that your mind would always be ready to lead the action God calls you to.  Pray that God’s grace would not only guard your mind, but would lead it into action.  “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.”  1 Peter 1:13 (NIV)

Saturday:  Be Ready to Give an Answer.  Pray that you would take hold of the hope of God in such a way that you are always ready to answer questions about it.  Pray that your readiness to answer would treat others with gentleness and 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.”  1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

July 14, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Chosen To Be a Living Stone!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Chosen To Be a Living Stone!

“As you come to him, the living Stone — rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him — you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
1 Peter 2:4-5 (NIV)

This week our prayer emphasis will focus on being called by God to be a living stone in the likeness of Jesus.  When we build with the materials of this world, even our best efforts are only temporary.  To build something which lasts for eternity, we must build not only on the foundation of Jesus but also with the building blocks of one whom He lives in.  When we become the living temple of God, He not only dwells within us but He uses us to grow a living kingdom.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you know the eternal nature of being a living stone.  Pray that you would choose to be a stone useful to the Master Builder.  Pray about how God uses your acceptance of Him to build you into a spiritual house where He can dwell.  Pray about how your life can be lived as a spiritual sacrifice which is acceptable to God.  Pray that you would build well with others as you allow God to place His living stones where they are needed within His kingdom.

“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 involved as a living stone in the building of His kingdom.

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

Monday:  A Living Sacrifice.  Pray for a correct view of how much you need God’s mercy.  Pray that your response to God’s mercy would lead you to fully offer yourself to Him.  Pray that your worship of God would include a sacrifice of yourself to Him. “Therefore, I urge you, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship.”  Romans 12:1 (NIV)

Tuesday:  A Living Testimony.  Pray that your encounter with Jesus would create a testimony that reveals a living God.  Pray that you would become comfortable in sharing your testimony of how God has used the good, the bad, and the ugly of your life to reveal Himself.  “Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, ‘He told me everything I ever did.’”  John 4:39 (NIV)

Wednesday:  A Living Occupant.  Pray that you would be one who lives life in such a way that people notice Jesus in you.  Pray that the people around you would know you as a good neighbor because of Jesus in you.  Ask God to help you live as one who obeys His Word.  “I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word.”  John 17:6 (NIV)

Thursday:  A Living Nation.  Pray that your life would become a praise offering to God as you choose to be a kingdom citizen.  Ask God to help you know you belong to a holy nation that exceeds any nation of this world.  “Jesus said, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place.’”  John 18:36 (NIV)

Friday:  A Living Example.  Pray that you would continually grow in your knowledge and understanding of the example of Jesus.  Pray that your life would reflect Jesus in increasing ways each day.  Pray that you would be a godly example in all circumstances.  Pray that your example would be one that is lived and not just said.  “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”  John 13:5 (NIV)

Saturday:  A Living Stone.  Pray that your life would be one of the building blocks of God’s kingdom.  Pray that the living and active Word of God would be written on your heart and expressed in the way you live.  Pray that the people around you would be able to clearly read the message of God engraved on your life.  “You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.”  2 Corinthians 3:3 (NIV)

July 7, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Chosen To Be Holy!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Chosen To Be Holy!

“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)

This week our prayer emphasis will focus on being called by God to be holy.  Biblical holiness isn’t as much about living a perfect life as it is about living a life that is set apart for God.  The holiness God calls us to will lead us to find a way to live “in the world, but not of it.”  And for those who are thinking it is impossible to live a holy life, you are right . . . at least if you’re trying to do it on your own!  The holiness God calls us to is based on His holiness and is only possible when we live by His Spirit to be transformed into His likeness.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you grow in holiness as you represent Jesus.  Pray for the courage to live a life dedicated to God, even when the world objects to what that looks like.  Pray for the humility to live a holy life in a manner that makes Jesus attractive to those watching you.  Pray that you would not be content with half-hearted holiness, but would pursue growth in your life of holiness.  Pray that you would examine each part of your life for what God would want it to look like as set apart for Him.

“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 holy just as He is holy.

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:  Chosen To the Holiness of Purity.  Pray that God would help you identify, and remove, even the hints of impurity that creep into life.  Pray for the courage to gaze intently into God’s Word for instruction on what is proper for God’s holy people.  “But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.”  Ephesians 5:3 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Chosen To the Holiness of Prayer.  Ask God to help you practice prayer in a holy manner.  Pray that you would have God’s help in examining the motives behind what you pray about.  Pray that God’s Spirit would use your conversations with God to bring resolution to any anger or disputes that exist in your life.  “I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.”  1 Timothy 2:8 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Chosen To the Holiness of Good Work.  Pray that you would be cleansed of the things that keep you from the noble purposes God has designed for you.  Pray that your pursuit of a life of holiness would prepare you for whatever good works God puts before you to do.  “If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.”  2 Timothy 2:21 (NIV)

Thursday:  Chosen To the Holiness of Peace.  Pray that you would seek peace “as far as it depends upon you.”  Pray that you would have the wisdom to pursue holiness in a way that promotes peace.  Pray that your holiness would prepare you for the ultimate peace — eternity with God.  “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:  Chosen To a Holiness As You Ought To Be.  Pray for the courage to do the things you know you ought to do.  Pray for a sense of urgency in living a  holy life as you await the return of Jesus.  Pray that your holiness would help others seek Jesus.  “Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives.”  2 Peter 3:11 (NIV)

Saturday:  Chosen To a Holy Faith.  Pray that your faith would grow as you grow in holiness.  Pray that God’s Spirit would empower you to be built up in faith.  Ask God to help your prayer life to grow as His Spirit increases your faith.  Pray that the people around you would know you as one who has a holy faith.  “But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.”  Jude 1:20 (NIV)

June 30, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Just Keep At It!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Just Keep At It!

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” 
Philippians 3:12 (NIV)

This week’s lifestyle of prayer emphasis will focus on God’s desire that we not only know His Word and will, but that we keep doing it!  In the midst of a seemingly endless list of things you can’t do, shouldn’t do, and are encouraged not to do; it is far too easy to forget to keep doing what you can do.  God’s desire is that we would be faithful to the end — which means we keep on keeping on with the things of God until our time on earth is through.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine fully the things that you can and should do.  Pray that you would not be distracted by the things which can’t be done.  Pray for wisdom each day to accurately evaluate what you should, and shouldn’t, keep on doing.  Pray that you would live in such a way that you would take hold of the things of God and help others to do the same.  Pray for a greater understanding of the individual nature of the journey each of us are on in Christ.  Pray for the ability to remain focused on the common goal rather than be distracted by the differences of the individual steps we each take.

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

Please pray each day for God to help you grow in perseverance as you keep doing the things He calls 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:  Keep On the Right Path.  Pray that you would be one who listens to God and gains wisdom from His Word.  Pray that your obedient response to God’s Word would keep you on the right path.  Pray that your heart would be inclined to the things of God so that you would not be led astray.  “Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path.”  Proverbs 23:19 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Keep On Watching.  Pray that you would live a life ready for the return of Jesus as you work and watch for Him.  Pray that you would not be distracted by the things of this world which tempt you to take your eyes off of Jesus.  Pray that your life would help others to keep watch and be ready for Christ’s return.  “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”  Matthew 24:42 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Keep On Speaking.  Pray that you would not let fear keep you from speaking about your relationship with God.  Pray that your words and actions would match and represent Jesus well.  Pray that you would use gentleness and respect as you keep on speaking about what Jesus has done in your life.  “One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: ‘Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent.’”  Acts 18:9 (NIV)

Thursday:  Keep On Being Blameless.  Pray that you would turn to God for the strength you need each day.  Pray that you would live a blameless life as you trust in God’s ability and power to cleanse you from all unrighteousness through the blood of Jesus.  “He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  1 Corinthians 1:8 (NIV)

Friday:  Keep On Praying.   Ask God to help you listen to His Spirit as you pray at all times.  Ask God to help your prayer life to grow as your alertness makes you more aware of the needs of others.  Pray that you would never become weary of praying for 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)

Saturday:  Keep On Loving One Another.   Pray that your love of God would keep your love for one another alive and growing.  Pray for the wisdom to love others as the brothers and sisters in Christ that they are.  Pray about how God’s love for you is expressed by you to the people around you.  Pray that love would be the foundation of how you treat one another regardless of how many opinions you agree, or disagree, on.  “Keep on loving each other as brothers.”  Hebrews 13:1 (NIV)

June 23, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Revival of Awe!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Revival of Awe!

“At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from where they lived and were brought to Jerusalem to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps and lyres.”
Nehemiah 12:27 (NIV)

This week’s lifestyle of prayer emphasis will focus on how we view and interact with God in response to His Word.  As we continue to build for revival, we should grow in our realization of God being more awe-inspiring than anything else we will ever encounter.  Even the things on earth which bring reaction of awe are here through God.  Our celebrations of God ought to be transformed when our encounters with God through His Word and His Spirit bring changes in us.  As you pray this week, ask God to renew the sense of awe for Him which you began your walk of faith with.  Pray that your awe of God would not only be revived, but that it would grow as you encounter God in every aspect of how you do life.  Pray about how your view of God influences your witness to those around you.  Pray for a joyful heart which willingly shares with others about the awesome nature of the God you love.

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

Please pray each day for God to help you grow in the awe you have for Him.

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

Monday: An Awe of God’s Laws.  Pray that you would understand God’s laws according to His intent for your good.  Pray that you would grow in your awe of God’s commands as you recognize His love expressed through them.  Pray that this awe would contain an appropriate amount of respectful fear.  “My flesh trembles in fear of you; I stand in awe of your laws.”  Psalm 119:120 (NIV)

Tuesday: An Awe of God’s Deeds.  Ask God to help you be a student of His Word in order to better know His deeds.  Pray that you would be in awe of the works of God.  Pray that the mighty works of God would be renewed in our day.  “LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O LORD.  Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.”  Habakkuk 3:2 (NIV)

Wednesday: An Awe of God’s Power.  Pray that you would notice the things done by God that only He can do.  Pray for a sense of awe that leads you to praise God as you recognize the remarkable nature of His power at work in people.  “Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, ‘We have seen remarkable things today.’”  Luke 5:26 (NIV)

Thursday: An Awe of God’s Presence.  Pray that you would know God’s presence as a help in time of need.  Pray that you would be filled with awe through a God who loves you enough to come and help you.   Pray that God’s presence would be known to others through you. “They were all filled with awe and praised God. ‘A great prophet has appeared among us,’ they said. ‘God has come to help his people.’”  Luke 7:16 (NIV)

Friday: An Awe of God’s Spirit.  Ask God to help you see the miraculous which takes place in the midst of everyday life.  Pray that you would be in awe of the things done by God which seem impossible until He does them.  Pray that your transformed life would reflect God’s Spirit.  “Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.”  Acts 2:43 (NIV)

Saturday:  An Awe of God’s Kingdom.  Pray that the stability of God’s kingdom through all time would lead you to grateful worship.  Pray for an awe of God’s kingdom that notices the majesty of the King.  “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 12:28-29 (NIV)

June 16, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: The Work of Giving!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

The Work of Giving!

“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Acts 20:35 (NIV)

This week’s lifestyle of prayer emphasis will focus on learning to give.  Just as the Bible teaches that we know love because God first loved us, we can learn to give because God first gave to us.  Too often we don’t give — not because the need isn’t present, and not even because we don’t have the resources — but simply because we haven’t learned to give.  God’s desire is that we learn to give with the purpose of blessing others and in so doing we discover we too are blessed.  When we follow the example of Jesus we learn to give what we know, we learn to give what we have, and we learn to give what God provides.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you be a learner when it comes to giving.  Pray that your practice of giving would be a blessing to you, and to others, as you reflect Christ in your giving habits.  Pray that your recognition of God as the provider of all good things would help you learn to give more freely.  Pray each day for the individuals of your congregation and for the body of Christ as a whole.

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

Please pray each day for God to help you be involved in the work of giving.

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

Monday: Give To Those in Need.  Pray that you would learn the expectation of Jesus that you give to the needy without seeking notice.  Pray for the humility needed to be blessed as you give to others.  Pray that God would help you find ways to truly help those in need.  “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.”  Matthew 6:3 (NIV)

Tuesday: Give What You Owe.  Ask God to teach you clearly what is owed by you to Him and to others.  Pray that you would not overlook any area of what you owe as you give.   Pray that God would use you as a blessing to others as you give what you owe.  “Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”  Romans 13:7 (NIV)

Wednesday: Give Cheerfully.  Pray that you would listen intently to God so that your giving is done with cheerful obedience because you “get to”.  Pray that your cheerfulness in giving would be a genuine expression of thanksgiving to God.  Pray for a heart that desires to give freely.  “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”  2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)

Thursday: Give Thanks.  Pray that God would continue to teach you a heart of thanksgiving in all that you do.  Pray that you would learn to give thanks in all circumstances.  Ask God to help you not only to be thankful to Him, but to also be thankful for others.  “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”  Colossians 3:17 (NIV)

Friday: Give An Answer.  Pray that your life in Christ is lived in a way that people notice and that you are ready to give an answer about your hope.  “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”  1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

Saturday:  Give Up Everything.  Pray that you would learn to give up all the things that you still choose to hold tightly.  Pray that God would reveal to you anything you have held back from His control and then fully surrender it to Him.  “In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.”  Luke 14:33 (NIV)

June 9, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Time To Confess!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Time To Confess!

“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.  Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.”
Ephesians 4:30-31 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on some things that God says we need to get rid of as we confess our sins to Him.  While it may be a little late for traditional spring cleaning, it is always the right time to do some “spring cleaning” in our life as we draw near to God.  While the prayer focus this week will be on things to confess and deal with, it is important to note that we must be filling our life with the things of the Spirit as we clean out the things that don’t belong.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you see the things of an old life that should be gone.  Pray that you would have the desire to live as a new creation as you put away the things of this world.  Pray for compassion and understanding as this being made completely new in righteousness and holiness is a continuing process for both you and those around you.  Pray for the courage to say “Good riddance!” to the things of this world that keep you from fully pursuing God.  Pray for wisdom in filling your life with the things which honor Christ.

“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 agree with Him about the sins which easily creep into 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:  Confess Bitterness.  Pray that you would agree with God about the seeds of bitterness in your life before they take root.  Pray that the grace of God applied in your life would keep you from becoming bitter toward others.  “See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.”  Hebrews 12:15 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Confess Rage.  Pray that you would agree with God about the destructive nature of rage.  Ask God to help you remove the roar of rage from your life in every interaction you have with others.  Pray for a life that shows favor to others rather than frightens them from pursuing God.  “A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.”  Proverbs 19:12 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Confess Anger.  Pray that you would agree with God about the anger that keeps you from the righteous life He desires for you.  Pray that you would always follow God’s instructions on anger and deal with it appropriately.  “Take note of this: Everyone should be . . . slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.”  James 1:19-20 (NIV)

Thursday:  Confess Brawling.  Pray that you would agree with God about the dangers of brawling as He helps you remove your attitudes that lead you to “pick a fight” with others.  Pray for the wisdom to lead others away from wandering into a grave filled with brawlers of every background.  “Therefore the grave enlarges its appetite and opens its mouth without limit; into it will descend their nobles and masses with all their brawlers and revelers.”  Isaiah 5:14 (NIV)

Friday:  Confess Slander.  Pray that you would agree with God about words which slander others.  Ask God to help you remove slander from your speech.  Pray that God would protect you and others from the dangers of slander.  “Do not go about spreading slander among your people.  Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s life. I am the LORD.”  Leviticus 19:16 (NIV)

Saturday:  Confess Malice.  Pray for God’s help in examining your motives in everything as you remove all traces of malice.  Pray that you would not be led into doing anything with evil intent through the temptations of deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander.  “Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.”  1 Peter 2:1 (NIV)

June 2, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Hearing the Word!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Hearing the Word!

“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.  But I ask: Did they not hear? Of course they did: ‘Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.’”
Romans 10:17-18 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about hearing God’s Word in a way that makes it useful in our life.  In Paul’s second letter to Timothy, we have a list of some of the things that God says Scripture is useful for if we were to hear it and apply it to everything we do.  Sadly, many have come to view Scripture as more inspirational than transformational.  In reality, it is only truly inspirational if it inspires us to draw near to God and be transformed.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you accurately evaluate how much time you spend hearing through your reading, studying, and meditating on the Word of God.  Pray that your love for God’s Word would grow as your understanding of its usefulness grows.  Pray that the usefulness of  God’s Word in your life would cause you to share it at every opportunity.  Pray that you would not only be a hearer of God’s Word, but that you would also be a doer and sharer of it.

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

Please pray each day for God to help you grow in faith as you hear His Word.

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: Hearing the Origin of God’s Word.  Pray that you would hear Scripture as coming from God and not from man.  Pray that God’s Spirit would give you insight into what He has spoken through His Word.  Pray that your response to  God’s Word would reflect its origin.  “For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”  2 Peter 1:21 (NIV)

Tuesday: Hearing the Teaching.  Pray that you would hear God’s Word as useful in teaching how to live a life pleasing to God.  Pray for wisdom in putting the teaching of God’s Word into practice.  Pray that your devotion to the Word of God would prepare you to teach.  “For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.”  Ezra 7:10 (NIV)

Wednesday: Hearing the Rebuking.  Pray that you would hear the wise rebuke of God’s Word in your life.  Pray that you would always have a proper response when you hear the rebuke of God’s Word.  Pray that you would use God’s Word in wisely rebuking others when it is necessary.  “It is better to heed a wise man’s rebuke than to listen to the song of fools.”  Ecclesiastes 7:5 (NIV)

Thursday: Hearing the Correction.  Pray that you would hear the correction that God desires to give you through His Word.  Pray that you would learn to welcome the correction of God’s Word in your life.  Pray that God’s Word would be the basis for any correction of others that you do.  “Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.”  Job 5:17 (NIV)

Friday: Hearing the Training.  Pray that you would hear the training God wants to do in you through His Word.  Pray that you would reject the myths of the world and seek to be trained by God’s Word.  Pray that you would cling to God’s Word as the true source of training in godliness.  “Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.”  1 Timothy 4:7 (NIV)

Saturday:  Hearing the Equipping.  Pray that the application of God’s Word in your life would equip you for every good work He desires.  Pray that you would make God’s Word the very core of equipping others for the work God has created for them to do.  “May the God of peace . . . equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”  Hebrews 13:20-21 (NIV)

May 26, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Remembering To Do Good!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Remembering To Do Good!

“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
Hebrews 13:16 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about our need to remember, and do, the things God instructed through His Word.  The Bible contains many examples of God giving instructions for specific days, feasts, memorials, and other reminders so His people would not forget Him and His work.  Even when we know and experience the goodness of God, we need reminders to help us remember to share that goodness with others.  This week as we remember the sacrifices made by people on behalf of a nation, we will also spend time praying about remembering some things that God doesn’t want us to forget.  Things that we know, or have known, but would be good for us to remember . . . again.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you remember.  Pray that you would remember the sacrifice of Jesus on your behalf.  Pray that you would remember the sacrifices of those whose lives paid for the freedoms you enjoy each day.  Pray that you would remember the things God wants you to never forget.  Pray that your remembering would lead to your doing.

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

Please pray each day for God to help you remember the good you ought to do.

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

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

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

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

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

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

May 19, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Standing Firm!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Standing 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)

As we continue to pray about what it will take to build for revival, 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.  When the storms of life come, it will be a life built on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ which will be able to stand firm.  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.

“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 stand firm in the ways you ought 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:  Standing 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 stand firm and 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:  Standing 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.  Pray for wisdom in building your life on the foundation of Jesus.  “Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ.”  2 Corinthians 1:21 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Standing 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:  Standing 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:  Standing 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.  Pray that you would teach and follow God’s Word with accuracy.  “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:  Standing 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.  Pray for a willingness to endure as you recognize the impending return of Jesus.  “You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.”  James 5:8 (NIV)