“A Lifestyle of Prayer”
This week’s prayer focus: 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
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. As we prepare to begin a study series on taking God at His word, we will focus our lifestyle of prayer this week on Giving. While giving can be a controversial topic to speak about in many churches, our giving is something we ought to speak with God about on a regular basis! Just as we’ve been talking about the need for prayer to be a lifestyle, giving ought to be a way of life for every believer as 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 spend time praying each day for God’s direction in responding to that day’s giving focus. 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: Give To Those in Need. Pray that you would recognize the expectation of Jesus that you give to the needy without seeking notice. 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. 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. “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 grow within you a heart of thanksgiving in all that you do. Pray that you would learn to give thanks in all circumstances. “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 Everything. 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)
Impact Prayer Ministry 