Lifestyle of Prayer: The Goodness of Justice

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: The Goodness of Justice!

“Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Micah 6:7-8 (NIV)

As we pause this week to remember the life of Dr Martin Luther King Jr, we will spend time praying about the goodness of God’s justice.  As we remember a pursuit of equality with liberty and justice for all, we recognize that this way of life was first God’s calling for all of us.  God’s idea of justice is to make things right between us and Him and between us and one another.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you see any areas of injustice that you have contributed to or allowed to continue by not acting or speaking out.  Pray that you would walk in humility as you “do justice” because it is good and pleases God.  Pray for the courage to stand alone if necessary in order to maintain justice.  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.

January Prayer Focus:  “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ.”  Philippians 1:9-10 (NIV)

“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 know, and share, the goodness of His justice.

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: Justice Which Brings Blessing.  Pray that you would know and share the blessing of maintaining true justice.  Pray that you would look to God to know what is right, and ask Him to give you the courage to consistently do it.  Pray that the people around you would know the goodness of justice through the blessings it brings.  “Blessed are they who maintain justice, who constantly do what is right.”  Psalm 106:3 (NIV)

Tuesday: Justice As a Light To the Nations.  Pray that you would live and practice a justice that is based on God’s Word.  Pray that your sharing in the justice of God would lift His light to all those around you.  Pray that you would share the true justice that is found in God’s Word.  “Listen to me, my people; hear me, my nation: The law will go out from me; my justice will become a light to the nations.”  Isaiah 51:4 (NIV)

Wednesday: Justice That Does Not Fail.  Pray that you would never tire of doing what is right and just.  Pray that you would be involved in helping godly justice flow continually like a mighty river.  Pray that the people around you would know of God’s unending justice because they see it represented in you.  “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!”  Amos 5:24 (NIV)

Thursday: Justice With Mercy and Compassion.  Pray that your administration of justice would be true and right as you use mercy and compassion as guides to how you treat others.  Pray that your motives would be pure as you seek true justice above any desire for revenge.  “This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.’”  Zechariah 7:9 (NIV)

Friday: Justice For Those Who Cry Out to God.  Pray that you would experience the justice which comes from God as you live as one chosen by Him.  Pray that you would be available to God for the purpose of providing justice to those around you who continually cry out to Him.  “And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?”  Luke 18:7 (NIV)

Saturday:  Justice In God’s Judgment.  Pray that you would be prepared for the justice found on the day of judgment.  Pray that your relationship with Christ has made you ready for His judgment.  Pray that you would know the certainty of God’s justice made sure by the resurrection of Christ.  “For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead.”  Acts 17:31 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Look and See

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Look and See!

“See, a king will reign in righteousness and rulers will rule with justice.  Each man will be like a shelter from the wind and a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in the desert and the shadow of a great rock in a thirsty land.  Then the eyes of those who see will no longer be closed, and the ears of those who hear will listen.”
Isaiah 32:1-3 (NIV)

This week’s prayer guide will focus on our need to open our eyes and see as God created us to see.  It is because of Jesus that we can truly open our eyes and have a glimpse of things from His perspective.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you look and see that which is important.  Pray that you would notice the things that God would have you notice.  Pray that your open eyes would result in obedient actions based on what you see.  Each day, pray about how God would have you actively look for what He wants you to see.  Pray for clarity of vision and focus as you walk with Christ each day.  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.

January Prayer Focus:  “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ.”  Philippians 1:9-10 (NIV)

“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 with eyes that are open to see.

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: Look and See God’s Provision.  Pray that you would be observant to how God cares for that which is His.  Pray that you would look and see the great value you have in God’s sight, and help others to see how valuable they are to God.  “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”  Matthew 6:26 (NIV)

Tuesday: Look and See the Missing.  Pray that you would notice when people are missing.  Pray that noticing the missing would compel you to look for them.  Pray that you would be actively involved in introducing people to a God who came to seek and save the lost.  “What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?”  Matthew 18:12 (NIV)

Wednesday: Look and See Your Own Faults.  Pray that God would help you to accurately look and see what is in your own heart and mind.  Pray that you would repent of your own sin as you seek to live in harmony with others.  Pray that you would treat others with the same compassion and forgiveness that you receive from God.  “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?”  Luke 6:41 (NIV)

Thursday: Look and See the Lamb of God.  Pray that you would look intently into the Word of God and see Jesus as the Lamb of God who can take away your sin.  Pray that your life would reflect Jesus and that you would always proclaim Him to others as the Lamb of God.  “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”  John 1:29 (NIV)

Friday: Look and See the Opportunities for Harvest.  Pray that you would look and see both the lost and the opportunities for them to be reached.  Pray for the wisdom to make the most of every opportunity you have to share Jesus with others.  “Do you not say, ‘Four months more and then the harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.”  John 4:35 (NIV)

Saturday:  Look and See the Needs of Others.  Pray that you would humble yourself in order to see the needs of others.  Pray that you listen to God every time that He prompts you to do something about what He reveals when you look and see the needs of others.  Pray for wisdom as you consider the interests of others.  “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”  Philippians 2:4 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Ready For New

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Ready For New!

“He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’”
Revelation 21:5

As we head into a new year, this week’s prayer focus is about being ready for the new God desires to bring into your life.  I suspect that after the year we’ve had, many are longing for something new.  The good news is that God desires to make all things new — including you and I.  Whether COVID increases or disappears altogether, God wants us to be ready for the new thing He is doing in each of us.  Part of the beauty of God’s work in making us new is that He is not limited by the external circumstances of life that we often call difficulties.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you see how He is working in your life to make something new.  Pray that you would consistently spend time with God so that He can make you ready for the new that is coming.  Pray that you would see the work of God in you and around you from a new perspective — an eternal perspective.  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.

January Prayer Focus:  “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ.”  Philippians 1:9-10 (NIV)

“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 the new life He has called you to.

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: Ready For a New Command.  Pray that you would live out this new command so your love would not be ordinary, but would be Christ-like.  Pray that your love for people would help them be ready for God’s love.  “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”  John 13:34-35 (NIV)

Tuesday: Ready For a New Life.  Pray that you would wake up each day ready to live the new life that you have in  Christ.  Pray that the new life you experience in Christ would compel you to share that message with others.  Pray that the people around you would be ready to accept the message of new life.  “‘Go, stand in the temple courts,’ he said, ‘and tell the people the full message of this new life.’” Acts 5:20 (NIV)

Wednesday: Ready For a New Teaching.  Pray that you would always open God’s Word with a willingness to understand teaching that might be new to you.  Pray that you would be prepared to give an explanation to others of the teachings of Jesus.  “Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, ‘May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting?’”  Acts 17:19 (NIV)

Thursday: Ready For a New Covenant.  Pray that you would live by the power of God’s Spirit in order to be ready to live by His new covenant.  Pray that you understand fully the competence you have been given to share the new covenant with others.  “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)

Friday: Ready For a New Creation.  Pray that God would help you fully set aside your old way of life so that you can live as a new creation.  Pray that your life in Christ would not be held back by a past that has been forgiven.  Pray that you would help others know they can live as a new creation.  “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”  2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

Saturday:  Ready For a New Attitude.  Pray that the removal of your old self will be complete as you live fully in a new attitude by allowing Christ to complete a renewing of your mind.  Pray that your new attitude would help others be ready to accept God’s transformation of their 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.”  Ephesians 4:22-23 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Living With WISDOM

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Living With WISDOM!

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”
James 1:5 (NIV)

This week’s prayer guide will focus on some of the ways we can live with the wisdom that comes from above.  As we take our celebration of Jesus into a new year, we would do well to hold on to Jesus as the source and fullness of all wisdom.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you live with the wisdom He gives.  Pray that you would see how keeping Jesus at the center of your life will fill you with a wisdom which is beyond this world’s comprehension.  Pray that each day would lead you further into the awareness of wisdom as one of those “good and perfect gifts” which come from God.  Ask God to help the elements of wisdom you are praying about to fill you in such a way that His wisdom is made known to the people around  you.  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.

January Prayer Focus:  “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ.”  Philippians 1:9-10 (NIV)

“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 with wisdom.

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 Wonder In Wisdom.  Pray that you would be filled with wonder as you recognize the wisdom of God dwelling within you.  Pray that your life of godly wisdom would display the wonder of God to others.  Pray that you would never lose the wonder that comes from an encounter with Jesus.  “As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him.”  Mark 9:15 (NIV)

Tuesday: The Insight In Wisdom.  Pray that your pursuit of godly wisdom would fill you with insight beyond your training.  Pray that the people around you would know Jesus as the source of the insightful wisdom you live with.  “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.”  Acts 4:13 (NIV)

Wednesday: The Service In Wisdom.  As you consider Jesus as the source of all lasting wisdom, pray that you would apply that wisdom in service to others.  Pray for the humility to use your wisdom in such a way that God is glorified and the people around you are served.  “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: The Delight In Wisdom.  Pray that wisdom would fill you with delight because of Jesus.  Pray that you would know the delight God has in you because of your relationship with His Son.  Pray that you would delight in proclaiming justice and good news.  “Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations.”  Matthew 12:18 (NIV)

Friday: The Obedience In Wisdom.  Pray that you would always know the wisdom of obedience to God.  Pray that the wisdom which God freely provides would lead you to a greater desire and practice of obedience.  Pray for the wisdom to always see Jesus as your example.  “If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love.”  John 15:10 (NIV)

Saturday:  The More In Wisdom.  Pray for the wisdom to know what you can handle with God’s help at any given time.  Pray that you would constantly be aware of the “more” that God would have for you.  Pray that you would always seek to grow and learn as you allow God to fill you with His wisdom.  Pray that you would always listen to God’s wisdom, even when it seems too much for the time.  “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear.”  John 16:12 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Heart of Worship

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: A Heart of Worship!

“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)

As we celebrate Christmas this week, our prayer focus will be on living with a heart of worship.  It seems nearly everyone has an idea of what worship ought to be, but what does God say about it?  Real worship comes when I decide it’s all about God and what He says, wants, and desires — and not about me!  As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine the level of worship which comes from your heart.  Pray that you would continually offer yourself to God as your act of worship.  Pray that you would pay attention to any changes and/or actions God would be calling you to make in the how and when you worship.  Pray that every encounter you have with God through His Word, His Spirit, and prayer would give you reason to praise and glorify 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.

December Prayer Focus:  “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”  Romans 12:9-13 (NIV)

“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 with a heart of worship.

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: Exclusive Worship.  Pray that you would reject every temptation to worship anyone, or anything, but God.  Pray that the hiding of God’s Word in your heart would prepare you to turn away from the enemy as you worship God.  Pray that your worship of God would be seen in the way you serve.  “Jesus said to him, ‘Away from me, Satan! For it is written: “Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.‘”  Matthew 4:10 (NIV)

Tuesday: Heart Involved Worship.  Pray that your worship of God would always come from a heart that seeks God and not just be following the motions of tradition — old or new.  Pray that you would honor God with your words, actions, and worship.  “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.   They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.”  Matthew 15:8-9 (NIV)

Wednesday: True Worship.  Pray that your worship of God would be done in both spirit and truth as a lifestyle, not confined to a specific place and time.  Pray that your heart of worship would help to make God known to others who seek Him.  “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.”  John 4:23 (NIV)

Thursday: Informed Worship.  Pray that your worship of God would draw you into a greater knowledge and intimacy with Him.  Pray that you would be prepared to introduce others to the very real God that you worship.  “For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you.”  Acts 17:23 (NIV)

Friday: Sacrificial Worship.  Pray that your worship of God would be done in such a way as to “cost you something”.  Pray that you would always view your worship of God as a right and fitting response to His mercy.  “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship.”  Romans 12:1 (NIV)

Saturday:  Acceptable Worship.  Pray that your worship of God never forgets who He is compared to who you are.  Pray that you would always be filled with gratitude as you worship God.  Pray that your worship would honor the glory of God in ways that are acceptable to Him.  “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.”  Hebrews 12:28 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: The Gift of Life

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: The Gift of Life!

“In him was life, and that life was the light of men.  The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.”
John 1:4-5 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on living with the gift of life that is ours in Jesus.  As we celebrate Christmas, we do so because of the life that was given for us when the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.  While the gift began with the life of a baby, it continued and grew through the teachings of Jesus and in His death, burial, and resurrection.  We receive the gift of life when we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, and we give the gift of life when we share Him with others.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you see the value that Jesus brings to life.  Pray that you would know your value is great because of Jesus.  Pray that your sharing the gift of Jesus would help others to know the great value of their life. 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.

December Prayer Focus:  “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”  Romans 12:9-13 (NIV)

“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 value the gift of life which 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: Choose Life.  Pray that your choice of life would be made as you choose Jesus.  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 be faithful in making Jesus known as the path of life.  Pray that you would seek God as the path that leads to life.  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 you would live with the blameless life of Jesus as your example in all things.  Pray that your trust of God would lead you in a blameless life.  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; have trusted in the LORD without wavering.”  Psalm 26:1 (NIV)

Thursday: Fountain of Life.  Pray that you would know Jesus as the well of living water that will satisfy your every thirst.  Pray that God’s presence would spring up within you as your fountain of life.  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 you would make the most of every opportunity to share Jesus with others.  Pray that your understanding of a fleeting life would cause you to value each opportunity God gives you.  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 find in Jesus a life that will be preserved throughout eternity.  Pray that you would experience the protection of the Lord through your complete surrender to Him.  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: Good News

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Good News!

“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.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”
Luke 2:10-11 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on the good news that is available to all people.  In a time when it seems most of the news being shared from every news source imaginable is bad news, the good news of Jesus ought to stand out like the beacon of hope that it is.  As you pray this week, ask God to continually remind you of the good news that is meant for all people.  Pray that you would both accept and share the good news that Jesus came to bring.  Pray that the good news would fill you with a peace and joy that shines in the darkness of this world.  Pray that your life would represent the good news of Jesus in all of your interactions with others.  Pray that the message of Jesus would be good news that is accepted by the people around you.  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.

December Prayer Focus:  “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”  Romans 12:9-13 (NIV)

“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 and share the good news of 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: The Beauty of Sharing Good News.  Pray that you would always appreciate the beauty of those who have shared the good news of Jesus with you.  Pray that you would shine with beauty as one who is involved in the sending and sharing of the good news.  “And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’”  Romans 10:15 (NIV)

Tuesday: Benefits of Good News.  Pray that you would always be careful in the way you convey the message of Christ to others.  Pray that you would live with a greater health and joy because of the good news of Jesus.  Pray that others would be made whole because of the good news you share with them.  “A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.”  Proverbs 15:30 (NIV)

Wednesday: Refreshed By Good News.  Pray that you would know the refreshing that comes from hearing good news.  Pray that you would be intentional about encouraging others through the good news that you share.  Pray that the good news which arrived from the kingdom of heaven would encourage all who hear it.  “Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.”  Proverbs 25:25 (NIV)

Thursday: Respond To Good News.  Pray that you would always realize how timely the good news of God’s kingdom is.  Pray that your response to God’s good news would always be one of belief and transformation.  Pray that your sharing of good news would be believed and acted upon.  “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” Mark 1:15 (NIV)

Friday: Proclaim Good News.  Pray that God would give you the courage and wisdom to proclaim the good news of Jesus everywhere you go.  Pray for discernment to know the most effective means of sharing the good news in every situation you are in.  Pray that God’s Spirit would produce much fruit in the lives of the people you proclaim good news to.  “He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.’”  Mark 16:15 (NIV)

Saturday:  The Good News of Scripture.  Pray that you would be a consistent student of the Word of God so that the good news you share about Jesus would be accurate.  Pray that God’s Spirit would help you understand and retain the truths of scripture so you can share its good news with everyone.  “Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.”  Acts 8:35 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: An Obedient Life

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: An Obedient Life!

“But Samuel replied:  ‘Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.’”
1 Samuel 15:22 (NIV)

This week we will pray about growing in obedience.  As we head into the Christmas season with a focus on giving, one of the answers to the question “What does God want?” is simple — He wants obedience.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you accurately evaluate how obedient you are.  Pray that you would reject the temptation to turn to excuses and “sacrifices” in an attempt to make up for a lack of obedience.  Pray that God’s mercy and grace in times of disobedience would lead you to a greater growth in your desire and practice of obedience.  Pray for the humility necessary to make your obedience to God attractive to all who would see it.  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.

December Prayer Focus:  “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”  Romans 12:9-13 (NIV)

“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 with an obedient life every day.

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: Teach Obedience.  Pray that your obedience to the commands of Jesus would be reflected in the way you teach others to obey all He commanded.  Pray that the presence of God with you at all times would motivate you to a life of obedience and a teaching of obedience.  “. . . teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  Matthew 28:20 (NIV)

Tuesday: Blessings from Obedience.  Pray that you would always listen to the word of God with a desire to obey what He says.  Pray that you would know the blessings of God which He pours out upon those who both listen and obey.  Pray that you would be a blessing to others because of your obedience to the word of God.  “He replied, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.’”  Luke 11:28 (NIV)

Wednesday: Holy Spirit Given To Those Who Obey.  Pray that you would serve as a witness to the things God does in the lives of people.  Pray that you would recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life through your obedience to God.  Pray that the people around you would know God’s presence in them through their obedience.  “We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”  Acts 5:32 (NIV)

Thursday: Obedience To Parents.  Pray for a heart that desires to obey in a way that pleases God.  Pray that you would be faithful in honoring and obeying your parents — regardless of your age or theirs.  Pray that the people around you would understand how much it pleases God for them to be obedient to their parents.  “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.”  Colossians 3:20 (NIV)

Friday: Obedience To Leaders.  Pray that you would obey the leaders that God has placed in positions of authority over you.  Pray that your obedience would help leaders to serve with joy.  “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)

Saturday:  Obedience To God’s Commands.  Pray that your love for God would always be expressed in your willingness to obey Him.  Pray that you would not become weary in doing what is right.  Pray that you would not view God’s commands as burdensome but would know how He lifts your real burdens as you obey.  “This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome.”  1 John 5:3 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Thankful Heart

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: A Thankful Heart!

“The LORD is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.
My heart leaps for joy
and I will give thanks to him in song.”  
Psalm 28:7 (NIV)

As the nation I live in pauses to give thanks, this year we do so under a cloud of uncertainty in so many areas of life.  Knowing God as our strength and shield ought to serve as a reminder to be thankful each day that we live, whether it is the week of a national holiday or not.  As you pray this week, ask God to help your trust of Him to grow as you live with a thankful heart.  Pray that you would see His hand at work in the midst of these times so that your thankfulness would increase.  Pray that God’s presence and help would flow from Him to all those around you — and that you would be an instrument of those things to all you encounter.  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:  “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”  1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NIV)

“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 with a thankful heart every day.

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: Thankful For a Faithful Reputation.  Thank God for those people who inspire you because of their reputation of faith in Jesus — and pray to be one of them.  Pray that the good news of Jesus would be spread around the world because of the faithful witness and reputation of believers everywhere.  “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world.”  Romans 1:8 (NIV)

Tuesday: Thankful For Changed Lives.  Thank God for the desire and strength to turn from sin and  live obediently to the truth.  Pray that you would wholeheartedly turn to God in obedience to all of the teaching He has given in His Word.  “But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted.”  Romans 6:17 (NIV)

Wednesday: Thankful For Received Grace.  Thank God for His amazing grace that He offers to all who would accept it.  Pray that you would recognize it is that same grace that allows you to be thankful for the people around you.  Pray that the grace you have received would be shared with others so they too would be thankful.  “I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.”  1 Corinthians 1:4 (NIV)

Thursday: Thankful For Real Victory.  Thank God for the victory He gives over sin and death, as well as for the daily victories, through Jesus.  Pray that your life of thankfulness would help others to desire, and seek out, the real victory they too can have.  Pray that you would be faithful in giving God credit for the victories you experience.  “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”  1 Corinthians 15:57 (NIV)

Friday: Thankful For Shared Concern.  Thank God that He draws believers to a common concern for one another and pray that you would always remember it.  Pray that you would pay attention to the promptings of concern for others which God puts in your heart.  Pray about how God would have you to show your concern for others.  “I thank God, who put into the heart of Titus the same concern I have for you.”  2 Corinthians 8:16 (NIV)

Saturday:  Thankful For Generous Giving.  Thank God for the ability, and opportunity, to supply the needs of one another through His provision.  Pray that you would be thankful to God for the way He uses others to meet your needs.  Pray that you would notice the needs of others and that your response would result in them giving thanks to God.  “This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.”  2 Corinthians 9:12 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Living By Faith

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Living By 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)

This week we will pray about living by faith.  Each day our prayer time will focus on an aspect of our faith and how critical it is to our relationship with Jesus . . . and to our relationship with others.  God says that it is impossible to please Him without faith, so we probably ought to focus more attention on what it is, how to have it, and how to share it.  As you pray this week, ask God to increase your faith.  Pray that your faith would guide how you do every aspect of life.  Pray that a growing faith would increase your trust of God regardless of the circumstances which surround you.  Pray that choosing to live by faith would make your witness for Jesus more visible to 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:  “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”  1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NIV)

“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 by faith every day.

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:  Living by a Growing Faith.  Pray that you would want your faith to grow regardless of how big or small it may seem to you today.  Pray that your faith in God’s ability would be seen as great from His perspective.  Pray that the people around you today would be impacted in a positive way because of your growing faith.  “The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith!'”  Luke 17:5 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Living by a Saving Faith.  Pray that you would always live by faith in a God who saves.  Pray that you would have a greater practice of a faith that saves you.  Pray that the people around you today would experience a faith in  Christ that saves them.  “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”  Ephesians 2:8 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Living by a Powerful Faith.  Pray that you would see how your faith in God has equipped you to powerfully do His will.  Pray that the people around you today would experience the power of God at work in their life.  “Who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions,  quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies.”  Hebrews 11:33-34 (NIV)

Thursday: Living by a Uniting Faith.  Pray that your faith would be both the bridge and glue that unites you with other believers.  Pray that the people around you today would see a greater unity among Christians because of their faith.  “until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”  Ephesians 4:13 (NIV)

Friday:  Living by a Communicated Faith.  Pray that you would grow in faith through the hearing of God’s Word.  Pray that the people around you today would be open to hearing God’s Word so faith can grow in their life.  Pray that you would be active in communicating your faith.  “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.”  Romans 10:17 (NIV)

Saturday:  Living by an Active Faith.  Pray that you would build your life upon a faith that is active in doing God’s will.  Pray that your faith would cause you to care for people as you should.  Pray that the people around you today would not only hear of faith, but they would see your faith in action.  “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”  James 2:17 (NIV)