practice of prayer

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Established Work!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Established Work!

“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)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about how we work . . . or at least about how we ought to work.  Many times people think of work itself as being part of the curse of sin, but God placed mankind in the garden with work to do from the very beginning.  Sin complicated the work process and added much difficulty to it, but God created us with a need for meaningful work and for times of rest.  Sometimes, though, it is so easy to get caught up in the world’s idea of meaningful work that we miss the work God wants us to do — work that is worthy of being established by Him.  When we commit ourselves to the work God would have us to do, we can count on Him establishing the work of our hands in a way that lasts beyond this lifetime.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you consider the value of the work He has created  you to do.  Pray that you would know the difference between work the world may value and work that will bear eternal fruit.  Pray that God would establish the work of your hands because it is Him working through you.  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 view work from His perspective.

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 Helps Others.  Pray for wisdom in how to make your work be a benefit to others.  Pray that you would experience the blessing of helping others through the work you do.  “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)

Tuesday:  Work That Is Not In Vain.  Pray that you would work in a manner that shows you know it is the Lord you are working for.  Pray that you would have a confidence in knowing your work is important because you are doing it for the Lord.  “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”  1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Work That Builds Up The Body.  Pray that you would be faithful in doing the work God has given, and created you, to do.  Pray that you would be involved in building up the body of Christ through the work you do.  “From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”  Ephesians 4:16 (NIV)

Thursday:  Work That Wins Respect.  Pray that you would work in a way that would gain the respect of others.  Pray that your work would help others see how God provides for  your needs.  “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”  1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 (NIV)

Friday:  Work That Is Noble.  Pray that you would allow God to fully cleanse you so the work you do can be for noble purposes.  Pray that you would be useful to the Master as you do the good work He has created for you.  “If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.”  2 Timothy 2:21 (NIV)

Saturday:  Work Together For Truth.  Pray that your work would always be done in cooperation with those who seek truth.  Pray that you would be known as one who works together with others for truth.  “We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men so that we may work together for the truth.”  3 John 1:8 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Pray!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Pray!

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”
Colossians 4:2 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about our need to pray!  I suppose it may seem a bit strange at first to pray about praying, but if prayer is as central in our life as it ought to be then we ought to be talking with God and seeking His help in this area.  I suspect one of the big reasons we need to seek God’s help in our prayer life is the command to “devote yourselves to prayer”.  If God had said to simply pray when you feel like it or when it’s convenient, most of us could handle that.  But devoting ourselves to prayer is an entirely different task.  When we go to God about our prayer life, we open our self up to His instruction and guidance in the way we relate to Him.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine just how devoted to prayer you are.  Pray that you would understand your need for God’s  help in this part of your relationship with Him — as in all other parts.  Pray that you would be always watchful and thankful as you pray — both qualities that will require God’s help.  Pray that  your relationship with God would grow as your devotion to prayer grows.  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 pray as you ought.

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:  Pray Earnestly.  Ask God to help you pray earnestly for those whose situations may seem hopeless.  Pray that you would be serious in the content of your prayers and in the expectation that God will act for the good of His children.  Ask God to help you always keep on praying without giving up.  “So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.”  Acts 12:5 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Pray With Joy.  Ask God to fill you with joy about Him and about those you pray for.  Pray that your joy would be expressed, and even increased, because of the way you pray for all of those around you.  Pray that you would live in such a way that others would be filled with joy in their prayers for you.  “In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.”  Philippians 1:4 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Pray For Restoration.  Ask God to help you notice those who are distant and need to be restored.  Pray that you would not only be restored to God, but that you would seek God’s help in seeing people restored to one another.  Pray about specific individuals and situations in which you need to be restored.  “I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you soon.”  Hebrews 13:19 (NIV)

Thursday:  Pray During Times of Trouble.  Ask God to help you look to him in times of trouble — whether it is trouble you face or trouble those around you experience.  Pray that you would know the praise of peace that comes to those who seek God in times of trouble.  Pray for the courage to have others pray for you during times of trouble.  “Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.”  James 5:13 (NIV)

Friday:  Pray With a Clear Mind.  Ask God to help you overcome distractions that keep you from praying as you ought.  Pray that you would recognize in the brevity of life the importance of praying with a clear mind and with self control.  “The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.”  1 Peter 4:7 (NIV)

Saturday:  Pray In the Holy Spirit.  Ask God to make you more aware of His Spirit’s presence in your life as you pray.  Pray that your faith would be built up as you allow God’s Spirit to intercede for you when it seems your words of prayer are inadequate.  “But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.”  Jude 1:20 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Be Perfect!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Be Perfect!

“If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?  Are not even the tax collectors doing that?  And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others?  Do not even pagans do that?  Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Matthew 5:46-48 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about God’s desire that we be perfect as our Father in heaven is perfect.  I suspect many have heard the instruction of Jesus calling us to be perfect, but have we really considered the context in which it is given?  For many, the pursuit of perfection seems to center around our self and/or our accomplishments.  We aim and we fall short, causing us to doubt if this command of Jesus is even possible.  In fact, we excuse it away with the statement that “no one is perfect except Jesus.”  Yet rather than a focus on us, Jesus puts the emphasis on how we relate to others when it comes to the perfection He desires in us.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine both how and who you love.  Pray that your interactions with others, all others, would display a perfection that reflects the interaction God has with you.  Pray for the courage to reach beyond, over, and through the walls you have created between you and others.  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 give you the wisdom, courage, and strength to be perfect in the things God would want us to excel in.

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:  Perfect In Christ.  Pray that you would know and teach Christ as the only way to be made perfect.  Pray that the way you interact with all people would reflect a perfection that comes from Christ.  “We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.”  Colossians 1:28 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Perfect In Weakness.  Pray that you would learn to accept your weakness as a way for God’s power to be made perfect in you.  Pray that you would live in a way that connects others to the strength that can be found in Christ.  “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”  2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Perfect In Unity.  Pray that you would pursue life with others in a way that is held together by godly love.  Pray for an understanding of how God’s love in and through you can hold people together in perfect unity.  “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”  Colossians 3:14 (NIV)

Thursday:  Perfect In Faith.  Pray for the courage to allow God to perfect your faith when you are filled with doubt.  Pray that the knowledge of all Christ endured would fill you with confidence in His ability to perfect your faith.  “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”  Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

Friday:  Perfect In Speech.  Pray that God would place a guard upon your words so that you would not stumble nor cause others to stumble.  Pray that your interactions with others would be marked by speech which is made perfect in Christ.  “We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.”  James 3:2 (NIV)

Saturday:  Perfect In Love.  Pray that you would know the freedom from fear that comes through perfect love.  Pray that your interactions with all people would take place in an environment of perfect love that has come from God.  “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”  1 John 4:18 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Hold On!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Hold On!

“I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.”
Revelation 3:11 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about our need to hold on to what we have in Christ.  Throughout life, having something to hold on to is important, but only to the extent that what you are clinging to is solid and secure.  When we hold on to the things of God, we can be confident that we have a grasp on the firmest foundation of all.  Not only is Christ the most solid thing we could ever find to hold on to, our attempts to hold on to Him are always exceeded by the strength and surety of His grasp on us.  As you pray this week, spend time considering what it is you are really holding on to.  Pray that you would live with confidence as you look toward the return of Christ.  Pray that you would hold firmly to the things you have in Christ so that no one, or nothing, can take them from you.  Pray for the courage to let go of the things you shouldn’t be holding on to.  Pray for the wisdom to know the difference between that which is truly solid and that which isn’t.  Pray that you would encourage others to hold on to the things of greatest value as they observe Christ at work in your life.  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 give you the wisdom, courage, and strength to hold on to the things that come from 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 me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday:  Hold On To God.  Pray that above all else you would hold on to the Lord as your God.  Pray that your experience with God in the past would encourage you to hold even more firmly to Him today.  Pray that you would be certain of God’s  hold on you as you hold on to Him.  “But you are to hold fast to the LORD your God, as you have until now.”  Joshua 23:8 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Hold On To God’s Laws.  Pray that you would have a love for God’s commands that cause you to hold fast to them at all times.  Pray that you would avoid shame, both now and at Christ’s return, as you hold on to the statutes of God.  “I hold fast to your statutes, O LORD; do not let me be put to shame.”  Psalm 119:31 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Hold On To Instruction.  Pray that you would not only be inclined to receiving instruction, but that you would hold on to it.  Pray that the instruction that you receive from God through His Spirit and His Word would always be guarded as it becomes the foundation for life.  “Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.”  Proverbs 4:13 (NIV)

Thursday:  Hold On To What is Good.  Pray that you would have the wisdom to know good from evil so that you can hold on to that which is good.  Pray for the courage to not only avoid evil, but to accurately test all that presents itself as good.  “Test everything.  Hold on to the good.  Avoid every kind of evil.”  1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 (NIV)

Friday:  Hold On To Hope & Courage.  Pray that you would know the faithfulness of Christ as you hold on to the hope you have in Him.  Pray that you would know the courage necessary to live as one who belongs to the household of God.  “But Christ is faithful as a son over God’s house.  And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast.”  Hebrews 3:6 (NIV)

Saturday:  Hold On To the End.  Pray that you would not become weary in holding on to all that you have in Christ.  Pray that the promise of Christ’s return will strengthen your resolve to hold on to the end.  Pray that the things you are holding on to would be the things that will matter when Jesus returns.  “Only hold on to what you have until I come.”  Revelation 2:25 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Renewed!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Renewed!

“Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Isaiah 40:30-31 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about being renewed.  Even after we have received new life in Christ, we have times when we “grow tired and weary”.  It is in these times we have God’s promise that we can be renewed as we put our hope in Him.  As we live our life in Christ, He desires to renew us in every way possible.  When we stumble and fall, we can be picked up by God and set on the right path again.  Our hope in God is not in vain when we allow Him to renew us through all of our weaknesses into His strength.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you recognize and admit where you are weak.  Pray that you would fully place your hope in Him so that you would be renewed.  Pray that even your faith would be renewed in times when it becomes weak.  Pray that God’s renewal in  your life would lead you to greater endurance as you live each day for Him.  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 continually renew you through all the times you grow weary and/or stumble and fall.

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:  Renewed After Death.  Pray that you would live this life with an eye toward an eternal renewal that is to come.  Pray that the promise of being renewed after death would give you great hope in the midst of the difficult days of life.  “If a man dies, will he live again?  All the days of my hard service I will wait for my renewal to come.”  Job 14:14 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Renewed In Spirit.  Pray that the pure heart God creates in you would renew you spirit each day.  Pray for a patient endurance that comes from a renewed spirit within.  Pray that the people around  you would see a purity in you that comes from a renewed spirit.  “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”  Psalm 51:10 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Renewed In Mind.  Pray that your mind would be guarded from conforming to the patterns of this world.  Pray for a submissive spirit that allows a renewed mind to transform your thoughts and actions.  “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”  Romans 12:2 (NIV)

Thursday:  Renewed Each Day.   Pray that the things God is renewing within you each day would be enough to help you through any circumstances.  Pray that this daily renewal would keep  you from losing heart and giving up.  “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”  2 Corinthians 4:16 (NIV)

Friday:  Renewed In Truth.  Pray that your speaking, and listening, to truth would renew within you a knowledge that is from God.  Pray that you would know the truth of God’s renewal in your life even as you live as a new creation.  “Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”  Colossians 3:9-10 (NIV)

Saturday:  Renewed By the Holy Spirit.  Pray that you would know the true source of God’s Spirit in any lasting renewal.  Pray that you would experience a renewal by the Holy Spirit because of God’s mercy in your life.  “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”  Titus 3:5 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: New Life!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: New Life!

“Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people the full message of this new life.”
Acts 5:20 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about the new life we have available to us because of the resurrected Christ.  When Jesus said he came to give us life — life to the full, He called us to a life that is new in every way.  After the apostles had been jailed for teaching and healing in the name of Jesus, an angel freed them and gave them the command to tell the full message of the new life found in Christ.  This new life is more than just an eventual life with Christ in heaven, it is a life that is meant to be lived new each day.  While it is important to have our sins washed away by the blood of Jesus, it is also important to die to the old life so the new life can be lived to the full.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you accurately examine yourself for any traces of the old life you may be holding on to.  Pray that you would see each day as another opportunity to live a new life that represents Christ to the world.  Pray that you would live fully surrendered to Christ so that He can make all things new within you.  Pray for the courage to tell others the full message of the new life you have been given.  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 the new life you have in Christ.

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 New Birth.  Pray that you would live with great hope because of your new birth in Christ.  Pray that you would use every opportunity available to share with others about the mercy of God which brings about new birth.  “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”  1 Peter 1:3 (NIV)

Tuesday:  A New Way.  Pray that you would recognize Jesus as not only a new way, but as the only way to enter this new life made possible by His resurrection.  Pray that  you would proclaim Jesus as the only way to enter God’s presence.  “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body.”  Hebrews 10:19-20 (NIV)

Wednesday:  A New Self.  Pray that you would put away the old ways of dealing with one another.  Pray that you would live a changed life as you put on this new self each day.  “Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”  Colossians 3:9-10 (NIV)

Thursday:  A New Attitude.   Pray that you would allow God to transform your mind as you live this new life in Christ.  Pray that you would take on the attitude of Christ Jesus in everything.  Pray that your actions would follow the new attitude that come from Christ.  “To be made new in the attitude of your minds.”  Ephesians 4:23 (NIV)

Friday:  A New Creation.  Pray that you would surrender to God all of the things that represent the old you without Christ.  Pray that you would view yourself as a new creation, just as God views you through Jesus.  “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”  2 Corinthians 5:16 (NIV)

Saturday:  A New Life.  Pray that you would allow your old self to die so that Christ can raise you to a new life.  Pray that you would live a new life each day through the same power that raised Christ from the dead.  “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”  Romans 6:4 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Practice!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Practice!

“He replied, ‘My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.’”
Luke 8:21 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about the things we practice — or at least some things we ought to practice.  While the old saying, “Practice makes perfect”, may be a bit of an exaggeration, consistent good practice does have a tendency to bring about consistent improvement.  Unfortunately, a practice of things which are evil will also make us “better” at doing those things.  Like it or not, we are going to be “practicing” something at all times so we would do well to make our practices be what God would want them to be.  We are identified by Jesus as part of His family when we put into practice the things given by His Father.  As you pray, ask God to help you examine the practices of your life.  Pray that you would spend time in God’s Word as you seek to put it into practice every day.  Pray that God would help you grow in the things that you ought to practice and to put away the things that you shouldn’t practice.  Pray that your practice of the things of God would be done in such a way that others would see Jesus more clearly in you.  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 practice the things that will draw you closer to 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 me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday:  Practice Obedience.  Pray that you would not just know the precepts of God, but that you would make it your practice to obey them.  Pray that obedience to God would be something that you would continually grow in as you put it into practice each day.  “This has been my practice: I obey your precepts.”  Psalm 119:56 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Practice the Words of Jesus.  Pray that you would daily put into practice the words you hear from Jesus as you spend time in His Word.  Pray that others would see the wisdom that comes from practicing the words of Jesus.  “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”  Matthew 7:24 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Practice Hospitality.  Pray that God would help you learn to share as you practice hospitality.  Pray for the courage to share with others as you welcome them into your life.  Pray that your practice of hospitality would help others know Jesus more fully.  “Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”  Romans 12:13 (NIV)

Thursday:  Practice What You Learn.   Pray that you would pay attention to the good examples set by people of faith, and then put into practice the things you learn.  Pray that you would be one who lives life in a way that others would benefit by putting into practice the things they learn from you.  “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”  Philippians 4:9 (NIV)

Friday:  Practice Godliness.  Pray that you would know the value of practicing godliness as you see how its benefits exceed even physical training.  Pray that you would promote the practice of godliness in all things.  “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:  Practice Your Religion.  Pray that you would have a practice of religion that is pleasing to God.  Pray that the practice of true religion would care for those whom God has given you responsibility for.  “But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God.”  1 Timothy 5:4 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Faithful!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Faithful!

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’”
Matthew 25:23 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about being faithful.  I know of no greater pursuit in life than to live in such a way that when my time on earth is complete I hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”  It seems as if every day we are faced with one test or another regarding our decision to be faithful.  Being faithful requires a commitment beyond all others because it demands that we don’t give up.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine how faithful you are even in the “little things” of life.  Pray that you would grow each day as you seek to be faithful in the things that matter to God.  Pray that you would look forward to the happiness that comes from being faithful, even if the journey toward that happiness seems long and difficult.  Pray that you would pay attention to the areas in your life that where faithfulness often seems elusive.  Pray for the courage to be faithful in all things — whether large or small.  Pray that you would know the joy of hearing Jesus say, “Well done!”  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 be faithful in all things.

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:  Faithful in Prayer.  Ask God to help you develop a lifestyle of prayer that keeps you from giving up.  Ask God to help you know how to pray in times of hope and in times of affliction — and in all times in between.  “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”  Romans 12:11 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Faithful in Trust.  Pray that you would live in such a way that others trust you because you have been proven faithful.  Pray that you would remain steadfast in your trust of God because He has been proven faithful.  Pray that you would be faithful with the trust God has shown to you.  “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.”  1 Corinthians 4:2 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Faithful in Service.  Pray that you would seek God for the strength required to be faithful in serving.  Pray that you would grasp the importance of being chosen by God to be one of His faithful servants.  Pray that you would serve faithfully.  “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)

Thursday:  Faithful in Testimony.   Pray that you would be faithful regarding your testimony of God’s work in your life.  Pray that you would faithfully speak not only of the things God has done in your life, but also of the things He has promised to do.  “Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house, testifying to what would be said in the future.”  Hebrews 3:5 (NIV)

Friday:  Faithful to Strangers.  Pray that you would be faithful in doing what God has called you to do for others regardless of how well you know them.  Pray that you would know the joy of doing good for strangers — perhaps even “entertaining angels unaware”.  “Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you.”  3 John 1:5 (NIV)

Saturday:  Faithful to Jesus.  Pray that you would patiently endure all of the trouble that comes in this life as you remain faithful to Jesus.  Pray that you would not follow the path of those who are headed for eternal torment.  Pray that God would give you the courage needed each day to remain faithful to Jesus.  “This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God’s commandments and remain faithful to Jesus.”  Revelation 14:12 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Above All!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Above All!

“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve.”
1 Corinthians 15:3-5 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about some things the Bible says are, or should be, above all in the life of every believer.  When Paul wrote to the Corinthians, and to us, he wanted to pass along what he had received from Jesus and emphasize that which was of first importance — the message of the gospel.  It is far too easy to get caught up in “lesser things” and miss that which is of “first importance”.  Good intentions are not the same as good priorities — intentions are what we would like to do, priorities are what we actually do.  When it comes to setting the priorities of what we will actually value above all else, God has given us His Son to both give the instruction and set the example.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine just what it is that you tend to place above all in your life.  Pray that you would spend time in God’s Word daily as you seek His help in moving from good intentions to excellent priorities.  Pray that the things of God that you place above all else would be lived in such a way that people see Jesus in you.  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 understand the things which ought to be above all else.

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:  Christ.  Pray that you would recognize Christ as the One who is above all else.  Pray that you would always look to the One from above as the source and authority for what should be above all in your life.  Pray that above all, Christ would be the one you listen to.  “The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all.”  John 3:31(NIV)

Tuesday:  Exalt God.  Pray that your view of God would compel you to exalt Him above all.  Pray that God would help you live your life in such a way that He is exalted above all not just in your words, but in your life.  Pray that above all, God would be the only god in your life.  “For you, O LORD, are the Most High over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.”  Psalm 97:9 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Guard Your Heart.  Pray for the wisdom and courage to guard your heart above all else.  Pray that God’s Word and His constant presence would fill you with His love as a protection to your heart.  Pray that above all, your life would flow from a guarded heart.  “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”  Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)

Thursday:  Mean What You Say.   Pray that you would pay attention to the actions that accompany your words.  Pray that above all the noise of the world, your words would reflect what you actually mean and what you actually do.  Pray that above all, you would speak with integrity.  “Above all, my brothers, do not swear — not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your ‘Yes’ be yes, and your ‘No,’ no, or you will be condemned.”  James 5:12(NIV)

Friday:  Love Deeply.  Pray that you would know the power of an “above all” kind of love.  Pray that your experience of this kind of love from Jesus would empower you to express this same love to others.  Pray that above all, you would love deeply. “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”  1 Peter 4:8 (NIV)

Saturday:  Understand the Source of Scripture.  Pray that you would know the importance of God as the source of scripture.  Pray that you would look to God as the authoritative source above all of mankind’s explanations and interpretations of scripture.  Pray that above all, God would be heard through scripture.  “Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation.”  2 Peter 1:20 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Called!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Called!

 “And you also are among those who are
called to belong to Jesus Christ.”
Romans 1:6 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about being called.  The Bible has much to say not only about what we are called, but also about what we are called to.  If, like me, you grew up with an elementary school environment where “team captains” chose sides for most activities, you probably remember how much you longed to hear your name called.  Being called by a team’s captain meant that we not only had a place we belonged, but we had a task to do for the good of the team.  Knowing we have been called by God ought to fill us with great joy as we seek to live according to His calling in a kingdom where we belong and where we have work to do.  As you pray this week, rejoice in the knowledge that you have been chosen according to God’s calling.  Pray that you would listen to Him as you seek to discover the things He has called you to do.  Pray for the humility to understand the calling is by God’s grace and is not just for you but for all who would respond to His call.  Pray that you would always seek to do your part as God works His calling out in your life.  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 understand more fully who you are called and what you have been called 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:  Called to Serve.  Pray that you would experience the freedom that comes as a result of being called by God.  Pray that you would not only know your calling, but that you would understand its purpose in serving others.  “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)

Tuesday:  Called to Peace.  Pray that God would help you to see how His calling has made you part of one body — His body.  Pray that the unity of being one body would lead you to a thankful pursuit of the peace you have been called to.  “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”  Colossians 3:15 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Called Out of Darkness.  Pray for an understanding of what you’ve been called out of in order for you to belong to God.  Pray that you would give praise to God for bringing you into His light and out of the world’s darkness by His calling.  “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”  1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)

Thursday:  Called to Eternal Glory.   Pray that you would be able to see beyond the temporary nature of this life in order to know the eternal glory you have been called to.  Pray for the endurance to live up to the calling that leads to eternal glory.  “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”  1 Peter 5:10 (NIV)

Friday:  Called by God’s Goodness.  Pray that your knowledge of God would fill you with all that you truly need for life.  Pray that you would live with the assurance of being called by God’s goodness rather than by your own merit.  “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”  2 Peter 1:3 (NIV)

Saturday:  Called a Child of God.  Pray that you would know the great love of God as one who is called His child.  Pray that you would live as one known by God even when the world has no idea who you are.  “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.”  1 John 3:1 (NIV)