practice of prayer

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Lifestyle of Prayer: What Do You Have?

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

 This week’s prayer focus:  What Do You Have?

“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)

As we continue to grow in A Lifestyle of Prayer, it is important to remember prayer should be a lifestyle, not an event.  This week our focus will be on praying about what you have.  Sometimes we need to stop and examine just what it is we have, that God has given us, so we can better understand how to use it more effectively in the purpose for which it was given.  As you pray this week, spend time allowing God to examine and reveal more fully what it is you have and how He wants you to use it.  Continue to pray for the work of our supported missions.  Continue to pray for the family.  View prayer as your first priority, not as the last resort.  Continue to use the prayer guides/lists from the past weeks.

“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 what you have and about how God wants you to use it.   Thank you! 

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: Where Did You Get What You Have?  Pray that you would always recognize the source of what you have is God and be thankful to Him.  “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”  James 1:17 (NIV)

Tuesday: What is In Your Hand?  Pray that God would help you see the value and usefulness of what you hold. “Moses answered, ‘What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The LORD did not appear to you’?’  Then the LORD said to him, ‘What is that in your hand?’  ‘A staff,’ he replied.  Exodus 4:1-2 (NIV)

Wednesday: What Do You Have Available?  Pray that God would open your eyes to the resources He has made available.  “Elisha replied to her, ‘How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?’  ‘Your servant has nothing there at all,’ she said, ‘except a little oil.’  Elisha said, ‘Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don’t ask for just a few.’”  2 Kings 4:2-3 (NIV)

Thursday: What Have You Verified?  Pray that you would spread the news of Jesus because of all you have verified Him doing in your life.  “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?”  Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see.”  Matthew 11:3-4 (NIV)

Friday: Do You Have Enough?  Pray that you would trust God to be enough for all circumstances.  “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”  Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV)

Saturday:  What Will You Do With What You Have?  Pray that you would be faithful in using what you have for the benefit of others for the purpose of building up the kingdom of God.  “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”  Hebrews 13:16 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: In Christ (Week 5)!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

 This week’s prayer focus:  In Christ (Week 5)!

“From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.”
John 1:16 (NIV)

As we continue to grow in A Lifestyle of Prayer, it is important to remember prayer should be a lifestyle, not an event.  This week will wrap up our January focus on some things the Bible says that we have in Christ.  This has been loosely based on a list I was recently given that appears to be copied out of a book.  I’ve not been able to find out what the book was, but I’ve adapted most of the daily topics from that list.  Continue to pray for one another each day.  Continue to pray for the work of missionaries around the world.  Continue to pray for the family.  View prayer as your first priority, not as the last resort.

“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 what you have in Christ and about how God wants you to use it.   Thank you!

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: I Am Free From My Sinful Flesh.  Pray that you would live as one who is free from your sinful flesh.  “In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.”  Colossians 2:11-12 (NIV)

Tuesday: I Am Hidden With Christ.  Pray that your life would be so hidden in Christ that He is all that others see.  “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.”  Colossians 3:3 (NIV)

Wednesday: I Have a Holy Calling.  Pray that you would take up your holy calling.  “So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life — not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.”  2 Timothy 1:8-9 (NIV)

Thursday: I Have a Brother.  Pray that you would value your identity in the family of God.  “Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers.”  Hebrews 2:11 (NIV)

Friday: I Have An Understanding High Priest.  Pray for a greater trust in Jesus as your intermediary between you and God.  “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.”  Hebrews 4:14 (NIV)

Saturday:  I Have Been Given Precious Promises.  Pray that you would understand and value the precious promises you have in Christ.  “Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”  2 Peter 1:4 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: In Christ (Week 4)!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

 This week’s prayer focus:  In Christ (Week 4)!

“From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.”
John 1:16 (NIV)

As we continue to grow in A Lifestyle of Prayer, it is important to remember prayer should be a lifestyle, not an event.  For the month of January, our Lifestyle of Prayer emphasis will focus on some things the Bible says that we have in Christ.  This will be loosely based on a list I was recently given that appears to be copied out of a book.  I’ve not been able to find out what the book was, but I’ve adapted most of the daily topics from that list.  Continue to pray for one another each day.  Continue to pray for the work of missionaries around the world.  Continue to pray for the family.  View prayer as your first priority, not as the last resort.  

“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 what you have in Christ and about how God wants you to use it.   Thank you!

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: I Approach God with Confidence.  Pray that your faith in Jesus would give you the confidence to approach God as you offer yourself fully to Him.  “In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.”  Ephesians 3:12 (NIV)

Tuesday: I Have Been Rescued.  Pray that you would daily live as one who has been rescued from the dominion of darkness.  “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”  Colossians 1:13-14 (NIV)

Wednesday: I Am Forgiven.  Pray for the courage to forgive yourself and others with the same complete forgiveness that you have in Christ.  “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”  Colossians 1:13-14 (NIV)

Thursday: I Have Christ In Me.  Pray that you would always live your life in such a way that the world can see the mystery of Christ in you.  “To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”  Colossians 1:27 (NIV)

Friday: I Am Built Up.  Pray that you would always allow Christ to do His work of building you up.  “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”  Colossians 2:6-7 (NIV)

Saturday:  I Have His Fullness.  Pray that you would daily live as one carrying the fullness of Christ in you.  “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.”  Colossians 2:9-10 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: In Christ (Week 3)!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

 This week’s prayer focus:  In Christ (Week 3)!

“From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.”
John 1:16 (NIV)

As we continue to grow in A Lifestyle of Prayer, it is important to remember prayer should be a lifestyle, not an event.  For the month of January, our Lifestyle of Prayer emphasis will focus on some things the Bible says that we have in Christ.  This will be loosely based on a list I was recently given that appears to be copied out of a book.  I’ve not been able to find out what the book was, but I’ve adapted most of the daily topics from that list.  Continue to pray for one another each day.  Continue to pray for the work of missionaries around the world.  Continue to pray for the family.  View prayer as your first priority, not as the last resort.  

“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 what you have in Christ and about how God wants you to use it.   Thank you!

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: I Am Chosen.  Pray for a greater understanding of  being chosen by God to be holy and blameless in Christ.  Pray for a continued growth in becoming what you already are in God’s sight.  “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.”  Ephesians 1:4 (NIV)

Tuesday: I Am Adopted.  Pray for a greater acceptance of the love God has for you.  Pray that you would value your adoption and live as a true child of God.  “In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.”  Ephesians 1:5 (NIV)

Wednesday: I Am Redeemed.  Pray that you would experience the fullness of God’s grace as one who has been bought back from sin.  “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.”  Ephesians 1:7-8 (NIV)

Thursday: I Am Made Alive.  Pray for the courage to make the most of being alive in Christ as you interact with people who still need to know Him.  “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions — it is by grace you have been saved.”  Ephesians 2:4-5 (NIV)

Friday: I Am Seated with Christ.  Pray that you would never lose sight of the eternal reward that belongs to all who are in Christ.  “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.”  Ephesians 2:6 (NIV)

Saturday:  I Have Access to the Father.  Pray that you would always value the access you have to God through Christ and never forget that the same access is available in Christ for all who would accept it.  “For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.”  Ephesians 2:18 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: In Christ (Week 2)!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

 This week’s prayer focus:  In Christ (Week 2)!

“From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.”
John 1:16 (NIV)

As we continue to grow in A Lifestyle of Prayer, it is important to remember prayer should be a lifestyle, not an event.  For the month of January, our Lifestyle of Prayer emphasis will focus on some things the Bible says that we have in Christ.  This will be loosely based on a list I was recently given that appears to be copied out of a book.  I’ve not been able to find out what the book was, but I’ve adapted most of the daily topics from that list.  Continue to pray for one another each day.  Continue to pray for the work of missionaries around the world.  Continue to pray for the family.  View prayer as your first priority, not as the last resort.  

“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 what you have in Christ and about how God wants you to use it.   Thank you!

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: I Have Been Bought With a Price.  Pray that you would live in a way that honors the price Jesus has paid for you.  “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.”  1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV)

Tuesday: I Stand Firm.  Pray that God’s Spirit would help you to always stand firm in your faith.  “Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.”  2 Corinthians 1:21-22 (NIV)

Wednesday: I Am a New Creation.  Pray that you would have the courage to always live as the new creation you are.  “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”  2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

Thursday: I Am Declared Righteous.  Pray that your life would reflect the righteousness that God has given you.  “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”  2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV)

Friday: I Have Been Crucified.  Pray that the life you live would be lived fully for Christ.  “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”  Galatians 2:20 (NIV)

Saturday:  I Have Every Spiritual Blessing.  Pray that you would recognize and make the most of the spiritual blessings that God has poured out in you.  “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”  Ephesians 1:3 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: In Christ (Week 1)!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

 This week’s prayer focus:  In Christ (Week 1)!

“From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.”
John 1:16 (NIV)

As we continue to grow in A Lifestyle of Prayer, it is important to remember prayer should be a lifestyle, not an event.  For the month of January, our Lifestyle of Prayer emphasis will focus on some things the Bible says that we have in Christ.  This will be loosely based on a list I was recently given that appears to be copied out of a book.  I’ve not been able to find out what the book was, but I’ve adapted most of the daily topics from that list.  Continue to pray for one another each day.  Continue to pray for the work of missionaries around the world.  Continue to pray for the family.  View prayer as your first priority, not as the last resort.  

“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 what you have in Christ and about how God wants you to use it.   Thank you!

 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: I Have Peace.  Pray that you would live as one justified by faith so that the people around you can see the peace you have in Christ.  “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”  Romans 5:1 (NIV)

Tuesday: I Am Dead to Sin.  Pray that you would continue to grow in a life that is dead to sin.  “By no means!  We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?  Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?”  Romans 6:2-3 (NIV)

Wednesday: I have No Condemnation.  Pray that you would live as one free from condemnation because of Jesus.  “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”  Romans 8:1 (NIV)

Thursday: I Have Wisdom from God.  Pray that you would use the wisdom that comes from God as He offers to give it freely to all who ask.  “It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God – that is, our righteousness, holiness, and redemption.”  1 Corinthians 1:30 (NIV)

Friday: I Have God’s Spirit.  Pray that your life would be lived differently from those of the world because you have the Spirit of Christ in you.  “We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.”  1 Corinthians 2:12 (NIV)

Saturday:  I Have the Mind of Christ.  Pray that your decision-making would reflect the mind of Christ.  “‘For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?’  But we have the mind of Christ.”  1 Corinthians 2:16 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Christmas Purpose!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

 This week’s prayer focus:  Christmas Purpose!

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” 
Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

“’She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’  All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:  ‘The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ — which means, ‘God with us.’”
Matthew 1:21-22 (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.  This week we will focus on some scriptures regarding the birth of Jesus and the names He was to be called.  Pray each day about that aspect of who Jesus is impacts your life.  Pray that you would celebrate Christmas throughout the year as you recognize the incredible gift God gave to mankind.  Pray each day for the individuals of Deer Run as well as the body of Deer Run. 

“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 who Jesus is.  Thank you! 

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:  Wonderful Counselor.  Pray that your relationship with Jesus reveals His presence, the Wonderful Counselor, living in you.   Pray that you would receive the counsel that Jesus desires to give you.  “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”  John 14:26 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Mighty God.  Pray that your life submits fully to the authority and might of God.  Pray that you would make the most of every opportunity that God gives you to speak of His mighty work in your life.  “But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God.”  Luke 22:69 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Everlasting Father.  Pray that your life shows a trust in an eternal Father and Savior.  Pray that you would share the truth of an everlasting God as you tell the story of Jesus this Christmas.  “’I tell you the truth,’ Jesus answered, ‘before Abraham was born, I am!’”  John 8:58 (NIV)

Thursday:  Prince of Peace.  Pray that you would seek peace with God who desires to bring all people to peace with Him through Jesus.  Pray that you would give glory to God for the peace Jesus has brought between you and God.  “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”  Luke 2:14 (NIV)

Friday: Jesus.  Pray that you completely experience the cleansing power of the name of Jesus who came to save His people from their sins.  Pray for the courage to present Jesus as the One who saves.  “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners — of whom I am the worst.”  I Timothy 1:15 (NIV)

Saturday:  Immanuel.  Pray that your life is a constant reminder to those around you that God is with us and has come to help His people.  Pray that you would always remember God’s desire for His presence to be with you.  “They were all filled with awe and praised God. ‘A great prophet has appeared among us,’ they said. ‘God has come to help his people.’”  Luke 7:16 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Leaders!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

 This week’s prayer focus:  Leadership!

“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)

As we continue to grow in A Lifestyle of Prayer, it is important to remember prayer should be a lifestyle, not an event.  This week we will spend time praying for various roles of leadership and the people in them.  Continue to pray for one another each day.  Continue to pray for the work of our supported missions.  Continue to pray for the family.  View prayer as your first priority, not as the last resort.  Continue to use the prayer guides/lists from the past weeks.

“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.  For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men — the testimony given in its proper time.”  
1 Timothy 2:1-6 (NIV)

 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 for the leaders/authority position listed for that day.  Pay attention to the words from 1 Timothy from above as you pray for everyone, specifically for leaders and all those in authority.  Thank you!

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: Family leaders.  Pray for men who will lead with Christ-like humility and service.  Pray that men would not abandon their family responsibility and leadership.  Pray for women who out of necessity must lead their family with great courage and strength.

Tuesday: Church leaders.  Pray for the elders and leaders of the church congregation you are a part of, as well as for those who lead in church congregations around the world.  Pray for those who do the work of volunteer ministry leadership.

Wednesday: Business leaders.  Pray that these leaders would conduct business in ways that will honor and value the family.  Pray that the business practices would be fair and just to all employees and customers.

Thursday: Community leaders.  Pray for your local leaders, that their decisions would be made with godly wisdom and courage.  Pray that they would take seriously their role in protecting and serving the communities.

Friday: State leaders.  Pray that your state leaders would look out for the best interest of the citizens.  Pray that they would be surrounded by people who give them godly advice and wisdom.

Saturday:  National leaders.  Pray for our national leaders to put aside partisan and divisive politics and lead in ways that allow us to live in peace and quietness as we share our faith in Jesus freely.  Pray that our leaders would listen to godly advice and dismiss that which is ungodly.

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Lifestyle of Prayer: The Church Family!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

 

This week’s prayer focus:  The Church Family!

“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)

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.  This week we will focus on praying for the various aspects of the church family.  Each day will emphasize a category of people to pray for that are, or could be, a part of your church family.  Pray specifically for the people you know in each category.  As you pray, listen for what God would have you to do.  Pray each day for the individuals of the congregation you attend as well as for the gathering of believers.

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 for God’s direction in responding to that day’s giving focus.  Thank you!

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: Visitors that come.  Pray that you would notice visitors and be welcoming.  Pray that our visitors would be encouraged to pursue Jesus.  “My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ.”  Colossians 2:2 (NIV)

Tuesday: Members.  Pray that each member would be growing in faith and equipped to share their faith.  Pray that your involvement in the body of Christ would be an encouragement to others.  “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”  Colossians 2:6-7 (NIV)

Wednesday: Deacons.  Spend time thanking God for deacons who serve with diligence and faithfulness.  Pray that they would receive the respect due them.  “Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.”  1 Timothy 3:8 (NIV)

Thursday: Elders.  Thank God for elders who desire a noble task.  Pray that their task is made easier by a congregation that lives out their connection with God.  “Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task.”
1 Timothy 3:1 (NIV)

Friday: Teachers.  Pray for God’s wisdom and protection for those who teach.  Pray that all teaching would remain true to God’s Word.  “Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.”  James 3:1 (NIV)

Saturday:  Visitors to invite.  Pray for those God would have you share your faith with.  Pray for courage to invite people to attend church with you.  “Go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.”  Matthew 22:9 (NIV)

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Giving!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

 

This week’s prayer focus:  Giving!

“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'”
Acts 20:35

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.  As we prepare to begin a study series on taking God at His word, we will focus our lifestyle of prayer this week on Giving.  While giving can be a controversial topic to speak about in many churches, our giving is something we ought to speak with God about on a regular basis!  Just as we’ve been talking about the need for prayer to be a lifestyle, giving ought to be a way of life for every believer as well. 

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 for God’s direction in responding to that day’s giving focus.  Thank you!

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: Give To Those in Need.  Pray that you would recognize the expectation of Jesus that you give to the needy without seeking notice.  Pray that God would help you find ways to truly help those in need.  “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.”  Matthew 6:3 (NIV)

Tuesday: Give What You Owe.  Pray that you would not overlook any area of what you owe as you give.   Pray that God would use you as a blessing to others as you give what you owe.  “Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”  Romans 13:7 (NIV)

Wednesday: Give Cheerfully.  Pray that you would listen intently to God so that your giving is done with cheerful obedience because you “get to”.  Pray that your cheerfulness in giving would be a genuine expression of thanksgiving to God.  “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”  2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)

Thursday: Give Thanks.  Pray that God would continue to grow within you a heart of thanksgiving in all that you do.  Pray that you would learn to give thanks in all circumstances.  “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”  Colossians 3:17 (NIV)

Friday: Give An Answer.  Pray that your life in Christ is lived in a way that people notice and that you are ready to give an answer about your hope.  “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)

Saturday:  Give Everything.  Pray that God would reveal to you anything you have held back from His control and then fully surrender it to Him.  “In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.”  Luke 14:33 (NIV)