April 27, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Jesus In Your Boat!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Jesus In Your Boat!

“And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’”
Matthew 14:32-33 (NIV)

Our prayer emphasis this week will focus on living life with Jesus in our boat. While we often focus on Peter getting out of the boat to walk toward Jesus, we tend to miss that Jesus not only lifted Peter from sinking but He then got in the boat with all the disciples to calm the sea. Imagine living life with an awareness of Jesus in your boat . . . or in your car, or home, or workplace, or anywhere else. As you pray this week, consider some of the work Jesus did when He came to earth — work which Isaiah prophesied about and work we ought to be doing as His representatives! Pray that the storms of life would be calmed by the presence of Jesus with you. Pray that God’s Spirit in you would be the calming presence of Jesus to the people you encounter everywhere you go. Pray that you would be actively involved in doing the things Jesus came to earth to accomplish on His way to the cross.

“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 live with Jesus in your boat.

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: Jesus In Your Anointing. Pray that your life would always reflect the anointing of God’s Spirit that is given to all Christians. Pray that the divine blessing of God’s Spirit would always fill you with truth which comes from God. Pray that bringing Jesus into your “boat” would produce the evidence of His Spirit in your life. “But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.” 1 John 2:20 (NIV)

Tuesday: Jesus In Your Treatment of the Poor. Pray that you would be eager to share the good news in all ways possible to the poor. Pray that you would notice the different ways of being poor. Pray that bringing Jesus into your “boat” would change how you treat 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: Jesus In Your Dealing With the Brokenhearted. Pray that you would be an encourager to the weary as you help the brokenhearted find healing within a relationship with Jesus. Pray that you would know the healing of Jesus in your brokenness. Pray that bringing Jesus into your “boat” would open your eyes to the broken. “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3 (NIV)

Thursday: Jesus In Your Message of Freedom. Pray that you would live as one who is free and actively proclaim that freedom to all who live in bondage. Pray that you would walk by the Spirit in such a way that people can see a way to freedom. Pray that bringing Jesus into your “boat” would announce freedom. “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:17 (NIV)

Friday: Jesus In Your Restoration of Sight. Pray that your eyes would be opened fully to the work of God in your life so that you would help others see the truth of Jesus. Pray that you would understand rightly the judgments of Jesus. Pray that bringing Jesus into your “boat” would help you to see. “Jesus said, ‘For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.’” John 9:39 (NIV)

Saturday: Jesus In Your Favor To People. Pray that you would daily recognize the Lord’s favor in your life and proclaim that same type of favor to those around you. Pray that your involvement in the lives of others would allow His favor in their lives to spill over to you. Pray that bringing Jesus into your “boat” would result in you showing His favor to others. “Remember me, O LORD, when you show favor to your people, come to my aid when you save them.” Psalm 106:4 (NIV)

April 20, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Time To Rise!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Time To Rise!

“He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’”
Revelation 21:5 (NIV)

Our “Lifestyle of Prayer” emphasis this week will return to a focus on the resurrection of Jesus and the new life we have in Him. In considering a time to rise, we will focus on some of the aspects of living a risen life which is made new by Christ. Whether you feel new or not, if you have been adopted into God’s family He has made, and continues to make, you new! As you pray this week, ask God to help you not only experience the newness of being in Christ but that you would share that newness with the people around you on a daily basis. Pray that you would rise from the deadness of sin and live a new life each day. Pray that the power of God’s Spirit within you would help you to rise above the distractions and cares of this world as you reflect Christ in the way you live. Pray that the power of the resurrection of Jesus would be on display in your life as you live a life that has been made new.

“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 live the risen life which is found in Christ.

Monday: Rise to a New Command. Pray that you would live out this new command in a way that your love rises above the ordinary in order to be Christ-like. Pray that your obedience to the command to love one another would help others see you as a disciple of Jesus. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

Tuesday: Rise to a New Life. Pray that the new life you experience in Christ would help you to rise above the things which would keep you from sharing the message of that new life with others. Pray that your life and your words would always tell the full message of the resurrected life you live. “‘Go, stand in the temple courts,’ he said, ‘and tell the people the full message of this new life.’” Acts 5:20

Wednesday: Rise to a New Teaching. Pray that you would always be prepared to give an explanation of the teaching of Jesus that you follow. Pray that you would live in a way that others would want to rise and follow the new teaching that you follow. “Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, ‘May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting?’” Acts 17:19

Thursday: Rise to a New Covenant. Pray that you would fully live by the Spirit which gives life according to the covenant God has made with His people. Pray that you understand fully rise to the competence you have been given to share the new covenant with others. “He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant — not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” 2 Corinthians 3:6

Friday: Rise as a New Creation. Pray that you would know the power of the resurrection in making you a new creation in Christ. Pray that your life as a new creation in Christ would not be held back by a past that has been forgiven. Pray that you would rise above the old in order to live as new. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

Saturday: Rise with a New Attitude. Pray that the removal of your old self would be complete as you live fully in a new attitude when you allow Christ to complete a renewing of your mind. “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds.” Ephesians 4:22-23

April 13, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Cross Training!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Cross Training!

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Hebrews 12:2-3 (NIV)

Our “Lifestyle of Prayer” emphasis this week will return to a focus on the words of Jesus from the cross. As we spend the week preparing to celebrate Resurrection Sunday, it is fitting to not only consider the sacrifice Jesus made, but to apply His very words to how we pray. As you pray this week, use the topics to help you pray through difficulties, through weakness, through loneliness, through concern for others, and most importantly through the eyes of Jesus. Pray for a greater awareness of the things Jesus went through to bring salvation to you. Pray about how the words of Jesus will help you know the fullness of His love for you. Pray that you would realize how you are part of the joy that was set before Jesus as He endured the cross. Pray that your life would reflect the message of the cross to the people around you.

“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 appreciate the work accomplished by Jesus on the cross.

Monday: Father, Forgive Them. Pray for a growing awareness of the fullness of God’s forgiveness extended toward you. Pray that you would learn to forgive others, just as in Christ you are forgiven. Pray that the people you see today would realize and accept the Father’s forgiveness. “Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.” Luke 23:34

Tuesday: You Will Be With Me. Pray that you would live each day with a knowledge of God’s presence with you through His Spirit. Pray that your life and words would be an invitation for others to live in the presence of Jesus. Pray that the people you interact with today would have a desire to know, and be known, by Jesus. “Jesus answered him, ‘I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.’” Luke 23:43

Wednesday: Behold, Your Son. Pray about how God would have you respond to those with no family. Pray that you would know of God’s care for you when you feel alone. Pray that you would live as God’s family with those who have no other family. “When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, ‘Dear woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.” John 19:26-27

Thursday: Why Have You Forsaken Me. Pray for the courage to cry out to God whenever you feel discouraged. Pray for those who feel forsaken by God; that you would represent Jesus well to them. Pray for the humility to love and serve those who feel abandoned. “About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?’–which means, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’” Matthew 27:46

Friday: I Thirst. Pray that you would always hunger and thirst for righteousness so that you would be satisfied. Pray that you would know the value of God’s completed work in satisfying your thirst. Pray that the people you see today would have a real thirst for the things of God. “Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, ‘I am thirsty.’” John 19:28

Saturday: It Is Finished. Pray for an increasing appreciation for the work completed by Jesus on the cross. Pray that you would be filled with a wisdom from God that helps you live life to the full each day that God gives you. Pray that you would be actively involved in helping people be ready for the time their life on earth is finished. “When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” John 19:30 (NIV)

April 6, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Sowing Good Seed!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Sowing Good Seed!

“The wicked man earns deceptive wages,
but he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.”
Proverbs 11:18 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on some things we ought to be sowing in our life and in the lives of others. Growing up on a farm, I spent many winter evenings going through the various seed catalogs deciding what I would like to harvest the next summer. Even as a child it didn’t take long to realize that if I wanted a specific harvest I would have to sow a specific seed. Likewise, the harvest that is produced as we go through this life, and beyond, is related to what we do with the seed which has been planted within us and what kind of seeds we are sowing each day that we live. As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine how the seed of His Word is growing in your life. Pray that you would be careful with what you allow to be sown in your life and with what you are sowing that eventually produce a harvest. Pray that you would keep your eyes focused on Jesus to the extent that everything you sow with your words and actions would point others to Him. Pray that the good seed of God’s Word would find good soil in your life and in the lives of those around you.

“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 sow good seeds as you live life for Christ.

Monday: Sow Righteousness. Pray that you would seek the Lord in all things as you sow righteousness which produces a harvest of love. Pray for softened and prepared lives that would allow the seeds of righteousness to grow and flourish. “Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers righteousness on you.” Hosea 10:12 (NIV)

Tuesday: Sow Generously. Pray that you would learn to sow according to the expectation you have for an abundant harvest. Pray that your generosity with God, and with others, would produce an abundance for all who follow your example in following Christ. “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” 2 Corinthians 9:6 (NIV)

Wednesday: Sow What Is Supplied. Pray that you would always look to God as the One who supplies, and increases, the seed which you sow. Pray that you would be faithful in using what God has supplied as He multiplies the fruit of His righteousness in your life. “Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.” 2 Corinthians 9:10 (NIV)

Thursday: Sow What You Want To Reap. Pray that you would consider the outcome God desires for you in this life so that you would sow accordingly. Pray that God would help you accurately evaluate what you are currently reaping in order to consider if you need to change what you are sowing. “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” Galatians 6:7 (NIV)

Friday: Sow To Please the Spirit. Pray that you would be ever mindful of God’s Spirit within you as you choose what to sow in this life. Pray that your desire would always be to sow the things which please the Spirit as you look toward the harvest of eternal life. “The one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” Galatians 6:8 (NIV)

Saturday: Sow Peace. Pray that you would seek to sow seeds of peace at all times and in all situations. Pray that you would desire the reputation of a peacemaker as you sow with an eye toward a harvest of righteousness. “Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” James 3:18 (NIV)

March 30, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: The One Who Is Lord!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

The One Who Is Lord!

“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 acknowledge Jesus as Lord in the way you live.

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 God for providing His Spirit as the Comforter. “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)

March 23, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: What Does Your Life Say?

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

What Does Your Life Say?

“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 (NIV)

Our prayer focus this week is about what is being said through the various areas of our life so that no one would have legitimate reasons to look down on us. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who really wants to be looked down upon, but I have encountered many that seemed to do little to keep that from happening — in fact, there are times I’m sure I’ve been one of those. God says that a good way to keep people from looking down on us for superficial reasons is to build a life of godly character. As you pray this week, ask God to help you to accurately examine what is being said by your life. Pray that you would have the courage to live above reproach in every area of your life. Pray for wisdom in applying God’s Word in ways that make you an example without being pretentious. Pray for the humility needed to help others grow even as you work on your own example. Pray that Jesus would always be visible through the way you live.

“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 live as a godly example for others.

Monday: A Life Beyond Appearances. Pray that your relationship with Jesus would be the most noticeable thing about you. Pray for the courage and humility needed to let Jesus shine through your human weaknesses. “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13 (NIV)

Tuesday: A Life Of Speech. Pray that the graciousness of your speech would rise above what people might expect. Pray for the wisdom to see how the words you use are heard by people — both people who are similar to you and people who may be very different from you. “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Colossians 4:6 (NIV)

Wednesday: A Life Of Wisdom. Pray that your life would reveal to others a wisdom and understanding that can only come from God. Pray that you would live with humility in such a way that people would see the hand of God present in the way you live life. “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.” James 3:13 (NIV)

Thursday: A Life Of Love. Pray that you would know the fullness of God’s love expressed through Jesus Christ so that you would love others with the same fullness. Pray that you would continually grow in the way you express love, using the sacrificial love of Jesus as your example. “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.” 1 John 3:16 (NIV)

Friday: A Life Of Faith. Pray that you would live with a faith that can be seen in what you do. Pray that the things you do each day would be consistent with your expressed faith. Pray that others would see your faith active within your deeds so that they would be encouraged in their faith. “You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.” James 2:22 (NIV)

Saturday: A Life Of Purity. Pray that you would choose actions that are pure and right, even when doing so is not easy. Pray that the value you place on purity would be part of your godly reputation. Pray for the courage to live by a standard God would consider pure rather than settling for the world’s definition of purity. “Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right.” Proverbs 20:11 (NIV)

March 16, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Those Who Are Sent!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Those Who Are Sent!

“He told them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’”
Luke 10:2 (NIV)

As we continue our Lifestyle of Prayer emphasis, this week’s focus is to pray not only for those who are sent, but also praying about how you can be both a sender and one who is sent. When Jesus asks His disciples to pray for workers to be sent out into the harvest field, the answer to their prayers was that He sent them! As we prayed last week about being on mission with God, we are reminded that some people are sent to foreign lands and others are sent into the everyday workplaces, schools, and neighborhoods which are common parts of life. As you pray this week, ask God to help you be obedient in sharing Jesus everywhere you are sent. Pray that you would understand the circumstances of where you are so that you would accomplish the purpose God has for sending you there. Pray for the wisdom and courage to be both one who sends and one who is sent. Pray for humility to recognize the whose harvest field you have been sent to and who the harvest belongs to.

“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 live as one who is sent.

Monday: Sent To Invite. Pray that you would be actively involved in reminding people of God’s invitation for all to come to Him and find rest. Pray that your life would be lived in such a way that your invitations for others to encounter Jesus would be attractive to them. “At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’” Luke 14:17 (NIV)

Tuesday: Sent Into the World. Pray for courage to live as one sent by Jesus into the world to be His representative. Pray that your life would reflect to others the work accomplished by Jesus through His ministry on earth. Pray that the vastness of the world would not distract you from noticing the part of the world you currently live in. “As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.” John 17:18 (NIV)

Wednesday: Sent To Help. Pray for the wisdom needed to be a helper to those who would sent you and to those you are sent to. Pray that God would surround you with people to help you do the things you can’t do on your own. Pray for eyes which are opened to the needs of others. “He sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he stayed in the province of Asia a little longer.” Acts 19:22 (NIV)

Thursday: Sent To Preach. Pray that you would live as one sent to proclaim the good news of Jesus through both your actions and your words. Pray that you would be involved in sending others to proclaim Jesus in places you can’t be. “And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Romans 10:15 (NIV)

Friday: Sent From God. Pray that your words and actions would carry a sincerity which comes from God. Pray that God would purify you from all selfishness so that your words to others would always be representative of one being sent by God. “Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God.” 2 Corinthians 2:17 (NIV)

Saturday: Sent To Strengthen. Pray that you would carry with you the good news of Jesus in ways which strengthen others. Pray that you would be strengthened by the influence and example of others as they share with you the work of God in their life. “We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God’s fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith.” 1 Thessalonians 3:2 (NIV)

March 9, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: On Mission With God!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

On Mission With God!

“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 our Lifestyle of Prayer emphasis, this week’s focus is a reminder to pray for the mission work supported by you and your congregation. God expects every believer to be involved in sharing the good news of Jesus everywhere we go. For some, that calling is to a coworker in a community that you’ve spent your entire life in. For others, that calling is to take the gospel message to a people group in a distant land that you’ve never been to until responding in obedience to God’s calling. For many, that calling is somewhere between those two examples as we carry the gospel message everywhere we go. As we pray about the spread of the gospel, we also pray about our part in taking the message of Jesus to all the world. Our involvement in missions ought to be an integral part of who we are as a Christian. We give financially to missions so that their work would not be hindered by a lack of resources. We pray fervently for missions so that we would hear how God wants to work through them, and through us in partnership with 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 participate in His mission.

Monday: Encouragement. Pray that God would help you find ways to encourage those directly involved in mission work throughout the world. Pray that you would be known as one who refreshes the hearts of others. Pray that those being served by our missions would be encouraged. “Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.” Philemon 1:7 (NIV)

Tuesday: Provision: Pray that each mission would have all that is needed for their work as Christians around the world are “credited” with being the instrument God uses to meet the needs of missionaries. Pray that you would know God’s provision as you give to others. “Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:17, 19 (NIV)

Wednesday: Wisdom: Pray for a wisdom that comes from God as our missionaries make decisions. Pray for the patience that is required to know God’s wisdom. Pray that the good news of Jesus being shared through our missions would be accepted as godly wisdom. “Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him.” 2 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

Thursday: Effectiveness: Pray that the work of missionaries would be effective in reaching people with the good news of Jesus. Pray for a knowledge of doors which have been opened for effective work. Pray that an obedience to those open doors would bear much fruit for the kingdom. “But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.” 1 Corinthians 16:8-9 (NIV)

Friday: Boldness: Pray that the missionaries, and yourself, would be filled with a boldness to proclaim the gospel as we ought. Pray for the courage to fear God more than the threats of men. Pray for a spirit of love to fill the bold message of the gospel. “Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.” Acts 4:29 (NIV)

Saturday: Faithfulness: Pray for missionaries to be great examples of faithfulness and that they would be filled with joy by the faithfulness of those who hear the message from them. Pray for a faithfulness to the knowledge of the truth in both message and practice. “It gave me great joy to have some brothers come and tell about your faithfulness to the truth and how you continue to walk in the truth.” 3 John 1:3 (NIV)

March 2, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Godly Compassion!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Godly 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 knowing God’s compassion so that we can share it with others. 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. 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. Pray that you would follow Jesus in a way which shares His compassion through you to others. 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 His compassion and share His compassion.

Monday: Compassion of True Justice. Pray for a greater understanding of how God’s compassion has made it possible for you to be made right with Him. Pray that you would see justice through the eyes of mercy and compassion. Pray that you would learn to see justice as the process of making things right rather than a desire for revenge. “This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.’” Zechariah 7:9 (NIV)

Tuesday: Compassion for the Helpless. Pray that you would know the compassion of God as the Good Shepherd of all who know and follow His voice. Pray that you would have a heart of compassion for the people around you who have no spiritual leader. “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)

Wednesday: Compassion for the Sick. Pray for eyes that see people who are hurting and for a heart that is moved to compassion for them. Pray that you would find ways to minister to and serve the sick. Pray that your compassion for them would be genuine and helpful. “When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.” Matthew 14:14 (NIV)

Thursday: Compassion for the Hungry. Pray that you would recognize the ways God has satisfied your hunger. Pray for eyes that see the true hunger experienced by the people around you. Pray for the compassion to share both physical and spiritual food with the people who hunger. “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat.” Mark 8:2 (NIV)

Friday: Compassion for the Lost/Missing. Pray that you would be filled with a tender compassion for the people you know who are lost and/or missing from the fellowship of believers. “So he got up and went to his father. 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)

Saturday: Clothed with Compassion. Pray that you would daily put on the clothing of compassion and the characteristics that are fitting for God’s chosen people. Pray that people would recognize you as belonging to God as they experience the way you treat them. “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12 (NIV)

February 23, 2025 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: The One Who Heals!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

The One Who Heals!

“When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick.”
Matthew 8:16 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer time on knowing Jesus as the One who heals. As Jesus encountered people, He not only taught them, He had compassion on them and healed them in every way imaginable. While casting out demons and healing the sick was important work done by Jesus as He was here on earth, the most valuable work was the spiritual healing made possible by His death, burial, and resurrection. Far too often in our prayers, we focus on a good thing — the physical healing of people — and miss a better thing, the spiritual healing of ourselves and others. As you pray this week, focus on praying about some aspects of healing that you ought to seek for yourself and others. Pray that God would cover you in His grace as you seek forgiveness and healing of anything that would hinder your prayers. Ask God to help you spend at least as much time praying for the spiritual well-being of people as you do praying for their physical health.

“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 experience and share the healing which comes through Jesus.

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

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

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

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

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

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