“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A New Covenant!

“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 11:25 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis is focused on living under a new covenant as one who is made new in Christ. The Bible teaches that the old covenant was a covenant of law designed to show mankind their need for something different. The blood of Jesus not only fulfilled all the demands of the old covenant, it became the living document of the new covenant. As you pray this week, ask God to help you learn and know the lessons taught by the old covenant. Pray that you would gaze deeply into God’s Word to discover how the blood of Jesus paid what was demanded so you could live in the freedom of a new way. Pray that you would have the desire to live in the way of the Spirit rather than the way of law. Pray that your interactions with others would reflect the nature of the new covenant as you treat others in the way God has treated 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’s help in knowing, living, and sharing His new covenant.

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: Covenant of the Spirit. Pray that you would know that God has equipped you by His Spirit to not only live under the new covenant, but to serve and share in that covenant with others. Pray that you would live as one competent to share in the covenant of life. “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 (NIV)

Tuesday: Covenant of Glory. Pray that the fading glory which exists in this world would cause you to consider the greater glory of that which is eternal. Pray that the things of temporary glory would not distract you from seeing that which is greater. Pray for a growing desire to pursue that which is better. “And if what was fading away came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!” 2 Corinthians 3:11 (NIV)

Wednesday: Covenant of Boldness. Pray for the courage to be bold in your recognition and sharing of the hope found through the new covenant established in Christ. Pray that every aspect of your life would be lived according to the hope that is found in Christ. Pray that the terms of the new covenant would lead to a boldness in sharing your faith. “Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.” 2 Corinthians 3:12 (NIV)

Thursday: Covenant of Visibility. Pray that your eyes would be opened more fully each day to the goodness of God. Pray that you would live with a life continually turned toward God so that He would lift the veil of confusion. Pray about how God would have you live with clarity in noticing His presence at work in your life. “But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.” 2 Corinthians 3:16 (NIV)

Friday: Covenant of Freedom. Pray that you would know the freedom that comes from being released from the penalty demanded by law. Pray that you would live with a freedom that can only come through the Spirit of God. Pray that freedom would be the foundation of how you interact with others. “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:17 (NIV)

Saturday: Covenant of Transformation. Pray that you would be patient with yourself and others as God’s transforming power does its work. Pray that your decision to live under the new covenant would transform you more and more into the likeness of Christ each day. “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)