“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

 This week’s prayer focus: Trusting God!

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

“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)

A Lifestyle of Prayer should be just that — a lifestyle, not simply an event.  View prayer as your first priority, not as the last resort.  It is my prayer that these weeks of “topical” prayer guides have been training and equipping you in the practice of prayer. 

This week we will look to the Psalms for some instruction on trusting God to help us focus our prayer time each day!  As much of the book of Psalms was written by David, “a man after God’s own heart”, we can learn much from them as we pray about Trust.  Use the topics this week to help you pray through difficulties, through weakness, through loneliness, through concern for others, and most importantly through the eyes of Jesus.  Use the suggestions each day but most of all allow God’s Word to soak into your life and direct how you pray and who you pray for.   As you pray, pay attention to any changes and/or actions God would be calling you to make in that area.  Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular.  As you pray, listen for what God would have you to do.  

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

Please spend time praying each day focused around the reminder to trust God in everything.  With that focus in mind, pray for yourself, your family, your friends, neighbors, and all the other “one anothers” we’ve been praying for over the past weeks.  Thank you!

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

Monday: Trust God in Giving.  Pray that your giving is done with a sacrificial attitude that reflects your trust in God.  “Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD.”  Psalm 4:5

Tuesday: Trust God in Conflict.  Pray that you would seek God during times of conflict and trust Him to be your source of deliverance and protection.  “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.”  Psalm 20:7

Wednesday: Trust God in Decisions.  Pray that you would seek God in all of your decisions and allow Him to shine forth as you walk in His ways.  “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.”  Psalm 37:5-6

Thursday: Trust God in Fear.  Pray that you would not forget God’s everlasting presence when you face times of fear.  “When I am afraid, I will trust in you.”  Psalm 56:3

Friday: Trust God in Trouble.  Pray that you would have the wisdom and humility to “retreat” more fully into God’s presence when you face overwhelming trouble.  “I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’”  Psalm 91:2

Saturday:  Trust God in Persecution.  Pray that you would have a confidence in God’s word so that it will be your answer in times of persecution.  “Then I will answer the one who taunts me, for I trust in your word.”  Psalm 119:42