March 24, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Time of Suffering!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Time of Suffering!

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”
1 Peter 4:12-13 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about our identification with the suffering of Christ. Jesus stated that we would have trouble in this world but we should not be overwhelmed, rather we should take heart, because He has overcome the world. As we consider the death of Jesus on the cross, we understand that His time to die was actually good news for all who sin . . . which is everyone. When Christ calls all who would follow Him to take up our cross daily, He does it with an awareness that we must die to self in order to be raised to new life. In our prayer time we will seek to learn how to rejoice in the suffering we experience because of our relationship with Christ. As you pray this week, talk to God not only about your suffering but about how you can help and encourage others who suffer. Pray that you would experience the goodness of God in the midst of your suffering. Pray the glory of God is revealed in you as you die to self and live for Christ.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”
Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)

Please pray each day for God to help you know the value of joining in His suffering.

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: Worthy to Suffer. Pray that you would not be ashamed of living with the name “Christian”. Pray that your relationship with Jesus will always be worth more to you than avoiding suffering. Pray for a growing recognition of the honor it is to be identified with Christ. “The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.” Acts 5:41 (NIV)

Tuesday: Rejoice in Suffering. Pray that you would rejoice as you trust God to produce good things in you through your suffering. Pray that you would persevere when you suffer for doing right. Pray that your identification with Jesus would lead you to a steadfast endurance. “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance.” Romans 5:3 (NIV)

Wednesday: Share in Suffering. Pray that your suffering for the sake of Christ would help you realize that you will also share in His glory. Pray that you would always desire an inheritance with Christ more than the rewards of this world. “Now if we are children, then we are heirs — heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” Romans 8:17 (NIV)

Thursday: Comforted in Suffering. Pray that you would be comforted in your suffering and that you would be a comfort to others in their suffering. Pray that you would be filled with, and share, a great hope as you know the comfort of God which surpasses your suffering. “And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.” 2 Corinthians 1:7 (NIV)

Friday: Fellowship in Suffering. Pray that you would see suffering for the sake of Christ as a fellowship with Him in His sufferings on your behalf. Pray that you would know Christ in a way that fills you with a confidence in joining His resurrection. “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.” Philippians 3:10-11 (NIV)

Saturday: Obedience in Suffering. Pray that you would follow the example of Jesus and learn obedience to God through the suffering that you experience. Pray that your time in God’s Word would help you learn the lessons which suffering produces. Pray for the humility to be obedient even in suffering. “Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered.” Hebrews 5:8 (NIV)

March 17, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Time of Remembrance!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Time of Remembrance!

“The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.’”
1 Corinthians 11:23-25 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about some things God wants us to remember. When Jesus ate with His disciples the night before His arrest and crucifixion, He did so in remembrance of the angel of death passing over the children of Israel who had followed God’s instructions. He took that moment of remembrance and used it to ask His followers to remember His sacrifice which has the power to free us from the penalty of death. As we remember the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, we will also spend time praying about remembering some things that God doesn’t want us to forget. Things that we know, or have known, but would be good for us to remember . . . again. As you pray this week, ask God to help you remember. Pray that you would remember the sacrifice of Jesus on your behalf. Pray that you would remember the way of life God calls you to live. Pray that you would remember to put into practice the things God wants you to never forget.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”
Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)

Please pray each day for God to help you remember the things He views as important.

Monday: Remember to Be Generous. Pray that you would remember to be generous with the things you sow into the lives of others. Pray that your generosity would reflect the things of eternal value. Pray that your generosity would result in an abundance of godly fruit. “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” 2 Corinthians 9:6 (NIV)

Tuesday: Remember the Poor. Pray that you would be eager to remember, and care for, the poor. Pray that God would fill you with the wisdom necessary to care for the poor as you ought. Pray that you would remember, and reflect, God’s compassion for the poor. “All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.” Galatians 2:10 (NIV)

Wednesday: Remember To Pray For Others. Ask God to help you remember to pray for the people He has placed in your life. Pray that your prayers would be filled with thankfulness as you remember others. Pray that God would help you be an example to others as you grow in a life of prayer. “I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.” Ephesians 1:16 (NIV)

Thursday: Remember Your Victories. Pray that you would remember the victory obtained when God’s light first came upon you. Pray that you would be able to stand firm as you remember the victories God has given you. “Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering.” Hebrews 10:32 (NIV)

Friday: Remember Those In Prison. Pray that you would be filled with compassion as you remember those who are in prison — whether in a literal or figurative prison. Pray that you would share in the sufferings of those who are imprisoned and/or are being mistreated. “Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” Hebrews 13:3 (NIV)

Saturday: Remember Your Leaders. Pray that you would hold fast to the teachings of the leaders who have shared the word of God with you. Pray that you would imitate the way of life of godly leaders so that your life is also worth imitating. “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” Hebrews 13:7 (NIV)

March 10, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Being Watchful!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Being Watchful!

“Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?” He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. When you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.”
Luke 21:7-9 (NIV)

This week our prayer focus will be on our need to pay attention to the happenings of life with a view of an eternal perspective. We often see in Scripture that Jesus often noticed things that were different from what others paid attention to. When we become distracted by the things of this world, Jesus desires to turn our attention to the things we ought to watch out for. The goal is not to frighten us, but to challenge us with the need to be ready for eternity as we notice the signs of a failing world. As you pray, ask God to help you be aware of the attempts of the enemy to destroy you. Pray that your relationship with Jesus would fill you with His presence in a way that gives you the strength, wisdom, and courage to always be watchful. Pray that your desire to know Christ and the power of His resurrection would be greater than any other desire you have.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”
Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)

Please pray each day for God to help you notice things from an eternal perspective.

Monday: Watch Out for Betrayers. Pray that God would protect your heart and mind from the damage caused by betrayers. Pray that your trust of God would fill you with peace. Pray that you would watch yourself in a way that you would not betray others. “Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues.” Matthew 10:17 (NIV)

Tuesday: Watch Out for False Teaching. Pray that God would help you to be devoted to His teachings so that false teaching would not deceive you. Pray that God’s Spirit would help you hold fast to the truth of God’s Word. “For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and miracles to deceive the elect — if that were possible. So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time.” Mark 13:22-23 (NIV)

Wednesday: Watch Out for Hypocrisy. Pray that God would surround you with people whose lives match their words. Pray that you would always be on guard against the temptation to be someone different than who God says you are. “Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: ‘Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.’” Luke 12:1 (NIV)

Thursday: Watch Out for Greed. Pray that you would always be on guard against the desire to measure yourself, and others, by the things that are owned. Pray for courage in resisting all the temptations of dissatisfaction. “Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.’” Luke 12:15 (NIV)

Friday: Watch Out for Opposition. Pray that God would help you to see the source of any opposition you face. Pray that you would be on guard against those who would oppose the message of the gospel. “Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.” 2 Timothy 4:14-15 (NIV)

Saturday: Watch Out for Error. Pray that the confidence you have in Christ would not make you blind to the temptation of error others may entice you with. Pray that God’s Word would equip you to notice and avoid error. “Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position.” 2 Peter 3:17 (NIV)

March 3, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Lord Of All!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Lord Of All!

“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
Acts 2:36 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will consider the position of Jesus as Lord of all. It has been said that every one of us make the choice each day as to whether Jesus is Lord of all or not Lord at all. This is a choice we make with our life more than our words, because sometimes our words aren’t as accurate as they ought to be. While the word or title of lord is used in many contexts throughout Scripture and in the world today, most English translations of the Bible use the word LORD to signify the personal name of God. It is in this context of Jesus being God that He is indeed Lord of all. As you pray this week, ask God to strengthen your conviction regarding Jesus being both Lord and Christ. Pray that your life would show a submission to the Lordship of Jesus in all things. Pray for a consistency in your actions that would match your words proclaiming Jesus as Lord. Pray that you would know the righteousness and compassion of the One who is Lord of all. Pray that you would live in such a way that the people around you would learn to call upon the Lord and be saved.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”
Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)

Please pray each day for God to help you grow in your understanding of Jesus being Lord of all, including Lord of your life.

Monday: Lord Of All Blessing. Pray that you would know the blessings of the Lord which are given without partiality. Pray that the way you bless others would always display a unity which overcomes the divisions of this world. Pray for all people to call upon the name of the Lord. “For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile — the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him.” Romans 10:12 (NIV)

Tuesday: Lord Of All Comfort. Pray that Jesus would be the source and substance of the comfort you need in any situation. Pray that the comfort you receive from God would be reflected in the way He comforts others through you. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.” 2 Corinthians 1:3 (NIV)

Wednesday: Lord Of All Grace. Pray that you would be aware of the unmerited favor God extends to you through His great love. Pray that Jesus would be Lord not only in the grace you receive, but also in the way you extend grace to those around you. “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” 2 Corinthians 13:14 (NIV)

Thursday: Lord Of All Work. Pray that all of your work, whether paid or unpaid, would be done with a full awareness of Jesus being the Lord of that work. Pray that the way you work would help others see your reverence for Christ. Pray that your desire to please Christ would exceed your desire to please self or others. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:23 (NIV)

Friday: Lord Of All Peace. Pray that you would know Jesus as the One who brings peace that surpasses understanding. Pray that you would rejoice in God’s ability to bring peace in the way that is just right for every circumstance for you and for the people around you. “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV)

Saturday: Lord Of All Strength. Pray that you would know the strength of the Lord and His ability to empower you as His messenger even through your weakness. Pray that you would not only be strengthened by God, but that you would know the power of His Word to overcome all obstacles. “But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it.” 2 Timothy 4:17 (NIV)

February 25, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: King of Kings!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

King of Kings!

“He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.”
Daniel 7:14 (NIV)

Who’s in charge? How much authority has Jesus been given by His Father? What do you and I do about the authority of Jesus? How does it apply to us? This week in our Lifestyle of Prayer emphasis we will look at some scriptures about the authority of Jesus. When Jesus is proclaimed as King of Kings, God is stating He has authority over all other authorities. As you pray, ask God to help you be submissive to the authority of Christ in all things. Pray that your obedience would grow in a way that represents Jesus well to all you meet. Pray for a greater understanding of the eternal nature of God’s authority and how that authority has been revealed in Jesus. Pray for discernment and wisdom to see beyond and through the divisiveness of this world so that you would love others as God loves both you and them.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”
Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)

Please pray each day for God to help you grow in your understanding of Jesus being in charge of all things.

Monday: King Over Heaven and Earth. Pray that you would open every aspect of your life to the authority of Jesus. Pray that your life would be lived with Jesus as King. Pray for a submissive spirit that finds contentment and joy in your obedience to Christ. “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.’” Matthew 28:18 (NIV)

Tuesday: King Over Teaching. Pray that you would accept the teachings of Jesus as having authority in your life. Pray that you would let God’s authority be present when you share scripture. Pray that you would greatly value the teachings of Jesus as you recognize Him as King over all things. “The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.” Mark 1:22 (NIV)

Wednesday: King Over Forgiveness Of Sins. Pray that you would live with confidence because of the authority of Jesus to forgive sins. Pray for a willingness to identify your own sins in order to submit them to the authority of Jesus. Pray that you would help others to know the authority of Jesus over sin. “But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins….” Mark 2:10 (NIV)

Thursday: King Over Evil Spirits. Pray that you would look to Jesus as the One with authority over evil spirits and over the attacks of Satan in your life and in the lives of others. Pray that you would submit to the authority of Jesus in a way that leaves no room for evil of any kind. “All the people were amazed and said to each other, ‘What is this teaching? With authority and power he gives orders to evil spirits and they come out!’” Luke 4:36 (NIV)

Friday: King Over Judgement. Pray that you would have no reason to fear the authority of Jesus to judge. Pray that you would leave the eternal judgment of people to the King who has the authority to do so. Pray that the people around you would understand His authority to judge all things. “And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man.” John 5:27 (NIV)

Saturday: King Over Give Eternal Life. Pray that you would never forget that it is Jesus who has the authority to give eternal life. Pray that you would share the news of eternal life with others. Pray that the people around you would come to know Jesus as the only way to life eternal. “For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him.” John 17:2 (NIV)

February 18, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Immeasurably More Scripture!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Immeasurably More Scripture!

“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. As we pray about experiencing immeasurably more scripture, it isn’t about finding additional scripture that has not yet been revealed rather it is about growing daily in our application of God’s Word to everyday 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 value it and apply it to everything we do. Sadly, many have come to view Scripture as more inspirational than transformational. 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 your life would be guided in every way by the truth of God’s Word. Pray that the usefulness of God’s Word in your life would cause you to share it at every opportunity.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”
Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)

Please pray each day for God to help you grow in your understanding and use of Scripture in your life.

Monday: Scripture From God. 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: Scripture 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: Scripture 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 with great care and love 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: Scripture 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: Scripture 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. Pray for wisdom in using God’s Word to train others in godly ways. “Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.” 1 Timothy 4:7 (NIV)

Saturday: Scripture 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)

February 11, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Immeasurably More Gratitude!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Immeasurably More Gratitude!

“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 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on growing in gratitude as we learn to give thanks to God in all circumstances. Our level of thankfulness will say a lot to the people around us who need to know of the hope that is found in Jesus. And I might add, the genuineness or lack thereof of our thankfulness will be noticed by many who are watching. We all go through struggles that test our faith, and we may endure things that no one would be thankful for, but it can be in those times that finding ways to give thanks anyway can speak volumes to others. As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine your current level of thankfulness. Pray that you would always look for reasons to give thanks and that you would learn to give thanks even when the reasons seem hidden. Pray that your faith would grow as you daily practice an attitude of gratitude in your relationships with one another and with God. Pray that you would find ways to express your thanks in meaningful ways to those who need to hear it.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”
Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)

Please pray each day for God to help you in gratitude as you learn to be a more thankful person.

Monday: Thankful With Sacrificial Offerings. Pray that the offering of yourself and your possessions to God would be done with a thankful heart. Pray that God would direct all of your giving so that it is done with thankfulness. Pray that your promises to God would be fulfilled as you give sacrificially as an avenue of thankfulness. “Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High.” Psalm 50:14 (NIV)

Tuesday: Thankful Through Singing. Pray that you would learn to express your thanks to God through the songs you sing, whether sung privately or publicly. Pray that God’s name would be lifted up through the music you listen to as well as through the music you share with others. “I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.” Psalm 69:30 (NIV)

Wednesday: Thankful For What the Lord Has Done. Pray that you would pay attention to what God has done in your life so that you would give Him thanks for doing so. Pray that you would use every opportunity you have to thank the Lord “among the nations” so that the people around you would know of His great work. “Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done.” Psalm 105:1 (NIV)

Thursday: Thankful In Glorifying God. Pray that you would live in such a way that your life would lead to an overflowing of thanksgiving which brings glory to God. Pray that you would know God’s grace and willingly share it with others so that they too would have a reason to be thankful. “All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.” 2 Corinthians 4:15 (NIV)

Friday: Thankful For One Another. Pray that you would learn to be thankful for the people God brings into your life. Pray that your thankfulness for one another would lead you to always remember them in prayer. “We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers.” 1 Thessalonians 1:2 (NIV)

Saturday: Thankful In All Circumstances. Pray that you would look for reasons to be thankful in each and every circumstance you face. Pray that your desire to be within the will of God would lead you to be a more thankful person at all times. “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)

February 4, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Immeasurably More Compassion!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Immeasurably More Compassion!

“I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.”
Jonah 4:2 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about living with compassion. Many times we try to substitute pity, instruction, warnings, judgment, or even good deeds for true compassion because we want to help but we don’t want to suffer. Yet godly compassion means to suffer with those who are suffering so that they may receive the same comfort from us that we have received from God. There is no greater example of compassion than Jesus coming to earth and suffering alongside mankind so that we may be comforted with the same comfort He received from His Father. Living with compassion means that we will not only take notice of the suffering that takes place in our world, our neighborhoods, our churches, and our homes; we will join in suffering with those who hurt so that together we can find the comfort God desires for us. We can learn a lot about the compassion we ought to have by looking at the compassion God has for us. As you pray this week, ask God to open your eyes to the sufferings of others. Pray that you would have the courage to suffer with them — not for the purpose of having a pity party, but in order to find the avenues of comfort that are needed..

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”
Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)

Please pray each day for God to help you know the immeasurably more compassion He wants you to live with.

Monday: More Compassion to Forgive. Pray that you would live with a greater understanding of the ‘suffering with us” that was required in order for God to forgive our sins. Pray that your love for God and people would fill you with the compassion necessary to forgive. “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.” Psalm 51:1 (NIV)

Tuesday: More Compassion That Gives Life. Pray that you would allow God’s compassion come to you in a way that brings life. Pray that your delight in God’s law would lead you to show compassion to others in a way that leads them to the life God offers. “Let your compassion come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight.” Psalm 119:77 (NIV)

Wednesday: More Compassion That Restores. Pray that you would know the compassion of God that restores you to Himself. Pray that you would deepen your compassion in order to restore those whom you may have abandoned. Pray for a greater desire to see people restored to God. “For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with deep compassion I will bring you back.” Isaiah 54:7 (NIV)

Thursday: More Compassion That Shows Mercy and True Justice. Pray that your willingness to suffer with those who suffer would lead you to seek true justice for those who have been wronged. Pray that this same compassion that seeks justice would be filled with great mercy. “This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.’” Zechariah 7:9 (NIV)

Friday: More Compassion For Those Who are Harassed and Helpless. Pray that you would pay attention to the “crowds” and notice when their actions are the result of being harassed and helpless. Pray that your compassion would cause you to suffer together with those being harassed as you help them find the Good Shepherd. “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Matthew 9:36 (NIV)

Saturday: More Compassion For Those Who Need to Return Home. Pray that you would know the joy of the Father’s compassion as He welcomes you back home. Pray that you would have great compassion for those who are a long way from home and need to return. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” Luke 15:20 (NIV)

January 28, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Immeasurably More Giving!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Immeasurably More 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 (NIV)

This week’s lifestyle of prayer emphasis will focus on the immeasurably more giving which God calls us to as a reflection of His nature. Just as the Bible teaches that we know love because God first loved us, we can learn to give because God first gave to us. Too often we don’t give — not because the need isn’t present, and not even because we don’t have the resources — but simply because we haven’t learned to give. God’s desire is that we learn to give with the purpose of blessing others and in so doing we discover we too are blessed. When we follow the example of Jesus we learn to give what we know, we learn to give what we have, and we learn to give what God provides. As you pray this week, ask God to help you be a learner when it comes to giving. Pray that your practice of giving would be a blessing to you, and to others, as you reflect Christ in your giving habits. Pray that your recognition of God as the provider of all good things would help you learn to give more freely.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”
Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)

Please pray each day for God to help you know the immeasurably more serving He wants you to do.

Monday: Giving More Thanks. Pray that your awareness of God’s righteousness would teach you to give thanks more freely in all ways possible. Pray that God’s work in your life would teach you a lifestyle of gratitude; not only for God, but for the people He surrounds you with. “I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.” Psalm 7:17 (NIV)

Tuesday: Giving More Generously. Pray that you would follow God as you turn from a wickedness of taking to a righteousness of giving generously. Pray that God would teach you to recognize all that He has put into your life for the purpose of you sharing it with others. “The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously.” Psalm 37:21 (NIV)

Wednesday: Giving More Timely. Pray that you would learn to recognize the moments of opportunity in giving. Pray that God would help you do an inventory of your life so you know what you can give now. Pray that God would help you be honest in the timeliness of your giving. “Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Come back later; I’ll give it tomorrow’– when you now have it with you.” Proverbs 3:28 (NIV)

Thursday: Giving More Sound Answers. Pray that you would be a student of God’s Word so you would be able to give sound answers. Pray that God would help you to discern what is true and reliable as you answer those who seek hope. “Have I not written thirty sayings for you, sayings of counsel and knowledge, teaching you true and reliable words, so that you can give sound answers to him who sent you?” Proverbs 22:20-21 (NIV)

Friday: Giving More Grace. Pray that you would learn to give grace to others in the measure that God has given it to you. Pray that you would understand the power of transformation that comes through the giving and receiving of grace — even to those who are your enemy. “If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.” Proverbs 25:21 (NIV)

Saturday: Giving More Careful Attention. Pray that you would give careful attention to all that God has put under your care. Pray that you would learn from God how to be responsible in giving attention to that which needs it so that you and your family will be prepared for the coming of Christ. “Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds.” Proverbs 27:23 (NIV)

January 21, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Immeasurably More Serving!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Immeasurably More Serving!

“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.”
Mark 10:43-44 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on the immeasurably more God wants to do through our serving. God makes it clear in His Word that we serve Him when we serve people. While the world often defines greatness based on power and who you have serving you, God says that to be great you must become servant of all. As you pray this week, ask God to help you to not only see opportunities to serve, but to give you the courage to actually serve. Pray for a spirit of humility to guide you as you serve people wherever you are. Pray that God’s love would be seen and felt through you as you serve. Pray that your commitment to serving would be an example for others. Pray about how God would use your servicing to teach and train others to join in a lifestyle that serves. Pray for discernment and wisdom to see beyond, and through, the divisiveness of this world so that you would love others as God loves both you and them.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”
Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)

Please pray each day for God to help you know the immeasurably more serving He wants you to do.

Monday: Serving In The Spirit. Pray that you would know the freedom in Christ that enables you to serve in the way of 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 (NIV)

Tuesday: Serving With Power. Pray for the courage to serve in God’s power even when you feel weak. Pray that your eyes would be opened to how God desires to show His power through your weaknesses. “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 (NIV)

Wednesday: Serving One Another. Pray that you would look for opportunities to use you freedom to serve others rather than yourself. 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 (NIV)

Thursday: Serving Wholeheartedly. Pray that you would serve others with a whole heart, just as you would if it were Jesus being served. Pray that you would keep your eyes fixed on Jesus as you serve. Pray that you would know the joy and contentment that comes from serving wholeheartedly. “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men.” Ephesians 6:7 (NIV)

Friday: Serving Faithfully. Pray that you would be faithful in using God’s gifting in your life to serve others. Pray that your faithfulness in serving would be based on God’s faithfulness to you. Pray that God would help you to know His grace more fully. “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 (NIV)

Saturday: Serving Eagerly. Pray that you would eagerly desire, and look for, opportunities to serve. Pray not only for elders who serve eagerly, but to be one who eagerly serves all those who might look to you as an example. “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 (NIV)