“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

As we continue to grow in A Lifestyle of Prayer, it is important to remember prayer should be a lifestyle, not an event.  The National Day of Prayer takes place this week on Thursday, May 7.    As I considered the idea behind the National Day of Prayer, I decided to bring back a prayer focus this week on leaders.  Each day this week we will focus on praying for leaders and those in authority at various levels in our lives.  Continue to pray for one another each day.  Continue to pray for the work of our supported missions.  Continue to pray for the family.  View prayer as your first priority, not as the last resort.

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.  For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men — the testimony given in its proper time.”
1 Timothy 2:1-6 (NIV)

Please spend time praying each day for the leaders/authority position listed for that day.  Pay attention to the words from 1 Timothy listed above as you pray for everyone, specifically for leaders and all those in authority.  Pray that leadership at all levels would have Christ-like qualities of sacrifice, service, and love.   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: Family leaders.  Pray for men who will lead with Christ-like humility and service.  Pray that men would not abandon their family responsibility and leadership.  Pray for women who out of necessity must lead their family with great courage and strength.

Tuesday: Church leaders.  Pray for the elders/spiritual leaders of your church congregation.  Pray for those in servant leadership positions.  Pray for all who lead various ministries within the local church body.

Wednesday: Business leaders.  Pray that these leaders would conduct business in ways that will honor and value the family.  Pray that the business practices would be fair and just to all employees and customers.

Thursday: Community leaders.  Pray for our local leaders that their decisions would be made with godly wisdom and courage.  Pray that they would take seriously their role in protecting and serving the communities.

Friday: State leaders.  Pray for our state leaders, that they would look out for the best interest of the citizens.  Pray that they would be surrounded by people who give them godly advice and wisdom.

Saturday:  National leaders.  Pray for our national leaders to put aside partisan and divisive politics and lead in ways that allow us to live in peace and quietness as we share our faith in Jesus freely.  Pray that our leaders would listen to godly advice and dismiss that which is ungodly.