practice of prayer

July 24, 2022 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Courageous Way!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Courageous Way!

“‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the LORD.  ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth,  so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’” 
Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV)

With a continued focus on a time for courage, this week we will focus our prayer emphasis on our ways.  The Bible makes it clear that each one of us has a way that seems right to us, but it is only God’s way that leads to life.  When we accept God’s ways as being far above our own ways, we begin a journey that leads us in a way which is eternal.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine your ways to see how much of them are of you and how much are of Him.  Pray that you would continually grow in accepting and living by God’s ways in all things.  Pray for the humility needed to admit when your ways are in error so that you would turn to the ways of God.  Pray that the way you live your life would help others clearly see Jesus at work in you.

“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’s help in living with in a courageous way.

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: A Perfect Way.  Pray that you would find the strength from God to walk in a way He has made perfect.  Pray that you would live with the courage to pursue a way that is perfect by God’s standard.  Pray that your life would help others to know the way of God to be perfect in all situations.  “It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.” 2 Samuel 22:33 (NIV)

Tuesday: A Guided Way.  Pray for the humility needed to look for, and see, the right way in every circumstance.  Pray that you would be a willing learner when it comes to knowing and following the way of God.  Pray that your life would help others see the value of a life guided by God and His Word.  “He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.” Psalm 119:105 (NIV)

Wednesday: A Blameless Way.  Pray that you would know the blessings of living in a way in which the accusations of the enemy do not stick to you.  Pray for a growing understanding of the Word of God which will lead you in living a blameless life.  Pray that the people around you would be blessed in their pursuit of a blameless life.  “Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD.”  Psalm 119:1 (NIV)

Thursday: An Excellent Way.  Pray that your pursuit of the good things of God would always lead you to the most excellent way of doing everything.  Pray that your life would reflect God’s love as the most excellent way to live.  Pray that your love for God and for others could be described as excellent.  “But eagerly desire the greater gifts.  And now I will show you the most excellent way.”  1 Corinthians 12:31 (NIV)

Friday: A Wise Way.  Pray for wisdom, especially in regard to the way you treat those who are not yet believers in Jesus.  Pray for the wisdom necessary to see the opportunities in both expected and unexpected circumstances.  Pray that the wisdom given to you by God would be used to represent Jesus in everything.  “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.”  Colossians 4:5 (NIV)

Saturday:  A Peaceful Way.  Pray that you would know the peace of God which can only come through relationship with Him.  Pray for a heart which can see a way of peace in all situations.  Pray that you would live in a way that conveys peace to those who are living in turmoil.  “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”  2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV)

July 17, 2022 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Courageous Purity!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Courageous Purity!

“Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” 
2 Corinthians 7:1 (NIV)

With a continued focus on a time for courage, this week we will focus our prayer emphasis on living with courageous purity.  It seems that most conversations and teaching about purity center around the topic of sexual purity.  While that is an important Biblical topic, I believe the Bible teaches that it is often the impurities in other aspects of our life that leads to sexual impurity.  The door of impure actions is often opened by having an impure heart, attitude, thought, or speech.  As you pray each day this week, pray for a greater desire for, and practice of,  the purity that God desires for you.  Pray that your pursuit of purity would be courageous as you choose God’s standards rather than the ways of the world.  Pray that the promises of God would motivate you to a purity that honors and pleases Him.

“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’s help in living with courageous purity.

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: Pure Fear of the Lord.  Pray that you would always live according to a pure fear of the Lord.  Pray that your reverence of God would come from pure motives and would never waver.  Pray that the people around you would come to know a fear of the Lord as the foundation for all purity.  “The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever.” Psalm 19:9 (NIV)

Tuesday: Pure Heart.  Pray that you would seek and allow God to create a pure heart within you.  Pray that a purity of heart would calm your spirit and keep you steadfast in your relationship with God.  Pray that the people around you would see your persistence in allowing God’s Spirit to purify your heart.  “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 (NIV)

Wednesday: Pure Way.  Pray that you would be a faithful student of God’s Word for the purpose of keeping your way pure.  Pray that all of your ways would be pleasing to God.  Pray that the people around you would come to know God’s Word as a protection to keep their life pure.  “How can a young man keep his way pure?  By living according to your word.”  Psalm 119:9 (NIV)

Thursday: Pure Speech.  Pray that God’s guard over your mouth would keep your speech pure in all situations.  Pray for the courage to be silent when needed and to speak when appropriate.  Pray that the people around you would hear a consistent message of your faith as you ask God to watch what comes from your lips.  “Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.”  Psalm 141:3 (NIV)

Friday: Pure Thoughts.  Pray that your thoughts would only be of things that are pleasing to  God.  Pray for a purity of thoughts that would guide all of your actions.  Pray that the people around you would understand how important their thought life is and that nothing you do would cause them to have impure thoughts.  “The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but those of the pure are pleasing to him.”  Proverbs 15:26 (NIV)

Saturday:  Pure Actions.  Pray that God would help you to see how your actions are reflecting Him to the world.  Pray for the courage to always act in ways that honor God and help to make Him known.  Pray that the people around you will know you as God’s child because of the way you live your life.  “Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right.” Proverbs 20:11 (NIV)

July 10, 2022 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Courageous Faith!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Courageous 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)

This week we will focus our prayer time on living with a courageous faith.  Since faith is required to please God, it is vital that we hold on to the seeds of faith which have been planted in us and nurture them so they grow into an ever-increasing active faith.  Faith includes a huge element of belief, but it also is made up of confidence and trust which should lead us to do something about what we believe.  As you pray, ask God to increase your belief in a way that gives you confidence to do the things of God.  Pray that you would rightly examine what your faith is currently leading you to do.  Pray that you would be wise in living life by faith and not use faith as an excuse for foolish decisions.  Pray that your life of active faith would be centered in a relationship with God as you seek to represent Jesus well to those around you.  Pray that the people around you would be more aware of Jesus because of your faith.

“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’s help in living with courageous faith.

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: Faith That Is Visible.  Pray that you would live with a faith that can be seen.  Pray that your faith would be put into action in ways that are not only noticed, but in ways that help others.  Pray for a visible faith that pleases God by the way you use it to care for others.  “When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’”  Mark 2:5 (NIV)

Tuesday: Faith That Is Growing.  Pray that you would understand the need to constantly grow in your faith.  Pray that you would always go to God as both the source of your faith and the source of its growth.  Ask God to increase your faith.  Pray that your growing faith would help others grow in their desire to know God.  “The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith!’”  Luke 17:5 (NIV)

Wednesday: Faith That Encourages Others.  Pray that your faith would be practiced in such a way that others are encouraged by it.  Pray that you would know the encouragement that comes from being with people of faith.  Ask God to help you grow through a shared faith.  “I long to see you so that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.”  Romans 1:11-12 (NIV)

Thursday: Faith That Is Tested.  Pray that you would be strong in faith as you experience times when it is tested.  Pray that you would accurately examine your faith as you consider the fruit it is producing.  Ask God to fill you with a faith that will pass every test it is put through.  Pray that your life would help others see the value of faith during the struggles of life.  “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.”  2 Corinthians 13:5 (NIV)

Friday: Faith That Protects.  Pray that you would put your faith into action in such a way that it protects you from the attacks of the enemy.  Pray that you would be aware of the temptations of the evil one, and in faith resist and overcome them.  Pray that your faith in Jesus would help stop the spread of evil.  “In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”  Ephesians 6:16 (NIV)

Saturday:  Faith That Produces Work.  Pray that your courageous faith would produce good works that honor God.  Pray that you would live a life of thankfulness as you consider the work God has produced in others through their faith.  Ask God to help you recognize His work being done in the lives of others.  “We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith.”  1 Thessalonians 1:3 (NIV)

July 3, 2022 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Courageous Choices!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Courageous Choices!

“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”
Joshua 24:15 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer time on seeking God’s help in making courageous choices!  Regardless of our circumstances, or even our own role in being where we are, we have the opportunity to make choices that determine, or show, who we really serve.  Our prayer life should help us to be in line with God’s will so our choices will honor Him.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you see accurately where you are at in relationship with Him.  Pray that you would seek His help in making choices that draw you closer to Jesus and that help others see Him in you.  Pray for the courage to choose wisely in everything you do.  Pray that you would regard no choice as too insignificant for 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 pray each day for God’s help in making courageous choices.

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: Choose Life.  Pray that you would make courageous choices that lead to life.  Pray that you would be able to lovingly communicate the choice between life and death to others so they would choose life.  “This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.”  Deuteronomy 30:19 (NIV)

Tuesday: Choose Instruction.  Pray that you would always value godly instruction.  Pray that you would choose the instruction of God’s wisdom over anything else you may value.  Pray that all of your interactions with others would help them to know the value of godly instruction in their life.  “Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold.”  Proverbs 8:10 (NIV)

Wednesday: Choose Understanding.  Pray that you would choose an understanding that can only come from God.  Pray for a godly wisdom that is applied in your understanding of the times.  Pray that you would choose to apply godly understanding in all of your interactions with people.  “How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!”  Proverbs 16:16 (NIV)

Thursday: Choose What Pleases the Lord.  Pray that your life would be lived choosing the things that please the Lord.  Pray for the courage to be consistent in pleasing the Lord so that others come to know Him.  “For this is what the LORD says: ‘To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, who choose what pleases me and hold fast to my covenant . . . I will give them an everlasting name that will not be cut off.'”  Isaiah 56:4-5 (NIV)

Friday: Choose to Be Spirit-filled Workers.  Pray that you would choose to value God’s presence in the lives of people.  Pray that you would choose to be one who is full of the Spirit and wisdom.  Pray that the people around you would know you as one who is full of the Spirit.  “Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them.”  Acts 6:3 (NIV)

Saturday:  Choose to Be Faithful Messengers.  Pray that you would choose, to be a faithful messenger in carrying the gospel.  Pray for wisdom in being involved in choosing and sending out faithful messengers so the gospel would be shared everywhere they go.  “Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to choose some of their own men and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas (called Barsabbas) and Silas, two men who were leaders among the brothers.”  Acts 15:22 (NIV)

June 26, 2022 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Courageous Leadership!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Courageous Leadership!

“’Their leader will be one of their own; their ruler will arise from among them.  I will bring him near and he will come close to me, for who is he who will devote himself to be close to me?’  declares the LORD.  ‘So you will be my people, and I will be your God.'”
Jeremiah 30:21-22 (NIV)

This week we will be praying about leadership and how God wants those who lead, to lead according to His will, instruction, and power.  Before you dismiss this prayer guide as not applicable to you, or think it is all about someone else, look around at how God has called you to lead.  Leadership done God’s way should always take place under the ultimate leadership of God and be done so that people recognize Him as the One who is leading.  As you pray this week, ask God to make you aware of the situations He has called you to lead in.  Pray that you would lead in ways that make Him known rather than in ways that promote yourself or your own agenda.  Pray that you would always know God as the leader you follow — even in areas you are called to lead in.

“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’s help in following and being a courageous leader.

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:  Lead with Generosity.  Pray that your willingness to give would cause those you are leading to rejoice.  Pray that your generosity would always flow from the knowledge that you are giving to the Lord.  “The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the LORD.  David the king also rejoiced greatly.”  1 Chronicles 29:9 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Lead with Justice.  Pray that you would be filled with the wisdom to lead with justice.  Pray that you would treat everyone fairly and without partiality as you lead.  Pray for God’s view of justice to guide you as you lead.  Pray that the people you lead would know they are valuable to you and to God.  “Listen, you leaders of Jacob, you rulers of the house of Israel.  Should you not know justice?”  Micah 3:1 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Lead Away from Ignorance.  Pray that your leadership would be done in wisdom and truth, rather than in ignorance.  Pray that your actions would lead people toward truth and not away from it.  Pray for the courage to recognize ignorance in your own life and deal with it so that you can lead people away from their ignorance.  “Now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders.”  Acts 3:17 (NIV)

Thursday:  Lead Diligently.  Pray that you would be diligent in leading by the power of God’s Spirit in every area He has called you to lead.  Pray for the endurance to lead wisely through both your words and actions.  Pray about growing in a willingness to be faithful in allowing God to work through you.  “ . . . if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.”  Romans 12:8a (NIV)

Friday:  Lead by Example.  Pray that you would never forget the examples of those who have led well before you.  Pray that you would be courageous in following the examples of those who lead in godly ways.  Pray that your life would be a godly example to those who hear the Word of God through you.  “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.”  Hebrews 13:7 (NIV)

Saturday:  Lead with Accountability.  Pray that you would lead with the ever-present knowledge that you will give an account for how you lead.  Pray that your obedience to God would encourage others to obey as they follow your leadership.  “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)

June 19, 2022 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Godly Example!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Godly Example!

“These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come.  So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” 
1 Corinthians 10:11-12 (NIV)

Throughout scripture we are told to view various things as examples of God’s mercy, His judgment, His patience, His love, and the list goes on.  This week our focus will be on praying about the examples we learn from and the example we ought to be.  As we celebrate Father’s Day, it is important to realize we have a perfect loving Father to follow regardless of our relationship with our own father.  Not only does God set the example through His nature and the life of His Son, He gives us godly examples throughout His Word for us to follow and learn from.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you learn from the examples found in scripture.  Pray that you would always have people in your life that serve as spiritual fathers and mentors.  Pray that you would live in such a way that you are a godly example 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’s help in following and being a godly example.

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: A Godly Example To Serve Others.  Pray that you would have eyes that notice the needs of others and have a willingness to serve them.  Pray that you would be a godly example to  others as you serve in every way possible.  “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.  I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”  John 13:14-15 (NIV)

Tuesday: A Godly Example Of Following Christ.  Pray that God would surround you with people who are faithfully following Jesus.  Pray that you would learn to be a godly example as you grow in following the example of Christ.  Pray that your life would be a consistent example.  Pray that Jesus would be seen clearly in the way you live.  “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”  1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV)

Wednesday: A Godly Example Of Diligent Work.  Pray that you would follow godly examples of those who work faithfully for the cause of Christ.  Pray that your example as a worker would help others see Christ more clearly.  Pray that your diligent work would serve as an example to others in providing for yourself and for those in need.  “For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you.”  2 Thessalonians 3:7 (NIV)

Thursday: A Godly Example Of God’s Mercy and Patience.  Pray that you would take courage from the examples of God’s mercy that you see.  Pray that your life would be an expression to others of God’s mercy.  “But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.”  1 Timothy 1:16 (NIV)

Friday: A Godly Example Of Integrity.  Pray that you would learn to live a life that is above reproach.  Pray that your teaching would always have a consistency that is in agreement with God’s Word.  Pray about how God would use your example to help others see the value of doing everything with integrity.  “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity.”  Titus 2:7 (NIV)

Saturday:  A Godly Example Of Suffering.  Pray for courage to respond with humility when you suffer for the sake of Christ.  Pray that you would learn from the examples of those who suffer for the cause of Christ.  Pray that your life would be an example to others of how God can be glorified even in suffering.  “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.”  1 Peter 2:21 (NIV)

June 12, 2022 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Called To Integrity!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Called To Integrity!

“Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” 
Matthew 5:37 (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 focus our prayer emphasis on some things that God says about integrity.  Selfishness and situational ethics have made integrity a dying characteristic — everyone else does “it”, so will I.  Integrity is a part of God’s nature so it is a characteristic we ought to pursue in our life in order to better reflect Jesus to the world.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you grow in your commitment to letting your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’ and your ‘No’ be ‘No’.  Pray that the message you present with your life would match what you say with your words, and that both would match God’s Word.  Pray that you would make a life of integrity a priority each day you live.

“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’s help in responding to His call for integrity.

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: Judged According to Your Integrity.  Pray that you would live in such a way that you have no fear when the One who knows your heart judges you according to your integrity.  Pray for the humility needed to live with confidence in your integrity and in the righteousness of God.  “Let the LORD judge the peoples.  Judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, according to my integrity, O Most High.”  Psalm 7:8 (NIV)

Tuesday: Protected By Integrity.  Pray that the hope you have in Jesus would fill you with an integrity that protects you from sin.  Pray for a growing integrity that protects you from the accusations of the enemy.  Pray that the people around you would seek God’s protection through a life of integrity.  “May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you.”  Psalm 25:21 (NIV)

Wednesday: Upheld By Integrity.  Pray that your life of integrity would lift you up to eternal life with God.  Pray that your pursuit of integrity would fill you with a growing peace of God’s presence in your daily walk.  Pray that the people around you would have a relationship with Jesus that is upheld by their integrity.  “In my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever.”  Psalm 41:12 (NIV)

Thursday: Leading With Integrity.  Pray that all leading you do, whether considered big or small, would be done with integrity.  Pray that all those who lead within God’s kingdom would do so with a heart of integrity.  Pray that the people around you would both lead with integrity and be involved in choosing leaders with integrity.  “And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.”  Psalm 78:72 (NIV)

Friday: Guided By Integrity.  Pray that your pursuit of God would fill you with an integrity that guides your every step.  Pray for a life of faithfulness that is guided by integrity.  Pray that the people around you would avoid destruction by seeking God in a life of integrity.  “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.”  Proverbs 11:3 (NIV)

Saturday:  Teaching With Integrity.   Pray that all the teaching you do in both word and deed, would be done with complete integrity.  Pray that the people around you would see and hear an integrity from you that leads them to Jesus.  “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.”  Titus 2:7-8

June 5, 2022 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Called To Unity!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Called To Unity!

“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)

Our Lifestyle of Prayer emphasis this week will focus on different aspects of unity from God’s perspective.  It seems nearly everyone loves the idea of unity, if people would just agree with me (what I say, what I like, what I want, what I . . .) though really we just want conformity, not unity.  Real unity comes when we decide it’s all about what God 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. Please continue to pray for one another in the midst of these confusing and changing times.  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’s help in responding to His call for unity.

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: Called To Unity of Mind.  Pray for a unity of mind among the people of God so that the work of the kingdom is not hindered.  Pray that the Word of God would be the source for the unity of mind you seek.  “Also in Judah the hand of God was on the people to give them unity of mind to carry out what the king and his officials had ordered, following the word of the LORD.”  2 Chronicles 30:12 (NIV)

Tuesday: Called To Unity of Life.  Pray for unity in the individual families of your congregation and throughout the family of your congregation so that life together will be “good and pleasant”.  Pray that you would learn to live in unity while honoring the uniqueness of individuals.  Pray that a unity of life would help those around you see Jesus.  “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!”  Psalm 133:1 (NIV)

Wednesday: Called To Complete Unity.  Pray that your pursuit of complete unity in Christ would help others to see Jesus and the love of God in you.  Pray that love would be the foundation of your unity in a world that needs to see the love of God in you.  “I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”  John 17:23 (NIV)

Thursday: Called To Unity of Spirit.  Pray for a unity of spirit among your church family that is based on following Christ Jesus.  Pray that you would grow in endurance as God encourages and leads you to a greater unity through following Christ.  Pray that a unity of spirit would identify you as a follower of Christ.  “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus.”  Romans 15:5  (NIV)

Friday: Called To Unity of Faith.  Pray for the maturity to get along with one another as we all mature into a unity of faith.  Pray that your knowledge of Jesus would lead you to a unity of faith that results in growing into the fullness of Christ.  “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)

Saturday:  Called To Perfect Unity.  Pray for a Christ-like love which will hold together in perfect unity all of the godly characteristics that God calls you to “put on” in your life.  Pray about how all of the goodness of God will come together in your life as you live in the presence of others in a way that imitates Jesus.  “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”  Colossians 3:14 (NIV)

May 29, 2022 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Called To Sacrificial Service!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Called To Sacrificial Service!

“The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.  Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be.  My Father will honor the one who serves me.”  
John 12:25-26 (NIV)

As we continue to grow in A Lifestyle of Prayer, it is important to remember prayer should be a lifestyle, not an event.  This week’s prayer focus will be on serving sacrificially.  As we commemorate Memorial Day weekend here in the U.S., it is good to remember those who gave their life on behalf of their country and fellow man.  It is also good to follow that example of sacrifice as we serve within the kingdom of God.  Serving sacrificially is difficult because it requires that we humble ourselves and consider the needs of someone else to be greater than our own.  Serving sacrificially is not without reward.  Not only does it benefit those we serve, it brings honor from God as we serve Christ in our service to others.  As you pray this week, thank God for those who have served their country, and you, sacrificially.  Pray that you would grow in the humility necessary to serve others as you should.

“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’s help in learning to serve sacrificially.

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: Serve In The Spirit.  Pray that you would know the joy that comes by serving through the way of God’s 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 (NIV)

Tuesday: Serve With Power.  Pray for the courage to serve in God’s power when you feel weak.  Pray for a willingness to let God use your weaknesses in powerful ways.  Pray that those you serve would know the power of God.  “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 (NIV)

Wednesday: Serve One Another.  Pray for the compassion needed to serve one another even when you think you are free not to.  Pray for the wisdom and humility needed to deny yourself as you serve others.  Pray that the people around you would know God’s love because of the way you serve.  “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 (NIV)

Thursday: Serve Wholeheartedly.  Pray that you would serve others with a whole heart, just as you would if it were Jesus you were serving.  Pray that you would grow in a willingness and eagerness to serve as God prompts you with opportunities to volunteer.  Pray that the way you serve would help people see Jesus in you.  “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men.”  Ephesians 6:7 (NIV)

Friday: Serve Faithfully.  Pray that you would be faithful in using God’s gifting in your life to serve others.  Pray that God would help you to recognize how He has gifted you to serve others faithfully.  Pray that your service to others would be known as a gift from God.  “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)

Saturday:  Serve Eagerly.  Pray that you would eagerly desire, and look for, opportunities to serve.  Pray that you would eagerly serve those you have responsibility for.  Pray for those who serve as shepherds, that their motives are always pure.  “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 (NIV)

 

May 22, 2022 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Called To Greater Things!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Called To Greater Things!

“I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.”  
John 14:12 (NIV)

As we honor our graduates this week, our prayer focus will be about all of us seeking, and doing, greater things.  It is easy to walk through life each day settling for “good enough” when God wants us to look to Him for “greater things”.  In fact, we are so used to settling that we generally find it unbelievable that Jesus would say we can do even greater things than He had done during His ministry on earth.  These words were spoken before His ultimate “great thing” of the death, burial, and resurrection so I believe being able to share that gospel news is a big part of the greater things in store for us to share with others.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you seek the greater things He offers.  Pray that your relationship with Jesus would equip you to do greater things as you serve people in His name.  Pray that you would not be one that settles for lesser things when God wants to amply supply you with greater things.  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 God’s help in knowing and doing the greater things He has called you to.

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: A Greater Love.  Pray that you would always be aware of the great love God has shown you through the laying down of the life of Jesus.  Pray that you would love people like Jesus loves you.  Pray for a willingness to sacrifice for the benefit of others.  “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”  John 15:13 (NIV)

Tuesday: A Greater Gift.  Pray that you would use all of the gifts God has given to you, but always within the context of the “greater gift” of love.  Pray that God’s love would be expressed through you in ways that are “most excellent”.  Pray that you would always desire the things God calls “greater gifts”.  “But eagerly desire the greater gifts.  And now I will show you the most excellent way.”  1 Corinthians 12:31 (NIV)

Wednesday: A Greater Glory.  Pray that you would seek the things of God which will endure.  Pray that your appreciation for the things of glory that fade would lead you to discover the things of greater glory.  Pray that your life would share with others about the glory yet to come.  “And if what was fading away came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!”  2 Corinthians 3:11 (NIV)

Thursday: A Greater Value.  Pray that you would accurately evaluate the value you place on the “treasures” of this world.  Pray that you would learn to consider the cost of following Jesus to be of greater value than the things of the world.  Pray that you would keep your eyes focused on the reward that has eternal value.  “He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.”  Hebrews 11:26 (NIV)

Friday: A Greater Testimony.  Pray that you would view the testimony of God to be greater than the testimony of man.  Pray that you would listen for truthful testimony and find that its source is from God.  Pray that your life would be about sharing the greater testimony of God’s work in you.  “We accept man’s testimony, but God’s testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son.”  1 John 5:9 (NIV)

Saturday:  A Greater Joy.  Pray that you would find a greater joy than what the world can offer.  Pray that you would receive joy from having children in the faith.  Pray that you would bring greater joy to others by walking in truth.  “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”  3 John 1:4 (NIV)