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Lifestyle of Prayer: Building Up!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer” 

 This week’s prayer focus: Building Up!

“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

 

“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 5:19-20 

A Lifestyle of Prayer should be just that — a lifestyle, not simply an event.  View prayer as your first priority, not as the last resort.  It is my prayer that these weeks of “topical” prayer guides have been training and equipping you in the practice of prayer. 

This week we will focus on our task within the body of Christ to be involved in the Building Up process.  We all have work to do and we all have an important role in both growing up and building up ourselves and the individuals around us.  As you pray, listen for what God would have you to do. 

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 God’s call to be involved in Building Up.  With that focus in mind, pray for yourself, your family, your friends, neighbors, and all the “one anothers” we’ve been praying for over the past weeks.  Thank you!

Sunday: Pray for Tom Lemler and the work God is doing through Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: With Grace.  Pray that you would recognize  the power of God’s grace to continually build you up for the inheritance that is yours.  “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

Tuesday: Your Neighbor.  Pray that you would serve your neighbor in the name of Jesus that he would be built up.  “Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.”  Romans 15:2

Wednesday: 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.  “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

Thursday: With Speech.  Pray that you would set a guard on your mouth so that your speech would build up those who listen.  “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

Friday: Through Encouragement.  Pray that your interactions with people would be an encouragement that builds them up.  “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”  1 Thessalonians 5:11

Saturday:  In Faith.  Pray that you would seek God through His Spirit that you would be built up in faith through prayer.  “But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.”  Jude 1:20

 

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Give!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer” 

 This week’s prayer focus: Give!

“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

“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 5:19-20 

A Lifestyle of Prayer should be just that — a lifestyle, not simply an event.  View prayer as your first priority, not as the last resort.  It is my prayer that these weeks of “topical” prayer guides have been training and equipping you in the practice of prayer. 

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.  As you pray, listen for what God would have you to do.  

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 call of Jesus for His followers to give.  With that focus in mind, pray for yourself, your family, your friends, neighbors, and all the “one anothers” we’ve been praying for over the past weeks.  Thank you!

Sunday: Pray for Tom Lemler and the work God is doing through Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: To Those in Need.  Pray that you would recognize the expectation of Jesus that you give to the needy without seeking notice.  “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.”  Matthew 6:3

Tuesday: What You Owe.  Pray that you would not overlook any area of what you owe as you give.  “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

Wednesday: Cheerfully.  Pray that you would listen intently to God so that your giving is done with cheerful obedience because you “get to”.  “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

Thursday: Thanks.  Pray that God would continue to grow within you a heart of thanksgiving in all that you do.  “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

Friday: 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

Saturday:  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

 

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Serve!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

 

 This week’s prayer focus: Serve!

“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.  Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.  Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.  There is one body and one Spirit — just as you were called to one hope when you were called — one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” 
Ephesians 4:1-6 (NIV)

Week of July 28, 2013

“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 5:19-20 

A Lifestyle of Prayer should be just that — a lifestyle, not simply an event.  View prayer as your first priority, not as the last resort.  It is my prayer that these weeks of “topical” prayer guides have been training and equipping you in the practice of prayer. 

We are holding a “As Each Part Does Its Work” work week here at Deer Run as we tackle the huge project of scrubbing & re-waxing the tile floors throughout the building.  With this, and the command and example of Jesus, in mind our prayer focus for the week will look at various aspects of serving.  Pray that each of us would better grasp the necessity of serving as a way of life.  As you pray, listen for what God would have you to do.  Pray each day for the individuals of Deer Run as well as the body of Deer Run.  Continue to use the prayer guides/lists from the past weeks.

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 call of Jesus for His followers to serve.  With that focus in mind, pray for yourself, your family, your friends, neighbors, and all the “one anothers” we’ve been praying for over the past weeks.  Thank you!

Sunday, July 28: David Honeycutt, Paul Stearns, Kristen Nicks,  volunteers, the preaching & teaching at DRCC, the DRCC supported missions, and the DRCC finances.

Monday, July 29: In The Spirit.  Pray that each believer would experience the freedom found by serving in the Spirit.  “But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.”  Romans 7:6

Tuesday, July 30: With Power.  Pray for the courage to serve in God’s power even when you feel weak.  “For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God’s power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God’s power we will live with him to serve you.”  2 Corinthians 13:4

Wednesday, July 31: One Another.  Pray for the compassion needed to serve one another even when you think you are free not to.  “You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.”  Galatians 5:13

Thursday, August 1: Wholeheartedly.  Pray that you would serve others with a whole heart, just as you would if it were Jesus.  “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men.”  Ephesians 6:7

Friday, August 2: Faithfully.  Pray that you would be faithful in using God’s gifting in your life to serve others.  “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

Saturday, August 3:  Eagerly.  Pray that you would eagerly desire, and look for, opportunities to serve.  “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers — not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve.”  1 Peter 5:2

Sunday, August 4: David Honeycutt, Paul Stearns, Kristen Nicks, volunteers, the preaching & teaching at DRCC, the DRCC supported missions, and the DRCC finances.

 

 

 

Lifestyle of Prayer: Be Thankful!
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Lifestyle of Prayer: Be Thankful!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

 

 This week’s prayer focus: Be Thankful!

“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.  Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.  Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.  There is one body and one Spirit — just as you were called to one hope when you were called — one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” 
Ephesians 4:1-6 (NIV)

“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 5:19-20 

A Lifestyle of Prayer should be just that — a lifestyle, not simply an event.  View prayer as your first priority, not as the last resort.  It is my prayer that these weeks of “topical” prayer guides have been training and equipping you in the practice of prayer. 

This week’s prayer focus is on being thankful.  It is too easy to let the cares of the world steal our joy and thankfulness so this week we will pray about a variety of reasons to be thankful or things to be thankful for.  God connects our attitudes and conversations with one another with our life of thankfulness to Him.  As you pray, listen for what God would have you to do.  Pray each day for the individuals of the church congregation you attend as well as the body of believers who meet there.  Continue to use the prayer guides/lists from the past weeks.

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 attitude and practice of thankfulness God has called you to.  With that focus in mind, pray for yourself, your family, your friends, neighbors, and all the “one anothers” we’ve been praying for over the past weeks.  Thank you!

Sunday: Pray for the work and ministry of Tom Lemler with Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: Faithful Reputation.  Thank God for those people who inspire you because of their reputation of faith in Jesus — and pray to be one of them.  “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world.”  Romans 1:8

Tuesday: Changed Lives.  Thank God for the desire and strength to turn from sin and  live obediently to the truth.  “But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted.”  Romans 6:17

Wednesday: Received Grace.  Thank God for His amazing grace that He offers to all who would accept it and recognize it is that same grace that allows you to be thankful for the people around you.  “I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.”  1 Corinthians 1:4

Thursday: Real Victory.  Thank God for the victory over sin and death, as well as for the daily victories, through Jesus.  “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”  1 Corinthians 15:57

Friday: Shared Concern.  Thank God that He draws believers to a common concern for one another and pray that you would always remember it.  “I thank God, who put into the heart of Titus the same concern I have for you.”  2 Corinthians 8:16

Saturday:  Generous Giving.  Thank God for the ability, and opportunity, to supply the needs of one another through His provision.  “This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.”  2 Corinthians 9:12

 

 

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Lifestyle of Prayer: The Great Commission!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

 

 This week’s prayer focus: The Great Commission!

“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.  Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.  Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.  There is one body and one Spirit — just as you were called to one hope when you were called — one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” 
Ephesians 4:1-6 (NIV)

“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'”
Matthew 28:18-20

A Lifestyle of Prayer should be just that — a lifestyle, not simply an event.  View prayer as your first priority, not as the last resort.  It is my prayer that these weeks of “topical” prayer guides have been training and equipping you in the practice of prayer. 

This week’s prayer focus is on the work we are called to do — the great commission found in Matthew 28.  As we begin the week celebrating 15 years as a congregation at Deer Run, it will be good to spend time focused on praying about, and then doing, the mission we were called here to accomplish.   As you pray, listen for what God would have you to do.  

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 work God has called you to through the great commission.  With that focus in mind, pray for yourself, your family, your friends, neighbors, and all the “one anothers” we’ve been praying for over the past weeks.  Thank you!

Sunday: Pray for Tom Lemler and the work God is doing through Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: Authority.  Pray that God’s authority would be taken seriously by all believers — especially in regards to fulfilling His commission.  “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.'”  Matthew 28:18

Tuesday: As you Go.  Pray that God would help you to see the opportunities in your daily life to proclaim a living faith in Jesus.  “As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.'”  Matthew 10:7

Wednesday: Make Disciples.  Pray that everything about you is surrendered to Jesus and that you would not “cheapen” the cost of discipleship.  “In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.”  Luke 14:33

Thursday: Immerse into Christ.  Pray that you would recognize, and help others recognize, the importance of dying with Christ in order to be raised with Christ.  “Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?”  Romans 6:3

Friday: Teach Faithfully.  Pray that your teaching remains impartial and true to the Word of God.  “‘Teacher,’ they said, ‘we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are.'”  Matthew 22:16

Saturday:  Constant Presence.  Pray that you would recognize the constant presence of God and never replace Him with a temporary god.  “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'”  Hebrews 13:5

 

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Children!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

 

 This week’s prayer focus: Children!

“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.  Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.  Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.  There is one body and one Spirit — just as you were called to one hope when you were called — one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” 
Ephesians 4:1-6 (NIV)

“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)

A Lifestyle of Prayer should be just that — a lifestyle, not simply an event.  View prayer as your first priority, not as the last resort.  It is my prayer that these weeks of “topical” prayer guides have been training and equipping you in the practice of prayer. 

Use the topics this week to help you pray for your children, for the children in your extended family, for the children of the church you attend, for the children of the area in which you live, and for the children of the world. Pray for those who are devoting their time and resources to serve children in the name of Jesus.   As you pray, listen for what God would have you to do.  

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 child-like qualities God calls us to have as His children.  With that focus in mind, pray for yourself, your family, your friends, neighbors, and all the “one anothers” we’ve been praying for over the past weeks.  Thank you!

Sunday: Pray for Tom Lemler and the work God is doing through Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: Worshipful Children.  Pray that we would never outgrow a wholehearted praise and worship of our God.  “From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.”  Psalm 8:2

Tuesday: Kingdom Children.  Pray that we would have the humility and innocence to become like little children.  “And he said: ‘I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.’”  Matthew 18:3

Wednesday: Welcomed Children.  Pray that we would welcome children to Jesus and feel welcomed as His children.  “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

Thursday: Forgiven Children.  Pray that we would faithfully share the promise of forgiveness of sin and the gift of God’s Spirit.  “The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off — for all whom the Lord our God will call.”  Acts 2:39

Friday: Obedient Children.  Pray that we would be living examples of obedient children.  “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.”  Ephesians 6:1

Saturday:  Faithful Children.  Pray that we would experience the joy of hearing that those coming after us are walking in the truth.  “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”  3 John 1:4

 

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Lifestyle of Prayer: As Each Part Does Its Work

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

 

 This week’s prayer focus: Each Part Doing Its Work!

Each Part (640x1024)

A Lifestyle of Prayer should be just that — a lifestyle, not simply an event.  View prayer as your first priority, not as the last resort.  It is my prayer that these weeks of “topical” prayer guides have been training and equipping you in the practice of prayer. 

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 good works God has created for you to do.  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 Tom Lemler and the work God is doing through Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: Serving.  Pray that God would help you see, and do, your part in serving the physical needs of the church property and of one another.   “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”  Mark 10:45

Tuesday: Teaching.  Pray that you would recognize your responsibility from the Great Commission to teach the things of Christ.  “and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  Matthew 28:20

Wednesday: Encouraging.  Pray that your attitude, words, and actions would be an encouragement to the people around you.  “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”  1 Thessalonians 5:11

Thursday: Giving.  Pray that your giving of time, money, and ability would be done cheerfully and in response to God’s great gift of everything through His Son.  “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

Friday: Leading.  Pray that all areas that you would lead in would be lead from the very heart of God.  “Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.”  Jeremiah 3:15

Saturday:  Mercy/Visiting.  Pray for the ability to see Jesus in the lives of people as you extend mercy to them through your acts of visiting, sharing, and kindness.  “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’”  Matthew 25:40

 

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Trusting God!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

 

 This week’s prayer focus: Trusting God!

“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.  Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.  Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.  There is one body and one Spirit — just as you were called to one hope when you were called — one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” 
Ephesians 4:1-6 (NIV)

“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)

A Lifestyle of Prayer should be just that — a lifestyle, not simply an event.  View prayer as your first priority, not as the last resort.  It is my prayer that these weeks of “topical” prayer guides have been training and equipping you in the practice of prayer. 

This week we will look to the Psalms for some instruction on trusting God to help us focus our prayer time each day!  As much of the book of Psalms was written by David, “a man after God’s own heart”, we can learn much from them as we pray about Trust.  Use the topics this week to help you pray through difficulties, through weakness, through loneliness, through concern for others, and most importantly through the eyes of Jesus.  Use the suggestions each day but most of all allow God’s Word to soak into your life and direct how you pray and who you pray for.   As you pray, pay attention to any changes and/or actions God would be calling you to make in that area.  Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.  As you pray, listen for what God would have you to do.  

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 reminder to trust God in everything.  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 Tom Lemler and the work God is doing through Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: Trust God in Giving.  Pray that your giving is done with a sacrificial attitude that reflects your trust in God.  “Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD.”  Psalm 4:5

Tuesday: Trust God in Conflict.  Pray that you would seek God during times of conflict and trust Him to be your source of deliverance and protection.  “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.”  Psalm 20:7

Wednesday: Trust God in Decisions.  Pray that you would seek God in all of your decisions and allow Him to shine forth as you walk in His ways.  “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.”  Psalm 37:5-6

Thursday: Trust God in Fear.  Pray that you would not forget God’s everlasting presence when you face times of fear.  “When I am afraid, I will trust in you.”  Psalm 56:3

Friday: Trust God in Trouble.  Pray that you would have the wisdom and humility to “retreat” more fully into God’s presence when you face overwhelming trouble.  “I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’”  Psalm 91:2

Saturday:  Trust God in Persecution.  Pray that you would have a confidence in God’s word so that it will be your answer in times of persecution.  “Then I will answer the one who taunts me, for I trust in your word.”  Psalm 119:42

 

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Growing Up FAST!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

 

 This week’s prayer focus: Growing Up FAST!

“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.  Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.  Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.  There is one body and one Spirit — just as you were called to one hope when you were called — one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” 
Ephesians 4:1-6 (NIV)

“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)

A Lifestyle of Prayer should be just that — a lifestyle, not simply an event.  View prayer as your first priority, not as the last resort.  It is my prayer that these weeks of “topical” prayer guides have been training and equipping you in the practice of prayer. 

This week’s prayer focus is based on a 5th & 6th grade camp theme that I put together, “Growing up FAST!”.  The idea came from Luke’s use of one verse to tell of Jesus growing up from age twelve to thirty.  Each day our prayer focus will be based on a characteristic that God wants us to grow in as we share the good news of Jesus with others.   Use the suggestions each day but most of all allow God’s Word to soak into your life and direct how you pray and who you pray for.   As you pray, pay attention to any changes and/or actions God would be calling you to make in that area.  Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.  As you pray, listen for what God would have you to do.  

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 a life that Grows Up FAST!.  Pray this for yourself, your family, your friends, neighbors, and all the other “one anothers” in your life.  Thank you!

Sunday: Pray for Tom Lemler and the work God is doing through Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: Grow up like Jesus.  Pray for godly wisdom and spiritual stature that will show God’s favor on you and lift up Jesus to all who are observing you.  “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”  Luke 2:52

Tuesday: Grow up Faithful.  Pray for the courage to remain faithful to the truth of God’s word no matter what.  “It gave me great joy to have some brothers come and tell about your faithfulness to the truth and how you continue to walk in the truth.”  3 John 1:3

Wednesday: Grow up Accepted.  Pray for a clear recognition of how Christ has accepted you and then pray for the strength to accept others in that manner.   Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”  Romans 15:7

Thursday: Grow up Surrendered.  Pray for an openness to God’s Spirit revealing any area in your life that you have not yet given up, then surrender it to God’s control.  “In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.”  Luke 14:33

Friday: Grow up Trained.  Pray for the humility to be trained in the things of God for the purpose of training others.  “A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.”  Luke 6:40

Saturday:  Grow up ! Exclaiming.  Pray for a boldness in proclaiming the good news of Jesus with excitement and enthusiasm as you should.  “When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, ‘Surely he was the Son of God!'”  Matthew 27:54

 

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Worship

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

 

 This week’s prayer focus: Worship!

“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.  Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.  Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.  There is one body and one Spirit — just as you were called to one hope when you were called — one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” 
Ephesians 4:1-6 (NIV)

“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)

A Lifestyle of Prayer should be just that — a lifestyle, not simply an event.  View prayer as your first priority, not as the last resort.  It is my prayer that these weeks of “topical” prayer guides have been training and equipping you in the practice of prayer. 

This week we will focus on different aspects of worship from God’s perspective.  It seems nearly everyone has an idea of what worship ought to be, but what does God say about it?  We have a tendency to make worship about what I want, like, or am comfortable with.  Real worship comes when I decide it’s all about God and what He says, wants, and desires and not about me!  Use the suggestions each day but most of all allow God’s Word to soak into your life and direct how you pray and who you pray for.   As you pray, pay attention to any changes and/or actions God would be calling you to make in that area.  Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.  As you pray, listen for what God would have you to do. 

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 a heart that seeks God in a lifestyle of worship.  Pray this for yourself, your family, your friends, neighbors, and all the other “one anothers” in your life.  Thank you!

Sunday: Pray for Tom Lemler and the work God is doing through Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: Exclusive worship.  Pray that you would reject every temptation to worship anyone, or anything, but God.  “Jesus said to him, ‘Away from me, Satan! For it is written: “Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.”‘”  Matthew 4:10

Tuesday: Heart involved worship.  Pray that your worship of God would always come from a heart that seeks God and not just be following the motions of tradition — old or new.  “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.   They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.”  Matthew 15:8-9

Wednesday: True worship.  Pray that your worship of God would be done in both spirit and truth as a lifestyle, not confined to a specific place and time.  “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.”  John 4:23

Thursday: Informed worship.  Pray that your worship of God would draw you into a greater knowledge and intimacy with Him.  “For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you.”  Acts 17:23

Friday: Sacrificial worship.  Pray that your worship of God would be done in such a way as to “cost you something”.  “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, 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

Saturday:  Acceptable worship.  Pray that your worship of God never forgets who He is compared to who we are.  “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.”  Hebrews 12:28