practice of prayer

March 12, 2017 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Healing!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Healing!

“Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, ‘May the LORD, who is good, pardon everyone who sets his heart on seeking God — the LORD, the God of his fathers — even if he is not clean according to the rules of the sanctuary.’  And the LORD heard Hezekiah and healed the people.”
2 Chronicles 30:18-20 (NIV)

Most Christians are familiar with the “If my people . . .” passage early in 2 Chronicles where God promises Solomon that He would heal the land of those who would humble themselves and pray.  Later, in the same book, we find the above passage where Hezekiah humbles himself and prays — not only for himself and the land, but for the healing of the people as they turned to God to receive His forgiveness.  Far too often in our prayers, we focus on a good thing — the physical healing of people — and miss a better thing, the spiritual healing of ourselves and others.  Our prayer emphasis this week will focus on praying about some aspects of healing that we ought to seek for ourselves and others.  As you pray, ask God to cover you in His grace as you seek forgiveness and healing of anything that would hinder your prayers.  Pray that you would spend at least as much time praying for the spiritual well-being of people as you do praying for their physical health.  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’s help in understanding and accepting the healing He wants to bring into your life.

Sunday: Pray for your church staff, the preaching and teaching that takes place, the church leadership, the volunteers that are helping in so many areas, the spiritual and financial health of the congregation, and the work of the missions ministry of the church.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.  

Monday: Healing Through God’s Mercy.  Pray that you would seek, and know, the mercy of God when you need healing from sin and from the effects of sin in your life.  Pray that you would help others heal as you extend the same mercy to them that you have received from God.  “I said, ‘O LORD, have mercy on me; heal me, for I have sinned against you.’”  Psalm 41:4 (NIV)

Tuesday: Healing Through God’s Word.  Pray that you would know the power of God’s Word that can heal you from the deadly power of the grave.  Pray that your trust in God and His Word would lead you to share with others about the healing that can be had through obeying God’s Word.  “He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.”  Psalm 107:20 (NIV)

Wednesday: Healing Through Pleasant Words.  Pray that you would speak pleasant words and know the healing that you will both give and receive in doing so.  Pray that you would guard the words you allow into your life so that you would hear pleasant words that bring healing.  “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”  Proverbs 16:24 (NIV)

Thursday: Healing Through Confession and Prayer.  Pray that you would have wisdom in agreeing with those you have sinned against or have wronged you.  Ask God to help you pray with and for others, especially those you are in disagreement with.  “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”  James 5:16 (NIV)

Friday: Healing By Christ’s Sacrifice.  Pray that you would know the complete healing that was purchased for you by the blood of Jesus.  Pray that you would be healed from the power of sin in order to live a righteous life.  “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.”  1 Peter 2:24 (NIV)

Saturday:  Healing For the Soul.  Pray that you would experience a wellness of the soul that brings healing.  Pray that things would go well for those around you as they experience a soul that is well.  “Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.”  3 John 1:2 (NIV)

March 5, 2017 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: More Than Enough!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: More Than Enough!

“For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?”
1 Corinthians 4:7 (NIV)

When it comes to our interactions with people and the judgments we are tempted to pass upon them, God wants to remind us of both the sufficiency and source of what we have.  God says that “every good and perfect gift comes from above.”  The best and most perfect gift that there is, is our relationship with God.  While there is work that we need to do to maintain that relationship and help it to grow, being in relationship with God is His gift to us.  When we understand the sufficiency of what God has given us through Jesus Christ, we ought to be more willing and eager to share it with others knowing there will always be enough for everyone who would call upon the name of the Lord.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you see Him as the source of every good thing in your life.  Pray that you would look to Him to be the source of all that seems to be missing from your life.  Pray that God would convict you in regard to how you use what He has given.  Pray that your “enough” would overflow with generosity into the lives of people who are in need.  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’s help in understanding and accepting His sufficiency in your life.

Sunday: Pray for your church staff, the preaching and teaching that takes place, the church leadership, the volunteers that are helping in so many areas, the spiritual and financial health of the congregation, and the work of the missions ministry of the church.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.  

Monday: Enough Trust.  Pray that you would recognize, and learn from, the times when a lack of trust in God prevented you from accomplishing what you had hoped.  Pray that your trust would be enough to honor God in the sight of the people around you.  “But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, ‘Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them.’”  Numbers 20:12 (NIV)

Tuesday: Enough Trouble.  Pray that God would help you to overcome all the temptations of worry.  Pray that you would not only recognize each day’s trouble as being enough, but that you would look to God to be enough for each day.  “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”  Matthew 6:34 (NIV)

Wednesday: Enough Resources.  Pray that you would consider your need for God, and the value He brings to life, when you are deciding if you have enough.  Pray that you would finish your life walking with God because you have found Him to be enough.  “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it?”  Luke 14:28 (NIV)

Thursday: Enough Wisdom.  Pray that you would have enough wisdom from God to help the people around you resolve differences.  Pray that you would seek Godly counsel and wisdom when you are in disagreement with others.  “I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers?”  1 Corinthians 6:5 (NIV)

Friday: Enough Grace.  Pray that you would allow God’s grace to carry you through your areas of weakness.  Pray that God would be seen as powerful as He is displayed through your weaknesses.  “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’”  2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

Saturday:  Enough Courage.  Pray that you would have enough courage to make Christ known in your life.  Pray that your courage in Christ would keep you from being ashamed to stand up for Him.  “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.”  Philippians 1:20 (NIV)

February 26, 2017 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Great Rewards!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Great Rewards!

“The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.  They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.  By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.”
Psalm 19:9b-11 (NIV)

It is often said that you can get people to do just about anything — you just have to figure out the proper reward that motivates them.  I suppose I should know, I have an entire card wallet filled with rewards cards from various companies.  While the corporate world may believe they invented the idea of rewarding loyalty; long before any corporations existed, God declared there would be a great reward for those who are loyal to Him.  When I receive an offer of a reward from a company, I have to decide if I want the reward and if I’m willing to meet the requirements to receive the reward.  God has offered each of us an eternal reward that comes from living in relationship with Him.  In that relationship, God expects us to know, understand, and keep His commands and ordinances.  As you pray, ask God to fill you with a great desire for His rewards.  Pray that you would understand and follow His instructions so that you are not disqualified.  Pray that you would know of a reward in Christ that is greater than any you would find apart from 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’s help in pursuing the rewards that He desires to give.

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: Rewarded Through Wisdom.  Ask God to fill you with a wisdom that recognizes His rewards in your life.  Pray that you would use the wisdom God gives you to avoid the suffering of a mocker that you would bring upon yourself.  “If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.”  Proverbs 9:12 (NIV)

Tuesday: Rewarded According to What We Sow.  Pray that you would pay attention to what it is you are sowing, not only in your own life but in the lives of others.  Pray that the seeds you share each day would be seeds of righteousness.  “The wicked man earns deceptive wages, but he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.”  Proverbs 11:18 (NIV)

Wednesday: Rewarded According to Our Words and Work.  Pray that you would only speak words that would bring about good for you and others.  Pray that God would help you to enjoy the rewards that come from you work.  “From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him.”  Proverbs 12:14 (NIV)

Thursday: Rewarded According to Our Kindness.  Pray that you would see being kind to the poor as its own reward.  Pray that you would know the reward of having your kindness to others returned to you.  “He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done.”  Proverbs 19:17 (NIV)

Friday: Rewarded According to Our Conduct.  Pray that you would examine your own heart as honestly as God does.  Pray that you would know the reward that comes from conduct that is done with pure motives.  “I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve.”  Jeremiah 17:10 (NIV)

Saturday:  Rewarded According to Our Faith.  Pray for a faith that believes God rewards those who earnestly seek Him.  Pray that your being in relationship with God would be the ultimate reward for having sought Him.  “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”  Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)

February 19, 2017 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Being Pure!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Being Pure!

“Come out from it and be pure,
you who carry the vessels of the LORD.”
Isaiah 52:11b (NIV)

I believe most Christians, even most people, would agree that being pure is important — at least if the subject of purity is something that they value.  If I were to ask how pure a person thinks their drinking water should be, most people would say that being pure is an absolute necessity.  Yet many times we have learned to settle for less than pure in areas that God would want us to be pure in.  To know that something is pure requires a standard by which all else is measured.  When it comes to being pure, God has not only set the standard, He has given us a personal example in Jesus of what that standard looks like.  This week we will be praying about some things that God says should be pure in the lives of His children.  As you pray, ask God to help you be pure in His sight.  Pray that you would allow Him to continue to refine you as the impurities are removed from your life.  Pray that your desire to be pure would be lived in complete humility as you serve 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’s help in being pure as you live as a vessel of God’s Spirit which lives within you.

Sunday: Pray for your church staff, the preaching and teaching that takes place, the church leadership, the volunteers that are helping in so many areas, the spiritual and financial health of the congregation, and the work of the missions ministry of the church.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.  

Monday: Pure Offering.  Pray that the greatness of God’s name would cause you to examine the purity of your offerings to Him.  Pray that your offerings to God would be pure in every way.  “My name will be great among the nations, from the rising to the setting of the sun. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to my name, because my name will be great among the nations,” says the LORD Almighty.”  Malachi 1:11 (NIV)

Tuesday: Pure Heart.  Pray that you would be still before God as you seek His help in having a heart that is pure.  Pray that you would know the blessing of seeing God as you live with a heart that is pure.  “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”  Matthew 5:8 (NIV)

Wednesday: Pure Joy.  Pray that you would know a joy that is made pure through the refining trials of life.  Pray for the strength needed to consider, and pursue, the joy that awaits those who are faithful to the end.  “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds.”  James 1:2 (NIV)

Thursday: Pure Religion.  Pray that you would understand that man’s view of religion is often far different from God’s view of pure religion.  Pray that you would seek to live out a pure religion as you care for people who have no one looking out for them.  “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”  James 1:27 (NIV)

Friday: Pure Wisdom.  Ask God to fill you with a wisdom that comes from above and is far above human wisdom.  Pray that your life would show to those around you what pure wisdom looks like.  “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”  James 3:17 (NIV)

Saturday:  Pure Spiritual Milk.  Pray that you would accept no contamination in the spiritual milk of God’s Word that you take into your life.  Pray that you would develop a craving for the purity of God’s Word as you grow in faith.  “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.”  1 Peter 2:2 (NIV)

February 12, 2017 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Doing Good!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Doing Good!

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

Doing good always sounds noble . . . at least up until the point that doing so becomes inconvenient or messy or doesn’t produce the results we expect when we expect them.  God wants us to do good to all people, and not become weary in doing so.  His promise is that a harvest will be brought in if we persevere and keep at doing the good God has called us to.  Doing good in a world filled with evil can be difficult, but we don’t have to do it alone.  God has not only created good work for us to do, He has equipped and gifted us with His Spirit to empower us to do the good work without becoming weary.  As you seek to do the good that you ought to do, pray that God would strengthen you against the temptation to become weary.  Pray that you would live in compete humility as you allow God to do His good work in and through you.  Pray that you would learn to trust God for His harvest of righteousness as you continue to do good without giving up.  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’s help in doing good in a way that honors 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: Doing Good to All People.  Pray that you would learn to do good to all people as you do good to your Christian brothers and sisters.  Pray that God would open your eyes to the opportunities to do good to the people around you.  “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”  Galatians 6:10 (NIV)

Tuesday: Doing Good Through Obedience.  Pray that your obedience to rulers and authorities would prepare you to do whatever is good.  Pray for those in authority so that your obedience to them would result in good being done.  “Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good.”  Titus 3:1 (NIV)

Wednesday: Doing Good By Sharing Sacrificially.  Pray that God would help you loosen your grasp on the possessions you try to hold on to.  Pray that you would learn the joy of sharing with others as you view such sharing as a sacrifice to God.  “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”  Hebrews 13:16 (NIV)

Thursday: Doing the Good You Know You Should.  Pray that you would listen to the promptings of God’s Spirit when He reveals to you the good you ought to do.  Pray that you would not fall into sin by refusing to do the good that God has called you to do.  “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.”  James 4:17 (NIV)

Friday: Doing Good While Suffering.  Pray that doing good would become a way of life for you that is not dependent on your circumstances.  Pray that you would always continue doing good even when you experience suffering.  “So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.”  1 Peter 4:19 (NIV)

Saturday:  Doing Good that Can Be Imitated.  Pray that you would recognize the good that comes from God and imitate it.  Pray that your pursuit of God would lead you to do good that others can imitate.  “Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.”  3 John 1:11 (NIV)

February 5, 2017 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Elementary Lessons!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Elementary Lessons!

“Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.  And God permitting, we will do so.”
Hebrews 6:1-3 (NIV)

Sometimes we view elementary lessons as being inferior to more advanced lessons.  But God views the elementary things as being foundational to living a mature and faithful life.  When the writer of Hebrews suggests we leave the elementary teachings, he is not suggesting that we reject them but rather that we build a life of maturity on the foundation of the things we ought to be practicing and believing.  A good grasp and practice of the “basics” is what prepares us to understand and accept the more difficult lessons God would teach us.  As you pray, ask God to help you master the elementary things so you can grow in your maturity as a Christian, and as a person.  Pray that you would know the value of the beginning things as you move forward in maturity.  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’s help in putting into practice the elementary teachings so that you can move on to maturity.

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: Repentance.  Pray that you would know the refreshing that comes from God when you turn to Him in repentance.  Pray that your desire to repent would result in real change in your thoughts and actions that would move you away from sin.  “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”  Acts 3:19 (NIV)

Tuesday: Faith.  Pray that God would increase your faith in ways that please Him.  Pray that you would know the eternal reward that comes from earnestly seeking God in faith.  “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”  Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)

Wednesday: Baptism.  Pray for a heart and mind that would accept the act of baptism as a work of God in your life.  Pray that you would not diminish the foundational teaching of baptism by lessening its importance when you share the gospel.  “And now what are you waiting for?  Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.”  Acts 22:16 (NIV)

Thursday: Laying On of Hands.  Pray that you would know the significance of being set apart to do the work of God.  Pray that those who are set apart for ministry would be faithful in doing their tasks with purity and impartiality.  “Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.”  1 Timothy 5:22 (NIV)

Friday: Resurrection.  Pray that your belief in the resurrection of Jesus would be your foundation for hope.  Pray that you would understand how sharing in the sufferings of Christ leads to a sharing in His resurrection.  “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.”  Philippians 3:10-11 (NIV)

Saturday:  Eternal Judgment.  Pray that your belief in the foundational teachings of Jesus would prepare you for the day of judgment.  Pray that you would know the joy of being clothed in Christ when God’s eternal judgment comes after this life is over.  “Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.”  Hebrews 9:27 (NIV) 

January 29, 2017 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Following God!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Following God!

“It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.”
Deuteronomy 13:4 (NIV)

Sometimes Christians end up pursuing a knowledge of God without pursuing God.  It is easy to get caught up in the following of programs, personalities, a pursuit of information, and even our favorite authors 🙂 .  Each of those can help us in our real pursuit, but only when they are used as tools to assist us in actually following God more closely.  While following God requires complete trust and faith, God has given us the tools of His Word, His Spirit, and prayer so that we are not following blindly.  As you pray, ask God to help you not only decide to follow Him, but to empower you to remain committed to that pursuit.  Pray that you would know the joy and peace that comes from following One who will always lead in the absolute best direction.  Pray that the way you follow God would serve as an example to others in their pursuit of Him.  Pray each day for the individuals of your congregation as well as 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 about your commitment to God and the way you choose to follow 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: Follow Justice.  Pray that you would treat everyone justly and follow the way of justice in all your relationships.  Pray that you would know and receive the possession of eternal life that God desires to give you as you follow justice in the place where you live.  “Follow justice and justice alone, so that you may live and possess the land the LORD your God is giving you.”  Deuteronomy 16:20 (NIV)

Tuesday: Follow Righteous Judgment.  Pray that you would reject favoritism and pursue judgments that are founded on God’s righteousness.  Pray that you would live with an upright heart that leads you to follow the way of righteous judgment.  “Judgment will again be founded on righteousness, and all the upright in heart will follow it.”  Psalm 94:15 (NIV)

Wednesday: Follow God’s Decrees.  Pray that your desire to be a person of God would lead you to carefully follow His decrees.  Pray that you would follow God’s decrees not only as one of “His people”, but also because He is your God.  “Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God.”  Ezekiel 11:20 (NIV)

Thursday: Follow Sacrificially.  Pray that you would have the courage to deny yourself as you follow God.  Pray that you would take on a life of godly sacrifice as you follow Jesus daily.  “Then he said to them all: ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.’”  Luke 9:23 (NIV)

Friday: Follow Godly Examples.  Pray that you would look to the wisdom and example of the people around you who are following Christ.  Pray that the way you follow Christ would serve as an example to the people around you who need to see what a Christ-follower looks like.  “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”  1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV)

Saturday:  Follow the Example of Jesus.  Pray that you would look to the life, and suffering, of Jesus to be your primary example for how to live this life.  Pray that you would pursue a relationship with Jesus that would lead you to daily follow in His steps.  “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.”  1 Peter 2:21 (NIV)

January 22, 2017 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Prayer Instruction!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Prayer Instruction!

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”
1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NIV)

We live in the midst of a world that is filled with very angry people.  Rarely does a day go by without the anger of someone else spilling into your life.  But if you examine closely, how often does your anger spill out into the lives of others?  God commands us to pray — not so we can get our way or establish our opinion as the law of the land, but so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives.  This week our prayer focus will be wrapped around the prayer instruction that God has given us through Paul’s letter to Timothy.  As you pray, ask God to change your heart concerning those around you.  Pray that you would live with the same desire as God — that all people would be saved through a knowledge and acceptance of the truth.  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’s help in learning to pray according to His will and instructions.

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 in All Ways.  Ask God to help your prayer life to grow as you go to Him with your requests and prayers for yourself and on behalf of others.  Pray that God would help you to be thankful in all of your communication with Him.  “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone.”  1 Timothy 2:1 (NIV)

Tuesday: Pray for Everyone.  Ask God to help you have compassion for everyone as you pray for both friends and enemies.  Pray that your love for God would be seen in the way you demonstrate His love toward both those you agree with and those you disagree with.  “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”  Matthew 5:43-44 (NIV)

Wednesday: Pray for All Authority.  Ask God to help you know how to pray for those in authority on this earth.  Pray that you would learn to submit to all authority — especially His authority.  “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”  Romans 13:1 (NIV)

Thursday: Pray for a Peaceful and Quiet Life.  Ask God to help you be a peacemaker.  Pray that you would seek to live at peace with all people in a way that helps them to see the peace of God dwelling within you.  “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”  Romans 12:18 (NIV)

Friday: Pray for Godliness and Holiness.  Ask God to help you exhibit more of His qualities in the way you live each day.  Pray that you would know the value of preparing to live a life of godliness and holiness.  “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:  Pray that People Would Come to Know God.  Ask God to fill you with a desire to see all people come to know Him.  Pray that you would have patience with people as God continues His work in their life.  “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”  2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)

January 15, 2017 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Soul Rest!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Soul Rest!

This is what the LORD says:
“Stand at the crossroads and look;
     ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
     and you will find rest for your souls.
     But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’” 
Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV)

Throughout scripture God invites us to find rest not just for our body, but rest for our soul.  The prophet Jeremiah shared God’s invitation to find rest for the soul with the people of Israel, and with us.  Sadly, even if we hear the invitation of God, our response indicated by our actions is often the same as that of Israel — “We will not walk in it.”  This week we will spend time praying each day about God’s instructions and about the rest for our soul that He desires.  As you pray, ask God to help you not just hear and understand His word, but to live it.  Pray that your obedience to walking in “the good way” would not only help you find rest for your soul, but would keep you from experiencing God’s discipline.  Pray each day for the individuals of your congregation as well as 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’s help in pursuing Him in a manner that brings rest to your soul.

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: Stand at the Crossroads.  Pray that you would have the patience and courage to stop and stand when faced with decisions that the crossroads of life bring.  Pray that you would be still and know the peace of God as you stand at the crossroad.  “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”  Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

Tuesday: Look.  Pray that you would take the time to look at the works of God as you stand.  Pray that your time of standing would help you to find peace and rest as you consider the direction God is leading.  “I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.”  Psalm 143:5 (NIV)

Wednesday: Ask for Ancient Paths.  Pray that you would ask God to show you the value of His path that is from “the ancient of days”.  Pray that you would ask God to daily direct you in the paths that brings peace with Him that He established in days long ago.  “I remember your ancient laws, O LORD, and I find comfort in them.”  Psalm 119:52 (NIV)

Thursday: Ask for the Good Way.  Pray that you would ask God to show you the good way that He has called you to.  Pray that you would pursue the way of God in a manner that causes people glorify Him.  “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”  Matthew 5:16 (NIV)

Friday: Walk.  Pray that God would help you to walk in the ancient paths and good ways that you find as you seek Him.  Pray that you would learn from God’s Word with the desire to put into practice the things that God teaches.  “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”  James 1:22 (NIV)

Saturday:  Find Rest.  Pray that you would learn from God how to find rest for your soul as you live in relationship with Him.  Pray that you would share with others about the rest you find as you seek to know and follow His unchanging ways.  “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”  Matthew 11:29 (NIV)

January 8, 2017 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Steadfast!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Steadfast!

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.”
1 Corinthians 15:58 (NASB)

As we continue our journey into a new year, this week’s prayer guide is about some things that we should work at keeping steadfast in our life each day that we live.  Change is inevitable, because without change we will never grow.  But even in the midst of necessary change, there should be anchor points in our life that keep us steadfast in our pursuit of God and in the work He has called us to do.  As you pray, ask God to help you to live a life that is flexible where it needs to be and steadfast where it ought to be.  Pray that you would know that your work has value to God as you remain steadfast in His calling.  Pray for the courage to hold fast to what is good and reject that which is evil.  Pray each day for the individuals of your congregation as well as 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’s help in remaining steadfast in the things He would have you be immovable 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: Steadfast Spirit.  Pray that you would maintain a steadfast spirit in all you do as you daily allow God do renew your spirit.  Pray that a purity of heart would help you to live with a spirit that is steadfast because it is renewed by God’s Spirit.  “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”  Psalm 51:10 (NIV)

Tuesday: Steadfast Heart.  Pray that you would live each day with a heart that is set on God.  Pray that your unfailing pursuit of God would be reflected in the praise and worship you offer Him.  “My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing and make music with all my soul.”  Psalm 108:1 (NIV)

Wednesday: Steadfast God.  Pray that you would trust the steadfast nature of God’s works and laws.  Pray that your relationship with a steadfast God would provide you great comfort and hope for now and for the future.  “The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy.  They are steadfast for ever and ever, done in faithfulness and uprightness.”  Psalm 111:7-8 (NIV)

Thursday: Steadfast Ways.  Pray that you would live a life committed to obeying God’s decrees.  Pray that you would recognize your shortcomings and seek God’s help in honoring Him as you keep all your ways steadfast in obedience.  “Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees!”  Psalm 119:5 (NIV)

Friday: Steadfast Mind.  Pray that God would help you to live with a steadfast mind that keeps your thoughts focused on a faithful God.  Pray that you would know the peace that comes from having a mind that is steadfast in its trust of the living God.  “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.”  Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)

Saturday:  Steadfast Hope.  Pray that you would know the hope of Jesus, which is a steadfast and sure hope for all of eternity.  Pray that your soul would be anchored in the assured hope of faith that is found in a relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ.  “This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil.”  Hebrews 6:19 (NASB)