practice of prayer

July 27, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Growing Together!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Growing Together!

“Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” 
Acts 2:46-47 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on God’s desire that we do life together.  The early believers met together in public and they met together in their homes.  The nature of their coming together was such that they enjoyed “favor with all the people.”  The result of such favor was that “the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”  As you pray this week, ask God to help you know the value of one another as we live this Christian life together.  Pray that you would interact with others in ways that promote favor and goodwill among people.  Pray that God would help you to see how your interactions with other believers can be a fruitful witness for the cause of Christ.  Pray that you would find joy in the coming together of the body of Christ whenever you have the opportunity to be together.  Pray for a spirit of unity within the body of Christ.

“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 together with other believers.

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:  Growing Together In Prayer.  Ask God to help you give greater value to the practice of praying together.  Pray that you would be faithful in joining in prayer with others, and for others, even when you are not able to be with them in person.  “They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.”  Acts 1:14 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Growing Together With Joy.  Pray that you would bring joy to others when you are together.  Pray that you would know the refreshing from God that can come through joining together with your brothers and sisters in Christ.  Pray for a growing desire to meet together in ways which share joy.  “By God’s will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed.”  Romans 15:32 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Growing Together As God’s Dwelling.  Pray that you would see yourself not only as an individual dwelling of God’s Spirit, but also as a part of the larger community of His body.  Pray for eyes which see the household of God being built together with those who are in Christ.  “And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.”  Ephesians 2:22 (NIV)

Thursday:  Growing Together In Unity.  Pray that you would clothe yourself in the love necessary to grow in unity.  Pray for a heart of love that would bind together all of the good things that Christ has put within you.  Pray that you would grow in the things which promote unity.  “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”  Colossians 3:14 (NIV)

Friday:  Growing Together For Perfection.  Pray that your life in Christ would follow in the footsteps of those who have lived by faith so that together each would be made perfect.  Pray that your walk of faith would be perfected by those who follow in your footsteps.  “God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.”  Hebrews 11:40 (NIV)

Saturday:  Growing Together For Truth.  Pray that you would be welcoming and supportive of those who risk much to take the good news of Jesus to people both near and far.  Pray that you would be deliberate about working together with others to share the truth of Jesus wherever you go.  “We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men so that we may work together for the truth.”  3 John 1:8 (NIV)

July 20, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Seeing the Signs!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Seeing the Signs!

“As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. ‘Tell us,’ they said, ‘when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?’” 
Matthew 24:3 (NIV)

This week our prayer focus will be on our need to pay attention to the happenings of life from the view of an eternal perspective.  We often see in Scripture that Jesus noticed things which were different from what others paid attention to.  When we become distracted by the things of this world, Jesus desires to turn our attention to the things we ought to watch out for.  The goal is not to frighten us, but to challenge us with the need to be ready for eternity as we notice the signs of a failing world.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you be aware of the attempts of the enemy to destroy you.  Pray that your relationship with Jesus would fill you with His presence in a way that gives you the strength, wisdom, and courage to always be watchful.  Pray that your desire to know Christ and the power of His resurrection would be greater than any other desire you have.  Pray that seeing the signs would encourage you rather than frighten 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 to help you see, and respond appropriately to, the signs leading to the return of Jesus.

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: Seeing the Suffering.  Pray that your eyes would be opened to the sufferings people experience because of their faith.  Pray that an awareness of the sufferings of others would lead you to greater compassion as you see the return of Jesus nearing.  “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.”  Matthew 24:9 (NIV)

Tuesday: Seeing the Illusion.  Pray that your walk with Jesus would be genuine so that the imposters of this world would not deceive you.  Pray that God’s Spirit would help you see through the illusions brought forth by the evil one.  “For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect — if that were possible.”  Matthew 24:24 (NIV)

Wednesday: Seeing the Gathering.  Pray that you would heed the call of God to gather with fellow believers now as you look toward the final gathering.  Pray that you would see the value of being ready for the gathering of all those who belong to  Christ.  “And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.”  Matthew 24:31 (NIV) 

Thursday: Seeing the Night.  Pray that you would realize the darkness of the night in which we live.  Pray that you would keep watch through the night as you long for the day of Christ’s return.  “But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into.”  Matthew 24:43 (NIV)

Friday: Seeing the Sorrow.  Pray that you would see, and avoid, the sorrow which will come upon all those who reject the Son.  Pray for a genuine faith in Jesus which obeys Him wholeheartedly so that no seeds of hypocrisy could grow.  Pray that your life would lead others to Jesus so they too can avoid the coming sorrow.  “He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”  Matthew 24:51 (NIV)

Saturday:  Seeing the Signs.  Pray that you would be ready at all times for the return of Jesus.  Pray that you would see the signs of the end approaching and be motivated to share Jesus with others.  Pray for a readiness that exists in your life because of the work of Jesus so that you are always prepared whether you expect it to be now or later.  “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”  Matthew 24:44 (NIV)

July 13, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Changed By Woe!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Changed By Woe!

“See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done.” 
2 Corinthians 7:11 (NIV)

Our “Lifestyle of Prayer” emphasis this week will focus on some of the things produced in our life by the woe we experience.  I suspect that most of us are much more aware of the sorrow we experience than the sorrow we cause.  As I read scripture, it appears that both the woe we experience and the woe we cause can be either godly sorrow or worldly sorrow.  One of the clearest ways to determine the true source of the woe is to examine just what it produces.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you see how a godly sorrow produces in you a variety of necessary things.  Pray that you would be a truthful messenger of God so that any sorrow you produce in others would be of the godly kind.  Pray for a growing desire to endure whatever it takes to bring about a maturity in your thoughts and actions.  Pray that God would use the sorrow you experience in order to help shape you more and more into the image of Christ.  Pray that God would use you to make Jesus known to those who are filled with great woe.

“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 godly sorrow — the woe in your life.

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 Changed Earnestness.  Pray that your godly sorrow would produce an earnestness in your communication with God.  Pray for the humility to be earnest with those who have added to your sorrow and with those whose sorrow has been increased by you.  “And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.”  Luke 22:44 (NIV)

Tuesday: A Changed Eagerness.  Pray that your godly sorrow would create an eagerness in your life to know real truth.  Pray that you would be eager to understand the accuracy of God’s Word.  “Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”  Acts 17:11 (NIV)

Wednesday: A Changed Indignation.  Pray that your godly sorrow would lead you to an indignation that challenges your incorrect attitudes.  Pray for the courage to stand up for those who are being overlooked, neglected, or even rejected.  “People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them.  When Jesus saw this, he was indignant.”  Mark 10:13 (NIV) 

Thursday: A Changed Longing.  Pray that your godly sorrow would cause an intense longing to be reconciled with others.  Pray for a growing desire to connect with people that you may not have seen in person for some time.  Pray that your longing for others would help them to know the longing God has for each of us.  “When we were torn away from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you.”  1 Thessalonians 2:17 (NIV)

Friday: A Changed Concern.  Pray that your godly sorrow would produce in you a great concern for others.  Pray that you would find ways to express your concern as you serve and care for people.  Pray that your concern for others would bring them great joy.  “He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.”  2 Corinthians 7:7 (NIV)

Saturday:  A Changed Readiness For Justice.  Pray that your godly sorrow would prepare you to know true justice.  Pray that you would grow in your understanding of how justice, mercy, and compassion work together.  Pray about how God would have you share with others the good news of being made right with God through the work of Jesus Christ.  “This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.’”  Zechariah 7:9 (NIV)

July 6, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Knowing the Great “I AM”!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Knowing the Great “I AM”!

“Then he said to them, ‘Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.’  When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away.”
Matthew 22:21-22 (NIV)

Who’s in charge?  How much authority has Jesus been given by His Father?  What does it mean to know Jesus as the “I AM”?  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 response to the invitation and mandate of Jesus would reflect a godly response to His authority.  Pray that you would know God as revealed to us through His Son, Jesus.  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 and respond to Jesus as the Great I AM.

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:  I AM 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:  I AM 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:  I AM 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:  I AM 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:  I AM 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:  I AM 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)

June 29, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: What Will You Do?

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

What Will You Do?

“What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’“
Matthew 21:28 (NIV)

Most adults seem to like the command where God says children are to obey their parents.  We like it because we tend to unconsciously add two small words to it.  We tend to read it, “[Little] Children obey your [good] parents in the Lord, for this is right.”  Yes, there are limits when it comes to obeying people — “We must obey God rather than men” — but obedience is a trait that God expects all of His children to exhibit.  This week, as we pray about what we ought to do, we will be praying about following the example of Jesus, who “became obedient to death — even death on a cross.”  As you pray, ask God to help you examine your current level of obedience and reveal how you need to grow to become more like Christ.  Pray that your decisions would be godly so that your obedience would follow.  Pray that you would value the choice of obedience in your life and in the lives of others.  Pray that the results of your obedience would help the people around you see Jesus more clearly.

“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 honor Him with your obedience in the things you do.

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: Obedience That Is Steadfast.  Pray that God would help you maintain a steadfast obedience to the decrees of God.  Pray that your times of doubt would be replaced by a steadfast commitment to obeying the laws of God.  “Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees!”  Psalm 119:5 (NIV)

Tuesday: Obedience In Your Thoughts.  Pray that God’s Spirit would guard  your mind so that every thought is obedient to Christ.  Pray for the wisdom to see through the arguments and pretension that would lead you away from obedient thoughts.  “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”  2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)

Wednesday: Obedience That is Wholehearted.  Pray that you would pursue a wholehearted obedience to the teachings of God in order to escape the slavery of sin.  Pray that you would help other know they do not have to remain a slave to sin.  “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 (NIV)

Thursday: Obedience to Leaders.  Pray that your obedience would be a joy to the leaders who have authority over you.  Pray that you would recognize the advantages that come, both to you and your leaders, when you obey.  “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: Obedience to the Truth.  Pray that you would be able to express pure love for others because of your obedience to the truth.  Pray that you would allow God to purify your life by your willingness to obey His truth.  “Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.”  1 Peter 1:22 (NIV)

Saturday:  Obedience to God’s Commands.  Pray that your love for God would be expressed in your obedience to His commands.  Pray that the command to walk in love would be the foundation for your obedience.  “And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.”  2 John 1:6 (NIV)

June 22, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Working For the King!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Working For the King!

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”  
Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)

Working for the King is not as much about the specific tasks that we do as it is about the attitude that we do them with.  Living as a kingdom worker recognizes both our need to rest and our need to be productive.  The American mindset often portrays the hours we spend at a paid job as belonging to our employer while the rest of the hours belong to us.  When you live and work as a kingdom citizen, however, all of the hours belong to the King.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine the attitudes you approach work with.  Pray that you would find a balance of rest and work that is pleasing to God.  Pray about how God would want you to honor Him in your work.  Pray for the courage to work for the Lord in whatever you do — paid work, volunteer work, home work.  Pray for faithfulness and endurance as you work with an eternal inheritance set before you as your reward.  Pray for wisdom in knowing the difference between the good works God has created you to do and the busy work that man may want 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 pray each day for God to help you honor Him in the ways you work.

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:  Work That Is Established.  Pray that you would seek the favor of God in all of the work He sets before you.  Pray that your work would be established by God as you choose to do the very work He has created in advance to be done through you.  “May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us — yes, establish the work of our hands.”  Psalm 90:17 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Work That Is Shared.  Pray that you would look for opportunities to share in the work God is doing through others.  Pray for wisdom in partnering with people who will increase the effectiveness of the work you do for the Lord.  Pray for humility which allows you to ask for help in the work you do.  “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work.”  Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Work That Helps the Weak.  Pray that God would purify your motives in the work you do.  Pray that you would follow the examples of those who work hard to help others.  “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 (NIV)

Thursday:  Work That Bears Fruit.  Pray that your work would please the Lord as it bears fruit to His glory.  Pray that you would be an example to others as you live a life God would call worthy.  “And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.”  Colossians 1:10 (NIV)

Friday:  Work That Is Remembered.  Pray that you would not become weary in helping others through the work you do.  Pray that you would be encouraged by knowing God will always remember your work done in love.  “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”  Hebrews 6:10 (NIV)

Saturday:  Work That Is Known By God.  Pray that your work would be done in such a way that it brings you peace to have it known by God.  Pray that all of your work would be done with an awareness that it doesn’t escape God’s notice.  Pray about how you can help others to rejoice in what God knows about their deeds.  “I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance.”  Revelation 2:2 (NIV)

June 15, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Understanding the Test!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Understanding the Test!

“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”  
1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)

Our prayer emphasis this week will return to a topic we looked at earlier this year concerning the various tests we face in life.  Testing, when handled poorly, will often lead us to sin.  When handled correctly, however, those same tests can serve to illuminate our growth in Christ.  As Jesus was led into the desert to face temptation, He did so as one prepared for the test through prayer, fasting, and the Word of God.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you be ready for every test you will face.  Pray that you live life preparing yourself to be ready for the temptations which are common to mankind.  Pray that the testing of your faith would always produce a confidence in the faithfulness of God.  Pray that God would fill you with wisdom to know when to stand against temptation and when to follow the way out which God provides..

“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 the way you are encouraged and the way you encourage others.

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: Tested By Opposition.  Pray that your response to those who oppose the message of Christ would always be based out of humility.  Pray that you would learn to serve with greater humility even as your faith is tested by those who disagree with you.  “I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, although I was severely tested by the plots of the Jews.”  Acts 20:19 (NIV)

Tuesday: Tested For Obedience.  Pray that you would learn godly obedience when faced with testing of any kind.  Pray that you learn God’s Word for the purpose of knowing how He wants you to live.  Pray that your life of obedience to Christ would be an example to all.  “The reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything.”  2 Corinthians 2:9 (NIV)

Wednesday: Tested In Sincerity.  Pray that your response to the needs of others would reflect the sincerity of your love for people.  Pray for an awareness of how your good works done for God are tested not by a comparison of size, but rather by a comparison of desire.  “I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others.”  2 Corinthians 8:8 (NIV)

Thursday: Tested As Individuals.  Pray for clarity in testing your own actions by the standard of God’s presence in your life.  Pray that you would live with confidence in the way you offer the best of yourself to God.  Pray that you would avoid the trap of individual comparisons.  “Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else.”  Galatians 6:4 (NIV)

Friday: Tested To Serve  Pray that you would prove your faithfulness in the small things on your way to doing greater things for Christ.  Pray that you would use every opportunity to learn and prepare for whatever God would lead you to next.  Pray that you would be faithful in a growing responsibility of service.  “They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.”  1 Timothy 3:10 (NIV)

Saturday:  Tested Through Perseverance.  Pray that you would understand the difficulties of life as a test which shows to you a growing faith.  Pray that you would keep your eyes focused on the eternal prize which awaits all who stand the test of faithfulness.  “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”  James 1:12 (NIV)

June 8, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Growing Encouragement (Week 2)!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Growing Encouragement (Week 2)!

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

This week we look at part two of a two week focus on being encouraged for the purpose of encouraging one another.  The distractions of this world are more than enough to bring discouragement to anyone, so it is important that we keep our eyes focused on the power of God to encourage us so that we can encourage others.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you be encouraged through your relationship with Him.  Pray that you would know God as the source of courage in the midst of any and all discouragement.  Pray that you would be open to the encouragement God sends your way through the people around you.  Pray about how God would use you to be a more effective encourager to the people in your life.  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 grow in the way you are encouraged and the way you encourage others.

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:  Be Encouraged by God.  Pray that you would follow Christ in such a way that you experience the encouragement that comes from God. Pray that the encouragement  you receive from God would fill you with a spirit of unity with fellow believers.  “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)

Tuesday:  Be Encouraged by Good News.  Pray that you would be encouraged by the good news that is reported to you about others.  Pray that you would be a bearer of good news about people, and about God, that would be an encouragement to others.  “I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you.”  Ephesians 6:22 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Be Encouraged by Being United With Christ.  Pray that you would daily know the comfort and encouragement that comes from being in Christ.  Pray that the encouragement you have from being united with Christ would compel you to live like Christ in encouraging others.  “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion.”  Philippians 2:1 (NIV)

Thursday:  Be Encouraged by Sound Doctrine.  Pray that you would be encouraged as you hold firmly to the sound doctrine of scripture.  Pray that you would share sound doctrine in such a way that it encourages others.  “He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.”  Titus 1:9 (NIV)

Friday:  Be Encouraged by Love.  Pray that you would know the encouragement that comes from being loved.  Pray that your love for people would be an encouragement to them.  Pray love would bring joy and refreshment to you and to the people around you.  “Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.”  Philemon 1:7 (NIV)

Saturday:  Be Encouraged by Meeting Together.  Pray that you would always see value in meeting together for encouragement.  Pray that you would find ways to meet with others to be encouraged and to encourage them.  “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”  Hebrews 10:25 (NIV)

June 1, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Growing Encouragement (Week 1)!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Growing Encouragement (Week 1)!

“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” 
Hebrews 3:13 (NIV)

This week we begin a two week focus on being encouraged for the purpose of encouraging one another.  The distractions of this world are more than enough to bring discouragement to anyone, so it is important that we keep our eyes focused on the power of God to encourage us so that we can encourage others.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you be encouraged through your relationship with Him.  Pray that you would know God as the source of courage in the midst of any and all discouragement.  Pray that you would be open to the encouragement God sends your way through the people around you.  Pray about how God would use you to be a more effective encourager to the people in your life.  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 grow in the way you are encouraged and the way you encourage others.

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:  Be Encouraged by the Lord.  Pray that you, and the people around you, would be encouraged by a God that listens to your cries.  Pray for the courage to cry out to God when you are in distress.  Pray that God’s presence in you would make you a better listener to those who cry out.  “You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry.”  Psalm 10:17 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Be Encouraged by the Holy Spirit.  Pray that the encouragement received from the Holy Spirit would bring godly strength and spiritual growth into your life.  Pray that you would allow the Spirit to work through you in encouraging others.  “Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.”  Acts 9:31 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Be Encouraged to Remain True.  Pray that God’s grace would be an encouragement to you to remain true to the Lord.  Pray that you would grow in being a minister of God’s grace.  Pray about how you will encourage others to remain true to God.  “When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.”  Acts 11:23 (NIV)

Thursday:  Be Encouraged by Words.  Pray that you would hear encouraging words from the people you learn from.  Pray that the words you speak would be an encouragement to those who hear.  Pray that God’s Word would be at the heart of the words you are encouraged by and that you encourage others with.  “He traveled through that area, speaking many words of encouragement to the people, and finally arrived in Greece.”  Acts 20:2 (NIV)

Friday:  Be Encouraged by the Faith of Others.  Pray that you would take notice of those around you who live by faith and be encouraged by their examples.  Pray that  your faith in God would be an encouragement to others as their faith is an encouragement to you.  “That you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.”  Romans 1:12 (NIV)

Saturday:  Be Encouraged by Scripture.  Pray that you would consistently spend time in God’s Word to find the encouragement it contains for you.  Pray that you would use the truth of Scripture to encourage others with a hope in Christ.  “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”  Romans 15:4 (NIV)

 

May 25, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Learning To Care!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Learning To Care!

“’I will strengthen them in the LORD and in his name they will walk,’ declares the LORD.”
Zechariah 10:12 (NIV)

This week our prayer guide will return to a previous prayer emphasis on living with a growing understanding of God’s care for us so that we would reflect that care to others.  When we gaze into God’s Word, we discover the ongoing example of His care for people.  In love, God calls us to Himself and takes care of the sin which separates us from Him.  When we care for people the way God cares for us, we walk with Him.  As you pray this week, consider they many ways you have experienced God’s care.  Pray that your care for others would grow as you desire for them to know God’s care.  Pray that you would know how to care for the things which are your responsibility and how to trust God with the things which aren’t your responsibility.  Pray that God’s care, and your care, would strengthen people in the Lord so that together we may walk in His name.  Pray that the body of Christ would grow in the ways we experience and express God’s care.

“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 the way you care.

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:  Care For Creation.  Pray that you would know how to care for the things God has created and has given you stewardship of.  Pray that you would understand how much God cares for His work as He gives value both to creation and to the one He calls to care for it.  “The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”  Genesis 2:15 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Care For the Place of Worship.  Pray that you would know how to be involved in caring for the places we gather at to worship God.  Pray that you would care about God being represented well in your life.  Pray that you would care for yourself as the sanctuary of God’s Spirit.  “Others were assigned to take care of the furnishings and all the other articles of the sanctuary, as well as the flour and wine, and the oil, incense and spices.”  1 Chronicles 9:29 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Care For the Poor.  Pray that you would have a right attitude toward things being made right for the poor.  Pray that you would know how to live with godly justice toward all who might struggle to be seen and heard.  Pray that you would be filled with compassion and concern for the poor.  “The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.”  Proverbs 29:7 (NIV)

Thursday:  Care For God’s People.  Pray that you would consider the needs of others to be more important than your own.  Pray that those under your care would know you one who cares for them even more than you care for yourself.  “’This is what the Sovereign LORD says: ‘Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock?’” Ezekial 34:2 (NIV)

Friday:  Care For the Hurting.  Pray that you would be moved to compassion in a way that compels you to help the hurting.  Pray that you would be willing to give of yourself to care for the hurting rather than expect someone else to do it.  “He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him.”  Luke 10:34 (NIV)

Saturday:  Care For Your Family.  Pray that you would be diligent in caring, to the best of your ability with God’s help, for the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of your family.  Pray that the care you have for your family would be an example of how God wants His family cared for through you.  “If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?”  1 Timothy 3:5 (NIV)