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Lifestyle of Prayer: Goodness

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Goodness!

“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)

Our prayer focus will continue a look at specific parts of the fruit of God’s Spirit.  The last couple of weeks we have focused on self-control and kindness.  This week we will focus on praying about the goodness God’s Spirit produces in us.  The fruit of God’s Spirit within us brings great benefit to our lives but more importantly, it is designed to help us represent Christ well to the people around us.  As with all parts of the fruit of the Spirit, God says there is no law against being good.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you understand goodness from His perspective.  Pray that you would allow His Spirit to produce goodness in you that overflows from your life.  Pray that you would have an increasing goodness in your life as you grow in Christ.  Pray that God’s goodness would be seen in a way that the people around you would be attracted to Jesus.   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 goodness 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:  Equipped by God’s Word for Goodness.  Pray that you would be a student of God’s Word so that you would be equipped for all goodness.  “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)

Tuesday:  Goodness of Sharing Your Faith.  Pray that you would know the goodness of actively sharing your faith.  Pray that a sharing of your faith would help you to understand what you have in Christ.  “I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.”  Philemon 1:6 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Goodness that Pleases God.  Pray that you would seek to live with a goodness that honors God.  Pray that God’s goodness would be seen in the way you share with others.  “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”  Hebrews 13:16 (NIV)

Thursday:  Live with the Wisdom and Humility of Goodness.  Pray that you would be filled with God’s wisdom that leads to goodness.  Pray that your goodness would come from wisdom that is expressed in humility.  “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.”  James 3:13 (NIV)

Friday:  Build a Reputation of Goodness.  Pray that God would help you see how the goodness of your deeds represent Him.  Pray that you would live in a way that glorifies God.  “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.”  1 Peter 2:12 (NIV)

Saturday:  Imitate the Goodness of God.  Pray that you would know the difference between good and evil.  Pray that you would imitate the good that comes from God.  “Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.”  3 John 1:11 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Kindness

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Kindness!

“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)

This week’s prayer focus will look at some of what the Bible says about receiving and expressing kindness that is produced by God’s Spirit living within us.  Expressions of genuine kindness generally get our attention because they have unfortunately became far too uncommon.  Simple acts of courtesy catch us by surprise because they are no longer expected.  The Bible talks about a time such as this when we show contempt for the kindness of God.  Our rejection, or ignoring, of God’s kindness typically leaves us unwilling to express kindness to others.  As you pray, ask God to help you connect with His Spirit within you in order for the fruit of kindness to be produced.  Pray that you would give great value to the kindness showed to you by God.  Pray that you would find ways to express His kindness to the people around you.   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 kindness 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:  Kindness for the Sake of Others.  Pray that you would look for opportunities to extend relationships by showing kindness that benefits others for the sake of someone else.  “David asked, ‘Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?’”  2 Samuel 9:1 (NIV)

Tuesday:  The Kindness of Correction.  Pray that you would learn to see godly correction as the kindness that it ought to be.  Pray that the kindness of correction would be graciously accepted.  “Let a righteous man strike me — it is a kindness; let him rebuke me — it is oil on my head.  My head will not refuse it.”  Psalm 141:5 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Kindness that Brings Opportunity.  Pray that your life of kindness would give you opportunity to share about the power of Jesus who produces kindness in you.  “If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.”  Acts 4:9-10 (NIV)

Thursday:  Kindness that Brings Repentance.  Pray that you would have a greater understanding of the power of kindness, particularly God’s kindness, which leads people to repent.  “Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance?”  Romans 2:4 (NIV)

Friday:  Clothed with Kindness.  Pray that you would deliberately put on kindness as a part of your daily “clothing” as a chosen one of God.  “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”  Colossians 3:12 (NIV)

Saturday:  Kindness of God that Brings Salvation.  Pray that you would share the message of salvation with others in a way that expresses its source being found in the kindness of God.  “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.”  Titus 3:4-5 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Self-Control

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Self-Control!

“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)

This week’s prayer focus will look at some of what the Bible says about living with self-control as part of the fruit that is produced by God’s Spirit living within us.  In a world that worships power and control, it is amazing how scarce self-control can be.  Of all the things in our life that we seek to have control over, the best place to start is to work on controlling our self through the power of God’s Spirit.  If most of us would put even half the effort into self-control that we do in trying to control others, not only would our life change for the good but the lives of those around us would change as well.  As you pray, ask God to continue to pour out His Spirit into you and fill you with the courage to bear the fruit that He produces.  Pray that your growing self-control would help the people around you see the work of Jesus in your life.  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 self-control 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:  Alert and Self-Controlled.  Pray that God’s Spirit would keep you alert so that you would notice the urgency of the times we live in.  Pray that self-control would help you pay attention to the spiritual needs of yourself and those around you.  “So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled.”  1 Thessalonians 5:6 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Self-Controlled Through Faith and Love.  Pray that your relationship with Christ would protect your self-control.  Pray that faith and love would control how you treat others.  “But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.”  1 Thessalonians 5:8 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Self-Controlled to Live Godly.  Pray that your self-control would help you reject the harmful things of this world.  Pray that you would live a life that honors God through the self-control that you possess.  “It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.”  Titus 2:12 (NIV)

Thursday:  Self-Controlled for Action.  Pray that your self-control would prepare you to be ready for the work God calls you to do.  Pray that the hope you have through God’s grace would  prepare you for 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)

Friday:  Self-Controlled to Pray.  Pray that your prayer life would grow through the fruit of self-control in your life.  Ask  God to help you be clear minded as you pray.  “The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.”  1 Peter 4:7 (NIV)

Saturday:  Increasing Self-Control.  Pray that God would increase your self-control so you will be more productive and effective as you walk with Him.  “. . . and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness . . ..  For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  2 Peter 1:6,8 (NIV)

 

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Examine!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Examine!

“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.  Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances.  But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 (NASB)

This week’s prayer focus is on the need to examine, and be examined.  The Bible teaches that we are examined by God and also need to examine ourselves.  Sadly, many people spend more time examining the food and drink that goes into their body than they do the things that they allow into, and out of, their mind and soul.  It is through prayer and rejoicing that God calls us to examine everything carefully.  This instruction is not only about examining, but about doing so according to the will and power of God.  It is about determining the difference between good and evil so that we will choose to cling to that which is good and reject all that is evil.  As you pray, ask God to fill you with His wisdom as you examine everything with great care.  Pray that you would pay attention to God’s examination of you that He does for your benefit.  Pray that you would spend time with God to honestly examine yourself according to His Word.  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 life you have in Christ.

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:  Examined By a Holy God.  Pray that you would live each day with an awareness that God is paying attention to you.  Pray that your life reflects Jesus in a way that you pass God’s examination of you.  “The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD is on his heavenly throne.  He observes the sons of men; his eyes examine them.”  Psalm 11:4 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Examine Your Attitude.  Pray that you would examine your words and actions carefully as they reveal your inner attitude.  “You have planted them, they have also taken root; they grow, they have even produced fruit.  You are near to their lips but far from their mind.  But You know me, O LORD; You see me; and You examine my heart’s attitude toward You.”  Jeremiah 12:2-3a (NIV)

Wednesday:  Examine Your Mind.  Pray that a careful examination of your mind would reveal a pattern of thoughts and actions that honor God.  Pray that your mind would direct you in deeds that deserve a good reward.  “I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve.”  Jeremiah 17:10 (NIV)

Thursday:  Examine the Path You Are On.  Pray that you would examine the path of life you walk each day.  Pray that your careful examination of your ways would always return you to the way of the Lord.  “Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD.”  Lamentations 3:40 (NIV)

Friday:  Examine Your Relationship With Jesus.  Pray that you would examine yourself carefully in regard to your relationship with Jesus.  Pray that you would be refreshed because of your examination and communion with Jesus.  “A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.”  1 Corinthians 11:28 (NIV)

Saturday:  Examine Your Faith.  Pray that a careful examination of your faith will fill you with the confidence of Christ in you.  Pray that you would cling to God in faith so you would never “fail” that test.  “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you — unless, of course, you fail the test?”  2 Corinthians 13:5 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Excel!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus:  Excel!

“But just as you excel in everything — in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us — see that you also excel in this grace of giving.”
2 Corinthians 8:7 (NIV)

What are some things that you are good at doing?  Are there things that others say you excel in?  How much work, or effort, is usually required to excel in a given area?  This week’s prayer focus will use a list of things that Paul states the Corinthian Christians excel in, or need to excel in.  Paul’s letter was not only written to the Corinthians, but as scripture it is useful to us for training in all righteousness.  As you pray this week, ask God to give you His grace and the courage necessary to excel in the things that matter to Him.  Pray that you would be diligent applying each day’s topic to your life with the work necessary for you to become good at it.  Pray that your pursuit of excelling in these areas would come from the very source and foundation of all things excellent — Jesus Christ.   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 about the things that God wants you to excel in through the power of His Spirit within you.  Thank you! 

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:  Excel in Faith.  As you pray for God to increase your faith, look for the situations He will give that requires your trust of Him to grow.  Pray that your trust of God would cause others to know you as one who excels in faith.  “The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith!’”  Luke 17:5 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Excel in Speech.  Pray that God would put a guard over your mouth so that your speech is pleasing to Him.  Pray that your speech would bring about good days for you and for the people around you in this life and the life to come.  “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.”  1 Peter 3:10 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Excel in Knowledge.  Pray that your life would be lived in pursuit of a greater knowledge of Christ.  Pray that your excelling in knowledge would not puff you up but would help others know Jesus.  “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever!  Amen.”  2 Peter 3:18 (NIV)

Thursday:  Excel in Complete Earnestness.   Pray that there would be nothing fake about your pursuit of God and relationship with Him through Jesus.  “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”  Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)

Friday:  Excel in Love for One Another.  Pray that you would daily learn from the love that Jesus excelled at.  Pray that you would desire to excel in your love for Christ and for one another.  “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”  1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV)

Saturday:  Excel in the Grace of Giving.  Pray that a recognition of God’s ownership of everything would help you to excel in the gift of giving He has placed in your life.  “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”  Luke 6:38 (NIV)

 

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Faith

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

 This week’s prayer focus: Faith!

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
 Hebrews 11:6 (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.  This week we will pray about Faith! Each day our prayer time will focus on an aspect of our faith and how critical it is to our relationship with Jesus. God says that it is impossible to please Him without faith, so we probably ought to focus more attention on what it is, how to have it, and how to share it.  Pray each day for the individuals of the church congregation you attend as well as for the body of believers that meet together.

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 focused around the various elements of faith that God calls us to — and has put within us.  With that focus in mind, pray for yourself, your family, your friends, neighbors, and all the other “one anothers” we’ve been praying for over the past weeks.    Thank you!

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: Growing Faith. Pray that your faith in God’s ability would be seen as great from His perspective. Pray that the people around you today would be impacted in a positive way because of your growing faith. “The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith!'” Luke 17:5

Tuesday: Saving Faith. Pray that you would have a greater practice of a faith that saves you. Pray that the people around you today would experience a faith in Christ that saves them. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8 (NIV)

Wednesday: Powerful Faith. Pray that you would see how your faith in God has equipped you to powerfully do His will. Pray that the people around you today would experience the power of God at work in their life. “Who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions,  quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies.” Hebrews 11:33-34 (NIV)

Thursday: Uniting Faith. Pray that your faith would be both the bridge and glue that unites you with other believers. Pray that the people around you today would see a greater unity among Christians because of their faith. “until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:13 (NIV)

Friday: Communicated Faith. Pray that you would grow in faith through the hearing of God’s Word. Pray that the people around you today would be open to hearing God’s Word so faith can grow in their life. “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17 (NIV)

Saturday: Active Faith. Pray that your faith would cause you to care for people as you should. Pray that the people around you today would not only hear of faith, but they would see your faith in action. “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2:17 (NIV)