“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Living As Wise!

“Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.  Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.  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.  Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”
Ephesians 5:15-21 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on living as one who is wise.  Whenever the Bible talks about wisdom, it generally addresses our application of God’s Word rather than an accumulation of knowledge about it.  This week we will be praying about some areas that we ought to look at in our life as we desire to live as one who is wise.  Most people know of many of the “thou shalt not” parts of the Bible, and living as wise requires that we pay attention to those, but wisdom demands that we learn from God what to do in place of the things that we should not do.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you see what wisdom would look like in your life each day.  Pray for the courage to put aside every hint of evil as you seek to live as one who is wise.  Pray that you would make yourself available to God in order for Him to transform you from the inside out.  Pray that your life would be so filled with God’s wisdom that there would be no room for any of the evil the world wants you to accept.  Pray for a spirit of unity within your church congregation and within the body of Christ as a whole.  Pray each day for the individuals of your congregation and for the body of Christ as a whole.

“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 live as one who is wise according to His standard.

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 the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: Be Wise In Every Opportunity.  Pray that you would use God’s wisdom to see every opportunity that He places before you.  Pray that you would not let the evil around you keep you from using every opportunity to represent Jesus well to the people around you that need to know of His love.  “Making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”  Ephesians 5:16 (NIV)

Tuesday: Be Wise In Understanding God’s Will.  Pray that God’s Spirit would lead you in understanding His will through His Word.  Pray that you would set aside the foolishness of this world as you seek to know and practice the will of God.  Pray that your understanding of God’s will would lead you to do it.  “Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”  Ephesians 5:17 (NIV)

Wednesday: Be Wise In What Fills You.  Pray that you would recognize God’s Spirit living within you a part of His gift that He has promised to you.  Pray that you would be mindful to not fill your life with things that control you as you make room for God’s Spirit to fill you.  “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”  Ephesians 5:18 (NIV)

Thursday: Be Wise In Your Worship.  Pray that you would be wise in both the way you worship God with others and the way you worship Him when you are alone.  Pray that your worship of God would overflow into your interactions with the people around you.  “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord.”  Ephesians 5:19 (NIV)

Friday: Be Wise In Your Thankfulness.  Pray for the wisdom to see all things through a heart of gratitude as you thank God for what He has done, is doing, and will do.  Pray that God would help you find ways to be thankful even when you are not feeling very grateful about a given circumstance.  “Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  Ephesians 5:20 (NIV)

Saturday:  Be Wise In Your Submission.  Pray that you would have the wisdom to know Jesus as the source and example of all godly submission.  Pray for the humility and submission necessary to submit to others because of your reverence for Christ.  Pray that you would never view your submission, or the submission of others, as an excuse for people to be treated poorly.  “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”  Ephesians 5:21 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Perseverance!

“Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
James 1:4 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on perseverance.  In a world that is always in a hurry, perseverance can be a rare and little sought characteristic in our life.  God not only wants us to persevere, He wants us to find purpose and joy in doing so.  God promises an eternal reward not to those who are just faithful, but to those who are faithful to the end.  Perseverance is the quality that keeps us pursuing God even when the going gets tough.  It is through those tough times that God works to mature us into the people He knows we ought to be because it is who He created us to be.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you not to give up.  Pray that you would look ahead to the end result of perseverance as  you struggle through the daily difficulty of life.  Pray that you would not be the cause of someone wanting to give up.  Pray for the humility needed to look past the criticism and doubts of others so that you can see the eternal value of perseverance as you seek to live a life that is faithful to the end.  Pray that the people around you would be encouraged by your words and actions to persevere in their faith and pursuit of God.  Pray for a spirit of unity within your church congregation and within the body of Christ as a whole.  Pray each day for the individuals of your congregation and for the body of Christ as a whole.

“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 persevere through every circumstance so that you do not become weary in doing good.

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 the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: Perseverance that Produces.  Pray that you would have a good and noble heart that readily accepts the Word of God.  Pray that you would give God’s Word time to grow and produce a crop in your life and in the lives of others.  “But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.”  Luke 8:15 (NIV)

Tuesday: Perseverance In Suffering.  Pray that you would know the value of perseverance to such an extent that you would rejoice in the things that produces it in you.  Pray that you would help others grow in their faith as they see the sufferings of life producing perseverance in you.  “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance.”  Romans 5:3 (NIV)

Wednesday: Perseverance Because of Love.  Pray that you would pursue a greater love that helps you to always persevere.  Pray that the people around you would know more of God’s love as they see it in you.  Pray that God would fill you with a love that perseveres even among those you find unlovable.  “[Love] always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”  1 Corinthians 13:7 (NIV)

Thursday: Perseverance Which Gets Noticed.  Pray that you would be encouraged in your faith as you observe the perseverance of others.  Pray that you would find ways for the difficulties you face in life to be an example to others of godly perseverance.  “Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.”  2 Thessalonians 1:4 (NIV)

Friday: Perseverance In Life and Doctrine.  Pray that you would pay close attention to what you believe and how you do life.  Pray that nothing would sway you from living a godly life that holds fast to the teachings of Jesus.  “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.”  1 Timothy 4:16 (NIV)

Saturday:  Perseverance that Is Rewarded.  Pray that you would not lose sight of the eternal reward promised to those who persevere in doing God’s will.  Pray that you would help others know the importance of seeking and doing the will of God in all circumstances.  “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.”  Hebrews 10:36 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Thanksgiving!

“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 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on thanksgiving.  While my neighbors to the north in Canada celebrated Thanksgiving a short time ago and my neighbors in the country I live in will celebrate Thanksgiving this week, giving thanks really ought to be a lifestyle for God’s children every day that we live.  Our level of thankfulness will say a lot to the people around us who need to know of the hope that is found in Jesus.  And I might add, the genuineness or lack thereof of our thankfulness will be noticed by many who are watching.  We all go through struggles that test our faith and we may endure things that no one would be thankful for, but it can be in those times that finding ways to give thanks anyway can speak volumes to others.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine your current level of thankfulness.  Pray that you would always look for reasons to give thanks and that you would learn to give thanks even when the reasons seem hidden.  Pray that your faith would grow as you daily practice an attitude of gratitude in your relationships with one another and with God.  Pray that you would find ways to express your thanks to those who need to hear it.  Pray for a spirit of unity within your church congregation and within the body of Christ as a whole.  Pray each day for the individuals of your congregation and for the body of Christ as a whole.

“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 fill you with an attitude of gratitude as you live a lifestyle of prayer and thanksgiving.

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 the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: Give Thanks Through Sacrificial Offerings.  Pray that the offering of yourself and your possessions to God would be done with a thankful heart.  Pray that your promises to God would be fulfilled as you give sacrificially.  “Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High.”  Psalm 50:14 (NIV)

Tuesday: Give Thanks Through Singing.  Pray that you would learn to express your thanks to God through the songs you sing, whether sung privately or publicly.  Pray that God’s name would be lifted up through the music you listen to as well as through the music you share with others.  “I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.”  Psalm 69:30 (NIV)

Wednesday: Give Thanks For What the Lord Has Done.  Pray that you would pay attention to what God has done in your life so that you would give Him thanks for doing so.  Pray that you would use every opportunity you have to thank the Lord “among the nations” so that the people around you would know of His great work.  “Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done.”  Psalm 105:1 (NIV)

Thursday: Give Thanks Which Glorifies God.  Pray that you would live in such a way that your life would lead to an overflowing of thanksgiving which brings glory to God.  Pray that you would know God’s grace and willingly share it with others so that they too would have a reason to be thankful.  “All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.”  2 Corinthians 4:15 (NIV)

Friday: Give Thanks For One Another.  Pray that you would learn to be thankful for the people God brings into your life.  Pray that your thankfulness for one another would lead you to always remember them in prayer.  “We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers.”  1 Thessalonians 1:2 (NIV)

Saturday:  Give Thanks In All Circumstances.  Pray that you would look for reasons to be thankful in each and ever circumstance you face.  Pray that your desire to be within the will of God would lead you to be a more thankful person.  “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”

This week’s prayer focus: Service!

“It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 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 4:11-13 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on our call to service.  While it can be easy to look to those with specific gifts as the ones who ought to be involved in serving others, God says their role is to prepare each of us for works of service.  Granted, their responsibility to prepare others doesn’t exclude them from serving as well, but their service ought to be alongside those they are preparing — not in place of it.  Whoever you are, if you are God’s child, He has service for you to do in His kingdom.  You are most like Jesus when you choose to “be servant of all” rather than seeking to be served.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you grow in your desire to serve.  Pray that you would listen to those God has sent to prepare you more fully.  Pray that you would faithfully serve those whom God has sent you to for the purpose of helping to prepare them.  Pray for the courage and humility to serve others as one serving the Lord.  Pray for a spirit of unity within your church congregation and within the body of Christ as a whole.  Pray each day for the individuals of your congregation and for the body of Christ as a whole.

“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 choose to serve others as you serve Him.

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 the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: Service That You Are Ready For.  Pray that you would make the preparations necessary to be ready for service.  Pray that you would shine brightly with the love of Jesus as you make the most of every opportunity to serve people.  “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning.”  Luke 12:35 (NIV)

Tuesday: Service Which Is a Privilege.  Pray that you would be able to see service to others as  “get to” rather than a “have to”.  Pray that you would eagerly look for opportunities to help others who are involved in serving people.  “They urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.”  2 Corinthians 8:4 (NIV)

Wednesday: Service Which Supplies Needs.  Pray that you would notice opportunities to serve that actually supplies the needs of people.  Pray for service which is meaningful in supplying the needs of one another.  “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 (NIV)

Thursday: Service Which Brings Praise to God.  Pray that your character would be proved by your works of service.  Pray that your heart and attitude displayed through your service would lead people to give praise to God.  “Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God.”  2 Corinthians 9:13 (NIV)

Friday: Service Appointed By God.  Pray that you would serve according to the strength of Christ within you.  Pray that you would serve faithfully as you acknowledge God’s calling in your life and His appointment of you as one who serves.  “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.”  1 Timothy 1:12 (NIV)

Saturday:  Service That Is Known By God.  Pray that you would not become weary in serving others as you remember that God knows everything about the service you give on His behalf.  Pray that you would continually grow in both the depth and quantity of the service you do for God.  “I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.”  Revelation 2:19 (NIV)

Bonus Prayer Focus:  Pray for Impact Prayer Ministry as I have a display set up at the International Conference on Missions this week.

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Wise Choices!

“To [those] who keep my Sabbaths, who choose what pleases me and hold fast to my covenant — to them I will give within my temple and its walls a memorial and a name better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that will not be cut off.”
Isaiah 56:4-5 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on our need to make wise choices.  We live in a culture that wants us to believe that our choices should always reflect whatever benefits us the most or what we want the most — regardless of whether such a choice honors God and reflects the character of Jesus in our life.  Sometimes we get so caught up in trying to make a name for our self that we miss out on the name that God wants us to have.  Our choices ought to be the ones that please God as we hold fast to Him even in the midst of our shortcomings and insecurities.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine the choices you make.  Pray that you would seek to honor God in all of your choices.  Pray for the courage to make choices that please God and pray for wisdom to know what pleases Him.  Pray for a focus in your choices that looks beyond the temporary satisfaction offered in this world and can gaze into the eternal reward that God gives.  Pray for a spirit of unity within your church congregation and within the body of Christ as a whole.  Pray each day for the individuals of your congregation and for the body of Christ as a whole.

“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 make wise 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 the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: Choose Life.  Pray that you would understand the choice of life and death which stands before you each day.  Pray for the courage to choose the life offered by God.  Pray that you would honor the choice of life for those who need someone to stand for them.  “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 to Serve the Lord.  Pray that you would recognize that serving is mandatory, who you serve is your choice.  Pray that serving the Lord would be most desirable to you.  Pray that you would daily choose to serve the Lord.  “But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”  Joshua 24:15 (NIV)

Wednesday: Choose Instruction & Knowledge.  Pray that you would learn to choose the things of true value.  Pray that you would be teachable as you choose instruction.  Pray that God would help you to apply the instruction you receive so that you would grow in knowledge.  “Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold.”  Proverbs 8:10 (NIV)

Thursday: Choose Wisdom & Understanding.  Pray that you would not weary yourself pursuing things that the world values.  Pray that God would give you the wisdom you need for every situation.  Pray that you would choose a life of understanding as you apply the wisdom God provides.  “How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!”  Proverbs 16:16 (NIV)

Friday: Choose What Is Right.  Pray that you would look to God in order to know the difference between what is right and wrong.  Pray that you would have the courage to reject the things which are wrong.  Pray for the strength to choose what God says is right.  “He will eat curds and honey when he knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right.”  Isaiah 7:15 (NIV)

Saturday:  Choose Spirit-Filled Leaders & Workers.  Pray that you would look for a God-given Spirit and wisdom in the leaders you help choose.  Pray that you would be both a leader and worker who values wisdom and God’s Spirit more than the things of the world.  “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)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Proclaim!

“What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.”
Matthew 10:27 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on our responsibility to proclaim to others what we have learned from God.  When we recognize God’s authority over us and surrender our will to Jesus, there ought to be such a transformation within us that we couldn’t keep it a secret if we wanted to.  The light of truth that God has used to illuminate the darkness within us ought to be shared with all we encounter.  The whispers of love that we hear from God’s Word and His Spirit ought to be proclaimed by us to a world desperately in need of true love and hope.  Proclaiming what God has done for you isn’t always about shouting loudly or drawing attention to yourself.  In fact, it is often most effective when done with a combination of quiet words and bold, loving actions.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you be deliberate in how you proclaim His work in your life.  Pray for the courage to tell your story and give God the credit.  Pray that you would live in such a way that your actions proclaim God’s working in your life just as much as your words do.  Pray for the wisdom to know what needs proclaimed in a way that benefits those who hear.  Pray for a spirit of unity within your church congregation and within the body of Christ as a whole.  Pray each day for the individuals of your congregation and for the body of Christ as a whole.

“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 proclaim to others the things He has entrusted you to share.

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 the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: Proclaim Righteousness.  Pray that you would not hesitate in proclaiming what is right.  Pray that God’s righteousness would be the standard for what you consider to be right.  Pray that your surroundings would not keep you from proclaiming righteousness.  “I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, as you know, O LORD.”  Psalm 40:9 (NIV)

Tuesday: Proclaim the Works of God.  Pray that you would proclaim the works of God as you consider all He has done.  Pray that you would know a fear of the Lord as you proclaim His works to others.  Pray that others would fear God as you proclaim His works.  “All mankind will fear; they will proclaim the works of God and ponder what he has done.”  Psalm 64:9 (NIV)

Wednesday: Proclaim the Kingdom of God.  Pray that you would never lose sight of the importance of proclaiming the kingdom of God.  Pray that you would be diligent about sharing life with those who need to know of the kingdom of God.  Pray that you would not be distracted by good things as you proclaim the best things.  “Jesus said to him, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.’”  Luke 9:60 (NIV)

Thursday: Proclaim the Will of God.  Pray that you would seek to know God’s will through knowing Him.  Pray that you would understand God’s “good, pleasing, and perfect” will so that you would not hesitate to proclaim it to those who would hear.  Pray for the courage to live the will of God so that your proclamation of it is honest.  “For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God.”  Acts 20:27 (NIV)

Friday: Proclaim the Lord’s Death and Return.  Pray that you would know the importance of the body and blood of Christ as you proclaim what He has done in death and what He is doing in life.  Pray that you would  proclaim a risen Lord who is returning for His bride.  “For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”  1 Corinthians 11:26 (NIV)

Saturday:  Proclaim Clearly.  Pray that you would understand the “mystery of Christ” in such a way that you may proclaim it clearly.  Pray for an understanding of those you proclaim Christ to so that your words and actions would be clear to them.  Pray that you would accept your responsibility to proclaim Christ clearly.  “Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.”  Colossians 4:4 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Rescued!

“Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.”
Psalm 91:14-15 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on being rescued by God.  As I study scripture, it seems that the foundational requirement for being rescued by God is a willingness to cry out to God as we admit we need rescued.  Being rescued isn’t the same as being safe at all times, rather it is a process of being brought out of trouble and placed on solid ground.  In fact, it is in the times of great trouble or danger that we most recognize the need for God to rescue us.  Being rescued by God is something He chooses to do because of His love for us and through our love for Him as we learn to call upon Him.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you call out to Him in every troubling situation.  Pray that you would praise God for rescuing you even from the trouble you create for yourself.  Pray that you would know the peace that comes from God’s rescue.  Pray for those around you who also need to be rescued by God.  Pray that the rescue you have received would help you proclaim God’s ability to rescue anyone. Pray for a spirit of unity within your church congregation and within the body of Christ as a whole.  Pray each day for the individuals of your congregation and for the body of Christ as a whole.

“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 live as one who has been rescued so that you can help others know God’s rescue.

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 the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: Rescued By God’s Delight.  Pray that you would know the delight God has in you.  Pray that you would learn to delight in the Lord even as He delights in you.  Praise God for choosing to rescue you simply because He delights in you.  “He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.”  Psalm 18:19 (NIV)

Tuesday: Rescued From the Grave.  Pray that you would experience the rescue that comes through the power of God’s Word.  Pray that the healing you desire from God would be of a nature that rescues you from an eternal grave.  Pray that you would have the courage to share God’s Word with those who need to experience His rescue.  “He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.”  Psalm 107:20 (NIV)

Wednesday: Rescued From Trouble.  Pray for a righteousness that can only come through Christ so that you would experience the rescue that only He can give.  Pray for the courage to endure times of trouble, knowing that God’s rescue is on its way.  “The righteous man is rescued from trouble, and it comes on the wicked instead.”  Proverbs 11:8 (NIV)

Thursday: Rescued By Our Words.  Pray that you would surrender all of  your words to God so that He can rescue you through them.  Pray that you would choose words which honor Christ in all of your communication with others.  Pray that you would use words that not only rescue you, but words that would lead others to be rescued.  “The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them.”  Proverbs 12:6 (NIV)

Friday: Rescued From Darkness.  Pray that you would daily choose to walk in the light as God rescues you from the darkness of this age.  Pray that you would live each day as a citizen of Christ’s kingdom.  Pray that you would help others know that darkness need not have dominion over them.  “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.”  Colossians 1:13 (NIV)

Saturday:  Rescued From Evil Attacks.  Pray for a heavenly perspective that helps you have confidence that no evil formed against you can prosper.  Pray for the courage to endure the attacks of the enemy, and of those he uses, as you trust God to rescue you and carry you safely home.  “The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom.”  2 Timothy 4:18 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Every Effort!

“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.”
2 Peter 1:5-7 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on some things that God says we should make every effort to add to our faith.  As you read through the list in the above verses out of 2 Peter, it is good to stop and consider how much effort you are currently putting into adding and developing those things in your life.  There are many things that seem to demand our attention and efforts and, unfortunately, those things can easily distract us from giving our best effort to the things that really matter.  As  you pray this week, ask God to help you focus your efforts on the things that will make an eternal difference.  Pray for the wisdom and courage to notice and move away from the distractions that try to steal  your efforts away from that which is important.  Pray that your desire to grow in faith would compel you to give your best efforts, with God’s help, in adding to your faith the things that make it grow.  Pray that the people around you would see God at work in you as you apply your every effort toward the things of God.  Pray for a spirit of unity within your church congregation and within the body of Christ as a whole.  Pray each day for the individuals of your congregation and for the body of Christ as a whole.

“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 to give every effort to the things that matter.

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 the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: Every Effort to Add Goodness.  Pray that you would not only know the goodness of the Lord, but that you would make every effort to add goodness to your faith.  Pray that you would live as a child of the light as you seek to please the Lord in the goodness He provides.  “Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.”  Ephesians 5:9-10 (NIV)

Tuesday: Every Effort to Add Knowledge.  Pray that you would desire to grow in godly knowledge through the grace given by Jesus.  Pray that your faith and goodness would increase as you make every effort to add knowledge to them.  “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.”  2 Peter 3:18 (NIV)

Wednesday: Every Effort to Add Self-Control.  Pray that your life would have the walls of protection that self-control can provide.  Pray that you would know the importance of giving effort to adding self-control to the faith, goodness, and knowledge that you  possess.  “Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.”  Proverbs 25:28 (NIV)

Thursday: Every Effort to Add Perseverance.  Pray that you would persevere through the difficulties of life as God completes His work in you.  Pray that you would give your best effort into growing in the grace of perseverance as you add godly characteristics to your life.  “Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”  James 1:4 (NIV)

Friday: Every Effort to Add Godliness.  Pray that you would know and accept the incredible value that a life of godliness brings.  Pray that you would share with others regarding the current and future value of adding godliness to your life.  “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”  1 Timothy 4:8 (NIV)

Saturday:  Every Effort to Add Kindness and Love.  Pray that you would do the work required to add kindness to others into your life.  Pray that Jesus would be your prime example and pattern for adding kindness and love to your “every effort” things.  “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us.”  Titus 3:4 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Waiting!

“I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,
and in his word I put my hope.”
Psalm 130:5 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on the oft-dreaded subject of waiting.  While many can quote God’s promise that “they who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength”, it seems to only be thought of when we find ourselves forced to wait.  In fact, this week’s prayer guide came together while I was sitting in a waiting room at a local hospital or I may not have even thought to pray about waiting!  How different would our life be if we chose to cheerfully wait for the Lord instead of doing so grudgingly?  We know that God’s timing is most often different from our timing, but learning to be content with waiting can be a very difficult thing.  As you pray this week, spend time not just talking to God but also deliberately waiting for Him to answer through His Spirit and His Word.  Pray that you would learn to value the times when you must wait.  Pray that you would find yourself renewed in strength and spirit as you learn to be more deliberate in your waiting.  Pray for the wisdom to know when to wait and when to act, and for the courage to do the proper one at all times.  Pray that God’s Word would fill you with great hope as you grow in your practice of waiting for the Lord.  Pray for a spirit of unity within your church congregation and within the body of Christ as a whole.  Pray each day for the individuals of your congregation and for the body of Christ as a whole.

“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 to learn and practice the essence of waiting.

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 the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: Waiting With Expectation.  Pray that you would find joy in waiting with the expectation that God listens and answers.  Pray that you would always be confident in going to God with your requests as you wait with the expectation that He hears and cares.  “In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.”  Psalm 5:3 (NIV)

Tuesday: Waiting With Courage.  Pray that you would learn to grow in strength and courage in the midst of your times of waiting.  Pray that you would be an example to others by the way you practice waiting with courage.  Pray that your courage would be based on the Lord’s strength rather than your own.  “Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.”  Psalm 27:14 (NIV)

Wednesday: Waiting With Hope.  Pray that you would live life with great hope as you trust God’s help during your times of waiting.  Pray that you would have hope as you wait for the Lord.  Pray that your waiting would keep you protected by the shield God sets before you.  “We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.”  Psalm 33:20 (NIV)

Thursday: Waiting With Patience.  Pray that you would learn to wait patiently for the help and answers God will provide as you cry out to Him.  Pray that patience and waiting would be things you learn to value rather than things  you seek to avoid.  “I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.”  Psalm 40:1 (NIV)

Friday: Waiting With Obedience.  Pray that  you would know the salvation of God now even as you learn to wait for its complete fulfillment.  Pray that you would live obediently as you wait for the completion of God’s work in  you.  Pray that your obedience to God would stand out to others as you wait.  “I wait for your salvation, O LORD, and I follow your commands.”  Psalm 119:166 (NIV)

Saturday:  Waiting With One Another.  Pray that you would grow in your practice of waiting on, and with, one another.  Pray for an attitude and practice in your life that seeks the good of others to such an extent that you find it a joy to wait with them and to wait for them.  “So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for each other.”  1 Corinthians 11:33 (NIV)

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: God’s Presence!

“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 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on living in God’s presence as a current reality, not just a distant dream.  It may be is easy to think of being in God’s presence in eternity when we reach heaven, but God has promised to be with us now — “to the very end of the age.”  When we look for God’s presence in this life, we soon find that He really is with us at all times!  Choosing to live in God’s presence is not so much about changing our location as it is about changing our attitude and awareness.  While God can surely speak in thunderous tones and with powerful volume, more often He chooses to make His presence known in the gentle whispers of a still, small voice.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you be more aware of His presence.  Pray that you would learn to “be still and know” that He is God.  Pray for the ability to see beyond the spectacular works of man in order to see the supernatural work of God.  Pray that your daily life would reflect the presence of God dwelling in you and around you.  Pray that you would always seek to live in a way that both acknowledges and honors God’s presence with you.  Pray for a spirit of unity within your church congregation and within the body of Christ as a whole.  Pray each day for the individuals of your congregation and for the body of Christ as a whole.

“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 walk, and live, with an awareness of His presence.

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 the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: Dwell In God’s Presence.  Pray that you would live with an integrity that both honors God and is honored by Him.  Pray that you would be upheld by God as you dwell in His presence each day that you live.  “In my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever.”  Psalm 41:12 (NIV)

Tuesday: Walk In God’s Presence.  Pray that you would learn to praise God as you walk in His presence.  Pray that you would always reflect the light of God to the people around you as you walk in the light of His presence daily.  “Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD.”  Psalm 89:15 (NIV)

Wednesday: Listen In God’s Presence.  Pray that you would not only enjoy the presence of God, but that His presence within you would influence how you listen to Him.  Pray that you would listen intently as you seek to hear, and share, the things of God.  “Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.”  Acts 10:33 (NIV)

Thursday: Joy In God’s Presence.  Pray that you would be filled with joy in God’s presence because of the people around you who pursue Him.  Pray that your live would fill others with joy in God’s presence as you honor Him.  “How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?”  1 Thessalonians 3:9 (NIV)

Friday: No Condemnation In God’s Presence.  Pray that you would live by the love of God which gives your heart rest.  Pray that you would trust the forgiveness of God that helps you rest in His presence.  “This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us.”  1 John 3:19 (NIV)

Saturday:  Without Fault In God’s Presence.  Pray that you would trust God to keep you in His presence both now and forever more.  Pray that you would walk by faith as you continue to live now, and be prepared to live forever, without fault in His presence.  “To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy.”  Jude 1:24 (NIV)