Lifestyle of Prayer: Christmas Joy!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Christmas Joy!

“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.”
Matthew 2:10 (NKJV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on living with great joy.  Many times it is the intensity of our longing or search for something that is reflected in the joy we are able to express.  Our seeking of God ought to fill us with great joy because He promises to be found when we seek Him with our whole heart.  As you pray this week, join with the Magi in rejoicing “with exceedingly great joy” because you have experienced the light of Jesus in your life.  Pray for the courage to be filled with great joy in the midst of circumstances which are difficult to rejoice in.  Pray for a contagious joy that helps comfort those who see little to rejoice about.  Pray that you would be diligent in searching for the light of Jesus and in being the light of Jesus so that His joy would abound.  Pray for wisdom in sharing the great joy that God has put within you.  Pray that your expressions of joy would help others see Jesus more clearly.

“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 and sharing the joy of Christmas.

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: Great Joy For Everyone.  Pray that you would know the fullness of God’s joy.  Pray that you would take to heart the message of the angel that the good news of Jesus is meant to be for all people.  Pray that fear would not keep you from experiencing the great joy found in Jesus.  “But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.”  Luke 2:10 (NIV)

Tuesday: Great Joy From Worshiping God.  Pray that your times of worshiping God would fill you with great joy.  Pray that the joy you experience through your times of worship and pursuing God would fill you wherever you go.  Pray that the joy of worship would go with you each day that you live.  “Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.”  Luke 24:52 (NIV)

Wednesday: Great Joy That Spreads.  Pray that the work of God in your life would help there to be great joy all around you.  Pray that your community would experience great joy as the people embrace the transforming power of God to rescue them.  Pray that you would be involved in bringing the joy of Jesus to your city.  “So there was great joy in that city.”  Acts 8:8 (NIV)

Thursday: Great Joy Through the Love of Others.  Pray that you would know the joy that comes from the encouragement of others.  Pray that the love you express to others would fill them with great joy.  Pray that  you would share joy as your life refreshes the people around you.  “Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you have refreshed the hearts of the saints.”  Philemon 1:7 (NIV)

Friday: Great Joy From Fruitful Work.  Pray that the work you do in sharing the good news of Jesus would bring you great joy as it bears much fruit.  Pray that the people who taught you about Jesus would be filled with great joy because of your faithfulness to the truth.  “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)

Saturday:  Presented Before God With Great Joy.  Pray that you would trust God to hold you and prepare you to be presented before Him with great joy.  Pray that you would help others to know the faithfulness of Jesus to present them before God with great joy.  Pray that your life would declare the ability of God to do what He promises.  “To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy.”  Jude 1:24 (NIV)

 

Lifestyle of Prayer: Building the Family!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Building the Family!

“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.  From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” 
Ephesians 4:15-16 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about the responsibility each Christian has in doing their part to build up the family of God.  While each of us have different gifting and abilities, we each have an obligation to use them to help the entire family grow.  God doesn’t expect your part from me or my part from you, but he does expect that we will each do our part to build up one another.  As  you pray this week, ask God to help you evaluate the condition of the spiritual family that you are part of so that you can more accurately see the work that needs done.  Pray that you would pay attention to the part that you ought to be doing, rather than concerning yourself with what someone else should do.  Pray for a healthy and mature body of Christ as each member submits to the Head.

“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 building up the family of God.

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: Building With Grace.  Pray that you would recognize the power of God’s grace to continually build you up for the inheritance that is yours.  Pray that you would be active in sharing God’s grace in a way that builds up His family.  “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”  Acts 20:32 (NIV)

Tuesday: Building Up Your Neighbor.  Pray that you would serve your neighbors in the name of Jesus so that they would be built up according to their need.  Pray that you would trust God to use your neighbor in Christ to build you up according to your need.  Pray that you would be a neighbor to everyone you encounter.  “Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.”  Romans 15:2 (NIV)

Wednesday: Building The Church.  Pray that you would use, and grow, in the gifts God has given you and that your use of them would build up the church.  Pray for an atmosphere that would encourage people to excel in the gifts that build up the body.  Pray that the family of God would grow in every way as it is built up by God’s gifting.  “So it is with you.  Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.”  1 Corinthians 14:12 (NIV)

Thursday: Building With Speech.  Pray that you would set a guard on your mouth so that your speech would build up those who listen.  Pray that you would filter what comes into your ears so that the speech of others would build you up.  “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”  Ephesians 4:29(NIV)

Friday: Building Through Encouragement.  Pray that your interactions with people would be an encouragement that builds them up.  Pray that God would surround you with people who encourage you in your walk with Him.  Pray that the gathering of God’s family would be an encouragement to all.  “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”  1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

Saturday:  Building In Faith.  Pray that your faith would be put into action in a way that builds up yourself and those around you.  Pray that you would seek God through His Spirit so that you would be built up in faith through prayer.  Pray that the family of God would grow in faith as we seek God together.  “But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.”  Jude 1:20 (NIV)

 

Lifestyle of Prayer: Overcoming Ungratefulness!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Overcoming Ungratefulness!

“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 5:19-20 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer emphasis on overcoming ungratefulness by growing in thankfulness.  Our level of thankfulness will say a lot to the people around us who need to know of the hope that is found in Jesus.  We all go through struggles that test our faith and we may endure things that no one would be thankful for, but it can be in those times that finding ways to give thanks anyway can speak volumes to others.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine your current level of thankfulness.  Pray that you would always look for reasons to give thanks and that you would learn to give thanks even when the reasons seem hidden.  Pray that your faith would grow as you daily practice an attitude of gratitude in your relationships with one another and with God.  Pray that you would find ways to express your thanks to those who need to hear it.

“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 overcoming ungratefulness by growing in thankfulness.

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: Give Thanks Through Sacrificial Offerings.  Pray that the offering of yourself and your possessions to God would be done with a thankful heart.  Pray that your promises to God would be fulfilled as you give sacrificially.  Pray about how your giving reflects both your thankfulness and your promises to God.  “Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High.”  Psalm 50:14 (NIV)

Tuesday: Give Thanks Through Singing.  Pray that you would learn to express your thanks to God through the songs you sing, whether sung privately or publicly.  Pray that God’s name would be lifted up through the music you listen to as well as through the music you share with others in various ways.  “I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.”  Psalm 69:30 (NIV)

Wednesday: Give Thanks to the Lord.  Pray that you would pay attention to what God has done in your life so that you give Him thanks for doing so.  Pray that you would use every opportunity you have to thank the Lord “among the nations” so that the people around you would know of His great work.  “Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done.”  Psalm 105:1 (NIV)

Thursday: Give Thanks Which Glorifies God.  Pray that you would live in such a way that your life would lead to an overflowing of thanksgiving which brings glory to God.  Pray that you would know God’s grace and willingly share it with others so that they too would have a reason to be thankful.  “All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.”  2 Corinthians 4:15 (NIV)

Friday: Give Thanks For One Another.  Pray that you would learn to be thankful for the people God brings into your life.  Pray that your thankfulness for one another would lead you to always remember them in prayer.  Pray that you would grow in the ways you express your thankfulness to those you are thankful for.  “We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers.”  1 Thessalonians 1:2 (NIV)

Saturday:  Give Thanks In All Circumstances.  Pray that you would look for reasons to be thankful in each and ever circumstance you face.  Pray that your desire to be within the will of God would lead you to be a more thankful person.  Pray that you would find joy in learning to be thankful.  “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)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Restoring the Broken-Hearted!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Restoring the Broken-Hearted!

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.  To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
1 Peter 5:10-11 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer emphasis on how God restores us and calls us to be involved in sharing the good news of that restoration with others.  It is comforting to know that regardless of how much of a lost cause I may look like to myself or to others, God still has the ability and desire to restore me to Himself.  As you pray this week, ask God to fill you with the hope of His glory as He continues His work of restoration in your life even through suffering.  Pray that you realize His current restoration work in your life as well as anticipate the complete restoration when you see Jesus face to face.  Pray that you would carry with you a message of restoration to the people around you who are losing, or have lost, hope.

“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 being restored and sharing a message of restoration.

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:  Restored to Joy.  Pray that God would fill you with an indescribable joy because of the salvation you have in Christ.  Pray that your joy would be sustained by a steadfast spirit within you.  Pray that your representation of Jesus to others would help them to know a joy that only He can give.  “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”  Psalm 51:12 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Restored to Life.  Pray that you would have a confident hope in Christ that even the midst of great troubles, and even death, God will restore you to life with Him through His Son, Jesus.  Pray about how God would have you share the message of life.  “Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up.”  Psalm 71:20 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Restored Through Repentance.  Pray that you would always repent of any sin and wrongdoing that keeps you from serving God.  Pray that the restoration you receive would help others to know of God’s love for them.  “Therefore this is what the LORD says: ‘If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman. Let this people turn to you, but you must not turn to them.'”  Jeremiah 15:19 (NIV)

Thursday:  Restored at the Return of Jesus.  Pray for a patient understanding that complete restoration will not take place until Jesus returns.  Pray that you would be involved in living the process of restoration until that time when Jesus returns.  “He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.”  Acts 3:21 (NIV)

Friday:  Restored Gently.  Pray that the restoration you receive from God would help you be willing to restore others with gentleness.  Pray that your compassion in restoring others would not lead you to participate in wrongdoing.  “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.”  Galatians 6:1 (NIV)

Saturday:  Restored Through Prayer.  Thank God for the opportunity to pray for one another in their times of need.  Pray that you would be more diligent in praying that the people around you would be fully restored to Christ.  Pray that God would help you to notice how He answers prayer.  “And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers.”  Philemon 1:22 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Loving the Accused!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Loving the Accused: Show Mercy!

“When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, ‘If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.’”
John 8:7 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer emphasis on some things that God says about His mercy.  Mercy is one of those characteristics that we all tend to love when it is extended toward us yet find ourselves hesitant when it comes to extending it to others.  It is a struggle that requires great submission to the will of God as we pray that He would empower us to be merciful by the power of His Spirit.  As we focus our prayer emphasis on God’s mercy this week, pray that you would both know God’s mercy in your life and express God’s mercy to others.  Pray that you would know the mercy of God when you stand accused by others.  Pray that you would extend that same level of mercy when others stand accused.  Pray that you would make a life of mercy a priority each day 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’s help in loving the accused by showing mercy.

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: Ministry Through God’s Mercy.  Pray that you would show mercy  to others through the mercy of God in your life.  Pray that an awareness of God’s mercy would help you to keep extending mercy to others.  Pray that you would know the joy of serving others in ways that are only possible because of His mercy.  “Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.”  2 Corinthians 4:1 (NIV)

Tuesday: Patience Shown By God’s Mercy.  Pray that the people around you would see God’s patience displayed through His mercy in your life.  Pray that you would learn patience with others as you reflect to them the mercy God has shown you.  “But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.”  1 Timothy 1:16 (NIV)

Wednesday: God’s Mercy In Our Time Of Need.  Pray that you would have confidence through Jesus in approaching God for mercy in your times of need.  Pray that you would always be aware of the element of mercy needed by others in their times of  need.  “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”  Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)

Thursday: Wisdom Filled With God’s Mercy.  Pray that you would seek and use true wisdom that is full of mercy.  Pray that you would apply the wisdom God provides as He teaches you to be more merciful with yourself and with others.  “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”  James 3:17 (NIV)

Friday: New Birth Through God’s Mercy.  Pray that you would rejoice in the new birth you have through the mercy of God.  Pray that your life would be lived in such praise of God that others would know God’s mercy.  “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”  1 Peter 1:3 (NIV)

Saturday:  Eternal Life Through God’s Mercy.  Pray that you would never lose sight of the eternal life you have because of God’s mercy being extended to you.  Pray that God’s love would always be the guide for how you share with others about the life God desires for them to live.  “Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.”  Jude 1:21 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Loving the Crowd!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Loving the Crowd: Provide Help!

“’Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.’  Jesus replied, ‘They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.’”
Mathew 14:15-16 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about loving others enough to help them.  Helping others is not just a good idea, it is a God idea!  When Jesus saw the crowds, He was often moved to compassion and chose to help in ways that were consistent with the actual need.  God continually sets the example by helping us in our times of need, and did so in the ultimate way by sending His Son, Jesus, to redeem us from our greatest need.  As  you pray, ask God to fill you with a compassion that leads to a desire to help others.  Pray that this desire would take root and grow into an action that produces fruit.  Pray that you would notice not just those in the crowd who need help, but that God would help you see clearly what help is really needed.  Pray that God would be honored in the way you help 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’s help in loving the crowds enough to provide real help.

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:  Provide Help According to Your Ability.  Pray that God would help you to accurately evaluate your ability to help others.  Pray that you would free yourself from the trap of comparison as you help others according to the ability God has given you.  “The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea.”  Acts 11:29 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Provide Help to Those Who Are Weak.  Pray that you would be mindful of the many ways in which a person might be weak.  Pray that you would have the courage to do the hard things that help those who are weak.  “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'”  Acts 20:35 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Provide Help Through Your Prayers.  Ask God to help you to remember to pray for those who need His help.  Pray that you would pay attention during your prayer time for how God would have you help others.  “He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers.”  2 Corinthians 1:10-11 (NIV)

Thursday:  Provide Help According to Need.  Pray that it would not only be  your actions, but also your words that would be helpful to others according to their need.  Pray that you would seek wisdom in knowing what others really need before you try to offer help.  “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”  Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

Friday:  Provide Help So Others Get Along.  Pray that you would be a peacemaker when the people around you don’t get along.  Pray that your help would encourage others to resume their work for the cause of the gospel.  “I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord.  Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel.”  Philippians 4:2-3  (NIV)

Saturday:  Provide Help That Encourages Others.  Pray that you would be a help to those who encourage others and to those who need encouraged.  Pray that you would know the encouragement of being a helper.  “With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.”  1 Peter 5:12 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: The Path We Travel!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

The Path We Travel!

“The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,
     shining ever brighter till the full light of day.”
Proverbs 4:18 (NIV)

Our prayer emphasis this week will be to pray about the path you travel in life.  The Bible makes it clear that there is a way, a path, that leads to life eternal and one that leads to destruction.  The path we choose to travel each day reflects where we are headed and helps others to see the goodness of God as we follow His path.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you see the path that grows brighter each day.  Pray that you would always look for, and stay on, the path of the righteous.  Pray about how your choices in life reflect the path you are traveling on.  Pray that God would help you avoid the distractions and detours the enemy uses in an attempt to get you off the path that is right.  Pray that the people around you would know of the good path and that they would follow it as they observe 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’s help in traveling a path with Him.

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: The Path of Life.  Pray that you would be filled with joy as you walk the path of life.  Pray that your joy would lead others to seek the path of life through Jesus.  Pray that the path you travel would seek pleasures that last through eternity.  “You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”  Psalm 16:11 (NIV)

Tuesday: The Path of Protection.  Pray that you would follow God’s path and trust Him to broaden it beneath your feet so that your walk is steady.  Pray that those around you would not stumble on the path they are choosing to travel.  Pray for God’s protection from both physical and spiritual dangers that exist as you travel through life.  “You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn.”  Psalm 18:36 (NIV)

Wednesday: The Path of God’s Way.  Pray that you would be a student of God’s way so that your path would not be disrupted by the enemy.  Pray that you would teach others the way of God.  Pray that those who stand against you would actually help you travel in a way that pleases God.  “Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.”  Psalm 27:11 (NIV)

Thursday: The Path of Freedom.  Pray that you would daily experience the freedom of walking in the path of God’s commands.  Pray that the people around you would see a heart set free in Christ.  Pray that you would learn to run free from bondage as you travel in the path of God’s commands.  “I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.”  Psalm 119:32 (NIV)

Friday: The Path of Light.  Pray that you would use God’s Word to illuminate the path you walk each day.  Pray that you would shine the light of God’s Word on the path that those around you walk.  Pray for the wisdom and desire to shine the light of God’s Word upon the path you travel so that your way would be clear.  “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”  Psalm 119:105 (NIV)

Saturday:  The Path of Justice.  Pray that your practice of administering mercy and justice would lead you on a path that is good.  Pray that you would continually grow in your understanding of God’s definition of justice.  Pray that you would treat the people around you in a way that helps them desire a path that is good.  “Then you will understand what is right and just and fair — every good path.”  Proverbs 2:9 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Serving One Another!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Serving One Another!

“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.  I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
John 13:14-15 (NIV)

This week our prayer emphasis will focus on serving one another like Jesus.  When we are in Christ, we are one family.  When I think of those closest to Jesus, it is His disciples that first come to mind.  Even as Jesus faced the cross, He loved those who were His own by serving them as an example of how we ought to serve one another.  As you pray this week, ask God to fill you with an awareness of the family He has called you into.  Pray that you would notice specific ways you can serve others.  Pray that you would look for the opportunities to help others according to their need.  Pray that you would know the love of Jesus in a way that  helps you to love His family.

“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 serving one another.

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: Share With One Another.  Pray that you would understand and practice your responsibility to share with God’s family in need.  Pray for wisdom to know how to do that well.  Pray about how God would have you share not only the material goods He has blessed you with, but also the love He has shown to you.  “Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”  Romans 12:13 (NIV)

Tuesday: Equipping One Another.  Pray that you would be a student of God’s Word so that you would be equipped for every good work.  Pray that you would use God’s word accurately in serving others.  “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)

Wednesday: Rebuking One Another.  Pray for the wisdom and grace to rebuke others in love and to repent when you are rebuked.  Pray that you would pay close attention to the details of your interactions with others.  Pray that any rebuking you give or receive would always be in line with God’s Word and according to need.  “So watch yourselves.  If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him.”  Luke 17:3 (NIV)

Thursday: Visiting One Another.  Pray that you would notice the stranger, the needy, the sick, and the imprisoned and visit them as if you are visiting Christ.  Pray that you would carry God’s peace and joy with you as you visit others.  “When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?  When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’”  Matthew 25:38-39 (NIV)

Friday: Encouraging One Another.  Pray that your life would be an encouragement to others as you meet together on a regular basis.  Pray about how God would have you encourage others even when you are apart for a time.  “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”  Hebrews 10:25 (NIV)

Saturday:  Serving One Another Like Christ.  Pray that you would follow the example of Christ in serving others for their benefit.  Pray that God would help you deal with any selfishness that keeps you from serving like Jesus.  “Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave — just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”  Matthew 20:26-28 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Loving the Children!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Loving the Children!

“’I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’  And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.”
Mark 10:15-16 (NIV)

This week our prayer emphasis will focus on loving children like Jesus does.  God has a lot to say about His concern for children.  Many children are struggling with little or no perceived value — not just in far off places of the world, but in our own communities and neighborhoods.  As you pray this week, pray that the children in your life would know the love of God that He lavishes on them.  Pray that you would love and value children just as God does.  Pray that God would mold your heart and will into that which aligns with His love and care for children.  Pray for the courage to be involved in the lives of children in ways that show them the love of God.  Pray about how you can serve the needs of children, both in the church gathering and in the community.

“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 loving children like Jesus does.

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:  Children Who Are Obedient.  Pray that you would live in obedience to Christ out of love for Him and as an example to others.  Pray that children would be filled with the presence of God as they put away the desires of ignorance and walk in obedience to God.  As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.”  1 Peter 1:14 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Children Who Are Forgiven.  Pray that your life would be lived in a way that reflects the forgiveness that you have received in Christ.  Pray that children would know the depths of God’s forgiveness as they experience your forgiveness.  Pray that God’s forgiveness of you would lead you to forgive others more.  “I write to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.”  1 John 2:12 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Children Who Live With Confidence.   Pray that you would live life with a confidence in the future because of whose child you are.  Pray that children would begin, and continue, a life in Christ so they would have a confidence in being unashamed when He returns.  “And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming.”  1 John 2:28 (NIV)

Thursday:  Children Who Have Genuine Love.  Pray that your love for others would be reflected in the things you actually do.  Pray that children would see and hear in you a consistency that demonstrates through your actions both your love and God’s love for them.  Pray that your expressions of love would be truthful.  “Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.”  1 John 3:18 (NIV)

Friday:  Children Who Worship God Exclusively.  Pray that you would be aware of the things which could easily become idols in your life so that you can avoid them.  Pray that children would see in you a life that only worships God.  Pray for the children who are growing in a world that is filled with people and things wanting to be worshiped.  “Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.”  1 John 5:21 (NIV)

Saturday:  Children Who Walk In Truth.  Pray that you would be one that finds, and expresses, joy through walking in the truth of God’s Word.  Pray that children would learn from your words and example as they find the greatest of all joys can be discovered through walking with God in truth.  “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”  3 John 1:4 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Overcoming Doubt!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Overcoming Doubt!

“Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.’”
John 20:27 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on overcoming doubt even as we consider how Jesus loves those who doubt.  It ought to be comforting to everyone to know that Jesus understands the doubts we have and loves us so much that He patiently walks us through our disbelief.  When we take our doubts to Jesus, He presents Himself to us in such a way that we can believe fully in Him.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you be aware of the doubts that enter you life at any time.  Pray that you would know the evidence of Jesus that is strong enough to overcome all doubts.  Pray that you would know the love of God that doesn’t waver because of your doubts and embraces you in a way that removes doubt.  Pray that you would love people who doubt and share with them the good news of a God who can be believed in.

“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 overcoming doubt.

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:  Overcoming Doubt With God’s Help.  Pray that you would always turn to God when you have doubts.  Pray that your belief would be strengthened by God as you recognize the tension between belief and unbelief.  Pray that you and the people around you would know God’s love even in moments of doubt.  “Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!’”  Mark 9:24 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Overcoming Doubt By the Testimony of Jesus.  Pray that the testimony of God about Jesus would help you overcome doubt.  Pray that you would live in such a way that people see the testimony of Jesus through you.  Pray that the love of God would be known to all through the testimony of Jesus.  “He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe.”  John 1:7 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Overcoming Doubt By Listening to Truth.  Pray that you would listen intently to the truth of  God’s Word.  Pray that your belief is strengthened through the truth of God you learn from others.  Pray that your love for people would be known by the truth you share.  “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.”  John 4:42 (NIV)

Thursday:  Overcoming Doubt By the Work of God.  Pray that you would know the work of God in your life that leads to belief.  Pray that you would be actively involved in the work of God by sharing your belief in Jesus.  Pray that the people around you would know of God’s love as you share the good news of Jesus.  “Jesus answered, ‘The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.’”  John 6:29 (NIV)

Friday:  Overcoming Doubt By Faith.  Pray that you faith in God would grow in such a way that it continually pushes all doubt away.  Pray that you would be one who seeks to please God through a life of faith.  “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”  Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)

Saturday:  Overcoming Doubt By God’s Word.  Pray that God’s Word would fill you with a knowledge of eternal life that expels doubt.  Pray that you would love people enough to share God’s Word with them.  Pray that the knowing and sharing of God’s Word would spread a growing belief in Jesus.  “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”  1 John 5:13 (NIV)