November 23, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: An Enduring Joy!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

An Enduring Joy!

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is on living with exceedingly great joy even when life requires endurance. Jesus is not only the author and perfecter of our faith, He set the example of enduring all things because something better was coming. God has surrounded us with faithful witnesses who have shown us how to live life with endurance. Endurance as we journey through this life is a big deal because Jesus has said it is those who are faithful to the end who will receive the crown of life. As we grow in endurance, God has not only given us an example but has given us the tools necessary to endure with great faith. As you pray this week, ask God to fill you with an enduring joy that helps you to endure whatever your day brings. Pray that your faithful endurance would lead you in paths of righteousness. Pray that your life would encourage others and help them to turn to Jesus for the strength to endure. Pray that you would not become weary as you endure today with your eyes set on the joy ahead.

“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 live with an enduring joy.

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 Enduring Fear of the Lord. Pray that you would always hold fast to a healthy fear of the Lord that endures through all things. Pray that a proper fear of the Lord would lead you to follow God’s commands with confidence. “The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.” Psalm 19:9 (NIV)

Tuesday: An Enduring Inheritance. Pray that you would keep your mind and eyes focused on the inheritance that awaits those who belong to God. Pray that your blameless walk would be the result of the goodness of God and lead you to an enduring inheritance which cannot be taken away. “The days of the blameless are known to the LORD, and their inheritance will endure forever.” Psalm 37:18 (NIV)

Wednesday: Trusting Endurance. Pray that your trust of God would endure through all things. Pray that your faith would not be shaken by the troubles which you face in this world. Pray that you would stand firm in the Lord because of your enduring trust. “Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever.” Psalm 125:1 (NIV)

Thursday: Truthful Endurance. Pray that your words and life would speak truth which endures forever. Pray that you would reject the temptation of momentary untruthfulness. Ask God to help you endure in truthfulness as you reject the lies of this world in both the speaking of such lies and the acceptance of them. “Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.” Proverbs 12:19 (NIV)

Friday: Hopeful Endurance. Pray that you would work with endurance because of your hope in Christ. Pray that you would remember and honor those who have lived lives of hope-filled endurance through their faith. “We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 1:3 (NIV)

Saturday: Patient Endurance. Pray that your obedience to God’s commands would help you learn to endure patiently as you wait for the day of Christ’s return. Pray that your faithfulness would fill you with a patient endurance as you serve others. “This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God’s commandments and remain faithful to Jesus.” Revelation 14:12 (NIV)

November 16, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Prayerful Joy!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Prayerful Joy!

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”
Colossians 4:2 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about our need to pray with joy! I suppose it may seem a bit strange at first to pray about praying, but if prayer is as central in our life as it ought to be then we ought to be talking with God and seeking His help in this area. I suspect one of the big reasons we need to seek God’s help in our prayer life is the command to “devote yourselves to prayer”. If God had said to simply pray when you feel like it or when it’s convenient, most of us could handle that. But devoting ourselves to prayer is an entirely different task. When we go to God about our prayer life, we open our self up to His instruction and guidance in the way we relate to Him. As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine just how devoted to prayer you are. Pray that you would understand your need for God’s help in this part of your relationship with Him — as in all other parts. Pray that you would be always watchful and thankful as you pray — both qualities that will require God’s help. Pray that your relationship with God would grow as your devotion to prayer grows. Pray each day for the individuals of your church congregation as well as the body of Christ as a whole.

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

Please pray each day for God to help you grow in prayerful joy.

Monday: Pray Earnestly. Ask God to help you pray earnestly for those whose situations may seem hopeless. Pray that you would be serious in the content of your prayers and in the expectation that God will act for the good of His children. Ask God to help you always keep on praying without giving up. “So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.” Acts 12:5 (NIV)

Tuesday: Pray With Joy. Ask God to fill you with joy about Him and about those you pray for. Pray that your joy would be expressed, and even increased, because of the way you pray for all of those around you. Pray that you would live in such a way that others would be filled with joy in their prayers for you. “In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.” Philippians 1:4 (NIV)

Wednesday: Pray For Restoration. Ask God to help you notice those who are distant and need to be restored. Pray that you would not only be restored to God, but that you would seek God’s help in seeing people restored to one another. Pray about specific individuals and situations in which you need to be restored. “I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you soon.” Hebrews 13:19 (NIV)

Thursday: Pray During Times of Trouble. Ask God to help you look to him in times of trouble — whether it is trouble you face or trouble those around you experience. Pray that you would know the praise of peace that comes to those who seek God in times of trouble. Pray for the courage to have others pray for you during times of trouble. “Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.” James 5:13 (NIV)

Friday: Pray With a Clear Mind. Ask God to help you overcome distractions that keep you from praying as you ought. Pray that you would recognize in the brevity of life the importance of praying with a clear mind and with self control. “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: Pray In the Holy Spirit. Ask God to make you more aware of His Spirit’s presence in your life as you pray. Pray that your faith would be built up as you allow God’s Spirit to intercede for you when it seems your words of prayer are inadequate. “But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.” Jude 1:20 (NIV)

November 9, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Knowing the Stewardship!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

God’s Gift, Your Gift!

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on a topic which requires great humility in us for it to be seen as a good thing. While referring to someone as thinking they are God’s gift to mankind is usually a reference to attitudes and actions of arrogance, when we live in the humility of God’s Spirit we find God really has created us as His gift. It is this humility that helps us understand the gift doesn’t choose either the giver or the recipient. There will not be much that is as affirming in your life as knowing God has chosen you as His gift to others through the good works He created in advance for you to do. As you pray this week, ask God to help you see the value He places on the workmanship of His hands. Pray that you would learn to communicate to others the precious gift of God that they are. Pray that you would live as one who does the will and works of God in such a way that others praise Him for His wonderful gifts. Pray that you would always view the children in your family, your church, and your community as the gifts from God that they are.

“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 a good steward of the gifts He has given.

Monday: A Gift To Your Parents. Pray that you would view all children as the gift that God says they are. Pray that you would live as one who is God’s gift to your parents regardless of your age or their level of deserving such a gift. Ask God to help you know how to be the gift that is “just right” for the time at hand. “Behold, children are a gift of the LORD; The fruit of the womb is a reward.” Psalm 127:3 (NASB)

Tuesday: A Gift To Serve Others. Pray that your life as God’s gift to others would be displayed in the way you serve them. Pray for the humility necessary to serve others according to their need rather than according to your desire. “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)

Wednesday: A Gift That Comes From God. Pray that you would always acknowledge God as the source of every good gift, even when that gift may appear to come from you. Pray that you would pour yourself into the lives of others as a gift to them from God. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17 (NIV)

Thursday: A Gift That Is Enough. Pray that you would live with an understanding that God has created you to be enough for the need He has called you to meet. Pray that you would be willing to give fully based on what you have rather than based on what you want. “For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.” 2 Corinthians 8:12 (NIV)

Friday: A Gift Of Yourself. Pray that your life as God’s gift would be a result of first giving yourself to the Lord. Pray that your obedience to God would lead you to give of yourself to Him and to those around you who need what He has placed in you. “And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will.” 2 Corinthians 8:5 (NIV)

Saturday: A Gift Of Love. Pray that you would live fully within the love of God so what you share with others is that which is greatest. Pray that God would transform your heart so that pure love would be your motive in all of your interactions with people. Pray that God’s love would be at the center of what He gives to others through you. “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV)

November 2, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Knowing the Community!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Place To Be Home!

“We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete.”
1 John 1:3-4 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus will be about walking together in community with one another as we grow in our walk with God. When we consider the divisive nature of this world it should be clear that we need more than this world can offer if we want to walk together with anyone. As we walk in fellowship with God, we find a place that is home. As the home of God’s Spirit, we join in community with others as we say, “Welcome Home!” As you pray this week, ask God to help you grow in your walk with Him. Pray for a greater fellowship with others through a common sharing of the things God has done. Pray for a growing joy as you walk through life together with God and with one another. Pray for wisdom in representing Jesus to others through the way you live life each day. Pray for a growing circle of those you walk together with. Pray for discernment and wisdom to see beyond and through the divisiveness of this world so that you would love others as God loves both you and 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 be home in a community of believers.

Monday: A Home Of God’s Light. Pray that God and His Word would always be the light of your home. Pray that your words and your life would consistently declare the light of God to the people you find yourself walking together with in this life. “This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.” 1 John 1:5 (NIV)

Tuesday: A Home Of Fellowship. Pray that your walking in fellowship with God would be more than just words but would reflect an obedience to His Word. Pray for a fellowship with God that strengthens your ability to walk in fellowship with others. Pray that your home would be one of fellowship. “If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.” 1 John 1:6 (NIV)

Wednesday: A Home Of Purity. Pray that you would know the freedom that comes from being purified by the blood of Jesus. Pray that living in the purity of God’s forgiveness would lead you to a greater purity in the way you walk together with others. Pray that your home would be one of purity in all things. “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7 (NIV)

Thursday: A Home Of Truth. Pray for the desire and ability to really be honest with God about everything in your life — even the things you may think are hidden. Pray for the courage and humility needed to walk with others in ways that are filled with God’s truth. Pray for a home of truth. Pray that your home would be one of truth. “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” 1 John 1:8 (NIV)

Friday: A Home Of Forgiveness. Pray for the courage to agree with God about any and all sin in your life. Pray for a confidence in God’s ability and desire to forgive and cleanse you. Pray that an awareness of God’s forgiveness in your life would help you to be a home of forgiveness to others. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 (NIV)

Saturday: A Home Of God’s Word. Pray that you would live with honesty as you make God’s Word central in your life. Pray for the strength and courage needed to always make God’s Word the standard by which you live. Pray that your walk with God would help you to walk in God’s Word with others. “If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.” 1 John 1:10 (NIV)

October 26, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Education Of Children!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Education Of Children!

“Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
Deuteronomy 11:18-19 (NIV)

This week our prayer emphasis will focus on praying about the education of our children. Education in math, science, language, and other school subjects are important but not nearly as important as our teaching the things of God to the next generations. Each of them have an important part in preparing young people for the work God has created in advance for them to do. As you pray this week, ask God to help you pray for the various levels of education our children receive. Pray for the delivery methods of that education whether it be through homeschooling, private Christian schools, or public schools. Pray that you would do your part in investing in the lives of young people. 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 the education of children to take place in ways which draw them near to God.

Monday: Preschool Students and Families. Pray that families of preschool aged children would find the best options possible to provide the foundational elements of education in these young lives. Pray that these children and their families would experience the welcoming call of Jesus. “Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’” Matthew 19:14 (NIV)

Tuesday: Preschool Staff and Teachers. Pray for those who work with preschool students. Pray that they would welcome these little ones in the name of Jesus. Pray that those working with preschoolers would do so as ones welcoming God. “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.” Mark 9:37 (NIV)

Wednesday: Elementary School Students and Families. Pray that God would reveal the mystery of life in Christ to these young students. Pray that their families would have godly wisdom in choosing the schools that best meet the student’s needs. “At that time Jesus said, ‘I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.’” Matthew 11:25(NIV)

Thursday: Elementary School Staff and Teachers. Pray for those who work with elementary students on a regular basis as teachers, school staff, volunteers, and/or parents. Pray that they would be filled with great patience as they teach and share their life. “We were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.” 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 (NIV)

Friday: Junior and Senior High School Students and Families. Pray that teen and pre-teen students would know the value of obedience. Pray that the families would work together in a manner that values each person. Pray for wisdom in making schooling choices and choices regarding each students future beyond high school. “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.” Colossians 3:20-21 (NIV)

Saturday: Junior and Senior High School Staff and Teachers. Pray for the staff and teachers who work with Jr/Sr high school students. Pray that their teaching would be filled with godly wisdom. Pray that they would recognize the importance of what they do and teach true wisdom that leads to life. “The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.” Proverbs 13:14 (NIV)

October 19, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Knowing the Invitation!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Knowing the Invitation!

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”
Matthew 4:19 (NIV)

Our prayer emphasis this week will focus on knowing the invitation of Jesus to come, follow Him. This invitation of Jesus to follow Him is not meant to be a passive following like is often done on social media. No, it is a call to action as we come to where He is and then we follow His actions in regard to both where He goes and how He lives. In fact, Jesus says that if we wish to come after Him we must take up our cross daily and follow Him even in our dying to self. As you pray this week, ask God to help you grow in your desire to come and follow Jesus. Pray that you would understand the need for an active following of the ways and teachings of God’s Word. Pray for an eagerness to become more like Jesus in all your ways. Pray that your response to God would daily be an active movement toward Him. Pray for wisdom in living a life that invites others to come and follow Jesus. Pray that your following of Jesus would result in a great catch of people for God’s 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 know and respond to the invitation of Jesus to come.

Monday: Come and Find Rest. Pray that you would respond to the call of Jesus to find a place or rest in Him. Pray for all who are weary, that they would find rest in Jesus. Pray that you would always find the burdens of your life to be lightened as you place them in the care of Jesus. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

Tuesday: Come To Your Senses. Pray that you would recognize the deceptiveness of sin as you come to your senses with the help of God’s Spirit. Pray that you would not be ignorant of God or His ways so that you would not be brought to shame. “Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God — I say this to your shame.” 1 Corinthians 15:34 (NIV)

Wednesday: Come and Be Cleansed. Pray that you would have the courage and wisdom to leave the things of sin as you approach Jesus to be cleansed. Pray for a growing desire to live a life set apart to honor God. Pray for a purity of mind to keep yourself holy. “Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” 2 Corinthians 6:17 (NIV)

Thursday: Come Near To God. Pray that your desire would always be to come near to God in your thoughts and actions. Pray that you would know the nearness of God’s response as you approach Him by faith. Pray for a steadfast mind that desires the nearness of God. “Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” James 4:8 (NIV)

Friday: Come To Repentance. Pray for a growing understanding of God’s patience, both with you and with those around you, as He calls all people to repentance. Pray that you would learn patience with those who still need to repent. “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)

Saturday: Come and Drink Life. Pray that you would always desire to drink of the water of life. Pray that you would call others to come to Jesus and drink life. Pray for a growing thirst for Jesus and the life which He gives. “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.” Revelation 22:17 (NIV)

October 12, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Knowing the Submission!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Knowing the Submission!

“During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.”
Hebrews 5:7 (NIV)

This week we will focus on praying about submission from God’s point of view and how it is a practice we all should participate in as we seek to be more Christ-like. The Bible says that Jesus was heard by His Father because of His reverent submission. Yet submission is a word and topic that we tend to avoid in the church and in our personal lives because it may sound demeaning to give up our rights in preference to someone else. As you pray this week, ask God to help you understand the importance and value of submission to God and to one another. Pray that you would be confident in God hearing your prayers and petitions as you grow in your submission to Him. Pray that you would know the salvation found in Christ as you submit to His will and His way. Pray that the way you submit to God would be evident in the way you submit 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 know how to live with a submissive spirit which represents and reflects Jesus well.

Monday: Submit to Governing Authorities. Pray that your submission to governing authorities would come from a recognition of God’s authority over all things. Pray that you would grow in your understanding of how God uses governing authorities even when you don’t agree with them. “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” Romans 13:1 (NIV)

Tuesday: Submit to One Another. Pray that your reverence for Christ in all things would help you submit to others. Pray that God would help you value others in a way that builds them up. Pray for the humility needed to see all individuals as people created in the image of God. “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Ephesians 5:21 (NIV)

Wednesday: Submit to Discipline by God. Pray that you would accept God’s discipline as the live-giving correction it is meant to be. Pray for the courage to welcome discipline from God as an act of His love. “Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live!” Hebrews 12:9 (NIV)

Thursday: Submit to Leaders. Pray that your submission to leaders would make their work a joy. Pray for godly leaders who are easy to submit to as they fully submit to God. “Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.” Hebrews 13:17 (NIV)

Friday: Submit to God. Pray that you would submit to God in all things so that the devil has no foothold in your life. Pray that your submission to God would give you the courage to resist the devil and all his temptations. Pray for a continued growth in seeing how your submission to God helps you to resist all that is evil. “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 (NIV)

Saturday: Submit in Humility. Pray that you would be filled with humility and grace as you learn to submit to the wisdom of those who are older. Pray that God would lift you by His grace as you learn to humble yourself before Him and before one another. “Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’” 1 Peter 5:5 (NIV)

October 5, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Knowing the Authority!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Knowing the Authority!

“He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.”
Daniel 7:14 (NIV)

Who’s in charge? How much authority has Jesus been given by His Father? What do you and I do about the authority of Jesus? How does it apply to us? This week in our Lifestyle of Prayer emphasis we will look at some scriptures about the authority of Jesus. As you pray this week, ask God to help you be submissive to the authority of Christ in all things. Pray that your obedience would grow in a way that represents Jesus well to all you meet. Pray for a greater understanding of the eternal nature of God’s authority and how that authority has been revealed in Jesus. Pray that your understanding of God’s authority would shape whatever roles of authority you might have. Pray for discernment and wisdom to see beyond and through the divisiveness of this world so that you would love others as God loves both you and 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 know His authority and to use your positions of authority to honor Him.

Monday: All Authority in Heaven and on Earth. Pray that you would open every aspect of your life to the authority of Jesus. Pray that your life would be lived under the authority of Jesus. Pray for a submissive spirit that finds contentment and joy in your obedience to Christ. “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.’” Matthew 28:18 (NIV)

Tuesday: Authority In Teaching. Pray that you would accept the teachings of Jesus as having authority in your life. Pray that you would let God’s authority be present when you share scripture. Pray that you would greatly value the teachings of Jesus as you recognize the authority in them. “The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.” Mark 1:22 (NIV)

Wednesday: Authority to Forgive Sins. Pray that you would live with confidence because of the authority of Jesus to forgive sins. Pray for a willingness to identify your own sins in order to submit them to the authority of Jesus. Pray that you would help others to know the authority of Jesus over sin. “But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins….” Mark 2:10 (NIV)

Thursday: Authority Over Evil Spirits. Pray that you would look to Jesus as the One with authority over evil spirits and over the attacks of Satan in your life and in the lives of others. Pray that you would submit to the authority of Jesus in a way that leaves no room for evil of any kind. “All the people were amazed and said to each other, ‘What is this teaching? With authority and power he gives orders to evil spirits and they come out!’” Luke 4:36 (NIV)

Friday: Authority to Judge. Pray that you would have no reason to fear the authority of Jesus to judge. Pray that you would leave the eternal judgment of people to the One who has the authority to do so. Pray that the people around you would understand His authority to judge all things. “And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man.” John 5:27 (NIV)

Saturday: Authority to Give Eternal Life. Pray that you would never forget that it is Jesus who has the authority to give eternal life. Pray that you would share the news of eternal life with others. Pray that the people around you would come to know Jesus as the only way to life eternal. “For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him.” John 17:2 (NIV)

September 28, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Knowing the Bible!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Knowing the Bible!

“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)

This week’s prayer focus is about knowing, and using, the Bible as the Word of God. 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 make use of 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 know the Bible as His Word. Pray that God would help you accurately evaluate how much time you spend reading, studying, and meditating on the Word of God so that you would know how to Grow in His Word. 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.

“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 know His Word and live according to its usefulness.

Monday: Origin of God’s Word. Pray that you would have a proper view of Scripture as the Word which came from God and not from man. Pray that God’s Spirit would give you insight into what He has spoken through His Word. “For prophecy [God’s Word] 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: Useful for Teaching. Pray that you would hold fast to God’s Word as useful in teaching you how to live a life pleasing to God. Pray that your devotion to the Word of God would come from the heart of a student even as it prepares you to teach others. “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: Useful for Rebuking. Pray that you would listen to the wise rebuke of God’s Word in your life. Pray that you would use God’s Word as a proper tool in wisely rebuking others when it is necessary. Pray that the rebuke of God’s Word would turn you away from the many attractions of foolishness. “It is better to heed a wise man’s rebuke than to listen to the song of fools.” Ecclesiastes 7:5 (NIV)

Thursday: Useful for Correcting. Pray that you would heed the correction that God desires to give you through His Word. Pray that God’s Word would be the basis for any correction of others that He might lead you to. Pray for a proper awareness of God’s Word as a means of discipline in your life. “Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.” Job 5:17 (NIV)

Friday: Useful for Training. Pray that you would reject the myths of the world and seek to be trained by God’s Word. Pray that your desire to be godly would lead you to God’s Word as your training manual. 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: Useful for 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 your task of helping others to be equipped for the work God has created for them. “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)

September 21, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Body Builders!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Body Builders!

“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”
Ephesians 4:15-16 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about the responsibility each Christian has in doing their part to build up the family of God. While each of us have different gifting and abilities, we each have an obligation to use them to help the entire family grow. God doesn’t expect your part from me or my part from you, but he does expect that we will each do our part to build up one another. As you pray this week, ask God to help you evaluate the condition of the spiritual family that you are part of so that you can more accurately see the work that needs done. Pray that you would pay attention to the part that you ought to be doing, rather than concerning yourself with what someone else should do. Pray for a healthy and mature body of Christ as each member submits to the Head. Pray for wisdom in being a family builder in your own home and in the way you help others. Pray that your efforts in loving people would help them grow in being part of God’s family.

“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 built up as you are involved in building up the family of God.

Monday: Building With Grace. Pray that you would recognize the power of God’s grace to continually build you up for the inheritance that is yours. Pray that you would be active in sharing God’s grace in a way that builds up His family. “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” Acts 20:32 (NIV)

Tuesday: Building Up Your Neighbor. Pray that you would serve your neighbors in the name of Jesus so that they would be built up according to their need. Pray that you would trust God to use your neighbor in Christ to build you up according to your need. Pray that you would be a neighbor to everyone you encounter. “Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.” Romans 15:2 (NIV)

Wednesday: Building The Church. Pray that you would use, and grow, in the gifts God has given you and that your use of them would build up the church. Pray for an atmosphere that would encourage people to excel in the gifts that build up the body. Pray that the family of God would grow in every way as it is built up by God’s gifting. “So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.” 1 Corinthians 14:12 (NIV)

Thursday: Building With Speech. Pray that you would set a guard on your mouth so that your speech would build up those who listen. Pray that you would filter what comes into your ears so that the speech of others would build you up. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

Friday: Building Through Encouragement. Pray that your interactions with people would be an encouragement that builds them up. Pray that God would surround you with people who encourage you in your walk with Him. Pray that the gathering of God’s family would be an encouragement to all. “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

Saturday: Building In Faith. Pray that your faith would be put into action in a way that builds up yourself and those around you. Pray that you would seek God through His Spirit so that you would be built up in faith through prayer. Pray that the family of God would grow in faith as we seek God together. “But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.” Jude 1:20 (NIV)