Lifestyle of Prayer: Sharing Goodness!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Sharing  Goodness!

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Against such things there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer emphasis on the goodness God’s Spirit produces in us.  The fruit of God’s Spirit within us brings great benefit to our lives but more importantly, it is designed to help us represent Christ well to the people around us.  As with all parts of the fruit of the Spirit, God says there is no law against being good.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you understand goodness from His perspective.  Pray that you would allow His Spirit to produce goodness in you that overflows from your life.  Pray that you would have an increasing goodness in your life as you grow in Christ.  Pray that God’s goodness would be seen in a way that the people around you would be attracted to Jesus.  Please continue to pray for one another in the midst of these confusing and changing times.  Pray for discernment and wisdom to see beyond and through the divisiveness of this world so that you would love others as God loves both you and them.

Extra Prayer Focus: Thanks to the generous support of so many, Tom Lemler has taken a truck load of diapers to the gulf coast and will be helping with disaster relief there this week.  Pray for an effectiveness in sharing the goodness of God with people who need 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 to help you live life as one who experiences and reflects the goodness that is found in Jesus.

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:  Equipped To Share Goodness.  Pray that you would be a student of God’s Word so that you would be equipped to share God’s goodness with others.  Pray that being equipped would give you the confidence to do the good works God created for you to do.  “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)

Tuesday:  Sharing the Goodness of Your Faith.  Pray that you would know the goodness of actively sharing your faith.  Pray that a sharing of your faith would help you to understand what you have in Christ.  Pray that those around you would know the goodness of faith in God.  “I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.”  Philemon 1:6 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Sharing a Goodness that Pleases God.  Pray that you would seek to live with a goodness that honors God.  Pray that God’s goodness would be seen in the way you share with others.  Pray that you would grow in an understanding of how sharing and goodness please God.  “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”  Hebrews 13:16 (NIV)

Thursday: Sharing the Wisdom and Humility of Goodness.  Pray that you would be filled with God’s wisdom that leads to goodness.  Pray that your goodness would come from wisdom that is expressed in humility.  Pray that you would be known as one who is wise and understanding as people see your good deeds which glorify God.  “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.”  James 3:13 (NIV)

Friday:  Sharing a Reputation of Goodness.  Pray that God would help you see how the goodness of your deeds represent Him.  Pray that you would live in a way that glorifies God.  Pray that the people around you would notice your goodness whether they agree with you or not.  “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.”  1 Peter 2:12 (NIV)

Saturday:  Sharing the Goodness of God.  Pray that you would know the difference between good and evil.  Pray that you would imitate the good that comes from God.  “Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.”  3 John 1:11 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Sharing Hope!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Sharing  Hope!

“But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.  My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure.”
Psalm 71:14-15(NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer emphasis on living with hope in such a way that we share it with others.  The hope we have in Christ ought to fill us with a praise of Him that grows each day.  As you pray, ask God to fill you with reminders of His steadfast goodness and love.  Pray that nothing would move you from the hope you have in Christ.  Pray that the boundless nature of God would fill you with a hope that knows no end.  Pray about how the hope that you are filled with can be shared with others.  Pray for the courage to both live with hope and to share that hope with others.  Please continue to pray for one another in the midst of these confusing and changing times.  Pray for discernment and wisdom to see beyond and through the divisiveness of this world so that you would love others as God loves both you and them.

Extra Prayer Focus:  Shut-Ins.  Please spend time again this week praying for individuals that you know that are not able to get out and be around other people.  The isolation of being “shut-in” can be great at any time, but it has been amplified over the past six months so your prayers, cards, and calls can be a great encouragement.

“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 to help you live life as one who experiences and reflects the hope that is found in Jesus.

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:  Sharing Hope With the Nations.  Pray that your hope remains in the name of Jesus.  Pray that the people of the nations would know the hope of Jesus.  Pray about how God would have you to be involved in sharing the hope that you know with the nations of the world.  Pray that a pursuit of hope would bring the people of the nations to Jesus.  “In his name the nations will put their hope.”  Matthew 12:21 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Sharing the Hope of the Resurrection.  Pray that you would always hold fast to the hope that you have because of the resurrection of Jesus.  Pray that the resurrection of Jesus would fill you with great hope even in the midst of loss.  Pray that nothing would shake you from the hope obtained through the resurrection.  “I stand on trial because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead.”  Acts 23:6 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Sharing Hope that Doesn’t Disappoint.  Pray that all disappointment would be dispelled because of the hope that you have through the love of God poured into your life.  Pray that the hope you share with others would guide them through life’s disappointments.  “And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”  Romans 5:5 (NIV)

Thursday: Sharing an Overflowing Hope.  Pray that your life would overflow with joy and peace because of the hope of God’s Spirit within you.  Pray that the hope you share with others would overflow from the abundance of hope God has filled you with.  “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”  Romans 15:13 (NIV)

Friday:  Sharing the Hope of an Inheritance.  Pray that you would clearly see the incredible hope that is yours through your inheritance as a child of God.  Pray that your life would help others to see the inheritance that can be theirs.  “I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.”  Ephesians 1:18 (NIV)

Saturday:  Sharing a Professed Hope.  Pray that you would be steadfast in holding on to the hope you have in Christ.  Pray that you would always make the most of every opportunity to profess to others the hope you have In Jesus.  Pray that the faithfulness of Jesus would fill you with a desire to share with others about the hope He has given you.  “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”  Hebrews 10:23 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Finding Comfort

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Finding Comfort!

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer emphasis on finding comfort from God in all circumstances so that we can share that comfort with others.  When life is a struggle for you, take the time to notice how God comforts you so that you would be better prepared to comfort others in their difficulties.  As you pray this week, ask God to make you more aware of the comfort that He has provided to you.  Pray that you would actively look for ways to share that same comfort with others.  Pray that the troubles of this world would not overwhelm you or the people around you.  Pray for the wisdom needed to share God’s comfort with those experiencing the troubles of this world.  Please continue to pray for one another in the midst of these confusing and changing times.  Pray for discernment and wisdom to see beyond and through the divisiveness of this world so that you would love others as God loves both you and them.

Extra Prayer Focus:  Shut-Ins.  Please spend time this week praying for individuals that you know that are not able to get out and be around other people.  The isolation of being “shut-in” can be great at any time, but it has been amplified over the past six months so your prayers, cards, and calls can be a great encouragement.

“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 to help you live life as one who experiences and reflects the comfort 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:  Finding Comfort When Facing Death.  Pray that the guidance and discipline of God would bring you comfort when the shadow of death surrounds you.  Pray that the people around you would be comforted by the presence of God when they mourn.  “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”  Psalm 23:4 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Finding Comfort During Suffering.  Pray that you would be comforted by God’s promises during times of suffering.  Pray for a greater understanding of how God’s promises preserve your life beyond your current suffering.  Pray that you would share God’s promises with the people around you who are suffering.  “My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.”  Psalm 119:50 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Finding Comfort In God’s Laws.  Pray that your knowledge of, and obedience to, God’s laws would bring you comfort.  Pray that the foundation and stability of God’s Word would dwell within you in such a way that you find comfort in remembering His truth.  Pray that you would comfort others through God’s laws.  “I remember your ancient laws, O LORD, and I find comfort in them.”  Psalm 119:52 (NIV)

Thursday: Finding Comfort Through God’s Love.  Pray that God’s love would fill you with great comfort.  Pray that you would find comfort in the unfailing nature of God’s love that endures beyond our worthiness.  Pray that you would have opportunity to share God’s love with others to bring comfort to them.  “May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant.” Psalm 119:76 (NIV)

Friday:  Finding Comfort Through Our Relationship with Christ.  Pray that you would experience overflowing comfort through your relationship with Christ.  Pray that your identity in Christ would be reflected in the comfort you share.  Pray that the comfort you have received will overflow into the lives of others.  “For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.”  2 Corinthians 1:5 (NIV)

Saturday:  Finding Comfort Through Forgiveness.   Pray that you would be comforted by the process of forgiveness.  Pray that you would find comfort in knowing the forgiveness that first comes from God so that you would fully forgive yourself and others.  Pray that your forgiveness of others would be a comfort to them.  “Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.” 2 Corinthians 2:7 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Draw Near!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Draw Near!

“The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made.  The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”
Psalm 145:17-18 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer emphasis on drawing near to God.  God’s desire is that each of His children would know His love and embrace His presence in their lives.  As in all relationships, while physical proximity can help, it is the connecting of our heart with God’s that will create a bond that draws us completely into His love.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you desire the closeness He wants with you.  Pray that your response to His righteousness and love would be a growing desire to call out to Him with full sincerity.  Pray that God would help you to evaluate just how closely you walk with Him each day so you can find ways to draw even nearer.  Pray about how your nearness to God can be seen by others in a way that causes them to also desire a closeness with God.  Please continue to pray for one another in the midst of these confusing and changing times.  Pray for discernment and wisdom to see beyond and through the divisiveness of this world so that you would love others as God loves both you and them.

Extra Prayer Focus: Unity.  Pray that your nearness to God would bring you into greater unity with all of your brothers and sisters in Christ regardless of differences.

“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 to help you live life as one who experiences and reflects a nearness with 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:  Draw Near Through God’s Word.  Pray that you would know the nearness of God through time spent in His Word.  Pray that God’s Word in your mouth and heart would help others to see how to draw near to God through His Word.  “But what does it say? ‘The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,’ that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming.”  Romans 10:8 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Draw Near Through the Blood of Jesus.  Praise God for providing a way to Himself through Jesus no matter how far away you are or have been.  Pray that you would be a messenger of hope to those who find themselves distant from God, that they too may be brought near.  “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.”  Ephesians 2:13 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Draw Near In Hope.  Pray that your faith would fill you with a hope that accomplishes what the law by itself could not.  Pray that the people around you would find hope in Jesus that allows them to draw near to God.  “The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.”  Hebrews 7:18-19 (NIV)

Thursday: Draw Near To Worship.  Pray that you would look beyond the forms we use to worship so that you would actually draw near to God in worship of Him.  Pray that your ability and desire to draw near in worship would be based solely on God’s ability to make you perfect.  “For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship.”  Hebrews 10:1 (NIV)

Friday:  Draw Near With a Sincere Heart.  Pray that the cleansing you have received from God would give you the assurance to draw near to Him fully.  Pray for a heart of sincerity that has no doubt in drawing near to God.  “Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.”  Hebrews 10:22 (NIV)

Saturday:  Draw Near As Cleansed.  Pray that your approach to God would be as one who has been cleansed of all sin and unrighteousness.  Pray that you would be purified from all second-guessing and doubts that come between you and God.  “Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”  James 4:8 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: God’s Faithfulness

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: God’s Faithfulness!

“Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them — the LORD, who remains faithful forever.  He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry.  The LORD sets prisoners free, the LORD gives sight to the blind, the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down, the LORD loves the righteous.  The LORD watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.”
Psalm 146:5-9 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer emphasis on knowing the faithfulness of God and living in such a way that you reflect that faithfulness to others.  In a world filled with the results of the unfaithfulness of people, it is important to look to God as our example and standard to live by.  As you pray, ask God to remind you of His faithfulness throughout all time.  Pray that a history of seeing God’s faithfulness would help you to see His future faithfulness as well.  Pray that you would grow in an understanding of God’s faithfulness as you learn to practice faithfulness in all you do.  Pray that God would equip and help you to show His faithfulness to the oppressed, the hungry, and all who are broken-hearted and feel cast down.  Please continue to pray for one another in the midst of these confusing and changing times.  Pray for discernment and wisdom to see beyond and through the divisiveness of this world so that you would love others as God loves both you and them.

Extra Prayer Focus: Please be in prayer for IDES (International Disaster Emergency Service) and the ongoing work of disaster response in the Lake Charles, Louisiana area as well as many other areas around the world.

“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 to help you live life as one who experiences and reflects the faithfulness 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:  Faithful In Love.  Pray that you would always acknowledge the faithfulness of God’s love for  you.  Pray that you would be faithful in communicating God’s love to all generations.  “Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.”  Deuteronomy 7:9 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Faithful In Compassion.  Pray that your experience with God’s compassion and patience would lead you to know the abundance of God’s faithfulness.  Pray that you would grow in your reflection of God’s nature as you view and treat others with compassion.  “But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”  Psalm 86:15 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Faithful In Mercy.  Pray that you would know the relief and rescue that has come to you because of God’s faithful mercy.  Pray that God’s faithfulness in mercy to you would lead you to open your ears to the cries of others for mercy so that you can share with them about God’s relief.  “O LORD, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief.”  Psalm 143:1 (NIV)

Thursday: Faithful To Protect.  Pray that you would live with the confidence of knowing God’s faithfulness to protect you from the evil one.  Pray that your life would be an example to others of how God can protect and deliver from the temptations that seek to destroy.  “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.”  2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NIV)

Friday:  Faithful To Forgive.  Pray that you would know the faithfulness, and completeness, of God’s forgiveness.  Pray that your agreement with God about the nature of sin — of your sin — would be met with His faithfulness.  Pray that you would practice the nature of God’s faithfulness as you forgive those who sin against you.  “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”  1 John 1:9 (NIV)

Saturday:  Faithful Every Day.  Pray that you would live with the reminder every day of God’s faithfulness throughout all time.  Pray that your daily experience of the faithfulness of God would increase the love and faithfulness you live with.  “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”  Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Disciplined Life!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: A Disciplined Life!

“My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.”
Proverbs 3:11-12 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer emphasis on the subject of living a life which accepts and values discipline from God.  While many like the idea of discipline when it applies to others, we are often reluctant to see our own need for it.  God makes it clear that we ought to both expect and value His discipline because it comes from a Father who loves us.  As you pray this week, ask God to give you a greater understanding of His love through His discipline.  Pray that you would look for the opportunities to grow when you experience discipline.  Pray that the discipline you experience from God would shape the way you discipline those in your circles of responsibility and authority.  Pray that you would know the delight of the Lord and share that delight with others.  Please continue to pray for one another in the midst of these confusing and changing times.  Pray for discernment and wisdom to see beyond and through the divisiveness of this world so that you would love others as God loves both you and them.

Extra Prayer Focus: Tom Lemler (director of Impact Prayer Ministry)  will be working in the Lake Charles, Louisiana area doing disaster cleanup, prayer, and relief work with IDES (International Disaster Emergency Service) this week. Pray for effectiveness in making the most of the opportunities to share God’s love with people in the midst of their chaos.

“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 to help you live life as one who accepts the discipline 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:  Disciplined For Blessings.  Pray that you would know and embrace the blessings of God which result from His discipline.  Pray that you would constantly be a student of God’s Word as you learn the value of obedience.  Pray that you would help others to see the blessing of God’s discipline.  “Blessed is the man you discipline, O LORD, the man you teach from your law.”  Psalm 94:12 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Disciplined For Peace.  Pray that the discipline you experience from God would lead you to peace with Him and with others.  Pray that your role in disciplining others would lead to peace rather than conflict.  Pray that you would find delight as you learn to give and receive discipline according to God’s instructions.  “Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul.”  Proverbs 29:17 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Disciplined To Avoid Condemnation.  Pray that you would know the value of being judged rightly by God so that you would allow His transforming power to make you right with Him.  Pray that you would help others know how to escape the condemnation the world will receive.  “When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world.”  1 Corinthians 11:32 (NIV)

Thursday: Disciplined Through Hardship.  Pray that you would look for the discipline and lessons God would teach you through hardship.  Pray that you would not despise the  hardships you experience, but would more fully know God’s presence through them.  Pray that the way you respond to hardship would help others to know the love of the Father.  “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?”  Hebrews 12:7 (NIV)

Friday:  Disciplined For Our Good.  Pray that you would know the perfection of God’s discipline regardless of your experiences with discipline in your family.  Pray that the goodness of God’s discipline would lead you to holiness.  “Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness.”  Hebrews 12:10 (NIV)

Saturday:  Disciplined For Righteousness.  Pray that the pain of discipline would do its work in your life to produce righteousness.  Pray for the wisdom to accept the training of discipline as God continues to form you into the image of Christ.  “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”  Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Fully Trained!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Fully Trained!

“A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.”
Luke 6:40 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer emphasis on the subject of living as one who is fully trained . . . or at least as those who are in the process of becoming fully trained.  Our lives are changed by the training we receive and we have the opportunity to help others find a transforming change by the training we give.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you identify where you are in the process of growing in Christ.  Pray that you would look to the life of Jesus and the Word of God as teachers that will instruct you in the way you ought to live.  Pray that you would accept, and practice, the full counsel of God’s Word for yourself and for the instruction you share with others.  Pray that you would view your training as a continual process in which you always have more to learn.  Pray that you would live life in complete humility as you consider others better than yourself even as you share the things you have learned from God.  Please continue to pray for one another in the midst of these confusing and changing times.  Pray for discernment and wisdom to see beyond and through the divisiveness of this world so that you would love others as God loves both you and them.

Extra Prayer Focus: Please be in prayer for IDES (International Disaster Emergency Service) and the ongoing work of disaster response in the Lake Charles, Louisiana area as well as many other areas around the world.

“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 to help you live life as one who is being fully trained.

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:  Trained From Childhood.  Pray that you would consider where you began in your walk with Christ and continually build on that solid foundation.  Pray for wisdom in living a life that trains children of God in the way they ought to go, no matter what age they happen to be.  “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.”  Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Trained for an Eternal Crown.  Pray that you would not lose sight of the results to be had through your spiritual training.  Pray that you would help others to keep their eye on the eternal prize which is found in Jesus.  “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”  1 Corinthians 9:25 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Trained in Godliness.  Pray that you would train your mind and body to be godly in all things.  Pray for discernment to discard the teachings of this world which are not from God.  Pray for a steadfastness in your pursuit to be godly.  Pray that your life would teach others the value of godly living.  “Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.”  1 Timothy 4:7 (NIV)

Thursday:  Trained by Scripture.  Pray that God’s Word would be the standard for all of your spiritual training.  Pray for the commitment needed to be an ongoing student of God’s Word so that you would be fully trained.  Pray that your training of others would be based in God’s Word.  “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”  2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV)

Friday:  Trained to Distinguish Good from Evil.  Pray that your constant exposure to the things of God would help you to easily know the difference between something that is good and something that is evil.  Pray that your spiritual growth would help yourself and others to live as fully trained  “But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”  Hebrews 5:14 (NIV)

Saturday:  Trained by Discipline.  Pray that you would understand, and welcome, God’s discipline in your life as part of your spiritual training.  Pray that your acceptance of discipline would bring growth into your life and help others to see how valuable it is in their training.  “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”  Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Pure Conduct!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Pure Conduct!

“Even a child is known by his actions,
by whether his conduct is pure and right.”
Proverbs 20:11 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer emphasis on the subject of living with pure and right conduct.  While it seems that most conversations and teaching about purity center around the topic of sexual purity, I believe the Bible teaches that it is often the impurities in other aspects of our life that leads to sexual impurity.  The door of impure actions is often opened by having an impure heart, attitude, thought, or speech.  Pure conduct doesn’t just happen on its own, so this week we will be praying about transforming some areas of our life in order to produce conduct which is pure and right.  As you pray each day this week, pray for a greater desire for, and practice of,  the purity that God desires for you to have.  Pray that you would be known by your actions as a follower and pursuer of Christ.  Pray for the courage to walk each day by the Spirit’s leading and conviction.  Pray that your representation of Jesus would reflect His purity.  Please continue to pray for one another in the midst of these confusing and changing times.  Pray for discernment and wisdom to see beyond and through the divisiveness of this world so that you would love others as God loves both you and them.

Extra Prayer Focus:  Please continue to pray for Brett Mitchell as he and his family prepare to return to the Philippines.  Pray for a smooth process and complete provision.  Pray for a spirit of peace to lead their way back home.

“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 to help you live life with pure and right conduct.

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:  Pure Wisdom.  Ask God to fill you with a wisdom that comes from above and is far greater than human wisdom.  Pray that your life would show to those around you the conduct which comes from pure wisdom.  “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)

Tuesday:  Pure Heart.  Pray that you would seek and allow God to create a pure heart within you.  Pray that the people around you would see your persistence in allowing God’s Spirit to purify your heart.  Pray that your pure and right conduct would flow from a heart which has been transformed by God.  “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Pure Way.  Pray that you would be a faithful student of God’s Word for the purpose of keeping your way pure.  Pray that the people around you would come to know God’s Word as a protection to keep their life pure.  Pray that purity would be an identifying mark of your conduct in this world.  “How can a young man keep his way pure?  By living according to your word.”  Psalm 119:9 (NIV)

Thursday:  Pure Speech.  Pray that God’s guard over your mouth would keep your speech pure in all situations.  Pray that the people around you would hear a consistent message of your faith as you ask God to watch what comes from your lips.  Pray that the purity of your speech would  be reflected in the things you do.  “Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.”  Psalm 141:3 (NIV)

Friday:  Pure Thoughts.  Pray that your thoughts would only be of things that are pleasing to  God.  Pray that the people around you would understand how important their thought life is and that nothing you do would cause them to have impure thoughts.  Pray that your actions would reflect a thought life which is pure.  “The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but those of the pure are pleasing to him.”  Proverbs 15:26 (NIV)

Saturday:  Pure Offering.  Pray that the greatness of God’s name would cause you to examine the purity of your offerings to Him.  Pray that your offerings to God would be pure in every way.  Pray that your life would be an offering of purity to God.  “‘My name will be great among the nations, from the rising to the setting of the sun. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to my name,’ says the LORD Almighty.”  Malachi 1:11 (NIV)

 

Lifestyle of Prayer: Knowing God’s Compassion!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Knowing God’s Compassion!

“Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; burst into song, O mountains!  For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.”
Isaiah 49:13 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about knowing God’s compassion so that we can share it with others.  Many times we try to substitute pity, instruction, warnings, judgment, or even good deeds for true compassion because we want to help but we don’t want to suffer.  Yet godly compassion means to suffer with those who are suffering so that they may receive the same comfort from us that we have received from God.  We can learn a lot about the compassion we ought to  have by looking at the compassion God has for us.  As you pray this week, ask God to open your eyes to the sufferings of others.  Pray that you would have the courage to suffer with them — not for the purpose of having a pity party, but in order to find the avenues of comfort that are needed.  Please continue to pray for one another in the midst of these confusing and changing times.  Pray for discernment and wisdom to see beyond and through the divisiveness of this world so that you would love others as God loves both you and them.

Extra Prayer Focus:  Please continue to pray for Brett Mitchell as he and his family prepare to return to the Philippines.  Pray for a smooth process and complete provision.  Pray for a spirit of peace to lead their way back home.

“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 to help you live a life that knows, and expresses, the compassion 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:  Know God’s Compassion to Forgive.   Pray that you would live with a greater understanding of the ‘suffering with us” that was required in order for God to forgive our sins.  Pray that your love for God and people would fill you with the compassion necessary to forgive.  “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.”  Psalm 51:1 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Know God’s Compassion that Gives Life.  Pray that you would allow God’s compassion come to you in a way that brings life.  Pray that your delight in God’s law would lead you to show compassion to others in a way that leads them to the life God offers.  Pray that your live would always reflect God’s compassion.  “Let your compassion come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight.”  Psalm 119:77 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Know God’s Compassion that Restores.  Pray that you would know the compassion of God that restores you to Himself.  Pray that you would deepen your compassion in order to restore those whom you may have abandoned.  Pray that the people around you would be restored through God’s compassion.  “For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with deep compassion I will bring you back.”  Isaiah 54:7 (NIV)

Thursday:  Know God’s Compassion that Shows Mercy and True Justice.  Pray that your willingness to suffer with those who suffer would lead you to seek true justice for those who have been wronged.  Pray that this same compassion that seeks justice would be filled with great mercy.  “This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.’”  Zechariah 7:9 (NIV)

Friday:  Know God’s Compassion for Those Who are Harassed and Helpless.  Pray that you would pay attention to the “crowds” and notice when their actions are the result of being harassed and helpless.  Pray that your compassion would cause you to suffer together with those being harassed as you help them find the Good Shepherd.  “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”  Matthew 9:36 (NIV)

Saturday:  Know God’s Compassion for Those Who Need to Return Home.  Pray that you would know the joy of the Father’s compassion as He welcomes you back home.  Pray that you would have great compassion for those who are a long way from home and need to return.  “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)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Real Fear!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Real Fear!

“I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more.  But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.”
Luke 12:4-5 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is on knowing the fear of the Lord!  There are times that an unhealthy fear dominates our life and we need to hear the repeated message that God gives throughout the Bible of “do not be afraid!”  The other side of the pendulum is when we don’t have the fear of God that we ought to have.  While the Bible contains many calls to not be afraid, it also contains a consistent message of our need to have a “reverent fear” or “holy fear” of God.  As a Christian, this is not an “afraid” fear but rather an expression of utmost respect and honor.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you see healthy fear from His perspective.  Pray that your fear of God would lead you to be the best representative of Jesus that He would have you to be.  Pray for a growing unity among believers as we each pursue greater obedience to God and love for one another.  Please continue to pray for one another in the midst of these confusing and changing times.  Pray for discernment and wisdom to see beyond and through the divisiveness of this world so that you would love others as God loves both you and them.

Bonus Prayer Focus:  Back-to-school.  Pray for the staff, teachers, and students as schools resume in an atmosphere that is quite different than they are accustomed to.  Pray for God’s protection and grace to be upon the children, parents, and teachers as they learn together.

“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 to help you live life with an appropriate and healthy fear of the Lord.

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: Fear of God that Leads Us to Do Right.  Pray that you would reject favoritism and prejudice as you understand God’s acceptance of all who fear Him and make the choice to do what is right.  Pray that your fear of the Lord would direct the way you treat others.  “Then Peter began to speak: ‘I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.’”  Acts 10:34-35 (NIV)

Tuesday: Fear that Causes the Lord’s Name to be Honored.  Pray that God’s victory over evil would create a fear that causes His name to be held in highest honor.  Pray that the cleansing God has done in your life would lead others to honor Jesus.  “When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor.”  Acts 19:17 (NIV)

Wednesday: Fear that Leads to Persuading Others.  Pray that your personal knowledge of a fear of the Lord would compel you to make every attempt to persuade others to see their need for Christ.  Pray that you would see yourself and others as clearly as God sees each person.  “Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience.”  2 Corinthians 5:11 (NIV)

Thursday: Fear as a Holy Expression of Faith.  Pray that you would have a complete obedience to God as you express your faith in holy fear.  Pray that your fear of the Lord would lead you to holy action.  “By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.”  Hebrews 11:7 (NIV)

Friday: Fear as Proper Respect of God.  Pray that your life would show a proper respect to all of those around you.  Pray that your respect of others would come from a respect that has a proper fear of God.  “Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.”  1 Peter 2:17 (NIV)

Saturday:  Fear that Leads to Praise.  Pray that constant praise would flow from your lips and your life as your fear of God reveals to you His great love.  Pray that your life of praise on earth would prepare you for the eternity of praise that awaits God’s children around His throne.  “Then a voice came from the throne, saying: ‘Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, both small and great!’”  Revelation 19:5 (NIV)