December 8, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Following the Promised Child!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Following the Promised Child!

“’She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’ All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ — which means, ‘God with us.’”
Matthew 1:21-22 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus will be wrapped around the present that was given to us — the promised child, Jesus! Each day we will focus our prayer time on a different name, title, or description that was given to the Son of God as He came to earth as the One promised from God. The promise of Jesus began in the garden of Eden in response to the sin of mankind. We celebrate the birth of Jesus as the beginning of the fulfillment of God’s promise to crush the head of Satan. As you pray this week, ask God to help you consider not only what child is this that we worship, but how you will worship Him throughout your life. Pray that each aspect of who Jesus is would impact your life in such a way that you experience Him more fully each day. Pray that you would live with a greater appreciation of what Jesus accomplished on our behalf.

“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 follow Jesus as the One who was promised to us.

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

Tuesday: Mighty God. Pray that your life submits fully to the authority and might of God. Pray that all people would experience salvation which comes through the might of God working in Jesus. Pray that your life would show to others that you believe in a mighty God. “But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God.” Luke 22:69 (NIV)

Wednesday: Everlasting Father. Pray that your life shows a trust in an eternal Father and Savior. Pray that the eternal nature of Jesus would help you look to the future with confidence. Pray that the people around you would know true eternal hope because of an everlasting Father. “’I tell you the truth,’ Jesus answered, ‘before Abraham was born, I am!’” John 8:58 (NIV)

Thursday: Prince of Peace. Pray that you would seek peace with God who desires to bring all people to peace with Him through Jesus. Pray that the “Prince of Peace” would reign in your life as you find in Him a peace that surpasses all understanding. Pray that the people around you would see God’s peace evident in your life. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14 (NIV)

Friday: Jesus. Pray that you completely experience the cleansing power of the name of Jesus who came to save His people from their sins. Pray about how you can make the name of Jesus known. Pray that the people around you would call on the One who saves. “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners — of whom I am the worst.” I Timothy 1:15 (NIV)

Saturday: Immanuel. Pray that you would know the help of God with you in the midst of every aspect of life. Pray that God’s help would fill you with awe as you praise Him.. Pray that your life is a constant reminder to those around you that God is with us and has come to help His people. “They were all filled with awe and praised God. ‘A great prophet has appeared among us,’ they said. ‘God has come to help his people.’” Luke 7:16 (NIV)

December 1, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Following the Past!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Following the Past!

“And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things.”
2 Peter 1:15 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus will be on remembering the past so that we may learn from it and follow it in appropriate ways. The past is so important to God that Matthew’s Gospel opens with a recollection of people who were the ancestors of Jesus. While we each have events take place which seem like they will be forever etched in our mind, experience says that without a consistent reminder we will likely forget most of those memorable events. For this reason, God is constantly calling us to remember as He gives us reminders and memorials to help us do so. As you pray this week, ask God to help you understand your own weaknesses and seek His help in remembering the things that are of utmost importance. Pray that you would pass along to others the things that God has done in and through your life. Pray that the reminders of God’s work in the past would give you great confidence and hope regarding His work now and in the future. Pray for the wisdom needed to hold on to that which ought to be remembered and to let go of the things which would hinder your life in 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 remember the things of the past which help you grow.

Monday: Remember Through Worship. Pray that all of your times of seeking God would remind you of the need to worship Him for He is worthy. Pray that you would fill your mind with songs that help you remember the things of the Lord. Pray that the people around you would be lifted up by the way you worship God. “I remembered my songs in the night. My heart mused and my spirit inquired.” Psalm 77:6 (NIV)

Tuesday: Remember Through God’s Deeds and Miracles. Pray that you would not forget the mighty works of God from days of long ago, nor from your own days. Pray that your remembrance of God’s work would help you grow in faith. Pray that the people around you would hear of the mighty works of God from you. “I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.” Psalm 77:11 (NIV)

Wednesday: Remember Through God’s Laws. Pray that you would find comfort in remembering the laws of God. Pray that your path each day would be lived according to the laws of God. Pray that the people around you would know you as one who remembers God’s laws because they see you keeping them. “I remember your ancient laws, O LORD, and I find comfort in them.” Psalm 119:52 (NIV)

Thursday: Remember Through God’s Name. Pray that God’s name would always be on your mind as He draws you to follow His ways. Pray that a remembrance of God’s name would lead you to honor that name with your life in everything you do. Pray that the people around you would see you as keeping God’s name holy. “In the night I remember your name, O LORD, and I will keep your law.” Psalm 119:55 (NIV)

Friday: Remember Through God’s Warnings. Pray that you would remember the warnings of Jesus when trouble comes so that you are prepared to trust Him. Pray that the people around you would remember both the promises and warnings of God. “I have told you this, so that when the time comes you will remember that I warned you. I did not tell you this at first because I was with you.” John 16:4 (NIV)

Saturday: Remember Through The Lord’s Sacrifice. Pray that you would always take the Lord’s Supper seriously as you remember the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Pray that you would value the reminder God has given us about the sacrifice of Jesus. Pray about how your participation in the Lord’s Supper will proclaim His death, and resurrection, until He comes. “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.’” 1 Corinthians 11:24 (NIV)

November 24, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Vision of Victory!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Vision of Victory!

“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Corinthians 15:56-57 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is not just on the victory we have in Christ, but how we ought to live victorious lives each day. Living in a college town I do not have to follow sports to know if the local football team wins or loses on a particular weekend. But it’s not just in sports that our lives reflect our identification with being, or not being, victorious — most churches I visit give off a clear impression of whether the body as a whole feels victorious or defeated. Yes, there are losses that may be noticeable but they don’t have to define us. Loss of people. Loss of influence. Loss of finances. Loss of freedoms. Loss of peace. Loss of joy. The list could go on, but the point is that when we focus on the losses, we tend to forget that God has already declared us victorious and calls us to live like victors! As you pray this week, ask God to help you always remember the victory you have in Christ. Pray that you would be aware of the tools God has given to help you know victory in Christ. Pray about how you can help others seek eternal victory.

“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 and share the victory found in Christ.

Monday: Victory For the Faithful. Pray that you would cling to the victory that awaits those who walk in blameless ways. Pray that God would guard your path as you walk in faithfulness to Him. “He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.” Proverbs 2:7-8 (NIV)

Tuesday: Victory Through Wise Counsel. Pray that you would live victoriously because of the quality of counsel you surround yourself with. Pray that you would always seek advice from God first and be sure your human advisers give godly advice. Pray that your guidance to others would always be filled with godly wisdom. “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure.” Proverbs 11:14 (NIV)

Wednesday: Victory By the Lord. Pray that you would live with an understanding of where true victory comes from. Pray that your preparations for battle would always understand that it is the Lord who will be able to give victory. Pray for the wisdom to be made ready even as you trust God for the victory. “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD.” Proverbs 21:31(NIV)

Thursday: Victory For Justice. Pray that your hope for a justice which prevails would rest fully in Jesus. Pray that your life would reflect the heart of Jesus as you seek victory for justice. Pray that God would help you make things right. “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he leads justice to victory. In his name the nations will put their hope.” Matthew 12:20-21 (NIV)

Friday: Victory Over Death. Pray that you would live a life that reflects your knowledge that the power of death has been defeated. Pray that you would be able to grieve as one with great hope, knowing that the victory over death has been won by Jesus. “Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” 1 Corinthians 15:55 (NIV)

Saturday: Victory That Overcomes the World. Pray that you would live each day in your life with a faith that overcomes. Pray that the appearance of success in the world would not distract you from true victory that is found through faith in Christ. Pray that your faith would show others how one born of God should live. “Everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.” 1 John 5:4 (NIV)

November 17, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Vision of Mourning!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Vision of Mourning!

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
Matthew 5:4 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer emphasis on God’s promise that those who mourn will find comfort from God in all circumstances so that we can share that comfort with others. When life is a struggle for you, take the time to notice how God comforts you so that you would be better prepared to comfort others in their difficulties. We also must learn to mourn and be sorrowful about the sin in our life. It is in our godly sorrow that we repent and find God’s comfort. As you pray this week, ask God to make you more aware of the comfort that He has provided to you. Pray that you would actively look for ways to share that same comfort with others. Pray that the troubles of this world would not overwhelm you or the people around you. Pray for the wisdom needed to share God’s comfort with those experiencing the troubles of this world. 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 mourn and be comforted.

Monday: Finding Comfort When Facing Death. Pray that the guidance and discipline of God would bring you comfort when the shadow of death surrounds you. Pray that the people around you would be comforted by the presence of God when they mourn. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 (NIV)

Tuesday: Finding Comfort During Suffering. Pray that you would be comforted by God’s promises during times of suffering. Pray for a greater understanding of how God’s promises preserve your life beyond your current suffering. Pray that you would share God’s promises with the people around you who are suffering. “My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.” Psalm 119:50 (NIV)

Wednesday: Finding Comfort In God’s Laws. Pray that your knowledge of, and obedience to, God’s laws would bring you comfort. Pray that the foundation and stability of God’s Word would dwell within you in such a way that you find comfort in remembering His truth. Pray that you would comfort others through God’s laws. “I remember your ancient laws, O LORD, and I find comfort in them.” Psalm 119:52 (NIV)

Thursday: Finding Comfort Through God’s Love. Pray that God’s love would fill you with great comfort. Pray that you would find comfort in the unfailing nature of God’s love that endures beyond our worthiness. Pray that you would have opportunity to share God’s love with others to bring comfort to them. “May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant.” Psalm 119:76 (NIV)

Friday: Finding Comfort Through Our Relationship with Christ. Pray that you would experience overflowing comfort through your relationship with Christ. Pray that your identity in Christ would be reflected in the comfort you share. Pray that the comfort you have received will overflow into the lives of others. “For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.” 2 Corinthians 1:5 (NIV)

Saturday: Finding Comfort Through Forgiveness. Pray that you would be comforted by the process of forgiveness. Pray that you would find comfort in knowing the forgiveness that first comes from God so that you would fully forgive yourself and others. Pray that your forgiveness of others would be a comfort to them. “Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.” 2 Corinthians 2:7 (NIV)

November 10, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Vision of Ruin!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Vision of Ruin!

“For I will no longer have pity on the people of the land,” declares the LORD. “I will hand everyone over to his neighbor and his king. They will oppress the land, and I will not rescue them from their hands.”
Zechariah 11:6 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer emphasis on a vision of ruin so that we would avoid it. While there are numerous things which can cause sudden ruin, more common for most things which fall apart is the gradual lack of care and maintenance. Anyone that has ever been in a battle understands the need for constant vigilance — to always be on guard. But the truth is, we are all in a daily battle that is taking place over the eternal destination of our souls. Paul writes of our need to wage war, not with the weapons of the world, but with the spiritual armor of God. As you pray this week, 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 on guard. Pray that your desire to know Christ and the power of His resurrection would be greater than any other desire which would lead you to ruin.

“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 avoid ruin.

Monday: Avoid Ruin From Betrayers. Pray that God would protect your heart and mind from the ruin caused by betrayers. Pray that your trust of God would fill you with peace when people seek to harm you. Pray that you would not be one who betrays others by your words or actions. “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: Avoid Ruin From False Teaching. Pray that God would help you to be devoted to His teachings so that false teaching would not deceive you. Pray that nothing false would have room to dwell in your life. “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: Avoid Ruin From 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: Avoid Ruin From Greed. Pray that you would always be on guard against the desire to measure yourself, and others, by the things that are owned. Pray that you would see clearly the many ways that greed can ruin a life. “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: Avoid Ruin From 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: Avoid Ruin From 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 would help you notice the errors that would lead you to ruin. “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)

November 3, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Vision of Care!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Vision of Care!

“I will strengthen them in the LORD and in his name they will walk,” declares the LORD.”
Zechariah 10:12 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer emphasis on living with a growing understanding of God’s care for us so that we would reflect that care to others. When we gaze into God’s Word, we discover the ongoing example of His care for people. In love, God calls us to Himself and takes care of the sin which separates us from Him. When we care for people the way God cares for us, we walk with Him. As you pray this week, consider they many ways you have experienced God’s care. Pray that your care for others would grow as you desire for them to know God’s care. Pray that you would know how to care for the things which are your responsibility and how to trust God with the things which aren’t your responsibility. Pray that God’s care, and your care, would strengthen people in the Lord so that together we may walk in His name. Pray that the body of Christ would grow in the ways we experience and express God’s care.

“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 His care.

Monday: Care For Creation. Pray that you would know how to care for the things God has created and has given you stewardship of. Pray that you would understand how much God cares for His work as He gives value both to creation and to the one He calls to care for it. “The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” Genesis 2:15 (NIV)

Tuesday: Care For the Place of Worship. Pray that you would know how to be involved in caring for the places we gather at to worship God. Pray that you would care about God being represented well in your life. Pray that you would care for yourself as the sanctuary of God’s Spirit. “Others were assigned to take care of the furnishings and all the other articles of the sanctuary, as well as the flour and wine, and the oil, incense and spices.” 1 Chronicles 9:29 (NIV)

Wednesday: Care For the Poor. Pray that you would have a right attitude toward things being made right for the poor. Pray that you would know how to live with godly justice toward all who might struggle to be seen and heard. Pray that you would be filled with compassion and concern for the poor. “The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” Proverbs 29:7 (NIV)

Thursday: Care For God’s People. Pray that you would consider the needs of others to be more important than your own. Pray that those under your care would know you one who cares for them even more than you care for yourself. “’This is what the Sovereign LORD says: ‘Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock?’” Ezekial 34:2 (NIV)

Friday: Care For the Hurting. Pray that you would be moved to compassion in a way that compels you to help the hurting. Pray that you would be willing to give of yourself to care for the hurting rather than expect someone else to do it. “He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him.” Luke 10:34 (NIV)

Saturday: Care For Your Family. Pray that you would be diligent in caring, to the best of your ability with God’s help, for the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of your family. Pray that the care you have for your family would be an example of how God wants His family cared for through you. “If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?” 1 Timothy 3:5 (NIV)

October 27, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Vision of Hope!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Vision of Hope!

“But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure.”
Psalm 71:14-15 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer emphasis on living with hope in such a way that we share it with others. Life is filled with uncertainty and trouble yet we live with hope because Jesus has overcome the nature of this world. It is in this hope that we are able to know God in a way which prepares us for eternity. The hope we have in Christ ought to fill us with a praise of Him that grows each day. As you pray this week, ask God to fill you an unshakeable hope. Pray that you would notice great reminders of His steadfast goodness and love as God fills you with incredible hope. Pray that the boundless nature of God would fill you with a hope that knows no end. Pray about how the hope which you are filled with can be shared with others. Pray for the courage to both live with hope and to share that hope with others.

“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 a hope which is shared.

Monday: Hope Of the Nations. Pray that your hope remains in the name of Jesus. Pray that the people of the nations would know the hope of Jesus. Pray about how God would have you to be involved in sharing the hope that you know with the nations of the world. Pray that a pursuit of hope would bring the people of the nations to Jesus. “In his name the nations will put their hope.” Matthew 12:21 (NIV)

Tuesday: Hope Of the Resurrection. Pray that you would always hold fast to the hope that you have because of the resurrection of Jesus. Pray that the resurrection of Jesus would fill you with great hope even in the midst of loss. Pray that nothing would shake you from the hope obtained through the resurrection. “I stand on trial because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead.” Acts 23:6 (NIV)

Wednesday: Hope Which Does Not Disappoint. Pray that all the disappointments of life would be overcome by the hope that you have through the love of God poured into your life. Pray that the hope you share with others would guide them through life’s disappointments. “And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” Romans 5:5 (NIV)

Thursday: Hope Which Overflows. Pray that your life would overflow with joy and peace because of the hope of God’s Spirit within you. Pray that the hope you share with others would overflow from the abundance of hope God has filled you with. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 (NIV)

Friday: Hope Of an Inheritance. Pray that you would clearly see the incredible hope that is yours through your inheritance as a child of God. Pray that your life would help others to see the inheritance that can be theirs. “I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.” Ephesians 1:18 (NIV)

Saturday: Hope Which Is Professed. Pray that you would be steadfast in holding on to the hope you have in Christ. Pray that you would always make the most of every opportunity to profess to others the hope you have In Jesus. Pray that the faithfulness of Jesus would fill you with a desire to share with others about the hope He has given you. “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23 (NIV)

October 20, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Vision To Bless!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Vision To Bless!

“As you have been an object of cursing among the nations, O Judah and Israel, so will I save you, and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid, but let your hands be strong.”
Zechariah 8:13 (NIV)

This week our prayer focus will be on not only knowing the blessings which come from God, but on learning to bless others with all that God pours into our life. When we turn to God and find Jesus has removed the curse of sin which was upon our life, He prepares us to bless others. From the beginning of time, God has called people to Himself in order to bless the world through those who are His. As you pray this week, ask God to help you grasp the riches of His blessings in your life which exceed the materialistic focus of this world. Pray that you would choose to bless people according to the goodness of God rather than according to your own ability. Pray that God would turn the curses of this world against you into a blessing to the world through you. Pray for a growing understanding and practice of how God wants you to bless others.

“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 a life which blesses others with the blessings you have received from God.

Monday: Bless One Another. Pray that your life would bless others rather than curse them. Pray for the wisdom needed to bless everyone that you encounter. Pray that the people around you would know the blessings of God through you. “When you have crossed the Jordan, these tribes shall stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people: Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph and Benjamin.” Deuteronomy 27:12 (NIV)

Tuesday: Bless Your Family. Pray that your desire and practice of blessing others would begin at home. Pray that you would live in such a way that your family is blessed by your presence. Pray about how God would have you be an example to others so they would know how to bless their family. “Then all the people left, each for his own home, and David returned home to bless his family.” 1 Chronicles 16:43 (NIV)

Wednesday: Bless By Praying. Ask God to help your prayer life be a blessing to others. Pray that your conversations with God would lead not only to His blessings upon others, but that your prayers would teach you to bless others. “The priests and the Levites stood to bless the people, and God heard them, for their prayer reached heaven, his holy dwelling place.” 2 Chronicles 30:27 (NIV)

Thursday: Bless In the Name of the Lord. Pray that your every step would be taken in the name of the Lord. Pray that your walk with God would lead you to bless others in His name. Pray for wisdom in the ways you represent Jesus and the blessings He wants others to receive through you. “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. From the house of the LORD we bless you.” Psalm 118:26 (NIV)

Friday: Bless By Providing. Pray that you would acknowledge the abundant provisions God has made available in your life to bless others even as He blesses you. Pray with thanksgiving for those whom God uses to satisfy you in times of need. Pray for eyes which notice the needs of others as you seek to bless them. “I will bless her with abundant provisions; her poor will I satisfy with food.” Psalm 132:15 (NIV)

Saturday: Bless Those Who Persecute. Pray that you would have the wisdom and strength necessary to respond with blessing to those who persecute you. Pray that your response to others would be based on God’s blessings toward you rather than on their attitude about you. Pray that those who are opposed to Christ would be softened in their heart as you bless them according to God’s goodness. “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” Romans 12:14 (NIV)

October 13, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Vision of Truth!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Vision of Truth!

“Jesus answered, ‘You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.’”
John 18:37 (NIV)

This week, our prayer focus will be on truth. Matthew and John each record 30 times when Jesus used the phrase, “I tell you the truth”. Truth is important to God and therefore ought to be important to us as his children. Like nearly everything else, the truth which comes from God is vastly different from what is presented as truth by this world. God’s truth must fill our heart so that our actions spring forth from that truth. As you pray this week, pray for a greater vision of what godly truth really looks like, both in thought and in action. Pray that you would not sacrifice truth to the gods of convenience, expediency, favor, or political correctness. In living and speaking truth, pray that you would always do so in love. Pray that the way you listen to Jesus would proclaim to those around you that you live on the side of truth. Pray for a growing pursuit of God’s truth and that such a pursuit would help you more accurately represent Jesus.

“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 a growing understanding and acceptance of His truth.

Monday: Truth In Judgment. Pray that you would accept the truthfulness of God’s judgment against the sin in your life. Pray for wisdom in sharing with others regarding God’s judgment against sin. Pray for hearts and lives to be transformed by the blood of Jesus as the only way to overcome true judgment. “Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth.” Romans 2:2 (NIV)

Tuesday: Truth Which Purifies. Pray that your love for others would increase as you are continually purified through an obedience to the truth. Pray that the people around you would experience a purity of truth which helps them grow in love. “Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.” 1 Peter 1:22 (NIV)

Wednesday: Truth Which Remains. Pray that you would hold fast to truth while the enemy tries to snatch if from you. Pray for the spiritual strength to withstand the opposition to truth which is so prevalent in the world. Pray that the truth of the good news of Jesus would remain with you at all times. “We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might remain with you.” Galatians 2:5 (NIV)

Thursday: Truth Which Supports & Protects. Pray that you would know how the truth of God holds together everything which is necessary for you to be protected from the attacks of the enemy. Pray that you would stand firm in the truth of God’s Word as it lifts you up and protects you from the destructive nature of deceit. “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist.” Ephesians 6:14 (NIV)

Friday: Truth Which Is Handled Correctly. Pray that you would be an eager student of God’s Word so that you would handle its truth correctly. Pray for wisdom in the way you use the truth of God’s Word in your own life and in the lives of others. “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV)

Saturday: Truth Which Leads To Godliness. Pray that your very nature would be transformed by a knowledge and practice of the truth of God’s Word. Pray that you would grow in godliness as you choose to put the truth of God’s Word into practice. “Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God’s elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness.” Titus 1:1 (NIV)

October 6, 2024 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Vision of Peace!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Vision of Peace!

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14:27 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis is about peace. As Jesus taught His disciples, He promised to give peace that would be different from what the world could offer. Unfortunately, we have a tendency to pursue peace according to the world’s standards rather than knowing a peace that only God can give. The world says that peace comes by a removal of all conflict while Jesus offers peace in the midst of conflict. The prince of this world is waging a war that has already been won by Jesus. Part of his goal is to disrupt the peace that God gives you so you become fearful and filled with worry. As you pray this week, ask God to help you accept the peace that He gives. Pray that you would do your best to resolve conflict, but also know a peace even when others keep conflict alive. Pray that you would live as a peacemaker as you represent the One who made peace between you and God.

“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 a peace that only He can give.

Monday: Peace That Passes Understanding. Pray that you would accept a peace that comes from God even when it surpasses your understanding. Pray that you would allow God’s peace to guard both your heart and your mind. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 (NIV)

Tuesday: Peace That Rules Your Heart. Pray that your emotions and actions would be ruled by the peace that comes from Christ. Pray that you would live up to your calling in Christ to be at peace with one another. Pray that you would have the heart of a peacemaker. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15 (NIV)

Wednesday: Peace That is Just Right. Pray that you would know a peace that is just right in all times and all places. Pray that God’s presence would be evident in your life as He makes His peace known to you, and through you, in a variety of ways. “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)

Thursday: Peace That Takes Effort. Pray that you would work in all ways to live at peace with the people around you. Pray that your efforts in pursuing peace would lead you to holiness that prepares you to be in God’s presence. Pray that your efforts would lead others to seek peace with God and with one another. “Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14 (NIV)

Friday: Peace That is Sown. Pray that you would be aware of the seeds of peace which have been sown in your life. Pray that you would live as a peacemaker who sows those same seeds of God’s peace into the lives of others. Pray for eyes which look forward to a harvest of righteousness from the seeds you are planting today. “Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” James 3:18 (NIV)

Saturday: Peace That is Sought. Pray that you would turn from the evil which is at odds with true peace. Pray for the courage and desire to seek a peace that will overcome evil. Pray that you would pursue peace as you do the good God has created for you to do. Pray about how God would have you to seek peace with Him and with all others. “He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.” 1 Peter 3:11 (NIV)