August 14, 2016 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Blessings Redefined (Week 2)!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Blessings Redefined (Week 2)!

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

A Lifestyle of Prayer should be just that — a lifestyle, not simply an event. View prayer as your first priority, not as the last resort. It is my prayer that these weeks of “topical” prayer guides are a tool to train and equip you in the practice of prayer. This week we continue a focus on the Sermon on the Mount, particularly the Beatitudes, as a prayer guide! Pray that God would give you a greater understanding of His view of being blessed. As you pray each day, give careful consideration to how Jesus would have you view those who are experiencing life in ways that the world does not see as being blessed. Pray that you would not only experience the blessings of God according to His definition, but that you would be the blessing of God to the people around you. Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.

“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)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you see blessings from His perspective. Pray that others would know a life lived with Jesus and the blessings it contains.

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: Blessed are the Peacemakers. Pray that you would look for ways to make peace in the situations you face. Pray that being a child of God would lead you to being a peacemaker where you live. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9 (NIV)

Tuesday: Blessed are The Persecuted. Pray that you would understand the difference between being persecuted for righteousness and just being treated badly. Pray that God’s blessings would help you to do right no matter what. “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:10 (NIV)

Wednesday: Blessed are the Insulted. Pray that you would learn how to rejoice when you suffer because of your relationship with Jesus. “Blessed are you when people insult you . . . because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:11-12 (NIV)

Thursday: Blessed are the Falsely Accused. Pray that you would accept God’s blessing and refuse to respond with hatred when people speak evil of you. “Blessed are you when people . . . falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:11-12 (NIV)

Friday: Being “Salty”. Pray that your life in Christ would add flavor to the world around you. “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.” Matthew 5:13 (NIV)

Saturday: Being “Light”. Pray that all of the good you do would point people to God. “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)

August 7, 2016 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Blessings Redefined (Week 1)!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Blessings Redefined (Week 1)!

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

A Lifestyle of Prayer should be just that — a lifestyle, not simply an event. View prayer as your first priority, not as the last resort. It is my prayer that these weeks of “topical” prayer guides are a tool to train and equip you in the practice of prayer. This week we return to a focus on the Sermon on the Mount, particularly the Beatitudes, as a prayer guide! Pray that God would give you a greater understanding of His view of being blessed. As you pray about each day’s topic, pray that you will see beyond the ordinary and that God will use that characteristic in your life to bring blessing to you and to others through you. Pray for the people in your life. Pray for your family, your neighbors, your church family, your co-workers, and anyone else God brings to your mind. Pray also that the blessings of these qualities would be ever-increasing in your life. Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.

“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)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you see blessings from His perspective. Pray that others would know a life lived with Jesus and the blessings it contains.

Monday: Blessed are the Poor In Spirit. Pray that your acknowledgement of need in your spiritual life would lead you to Jesus. Pray that the poverty you feel in your spirit would be filled with God’s Spirit. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3 (NIV)

Tuesday: Blessed are Those Who Mourn. Pray that your realization and expression of loss would lead you to the comfort of God’s love. Pray that your mourning would receive God’s comfort so you may comfort others. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4 (NIV)

Wednesday: Blessed are the Meek. Pray that you would live daily with the power of God in control of your life. Pray that godly meekness would be learned and practiced as you possess a great power that is used with control in your life. “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5 (NIV)

Thursday: Blessed are Those Who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness. Pray that your hunger and thirst for the things of God would fill you with His righteousness. Pray for opportunities to share with others from that which God has filled you. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” Matthew 5:6 (NIV)

Friday: Blessed are the Merciful. Pray that God would fill you with an understanding of your need for mercy in such a way that you would show mercy to others. Pray that God’s mercy would be received by those you pray for today. “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Matthew 5:7 (NIV)

Saturday: Blessed are the Pure In Heart. Pray that your desire to see God would lead you to a cleansing of your heart through the blood of Jesus. Pray that your dealings with others would come from a pure heart. Pray that God would purify the hearts of those you pray for today. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Matthew 5:8 (NIV)

July 31, 2016 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: God’s Word!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: God’s Word!

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about the usefulness of God’s Word in our life. In Paul’s second letter to Timothy, we have a list of some of the things that God says Scripture is useful for if we were to make use of it and apply it to everything we do. Sadly, many have come to view Scripture as more inspirational than transformational — if they view it at all. In reality, it is only truly inspirational if it inspires us to draw near to God and be transformed. As you pray, ask God to help you accurately evaluate how much time you spend reading, studying, and meditating on the Word of God. Pray that your love for God’s Word would grow as your understanding of its usefulness grows. Pray that the usefulness of God’s Word in your life would cause you to share it at every opportunity. Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.

“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 spend time praying each day about living a life that is filled with the respect that God would have you show to Him and to others.

Monday: Origin of God’s Word. Pray that you would have a proper view of Scripture as coming from God and not from man. Pray that God’s Spirit would give you insight into what He has spoken through His Word. “For prophecy [God’s Word] never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” 2 Peter 1:21 (NIV)

Tuesday: Useful for Teaching. Pray that you would hold fast to God’s Word as useful in teaching you how to live a life pleasing to God. Pray that your devotion to the Word of God would prepare you to teach others. “For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.” Ezra 7:10 (NIV)

Wednesday: Useful for Rebuking. Pray that you would listen to the wise rebuke of God’s Word in your life. Pray that you would use God’s Word in wisely rebuking others when it is necessary. “It is better to heed a wise man’s rebuke than to listen to the song of fools.” Ecclesiastes 7:5 (NIV)

Thursday: Useful for Correcting. Pray that you would heed the correction that God desires to give you through His Word. Pray that God’s Word would be the basis for any correction of others that you do. “Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.” Job 5:17 (NIV)

Friday: Useful for Training. Pray that you would reject the myths of the world and seek to be trained by God’s Word. Pray that you would cling to God’s Word as the true source of training in godliness. “Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.” 1 Timothy 4:7 (NIV)

Saturday: Useful for Equipping. Pray that the application of God’s Word in your life would equip you for every good work He desires. Pray that you would make God’s Word the very core of your task of helping others to be equipped for the work God has created for them to do. “May the God of peace . . . equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21 (NIV)

July 24, 2016 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Respect!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Respect!

“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, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”
1 Peter 3:15-16 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is on some qualities of the respect that ought to be present in our lives as children of God. Without careful diligence, it is easy to find ourselves treating people and situations without the respect they deserve. Even the little things like respecting the property of others, cleaning up after yourself, not littering, watching both the subject and language of the words we use around others are sometimes difficult to put into practice. Respect is important because it should flow from our respect of God and His creation. As you pray, ask God to fill you with the desire and courage to grow in the way you show respect. Pray that the respect you give would be done so without partiality. Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.

“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 spend time praying each day about living a life that is filled with the respect that God would have you show to Him and to others.

Monday: Respect Your Parents. Pray that you would have a respect for your parents which shows. Pray that God would help you know how to respect your parents regardless of how respectable they may or may not be. “Each of you must respect his mother and father, and you must observe my Sabbaths. I am the LORD your God.” Leviticus 19:3 (NIV)

Tuesday: Respect All Offerings to God. Pray that your offerings to God would be treated with respect — both by you and by those who administer them. “Tell Aaron and his sons to treat with respect the sacred offerings the Israelites consecrate to me, so they will not profane my holy name. I am the LORD.” Leviticus 22:2 (NIV)

Wednesday: Respect God’s Commands. Pray that you would show proper respect to God’s commands by keeping them. Pray that you would understand the eternal nature of being rewarded for your respect of God’s commands. “He who scorns instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command is rewarded.” Proverbs 13:13 (NIV)

Thursday: Respect Those Who Work Hard. Pray that you would take notice of those who work hard among you as leaders in spiritual things. Pray that you would respect those who must admonish you at times. “Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:12 (NIV)

Friday: Respect Discipline. Pray that you would the need to give, and receive, appropriate discipline. Pray that the discipline you experience would cause greater respect for those who administer it. “Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live!” Hebrews 12:9 (NIV)

Saturday: Respect Everyone. Pray that God would show you how to give the respect due to the people around you. Pray that your attitude of proper respect would extend to fellow believers, to God, and to political authorities. “Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.” 1 Peter 2:17 (NIV)

July 17, 2016 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Wisdom From Heaven!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Wisdom From Heaven!

“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. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.”
James 3:17-18 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is on some qualities of wisdom that God says identifies it as wisdom from heaven. Our society is filled with opportunities for information and knowledge, but wisdom — godly wisdom seems to be in short supply. We value wealth and possessions to such an extent that somehow we define wisdom according to a person’s ability to accumulate “stuff”. God says that wisdom from heaven is nothing like the wisdom of man. And the good news is that He promises to give wisdom from heaven to all who would ask. As you pray, ask God to change your heart and perspective regarding true wisdom. Pray that you would no only ask God for wisdom, but that you would ask Him for the courage to use the wisdom He gives. Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.

“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 spend time praying each day about living a life that is filled with the wisdom that comes from God.

Monday: Wisdom that is Pure. Pray that you would evaluate all appearance of wisdom according to the purity of God’s Word. Pray that you would be careful not to contaminate the purity of the wisdom from heaven as you put it into practice. “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure.” James 3:17 (NIV)

Tuesday: Wisdom that Loves Peace. Pray that you would use wisdom to pursue peace. Pray that God’s wisdom poured into you would empower you to be a peacemaker. “The LORD gave Solomon wisdom, just as he had promised him. There were peaceful relations between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a treaty.” 1 Kings 5:12 (NIV)

Wednesday: Wisdom that is Considerate. Pray that your considerate treatment of all people would reflect godly wisdom. Pray for the wisdom to consider others better than yourself. “Remind the people to . . . to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.” Titus 3:1-2 (NIV)

Thursday: Wisdom that is Submissive. Pray that the wisdom from heaven would remove all traces of pride from your life as you submit to others. Pray that God’s grace would help you be submissive. “. . . In the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’” 1 Peter 5:5 (NIV)

Friday: Wisdom that Produces Mercy and Good Fruit. Pray that you would know the freedom that comes from God’s mercy. Pray that wisdom would bear the good fruit of mercy in your life. “Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!” James 2:12-13 (NIV)

Saturday: Wisdom that is Impartial and Sincere. Pray that you would treat everyone with impartiality as people created in God’s image. Pray that your reverent fear would lead to sincerity in the way you treat others. “Since you call on a Father who judges each man’s work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear.” 1 Peter 1:17 (NIV)

July 10, 2016 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Refreshed!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Refreshed!

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you — even Jesus.”
Acts 3:19-20 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is on being refreshed. If you followed along on last week’s focus on being satisfied, being refreshed will seem like a natural follow-up. We all have times, even in living a satisfied life, when we become weary and find ourselves in need of refreshing. God sends out the refreshing streams of His Spirit through our relationship with Jesus. But the refreshing is not just for us. We are refreshed by God, and others, so that we can be an instrument of refreshing in the lives of the people around us. As you pray, ask God to fill you with the humility to seek Him for times of refreshing. Pray that you would not only be refreshed, but that you would listen to God for ways to refresh others. Pray that you would experience the refreshing power of God through your times of repentance. Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.

“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 spend time praying each day about living a life that is refreshed by God in response to your repentance.

Monday: Refreshed with Rest. Pray that you would value rest and find ways to make it a regular part of your schedule. Pray that you would help others to find times of rest in their life. “Six days do your work, but on the seventh day do not work, so that your ox and your donkey may rest and the slave born in your household, and the alien as well, may be refreshed.” Exodus 23:12 (NIV)

Tuesday: Refreshed by God. Pray that you would spend time with God for the purpose of being refreshed. Pray that your life would soak in the abundant showers that come from God. “You gave abundant showers, O God; you refreshed your weary inheritance.” Psalm 68:9 (NIV)

Wednesday: Refreshed through Generosity. Pray that God would fill you with a spirit of generosity that refreshes others. Pray that you would be refreshed by God as you share with others, and they share with you. “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25 (NIV)

Thursday: Refreshed Spirit. Pray that your spirit would be refreshed through your relationships with people. Pray that you would be a source of refreshing to others and that you would honor those who excel in this gift of refreshing. “For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.” 1 Corinthians 16:18 (NIV)

Friday: Refreshed Heart. Pray that the broken-hearted would be refreshed by the love of God which you share. Pray that you would be filled with joy because of the refreshing God does through people. “Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.” Philemon 1:7 (NIV)

Saturday: Refreshed Memory. Pray that you would look for the reminders of God’s truth to refresh your memory. Pray that you would be diligent about reminding others of the refreshing that is found in remembering the works of God in their life. “So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body. 2 Peter 1:12-13 (NIV)

July 3, 2016 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Satisfied!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Satisfied!

“Abraham breathed his last and died in a ripe old age, an old man and satisfied with life; and he was gathered to his people.”
Genesis 25:8 (NASB)

How would you rate your level of satisfaction with life? Would the people closest to you agree with your assessment? This week’s prayer focus is about being satisfied. In a statement that is easy to read right past as you read about the family line of Abraham in Genesis 25, God says that Abraham was “satisfied with life” when he died. In a society where our satisfaction often depends on our accomplishments, it is important to note that in Hebrews God says that Abraham died still looking for an inheritance he had not yet received. His satisfaction came through a faithful obedience to God that involved a trust that the fruit of God’s promises would outlast the temporary life on earth. As you pray, ask God to help you live a satisfied life. Pray that you would fully trust God to be the One who completely satisfies you. Pray that you would be a willing and open vessel in God’s plan to satisfy the needs of the poor and the oppressed. Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.

“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 spend time praying each day about living a satisfied life.

Monday: Satisfied with God’s Provision. Pray that you would recognize all that God is providing in your life. Pray that you would live a satisfied and thankful life because of His provision. “When you have eaten and are satisfied, you shall bless the LORD your God for the good land which He has given you.” Deuteronomy 8:10 (NASB)

Tuesday: Satisfied by Seeking God’s Face. Pray that your life would be lived in a way that seeks God’s presence daily. Pray that you would be filled with great satisfaction as you recognize God’s presence with you. “As for me, I shall behold Your face in righteousness; I will be satisfied with Your likeness when I awake.” Psalm 17:15 (NASB)

Wednesday: Satisfied Daily with God’s Love. Pray that you would live with a constant awareness of God’s love. Pray that you would be filled with joy and praise because of the satisfaction you receive through God’s lovingkindness. “O satisfy us in the morning with Your lovingkindness, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.” Psalm 90:14 (NASB)

Thursday: Satisfied through a Fear of the Lord. Pray that you would have an accurate understanding of how to live with a healthy fear of the Lord. Pray that your fear of the Lord would help you to avoid evil so that even you sleep would be satisfying. “The fear of the LORD leads to life, so that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil.” Proverbs 19:23 (NASB)

Friday: Satisfied with God’s Goodness. Pray that you would experience the abundance of God as one who is a part of His royal priesthood. Pray that your acceptance of the teachings of God would fill you with satisfaction of His goodness. “‘I will fill the soul of the priests with abundance, and My people will be satisfied with My goodness,’ declares the LORD.” Jeremiah 31:14 (NASB)

Saturday: Satisfied by Right Desires. Pray that your desires would be brought into line with God’s righteousness. Pray that righteous desires would lead you to great satisfaction. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” Matthew 5:6 (NASB)

June 26, 2016 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Words!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Words!

“The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Matthew 12:35-37 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about the words we choose to use. The Bible has a lot to say about how we use words and Jesus taught that we will have to give an account for how we use our words. Many times I hear people say they can’t help the words they use, but Jesus says that the words which come out of our mouths are a reflection of what is inside of us. Each day this week we will pray about some of the ways that God wants us to use our words. As you pray, ask God to transform you from the inside out. Pray that His Spirit would fill you with words which honor Christ and are beneficial to those who hear them. Pray that your relationship with Christ would cause you to put a guard on your tongue. Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.

“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 spend time praying about each day’s specific focus on how you use your words.

Monday: Choose Encouraging Words. Pray that you would be greatly encouraged by the time you spend in God’s Word. Pray that the words you choose each day would be an encouragement to the people around you. “He traveled through that area, speaking many words of encouragement to the people, and finally arrived in Greece.” Acts 20:2 (NIV)

Tuesday: Choose Pleasant Words. Pray that God would help you to hear what your words sound like, both in their tone and content. Pray that you would represent Christ well by your choice to use pleasant words. “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” Proverbs 16:24 (NIV

Wednesday: Choose Prayerful Words. Ask God to help you consider how your words sound to Him. Pray that the words you use in conversations with others would come from a prayer-filled mouth. “Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth.” Psalm 54:2 (NIV)

Thursday: Choose Satisfying Words. Pray that the words you use would produce a sweet and satisfying harvest. Pray that your words would also be satisfying to those who hear them. “From the fruit of his mouth a man’s stomach is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied.” Proverbs 18:20 (NIV)

Friday: Choose Timely Words. Pray that God would fill you with the wisdom to not only know what to speak, but when to speak it. Pray that you would bring joy to others by your choice of timely words. “A man finds joy in giving an apt reply — and how good is a timely word!” Proverbs 15:23 (NIV)

Saturday: Choose Wise Words. Pray that your words would be filled with a wisdom that comes from God. Pray that God would fill you with the humility to share His wisdom in a manner that others will listen to. “The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just. The law of his God is in his heart; his feet do not slip.” Psalm 37:30-31 (NIV)

June 19, 2016 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Children!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Children!

“‘I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.”
Mark 10:15-16 (NIV)

As we continue to grow in A Lifestyle of Prayer, it is important to remember prayer should be a lifestyle, not an event. View prayer as your first priority, not as the last resort. With summer being a season of Vacation Bible Schools and summer camp sessions, I bring back a previously published prayer guide with an emphasis on children. God has a lot to say about His concern for children. Many children are struggling with little or no perceived value — not just in far off places of the world, but in our own communities and neighborhoods. As you pray this week, listen intently for what God would have you do to show children the great value He places on them. Pray that your life would show children that you value them as much as God does. Pray that you would understand the immense value you have as a child of God. Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.

“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 spend time praying about each day’s specific focus for children. Pray for those on the front lines of representing Jesus to the children — parents, grandparents, youth workers, school teachers, school counselors, school staff, coaches, and all others who have consistent contact with young people each day.

Monday: Worshipful Children. Pray that the children would be worshipers of God. Pray that they would always know the value of true worship, regardless of their age. “From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.” Psalm 8:2

Tuesday: Kingdom Children. Pray that the children of this world would become children of God’s kingdom. Pray that they would never lose the innocent faith of a child. “And he said: ‘I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.’” Matthew 18:3

Wednesday: Welcomed Children. Pray that the children around you today would know that Jesus welcomes them to Himself. Pray that nothing would hinder them from coming to Jesus. “Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’” Matthew 19:14

Thursday: Forgiven Children. Pray that the children who are living with great guilt would know the forgiveness that God offers. Pray that they would learn of that forgiveness from you. “The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off — for all whom the Lord our God will call.” Acts 2:39

Friday: Obedient Children. Pray that the children of your community would learn the value of obedience. Pray that they would know what is right and choose to do it. “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” Ephesians 6:1

Saturday: Faithful Children. Pray that the children who have come to Christ would remain faithful all the days of their life. Pray that they would be protected from the evil one. “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” 3 John 1:4

June 12, 2016 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Stand Firm!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Stand Firm!

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”
Ephesians 6:13 (NIV)

This week our prayer focus will be on our need to stand firm in our relationship with God through Jesus Christ. We have an enemy that constantly tries to knock us off our feet to disrupt our walk with Christ. God has not only given us armor to help us be able to stand our ground, He gives instructions on the how, when, and why we ought to stand firm. As you pray this week, ask God to help you to stand firm in your daily walk with Christ. Pray that you would be equipped through the armor of God to stand against the schemes of the devil. Pray that God would fill you with the wisdom to know exactly what standing firm should look like in each situation you face. Pray that the people around you would know the power of God because of His ability to help you stand firm in difficult times. Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.

“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 spend time praying each day about how God would have you to stand firm against the attacks of the evil one.

Sunday: Pray for your church, its staff and leadership, and for all of the preaching and teaching that takes place. Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: Stand Firm in the Lord’s Work. Pray that your commitment to the work of the Lord would remain steadfast through all obstacles. Pray that you would never lose sight of the eternal reward that awaits you when your work is completed. “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)

Tuesday: Stand Firm in Christ. Pray that your faith in God would help you stand firm in Christ. Pray that the people around you would know that it is your trust in God that enables you to stand firm when difficult times come. “Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ.” 2 Corinthians 1:21 (NIV)

Wednesday: Stand Firm in Freedom. Pray that you would experience the fullness of the freedom you have in Christ. Pray that you would stand firm in that freedom and not be drawn back into the bondage of sin. “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1 (NIV)

Thursday: Stand Firm in the Will of God. Pray that you would constantly seek God for the wisdom to stand firm in His will. Ask God to fill you with a desire to wrestle in prayer for other so they would also stand firm in the will of God. “Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.” Colossians 4:12 (NIV)

Friday: Stand Firm on the Word of God. Pray that you would hold fast to the teachings of Scripture. Pray that you would be a student of the Word so that you would know what is good and right. “So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.” 2 Thessalonians 2:15 (NIV)

Saturday: Stand Firm with Patience. Pray that you would never give up in your desire to stand firm. Pray that God’s Spirit would produce in you a patience that allows you to stand firm until the Lord’s coming. “You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.” James 5:8 (NIV)