practice of prayer

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Turn To God!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer” 

 This week’s prayer focus: Turn To God!

“if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 
2 Chronicles 7:14

“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 5:19-20 

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 have been training and equipping you in the practice of prayer.  This week we will pray about turning to God as we humble our self, pray, and seek His face.  As you pray, allow God to change you to be more like Jesus each day.   As you are growing in the practice of prayer, I also encourage you to grow in the practice of journaling your prayers, your requests, your praises, and make note of how you see God working in each.   As you pray, listen for what God would have you to do.  

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 each day praying about how God would have you respond to that day’s “turn to God” focus.  With that in mind, pray for yourself, your family, your friends, neighbors, and all the “one anothers” we’ve been praying for over the past weeks.

Sunday: Pray for Tom Lemler and the work God is doing through Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: With A Whole Heart.  Pray that you would turn to God with your whole heart as you obey His commands.  “If you obey the LORD your God and keep his commands and decrees that are written in this Book of the Law and turn to the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.”  Deuteronomy 30:10

Tuesday: In Worship. Pray that your remembering God’s work in your life would lead you to turn to Him in worship.  “All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him.”  Psalm 22:27

Wednesday: For Healing.  Pray that you would turn to God in every life situation where healing is needed.  “They will turn to the LORD, and he will respond to their pleas and heal them.”  Isaiah 19:22

Thursday: For Salvation.  Pray that you would always turn to God for your salvation, understanding that there is no other way.  “Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.”  Isaiah 45:22

Friday: For Mercy.  Pray for the courage to turn to God for mercy when His Spirit convicts you of wicked ways and evil thoughts.  “Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts.  Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.”  Isaiah 55:7

Saturday:  In Repentance.  Pray that you would turn to God in a manner that shows a complete change of direction because of your faith in Him.  “I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.”  Acts 20:21

 

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Turn From . . . !

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer” 

 This week’s prayer focus: Turn From . . .!

“if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 
2 Chronicles 7:14

“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 5:19-20 

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 have been training and equipping you in the practice of prayer.  This week we will pray about turning away from some things that God categorizes as “wicked ways”.  As you pray, seek God’s face as He instructs you on things to turn away from.   As you are growing in the practice of prayer, I also encourage you to grow in the practice of journaling your prayers, your requests, your praises, and make note of how you see God working in each.   As you pray, listen for what God would have you to do.  

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 each day praying about how God would have you respond to that day’s “turn from” focus.  With that in mind, pray for yourself, your family, your friends, neighbors, and all the “one anothers” we’ve been praying for over the past weeks. 

Sunday: Pray for Tom Lemler and the work God is doing through Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: Worthless Things.  Pray that God would help you to turn away from the worthless things in your life that continue to receive the worship He deserves.  “We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God.”  Acts 14:15

Tuesday: Darkness.  Pray that you would allow Jesus to fill you with His light so you may turn from all deeds of darkness.  “I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God.”  Acts 26:18

Wednesday: Godless Chatter.  Pray that you would pay close attention to what you hear and say,  deliberately turning  from godless chatter.  “Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge.”  1 Timothy 6:20

Thursday: Wickedness.  Pray that you would turn from all wickedness so that your confessing the name of the Lord would bring Him glory.  “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”  2 Timothy 2:19

Friday: Error.  Pray that you would be open to correction in order to turn from any error that you may be following.  “Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.”  James 5:20

Saturday:  Evil.  Pray that you would live above reproach and turn from all evil, and all appearances of evil, in order to exalt the great name of Jesus.  “He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.”  1 Peter 3:11

 

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Speech!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer” 

 This week’s prayer focus: Speech!

“We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.”  
  James 3:2

“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 5:19-20 

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 have been training and equipping you in the practice of prayer.  This week we will pray about our speech and the way we use our words.  As you are growing in the practice of prayer, I also encourage you to grow in the practice of journaling your prayers, your requests, your praises, and make note of how you see God working in each.   As you pray, listen for what God would have you to do.  

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 each day praying about, and writing down, how God would have you live out that day’s aspect of speech.  With that in mind, pray for yourself, your family, your friends, neighbors, and all the “one anothers” we’ve been praying for over the past weeks.

Sunday: Pray for Tom Lemler and the work God is doing through Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: Gracious Speech.  Pray about the connection God makes between a pure heart, gracious speech, and those you are friends with.  “He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend.”  Psalm 22:11

Tuesday: Powerful Speech.  Pray that you would recognize that speech with real power comes from God and His Word.  “Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action.”  Acts 7:22

Wednesday: Truthful Speech.  Pray that your speech is always truthful so that the power of God is heard in it.  “. . . in truthful speech and in the power of God . . .”  2 Corinthians 6:7

Thursday: Excel in Speech.  Pray that the quality of your speech would be noted as something you excel in.  “But just as you excel in everything–in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us — see that you also excel in this grace of giving.”  2 Corinthians 8:7

Friday: Exemplary Speech.  Pray that the example you set in your speech would cause others to look up to you.  “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”  1 Timothy 4:12

Saturday:  Sound Speech.  Pray that your speech would be considered sound and above reproach so that no accusation would have cause to stick.  “In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.”  Titus 2:8

 

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Lifestyle of Prayer: PRAYER!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer” 

 This week’s prayer focus: PRAYER!

“When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”  
  2 Chronicles 7:13-14

“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 5:19-20 

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 have been training and equipping you in the practice of prayer.  This week we will look the instructions given to Solomon for God’s people to know how to return to Him when they have strayed.  As you are growing in the practice of prayer, I also encourage you to grow in the practice of journaling your prayers, your requests, your praises, and make note of how you see God working in each.   

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 each day praying about, and writing down, how God would have you live out that day’s aspect of prayer.  With that in mind, pray for yourself, your family, your friends, neighbors, and all the “one anothers” we’ve been praying for over the past weeks. 

Sunday: Pray for Tom Lemler and the work God is doing through Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: Pursue.  Spend time with God considering, even writing out, what it would look like for you to pursue God wholeheartedly.  “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”  Jeremiah 29:13

Tuesday: Repent.  As you pray, listen for God to reveal not just actions but even thoughts for which you need to turn to Him in repentance.   “Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart.”  Acts 8:22

Wednesday: Act.  Spend the necessary time listening to God so that your prayers result in God-led action.  “If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?”  James 2:16

Thursday: Yield.  Empty yourself daily of  your will so that the focus of your prayers would be fully yielded to God.  “He went away a second time and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.'”  Matthew 26:42

Friday: Encourage.  Pray that you would be filled with, and share, encouragement as you cry out to God as a way of life.  “You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry.”  Psalm 10:17

Saturday:  Rejoice!  Recognize, and rejoice, in the greatness of God being found by all who would seek Him.  “Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.”  Psalm 105:3

 

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Purpose of Proverbs!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer” 

 This week’s prayer focus: Purpose of Proverbs!

“The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:  for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young”  
Proverbs 1:1-4

“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 5:19-20 

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 have been training and equipping you in the practice of prayer.  This week we will look at the introduction to the book of Proverbs and pray about the things God says we are to learn from them.  As you pray, spend some time with God each day in the book of Proverbs.   As you pray, listen for what God would have you to do.  

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 you will use the book of Proverbs God has given us.  With that focus in mind, pray for yourself, your family, your friends, neighbors, and all the “one anothers” we’ve been praying for over the past weeks.  Thank you!

Sunday: Pray for Tom Lemler and the work God is doing through Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: Gaining Wisdom & Discipline.  Pray that you would seek, and value, the wisdom and discipline found in God’s word.  “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.”  Proverbs 1:7

Tuesday: Understanding Words of Insight.  Pray that your relationship with God would grow as you learn from the words of insight He gave Solomon.  “God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore.”  1 Kings 4:29

Wednesday: Instruction of Prudent Behavior.  Pray that God’s word would instruct you in ways that are prudent as you avoid deception.  “The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.”  Proverbs 14:8

Thursday: Doing What is Right, Just, & Fair.  Pray that your time in Proverbs would guide you on paths that are right, just, and fair.  “Then you will understand what is right and just and fair — every good path.”  Proverbs 2:9

Friday: Give Prudence to the Simple.  Pray that God’s word would give you prudence and understanding when you feel it is out of your reach.  “You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, gain understanding.”  Proverbs 8:5

Saturday:  Give Knowledge & Discretion to the Young.  Pray that you would use God’s word to fill you with knowledge and discretion beyond what you have gained through years of life.  “I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion.”  Proverbs 8:12

 

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Responding To God’s Love!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer” 

 This week’s prayer focus: Responding To God’s Love!

“You are my portion, O LORD; I have promised to obey your words.  I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.  I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes.  I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.  Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget your law.  At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws.” 
Psalm 119:57-62

“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 5:19-20 

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 have been training and equipping you in the practice of prayer.  This week our prayer focus will be based on Psalm 119:57-62 as we consider our response to God’s love.  As you pray, listen for what God would have you to do.  

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 your response to God’s love.  With that focus in mind, pray for yourself, your family, your friends, neighbors, and all the “one anothers” we’ve been praying for over the past weeks.  Thank you!

Sunday: Pray for Tom Lemler and the work God is doing through Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: Obey God’s Words.  Pray that having the LORD as your God would cause you to not only make, but keep a promise to obey His words.  “You are my portion, O LORD; I have promised to obey your words.”  Psalm 119:57

Tuesday: Seek God’s Face.  Pray that God’s graciousness is known by you as you seek His face wholeheartedly.  “I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.”  Psalm 119:58

Wednesday: Walk In God’s Ways.  Pray that an examination of your ways would direct your walk to follow the ways of God.  “I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes.”  Psalm 119:59

Thursday: Obey God’s Commands.  Pray that your life would be emptied of excuses so that you would promptly obey the commands of God.  “I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.”  Psalm 119:60

Friday: Remember God’s Law.  Pray that the distractions of the world we live in would never keep you from remembering the law of God.  “Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget your law.”  Psalm 119:61

Saturday:  Thankful for God’s Righteousness.  Pray that words of thanksgiving would always be on your lips for the righteousness that God has expressed in His laws  “At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws.”  Psalm 119:62

 

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Listen!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer” 

 This week’s prayer focus: Listen!

“My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,  for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.”  
James 1:19-20 

“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 5:19-20 

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 have been training and equipping you in the practice of prayer.  This week we will focus on around the subject of Listening.  Some might say that listening has become a lost art.  However, if you study what the Bible says about listening, you will find that mankind has never done very well at it.  As you pray, listen for what God would have you to do.  

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 God’s call to be one who would listen.  With that focus in mind, pray for yourself, your family, your friends, neighbors, and all the “one anothers” we’ve been praying for over the past weeks.  Thank you!

Sunday: Pray for Tom Lemler and the work God is doing through Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: With Understanding.  Pray that God would   give you understanding as you listen so that you hear what is meant as well as what is said.  “Jesus called the crowd to him and said, ‘Listen and understand.’”  Matthew 15:10

Tuesday: For Reconciliation.  Pray for the strength and courage to listen in the midst of conflict so that reconciliation is possible.  “If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.”  Matthew 18:15

Wednesday: To the Son.  Pray that you would understand the importance that God places on you actually listening to His Son.  “A voice came from the cloud, saying, ‘This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.’”  Luke 9:35

Thursday: Patiently.  Pray that you would always listen with patience and that those you share the gospel with would also listen patiently.  “. . . and especially so because you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently.”  Acts 26:3

Friday: Eagerly.  Pray that you would learn to listen first to God, and to others, when your tendency may be to speak without hearing what is being said.  “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”  James 1:19

Saturday:  For Instruction.  Pray that your listening has purpose — that you put into practice the things God says to do.  “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”  James 1:22

 

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Building Up!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer” 

 This week’s prayer focus: Building Up!

“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.  From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” 
Ephesians 4:15-16

 

“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 5:19-20 

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 have been training and equipping you in the practice of prayer. 

This week we will focus on our task within the body of Christ to be involved in the Building Up process.  We all have work to do and we all have an important role in both growing up and building up ourselves and the individuals around us.  As you pray, listen for what God would have you to do. 

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 God’s call to be involved in Building Up.  With that focus in mind, pray for yourself, your family, your friends, neighbors, and all the “one anothers” we’ve been praying for over the past weeks.  Thank you!

Sunday: Pray for Tom Lemler and the work God is doing through Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: With Grace.  Pray that you would recognize  the power of God’s grace to continually build you up for the inheritance that is yours.  “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”  Acts 20:32

Tuesday: Your Neighbor.  Pray that you would serve your neighbor in the name of Jesus that he would be built up.  “Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.”  Romans 15:2

Wednesday: The Church.  Pray that you would use, and grow, in the gifts God has given you and that your use of them would build up the church.  “So it is with you.  Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.”  1 Corinthians 14:12

Thursday: With Speech.  Pray that you would set a guard on your mouth so that your speech would build up those who listen.  “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”  Ephesians 4:29

Friday: Through Encouragement.  Pray that your interactions with people would be an encouragement that builds them up.  “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”  1 Thessalonians 5:11

Saturday:  In Faith.  Pray that you would seek God through His Spirit that you would be built up in faith through prayer.  “But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.”  Jude 1:20

 

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Give!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer” 

 This week’s prayer focus: Give!

“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

“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 5:19-20 

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 have been training and equipping you in the practice of prayer. 

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.  As you pray, listen for what God would have you to do.  

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 the call of Jesus for His followers to give.  With that focus in mind, pray for yourself, your family, your friends, neighbors, and all the “one anothers” we’ve been praying for over the past weeks.  Thank you!

Sunday: Pray for Tom Lemler and the work God is doing through Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: To Those in Need.  Pray that you would recognize the expectation of Jesus that you give to the needy without seeking notice.  “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.”  Matthew 6:3

Tuesday: What You Owe.  Pray that you would not overlook any area of what you owe as you give.  “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

Wednesday: Cheerfully.  Pray that you would listen intently to God so that your giving is done with cheerful obedience because you “get to”.  “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

Thursday: Thanks.  Pray that God would continue to grow within you a heart of thanksgiving in all that you do.  “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

Friday: 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

Saturday:  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

 

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Lifestyle of Prayer: Serve!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

 

 This week’s prayer focus: Serve!

“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.  Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.  Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.  There is one body and one Spirit — just as you were called to one hope when you were called — one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” 
Ephesians 4:1-6 (NIV)

Week of July 28, 2013

“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 5:19-20 

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 have been training and equipping you in the practice of prayer. 

We are holding a “As Each Part Does Its Work” work week here at Deer Run as we tackle the huge project of scrubbing & re-waxing the tile floors throughout the building.  With this, and the command and example of Jesus, in mind our prayer focus for the week will look at various aspects of serving.  Pray that each of us would better grasp the necessity of serving as a way of life.  As you pray, listen for what God would have you to do.  Pray each day for the individuals of Deer Run as well as the body of Deer Run.  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 the call of Jesus for His followers to serve.  With that focus in mind, pray for yourself, your family, your friends, neighbors, and all the “one anothers” we’ve been praying for over the past weeks.  Thank you!

Sunday, July 28: David Honeycutt, Paul Stearns, Kristen Nicks,  volunteers, the preaching & teaching at DRCC, the DRCC supported missions, and the DRCC finances.

Monday, July 29: In The Spirit.  Pray that each believer would experience the freedom found by serving in the Spirit.  “But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.”  Romans 7:6

Tuesday, July 30: With Power.  Pray for the courage to serve in God’s power even when you feel weak.  “For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God’s power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God’s power we will live with him to serve you.”  2 Corinthians 13:4

Wednesday, July 31: One Another.  Pray for the compassion needed to serve one another even when you think you are free not to.  “You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.”  Galatians 5:13

Thursday, August 1: Wholeheartedly.  Pray that you would serve others with a whole heart, just as you would if it were Jesus.  “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men.”  Ephesians 6:7

Friday, August 2: Faithfully.  Pray that you would be faithful in using God’s gifting in your life to serve others.  “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”  1 Peter 4:10

Saturday, August 3:  Eagerly.  Pray that you would eagerly desire, and look for, opportunities to serve.  “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers — not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve.”  1 Peter 5:2

Sunday, August 4: David Honeycutt, Paul Stearns, Kristen Nicks, volunteers, the preaching & teaching at DRCC, the DRCC supported missions, and the DRCC finances.