practice of prayer

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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)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Salvation!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Salvation!

“Sing to the LORD, all the earth;
proclaim his salvation day after day.”
1 Chronicles 16:23 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about salvation.  The Bible talks about salvation being both something the believer already has and something that is yet to be received.  In context, its use has a lot to do with what we’re being saved from and what we’re being saved to.  I suspect that differing uses of the word adds to some of the confusion about what it takes to be saved, what it means to be saved, and how a person can stay saved.  I view the differences somewhat like a person lost in the midst of a vast ocean and bobbing around in shark-infested waters.  When the Coast Guard comes along and snatches us out of those waters, we are saved.  As we ride with them across the open waters, our eyes are looking ahead to our arrival home — the culmination of our salvation.  Yet that journey often requires work and self-discipline to stay on the boat so that we don’t make the foolish choice of jumping off or allowing the storms of the world to wash us overboard.  As you pray this week, ask God to give you a greater appreciation for the salvation you have through Jesus.  Pray that you would hold fast to that salvation as you look forward to its fulfillment with Christ.  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 know the fullness of His salvation.

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:  The Knowledge of Salvation.  Pray that you would have a knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of sins that you have in Jesus.  Pray that you would freely share the knowledge of salvation to others who need to experience the forgiveness of their sins.  “To give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins.”  Luke 1:77 (NIV)

Tuesday:  The Name of Salvation.  Pray that you would always look to Jesus as the only One who can bring salvation to you and to others.  Pray that your sharing the message of salvation with others would always be done in the name of Jesus.  “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”  Acts 4:12 (NIV)

Wednesday:  The Power of Salvation.  Pray that you would know the power of God that brings salvation.  Pray that you would not be ashamed to share the message of the gospel as the power of salvation for all who believe.  “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.”  Romans 1:16  (NIV)

Thursday:  The Time of Salvation.   Pray that you would know today as a day of God’s favor toward you.  Pray that you would share with others the urgency of realizing the time of salvation is now.  “For he says, ‘In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.’  I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”  2 Corinthians 6:2 (NIV)

Friday:  The Protection of Salvation.  Pray that you would daily live in the salvation of God as protection to your mind.  Pray that you would help others know the protection that the salvation of God brings to a person, both now and into eternity.  “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”  Ephesians 6:17 (NIV)

Saturday:  The Growth of Salvation.  Pray that you would crave the spiritual food of God’s Word so that you would grow up in your salvation.  Pray that you would share God’s Word with others so that they could grow in salvation according to the goodness of the Lord.  “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.”  1 Peter 2:2-3 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Answer!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Answer!

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect.”
1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about the answers we give and how we give them.  While many Christians are familiar with the verse which tells us to “be prepared to give an answer”, it is easy to miss the context that this instruction is given in regard to the hope we have in Christ even in the midst of suffering.  We all know someone that has to have an answer for everything — we may even be that someone.  God wants us to have an answer, and He’s given us an answer, but He desires that we share our answer in ways that are good and proper.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you be ready with answers that are from Him.  Pray that He would fill you with His Spirit and with wisdom to know when the answers need spoken and when you ought to be silent.  Pray that God would purify your heart and mind of any desire to have answers that only come from you.  Pray that your answers would be filled with the things God wants them to contain.  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 have answers 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:  Answer with Gentleness.  Pray that God’s Spirit would produce a gentleness in all of your answers.  Pray that you would turn away the wrath of people, and of God, by the way you give answers with gentleness.  Pray for a spirit of gentleness to be present in all your conversations.  “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”  Proverbs 15:1 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Answer with Consideration.  Pray that you would give thought to your answers before you speak.  Pray that the consideration you give to your answers would show a heart of righteousness to those who hear you.  “The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.”  Proverbs 15:28 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Answer with Honesty.  Pray that you would always give honest answers that show genuine love for God and for people.  Pray that you would know the embrace of God through the honesty of the answers you give and receive.  Pray that your desire for truth and honesty would always lead you go God.  “An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.”  Proverbs 24:26  (NIV)

Thursday:  Answer with  Answers from Jesus.   Pray that you would spend time with Jesus on a regular basis so the answers you give are the answers that come from Him.  Pray that the answers you give from Jesus would influence others to listen to Him and to obey what He says.  “They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go.”  Mark 11:6 (NIV)

Friday:  Answer with Kindness.  Pray that you would answer with kindness, especially when it seems undeserved.  Pray that the answers you give would point people to Jesus even in the midst of extreme opposition.  “When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly.”  1 Corinthians 4:12-13 (NIV)

Saturday:  Answer with Appropriateness.  Pray that the grace God has shown to you would be evident in the answers you give to others.  Pray that God would direct your conversations in such a way that your answers are always appropriate.  “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”  Colossians 4:6 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Love!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Love!

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:34-35 (NIV)

Much time, effort, and money will be spent in the United States this week by people trying to find ways to express their love to one another.  While some of those expressions may hit their mark, many will fall short of the love God desires for each of us to have.  This week we will spend some time praying about the love God has expressed toward us and about how we can live in that love in such a way that we share it with others.  God has always instructed His people to love, so it must have been a little confusing to the disciples when Jesus told them He was giving them a new command — a command to love one another.  I believe the new part of the command, new because it had not been seen in such a clear way ever before, was to love as Jesus loved.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you evaluate how you love.  Pray that you would be so filled with God’s love that loving like Jesus would become more natural each day.  Pray for wisdom and courage to express this kind of love to the people around  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 love like Jesus loves.

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:  Love God.  Pray that your love of God would always be the top priority of all the love you have.  Pray that God’s love for you would be the standard for the love you have for Him.  “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  This is the first and greatest commandment.”  Matthew 22:37-38 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Love Your Neighbor.  Pray that you would focus more on loving your neighbor as God would want than on trying to define who that neighbor is — or isn’t.  Pray that  you would be the neighbor that shows love to all those in need.  “The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”  Mark 12:31 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Love Your Enemies.  Pray that the love of God within you would extend to those you disagree with — even with those who would be considered enemies.  Pray that the love God expressed toward you while you were an enemy would be expressed by you to those who may treat  you poorly.  “But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”  Luke 6:27-28 (NIV)

Thursday:  Love that Leads to Obedience.   Pray that you would be filled with a love that seeks to do the things that you know please God.  Pray that you would live with an obedient spirit that desires to obey the commands of God as an expression of your love.  “If you love me, you will obey what I command.”  John 14:15 (NIV)

Friday:  Love that Honors Others.  Pray that your love for others would be sincere as you look for the things that benefit them.  Pray that the way you honor others would reject evil and seek what is good.  “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.”  Romans 12:9-10 (NIV)

Saturday:  Love that Resolves Sin.  Pray that you would know the love of God that has resolved the multitude of sins in your life.  Pray that the way you love others would not use their sin against them but would help them be able to resolve that sin with God.  “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”  1 Peter 4:8 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Desire of the Heart!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Desire of the Heart!

 “Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
Psalm 37:4 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is a part two look at a verse from last week as we consider the godly desires of our heart that come from delighting ourselves in the Lord.  While it can be very easy and tempting to pursue the desires of our own heart, God wants us to first delight in Him in a way that transforms our desires.  It is when we allow God to fill every part of our life that we find Him being the center of all our desires.  As you learn to delight in the Lord, pray that God would fulfill every desire that He places within you.  Pray that God’s Spirit would help you examine the desires that are within you so that He may cleanse you of any that are not of God.  Pray that you would faithfully pursue the desires that God does place within you.  Pray that you would seek the good of others as you live out the desires that He as put within you for their good.  Pray that God would be praised and honored as you find your heart’s desire.  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 follow the desires of your heart that have been placed there by 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:  Direction of the Heart.  Pray that you would know the direction God has placed within your heart.  Pray that you would place your heart in the hands of God to allow Him to direct it at all times.  “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.”  Proverbs 21:1 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Expressions of the Heart.  Pray that you would fill your heart with the things of God so that the expressions of your heart are good.  Pray that  your desire would be to honor God with the words that come from your mouth.  “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.”  Luke 6:45 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Surrender of the Heart.  Pray that you would desire to give God complete reign over your heart.  Pray that your heart’s desire would be fully surrendered to God as you return to Him whenever your desires stray.  “‘Even now,’ declares the LORD, ‘return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.’”  Joel 2:12 (NIV)

Thursday:  Inclinations of the Heart.  Pray that your heart would always be inclined to the ways of God.  Pray that the inclinations of your heart would be a blessing to  you and to those around  you.  “Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever!”  Deuteronomy 5:29 (NIV)

Friday:  Rejoicing of the Heart.  Pray that your heart would be filled with the desire to “rejoice in the Lord always.”  Pray that your communication with those around you would express the rejoicing of your heart at all times.  “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord.”  Ephesians 5:19 (NIV)

Saturday:  Endurance of the Heart.  Pray that you would gain a courageous heart as you consider the endurance of Jesus on your behalf.  Pray that you would have the desire to endure to the end as you anticipate the reward God has promised.  “Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”  Hebrews 12:3 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Delight!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Delight!

 “Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
Psalm 37:4 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about the delight we ought to have as God’s children.  The Bible teaches that God delights in us and rejoices over us with singing!  Since God shows such delight in us, and we are created in His image, perhaps we should be more delightful than what we sometimes are.  Since God commands us to delight in various things, the act of doing so is a choice He wants us to make.  Many times we tend to view delight as our response to good circumstances rather than as our response to a good God.  We find ourselves filled with delight when God acts the way we want Him to and not so delightful when things don’t go our way.  As we pray this week, we will be looking at some things that scripture says should bring us delight or that we should delight in.  As you pray, ask God to be the delight of your life in all circumstances.  Pray that your delight in the Lord would be contagious and attractive to those around you.  Pray that you would know God’s delight in you as you consider how He desires to fill you with delight.  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 find delight in Him and in the life He calls you to live.

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:  Delight in God’s Salvation.   Pray that you would give serious consideration to just how delightful God’s salvation is.  Pray that you would rejoice with delight as you consider both what God has saved you from and what He has saved you to.  “Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD and delight in his salvation.”  Psalm 35:9 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Delight in the Works of God.  Pray that God would help you to see His mighty works in ways that bring you great delight.  Pray that you would find delight in considering the mighty works of God in creation and in the lives of people, including you.  “Great are the works of the LORD; they are pondered by all who delight in them.”  Psalm 111:2 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Delight in the Counsel of God’s Word.  Pray that you would know God’s laws as a delight to your life.  Pray that you would find delight in seeking out and applying the counsel of God’s Word.  Pray that you would be a delight to others as you share the counsel received from God’s Word.  “Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors.”  Psalm 119:24 (NIV)

Thursday:  Delight Through Discipline.  Pray that you would know the delight that God desires as a result of discipline.  Pray that your willingness to accept discipline would make you a delight to God and to others.  “Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul.”  Proverbs 29:17 (NIV)

Friday:  Delight in the Teachings of Jesus.  Pray that you would gaze deeply into the teachings of Jesus and find great delight as you listen to Him.  Pray that you would allow God’s Spirit to make the words of Jesus a delight in your life.  “David himself calls him ‘Lord.’ How then can he be his son?” The large crowd listened to him with delight.”  Mark 12:37 (NIV)

Saturday:  Delight in Weaknesses.  Pray that you would see the work of God displayed in your weaknesses so that you may delight in them.  Pray that your delight in what God is doing in the midst of unpleasant circumstances would fill you with great endurance as you live for Him.  “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”  2 Corinthians 12:10 (NIV)