Lifestyle of Prayer: A New Covenant!

“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)

 

Lifestyle of Prayer: A New Attitude!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A New Attitude!

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis is focused on living with a new attitude.  When we allow the Spirit of God to transform our mind, He gives us a new attitude.  However, that new attitude requires our diligent attention in order to keep it aligned with the attitude that was found in Christ Jesus.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine the attitude you live with as you interact with Him and others.  Pray for a continual renewing of your mind that will result in the attitudes God would want you to have.  Pray for the courage and humility required to adjust your attitude when it strays from what it should be.  Pray that the people around you would be attracted to Jesus as they see His attitude displayed in your life.  Pray for a heart of understanding and compassion toward the people around you as they also grow in the attitude they ought to have.

“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 living with a new attitude.

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:  Attitude Of Humility.  Pray that you would learn from Jesus about placing your needs and desires below that of others.  Pray that you would grow in an attitude of humility as you learn from Jesus.  Pray for a gentleness of spirit that will bring you rest.  “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”  Matthew 11:29 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Attitude Of Obedience.  Pray that you would live a life of obedience, even in the midst of suffering.  Pray that your obedience to Christ would come from an attitude that seeks to live for Him and like Him.  “Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.”  Hebrews 5:8-9 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Attitude Of Service.  Pray that your heart would be inclined to serve others rather than seeking to be served.  Pray for an attitude that finds contentment in serving others according to their need.  Pray that your works of service would bring glory to God.  “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”  Mark 10:45 (NIV)

Thursday:  Attitude Of Love.  Pray for a greater understanding of the commands of God, particularly in regard to how you love others.  Pray that God’s love for you would transform your attitude and increase your desire to love others.  Pray that your love for others would help them know God’s love.  “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”  John 13:34 (NIV)

Friday:  Attitude Of Joy.  Pray that you would keep your gaze fixed upon Jesus to learn an attitude of joy as you accomplish the good works God created for  you to do.  Pray that your attitude of joy would be ever-increasing as you follow the example of Christ.  “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”  Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

Saturday:  Attitude Of Confidence.  Pray that your relationship with God, through Jesus Christ, would give you confidence in living a life that honors Him.  Pray for an attitude that displays a confidence in God to the people around you.  Pray that the work Christ does through you would be done with a confidence in His ability.  “In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.”  Ephesians 3:12 (NIV)

 

Lifestyle of Prayer: A New Life!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A New Life!

“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
Romans 6:4 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer time on living a new life as we value all life!  Our relationship with God, and our view of His creation of us, greatly influences the value we place on life.  Life has inherent value because it is a part of God’s creative handiwork.  We can see the result of a society that rejects God — life quickly loses value because we have nothing left to base that value on.  As  you pray this week, ask God to help  you know the great value you have as one who belongs to Him.  Pray that you would live a life that has been made new in Christ.  Pray about how being made new in Christ should help you to value all life.  Pray that your representation of Jesus would help other know that they too can have a new life in Christ.  Pray that you would value life and speak up for those who can’t speak for themselves.

“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 living as one who has a new life 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:  Choose Life.  Pray that your value of life would be seen in the choices you make.  Pray that the people around you would choose life for the benefit of future generations. “This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.”  Deuteronomy 30:19 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Path of Life.  Pray that you would seek God as the path that leads to life.  Pray that you would have a life made new in every way possible as you follow the path of God’s Word.  Pray that the people around you would see God’s joy in you as you follow His path.  “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)

Wednesday:  Blameless Life.  Pray that your trust of God would lead you in a blameless life.  Pray about living with a blamelessness that comes from God rather than your own goodness.  Pray that the people around you would see your faithfulness to God and have no valid accusations against you.  “Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the LORD without wavering.”  Psalm 26:1 (NIV)

Thursday:  Fountain of Life.  Pray that God’s presence would spring up within you as your fountain of life.  Pray that the new life you have in Christ would spring up to provide joy and refreshment to you and to those around you.  Pray that the people around you would see the light of God through you.  “For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.”  Psalm 36:9 (NIV)

Friday:  Fleeting Life.  Pray that your understanding of a fleeting life would cause you to value each opportunity God gives you.  Pray about how God would add life to your days.  Pray that the people around you would not put off the important decision of pursuing God.  “Show me, O LORD, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life.”  Psalm 39:4 (NIV)

Saturday:  Preserved Life.  Pray that you would experience the protection of the Lord through your complete surrender to Him.  Pray that your new life would be one that you always maintain through the power of God within you.  Pray that the people around you would have life that is preserved through their relationship with Jesus.  “The LORD will protect him and preserve his life; he will bless him in the land and not surrender him to the desire of his foes.”  Psalm 41:2 (NIV)

 

Lifestyle of Prayer: A New Way!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A New Way!

“But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.”
Romans 7:6 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about living as those who follow a new way in Christ.  In fact, the first century Christians were so focused on following Jesus as “the Way, the Truth, and the Life”, that they were simply known to their opposition as followers of “The Way”.  When we experience a new birth in Christ, we find that we have been called into a new way of thinking, seeing, and doing.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you live as one who has been called into a new way.  Pray that you would have the courage to leave the ways of the world in order to live in the way of the Spirit.  Pray that all of your ways would acknowledge God so that your walk would always be directed by Him.  Pray that humility would guide you not only in how you live in this new way, but also in how you represent that way to others.  Pray for God’s presence to be visible as you walk in this new way.

“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 living as one who walks in a new way.

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:  An Enriched Way.  Pray that you would notice, and make use of, the enrichment that God brings into all of your ways.  Pray that you would speak with confidence about your faith because of the way God enriches your knowledge about who He is.  “For in him you have been enriched in every way — in all your speaking and in all your knowledge.”  1 Corinthians 1:5 (NIV)

Tuesday:  A Wise Way.  Pray that you would be aware of every opportunity that God gives you to share about His way.  Pray for the wisdom necessary to live in a way that helps others to see Jesus through you.  Pray that God would guide your way among all the people you interact with each day.  “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.”  Colossians 4:5 (NIV)

Wednesday:  A Honorable Way.  Pray that God would help you to live with a clear conscience in all of your ways.  Pray you would be known as a person of honor because of the way Christ lives within you.  Pray that you would represent Jesus well as you live and walk among the people of this world.  “Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way.”  Hebrews 13:18 (NIV)

Thursday:  A Submissive Way.   Pray for the humility necessary to live in a submissive way.  Pray that your submissiveness to God would direct how you learn and practice a submission to one another.  Pray that God would lead you in submission as you learn from the example of Jesus.  “Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another.”  1 Peter 5:5 (NIV)

Friday:  A Loving Way.  Pray that you would grow in the likeness of Jesus as you experience His love.  Pray that God’s love would be made complete in you as you choose to walk in His ways.  Pray that you would be filled with confidence in facing the future as you walk in God’s love.  “In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him.”  1 John 4:17 (NIV)

Saturday:  A Worthy Way.  Pray that your interactions with others would always be conducted in a worthy way.  Pray that the way you treat others would always be done in a way that is worthy of God as you represent Him.  Pray that you would know the worthiness that comes from the presence of God in the people who belong to Him.  “They have told the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.”  3 John 1:6 (NIV)

 

Lifestyle of Prayer: Made New In Birth!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Made New In Birth!

“In reply Jesus declared, ‘I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.’”
John 3:3 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about living as those who have experienced a new birth in Christ.  Just as a natural birth is expected to result in growth and maturity, a spiritual birth is the beginning of a new life in Christ.  God’s desire is that those who are born of the Spirit would live by the Spirit.  When we live as those who are born again, we do so in a way that reflects the very nature of the One who has given us birth.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you live as one who is new.  Pray that your birth in Christ would always be seen by you as a starting point in the growth of your faith and spiritual life.  Pray that you would allow others the opportunity to grow and mature, just as you have need for that same opportunity.  Pray for the courage required to die to self in order to experience the fullness of life gained through a new birth.  Pray that being made new would be reflected not only in the way you live, but also in the way you represent Jesus to 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 living as one who is born 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:  Born to Reject Sin.  Pray for the courage to agree with God about sin in order to reject every trace of it from your life.  Pray that being born of God would be evident in your rejection of sin.  Pray that others would see God’s purity in you.  “No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God.”  1 John 3:9 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Born to Love.  Pray that you would live as one who has been born of God to love.  Pray that your love of God would be evident to all.  Pray that your love of one another would help others to see your love of God and God’s love of them.  “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.”  1 John 4:7 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Born to Believe.  Pray that your faith in Jesus would be evident through the new birth you have in Christ.  Pray that you would be involved in sharing the good news of this new birth to everyone.  Pray about how God would have you to live and share your belief in Jesus.  “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well.”  1 John 5:1 (NIV)

Thursday:  Born to Overcome.   Pray for a patient endurance that helps you to see how you can be an overcomer in Christ.  Pray for a confidence in Christ that helps you to see beyond the daily struggles of life.  Pray that your faith in Jesus would help you to live in the victory that is found in Christ.  “Everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.”  1 John 5:4 (NIV)

Friday:  Born to Protection.  Pray that you would live with the protection of God in a world filled with sin.  Pray that your pursuit of protection would always be mindful of how God has provided spiritual armor for your use.  Pray that your spiritual protection would be of even more importance than a physical protection.  “We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him.”  1 John 5:18 (NIV)

Saturday:  Born to Truth.  Pray that you would grow in understanding as you learn to know the One who is true.  Pray that your birth in Christ would always lead you to a greater awareness and sharing of godly truth.  Pray that you would allow the truth of God’s Word to guide you in what you understand and in what you share with others.  “We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true.”  1 John 5:20 (NIV)

 

Lifestyle of Prayer: All In!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

All In!

“For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”
2 Chronicles 16:9 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about living as those who are “all in” when it comes to our commitment to Christ and His church.  It is far too easy to sit on the sidelines and become very guarded about our actual involvement within the kingdom of God.  Perhaps there are even times when we tune out the Word of God because we don’t want to feel the conviction of His Spirit.  And how often does an awareness of our own weaknesses keep us from being as involved as we ought to be?.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you notice when you become distracted.  Pray that your commitment to God and to the fellowship of believers would be made new each day.  Pray that you would live in such a way that others would know the value of crying out to God with a new commitment.  Pray about how God will strengthen you as you choose to live with a heart fully devoted to Him.

“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 “All In” with your commitment to Christ and His church.

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:  All In During Suffering.  Pray that you would choose to turn to God when life turns difficult.  Pray that your commitment to a faithful God would lead you to continue doing good in the midst of suffering.  Pray that God’s faithfulness would sustain you when times are good and when times are not so good.  “So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.”  1 Peter 4:19 (NIV)

Tuesday:  All In With Obedience.  Pray that your commitment to God would be seen in the way you choose to obey His Word.  Pray for the courage to live with a heart fully committed to God.  Pray that the people around you would know you as one who obeys God in all things.  “But your hearts must be fully committed to the LORD our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands.”  1 Kings 8:61 (NIV)

Wednesday:  All In With God’s Word.  Pray that your commitment to God and His Word would be based on the grace that He freely offers.  Pray that you would grow in extending grace to others as you are built up by the grace of God’s Word.  “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)

Thursday:  All In With Righteousness.   Pray that you would live with a commitment that results in God’s righteousness shining through you.  Pray that the righteousness found in Christ would lead you in paths of true justice.  “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 (NIV)

Friday:  All In For Such a Time as This.  Pray that you would know God’s desire to accomplish His will and purpose in you.  Pray that you would always be mindful of how God might use you each day.  Pray for the courage to see and do the things that God has placed before you.  “And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?”  Esther 4:14 (NIV)

Saturday:  All In With All Your Ways.  Pray that you would seek God’s help in examining your motives.  Pray that your commitment to God in all of your ways would result in plans which are successful by His standards.  Pray for a heart which is committed to keeping God at the center of everything you do.  “All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD.  Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”  Proverbs 16:2-3 (NIV)

 

Lifestyle of Prayer: The Word of Truth!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

The Word of Truth!

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
John 1:14 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on knowing Jesus as the Word of Truth . . . the truth of who He is and the truth of what He brings.  In a world full of discussions, debates, and arguments, it can be very difficult to find truth in many situations.  God’s desire for us to know truth is so great that He sent His Son to be the Word of Truth that dwelt among us.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you know and trust the truth of God’s Word.  Pray that you would see the actions of Jesus as representing what it looks like to live truth.  Pray that your life would reflect Jesus in such a way that people would readily see His truth in  you.  Pray for the courage to live by, and proclaim, Jesus as the Word of Truth.

“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 Jesus as the Word of Truth.

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 Truth of God.  Pray that you would know God’s message of truth as you see Jesus as the Word becoming flesh.  Pray about how God’s Word dwelling within you should transform your life.  Pray for the ability and opportunities to share with others the truth of Jesus being God.  “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”  John 1:1 (NIV)

Tuesday: The Truth of Creation.  Pray about how the authority of Jesus during creation conveys the truth of His authority now.  Pray that you would live with value, and live valuing others, as you understand the truth of creation.  Pray that you would be able to see and share the work of God evidenced through creation.  “Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.”  John 1:3 (NIV)

Wednesday: The Truth of Life.  Pray that you would always know the true life which is found through Jesus.  Pray that Jesus would be the source of life you seek when the world surrounds you with death.  Pray that your life would help to make Jesus known in ways that people would seek and find Him as the foundation of their life.  “In him was life, and that life was the light of men.”  John 1:4 (NIV)

Thursday: The Truth of Light.  Pray that Jesus would always be the guiding light in your life no matter how dark your world may seem.  Pray that the light you receive from Jesus would be seen through you.  Pray that you would be generous in sharing the good news of Jesus coming to be the light of the world for everyone.  “The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.”  John 1:9 (NIV)

Friday: The Truth of Presence.   Pray that you would always hold on to an awareness of God’s presence.  Pray for the ability to communicate clearly about the truth of God to those who live in darkness.  Pray that the presence of Jesus would always shine through even when the world is not sure what it is.  “He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.”  John 1:10 (NIV)

Saturday:  The Truth of Belonging.   Pray that the Word of Truth would always give you confidence in having a place of belonging.  Pray for God’s help in living as one who belongs to Him.  Pray that your life would be one that welcomes all who Jesus welcomes as children of God.   Pray that you would always share the good news of belonging to those who would receive Jesus. “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”  John 1:12 (NIV)

 

Lifestyle of Prayer: Living Submissively!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Living Submissively!

“’I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May it be to me as you have said.’ Then the angel left her.”
Luke 1:38 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on living submissively as the Lord’s servant.  I suspect that many of us struggle with the idea of submission because it can be difficult to put the needs of others ahead of our own.  I believe it is often even difficult to submit to God because we tend to like the idea of being completely in charge of our self . . . and even of others.  As you pray this week, consider what it will look like in every situation to say yes to God.  Pray that God’s supremacy in all things would help you have a greater understanding of the nature of our submission to Him and to others.  Pray that you would continually learn from the example of Jesus as He lived a life of submission to His Father.  Pray about how God would have you honor Him in the way you responds to His message.

“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 living submissively.

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: Submit to Governing Authorities.  Pray that your submission to governing authorities would come from a recognition of God’s authority over all things.  Pray for humility in how you represent Jesus through your submission.  Pray for wisdom in response to authority that seems ungodly.  “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.”  Romans 13:1 (NIV)

Tuesday: Submit to One Another.  Pray that your reverence for Christ in all things would help you submit to others.  Pray that God would help you see the value others have to Him so you would treat them with the same respect.  Pray for a greater understanding of the needs of others and wisdom to respond in appropriate ways.  “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”  Ephesians 5:21 (NIV)

Wednesday: Submit to Discipline by God.  Pray that you would accept God’s discipline as the life-giving correction it is meant to be.  Pray that you would learn to practice godly discipline through your experience of God’s discipline.  “Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live!”  Hebrews 12:9 (NIV)

Thursday: Submit to Leaders.  Pray that your submission to leaders would make their work a joy.  Pray for leaders who take their responsibility seriously.  Pray for a heart which seeks to understand those who lead, even as they seek to understand you.  “Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.”  Hebrews 13:17 (NIV)

Friday: Submit to God.   Pray that you would submit to God in all things so that the devil has no foothold in your life.  Pray for a growing desire to submit to God even when doing so seems difficult.  Pray that your submission to God would help you to stand firm in resisting the attacks of the enemy.  “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”  James 4:7 (NIV)

Saturday:  Submit in Humility.   Pray that you would be filled with humility and grace as you learn to submit to the wisdom of those who are older, whether by years or experience.  Pray that you would live with a covering of humility in all of your relationships.  “Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’”  1 Peter 5:5 (NIV)

 

Lifestyle of Prayer: Christmas Awe!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Christmas Awe!

“An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.”
Luke 2:9 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on knowing and sharing the awe of Christmas as experienced by the shepherds.  While I have not experienced a personal angelic announcement directing me toward Jesus, I have been drawn by God’s Spirit into relationship with Him.  It’s in the daily encounters with Jesus that we discover an awe that is our responsibility to share.  As you pray this week, ask God to fill you with an awe of His presence.  Pray that you would always be responsive to the way God directs you through His Spirit and His Word.  Pray that the awe you experience through your relationship with God would compel you to share the good news of Jesus with others.  Pray that the Christmas story of God dwelling among us would be treasured by you and reflected in the way 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 knowing and sharing the awe 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: The Awe of Response.  Pray that your time in God’s Word would always lead you to an obedient response.  Pray that the message of Christ to you would create a continual desire to see His mighty work accomplished in your life.  Pray for a life which calls others to come and see.  “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”  Luke 2:15 (NIV)

Tuesday: The Awe of Discovery.  Pray for a growing sense of awe with each new discovery of how God is fulfilling His promises in your life.  Pray for a growing desire to see God’s presence at work in your life and in the lives of those around you.  Pray for confidence in accepting God’s promise that He will be found.  “So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.”  Luke 2:16 (NIV)

Wednesday: The Awe of Sharing.  Pray that the awe of encountering Christ would lead you to share about Him to others.  Pray that you would make the most of every opportunity to tell others the good news of Jesus.  Pray that you would include God’s Word in all that you share about your experiences with Jesus.  “When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child.”  Luke 2:17 (NIV)

Thursday: The Awe of Hearing.  Pray that you would always be interested in learning about the work of God in others.  Pray that you would communicate the work of God in ways that others can hear.  Pray that people would be in awe of God as they hear your story of how you have encountered Jesus.  “And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.”  Luke 2:18 (NIV)

Friday: The Awe of Wonder.  Pray for a heart that treasures the things of God.  Pray that you would not take God’s presence in your life for granted, but would continually consider how loved you are by Him.  Pray for the ability to find the wonder of God present in your life, in the lives of others, and displayed throughout creation.  “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”  Luke 2:19 (NIV)

Saturday:  The Awe of Worship.  Pray that the awe from your encounter with Christ would always lead to worship.  Pray that your worship of God would be done with a pure heart in response to all you have seen and heard.  Pray for a heart of worship which glorifies God in the presence of others.  “The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”  Luke 2:20 (NIV)

 

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)