“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A New Self!

“Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”
Colossians 3:9-10 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis is focused on living as one who has put on a new self in Christ. The image of who we are is represented by our thoughts and practices. So, putting on a new self requires that we think and live in a new way — a way that is clothed with Christ. When we take off the practices of life that clothed us in the way of sin, we find Christ has prepared for us the clothing of righteousness. As you pray this week, ask God to help you consider what a new self should look like. Pray that you would continually grow in the characteristics that represent Christ accurately. Pray that you would daily know the renewal that comes through the presence of Christ dwelling within you. Pray for the courage to live in such a way that the people around you recognize how God can make them 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’s help in putting on a new self as one made new in Christ.

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: A Self of Compassion. Pray that God’s compassion toward you would lead you to have compassion for others. Pray that you would live as one chosen by God to be compassionate to everyone who chooses to return home to God. “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)

Tuesday: A Self of Kindness. Pray that the Lord’s kindness to you would be your example in how you treat others. Pray for the courage to treat others with kindness, especially when you disagree. Pray that a practice of kindness would guide how you instruct others. “And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.” 2 Timothy 2:24 (NIV)

Wednesday: A Self of Humility. Pray that God would help you to accurately examine your motives. Pray for the humility that considers others to be better than yourself. Pray that you would represent God well as you reflect the humility that has been shown to us by Jesus. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3 (NIV)

Thursday: A Self of Gentleness. Pray that being chosen by God would lead you to a life of gentleness. Pray that you would grow in gentleness as you grow in your relationship with God. Pray that the people around you would see God at work in your life as you live with a gentleness that is obvious to all. “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” Philippians 4:5 (NIV)

Friday: A Self of Patience. Pray for God’s help in overcoming the human frustrations that accompany dealing with people . . .including yourself. Pray that you would learn to be patient with everyone, especially those who are struggling in their life. “And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” 1 Thessalonians 5:14 (NIV)

Saturday: A Self of Forgiveness. Pray that you would live each day with an awareness of the forgiveness you have in Christ. Pray that God’s grace extended toward you would lead you to be a person who forgives others. Pray that you would know the freedom that comes through forgiving and being forgiven. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)