November 18, 2018 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Thanksgiving!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Thanksgiving!

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

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on thanksgiving. While my neighbors to the north in Canada celebrated Thanksgiving a short time ago and my neighbors in the country I live in will celebrate Thanksgiving this week, giving thanks really ought to be a lifestyle for God’s children every day that we live. Our level of thankfulness will say a lot to the people around us who need to know of the hope that is found in Jesus. And I might add, the genuineness or lack thereof of our thankfulness will be noticed by many who are watching. We all go through struggles that test our faith and we may endure things that no one would be thankful for, but it can be in those times that finding ways to give thanks anyway can speak volumes to others. As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine your current level of thankfulness. Pray that you would always look for reasons to give thanks and that you would learn to give thanks even when the reasons seem hidden. Pray that your faith would grow as you daily practice an attitude of gratitude in your relationships with one another and with God. Pray that you would find ways to express your thanks to those who need to hear it. Pray for a spirit of unity within your church congregation and within the body of Christ as a whole. Pray each day for the individuals of your congregation and for the body of Christ as a whole.

“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 fill you with an attitude of gratitude as you live a lifestyle of prayer and thanksgiving.

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 the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

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

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

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

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

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

Saturday: Give Thanks In All Circumstances. Pray that you would look for reasons to be thankful in each and ever circumstance you face. Pray that your desire to be within the will of God would lead you to be a more thankful person. “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Service!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Service!

“It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 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 4:11-13 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on our call to service. While it can be easy to look to those with specific gifts as the ones who ought to be involved in serving others, God says their role is to prepare each of us for works of service. Granted, their responsibility to prepare others doesn’t exclude them from serving as well, but their service ought to be alongside those they are preparing — not in place of it. Whoever you are, if you are God’s child, He has service for you to do in His kingdom. You are most like Jesus when you choose to “be servant of all” rather than seeking to be served. As you pray this week, ask God to help you grow in your desire to serve. Pray that you would listen to those God has sent to prepare you more fully. Pray that you would faithfully serve those whom God has sent you to for the purpose of helping to prepare them. Pray for the courage and humility to serve others as one serving the Lord. Pray for a spirit of unity within your church congregation and within the body of Christ as a whole. Pray each day for the individuals of your congregation and for the body of Christ as a whole.

“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 choose to serve others as you serve Him.

Monday: Service That You Are Ready For. Pray that you would make the preparations necessary to be ready for service. Pray that you would shine brightly with the love of Jesus as you make the most of every opportunity to serve people. “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning.” Luke 12:35 (NIV)

Tuesday: Service Which Is a Privilege. Pray that you would be able to see service to others as “get to” rather than a “have to”. Pray that you would eagerly look for opportunities to help others who are involved in serving people. “They urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.” 2 Corinthians 8:4 (NIV)

Wednesday: Service Which Supplies Needs. Pray that you would notice opportunities to serve that actually supplies the needs of people. Pray for service which is meaningful in supplying the needs of one another. “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)

Thursday: Service Which Brings Praise to God. Pray that your character would be proved by your works of service. Pray that your heart and attitude displayed through your service would lead people to give praise to God. “Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God.” 2 Corinthians 9:13 (NIV)

Friday: Service Appointed By God. Pray that you would serve according to the strength of Christ within you. Pray that you would serve faithfully as you acknowledge God’s calling in your life and His appointment of you as one who serves. “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.” 1 Timothy 1:12 (NIV)

Saturday: Service That Is Known By God. Pray that you would not become weary in serving others as you remember that God knows everything about the service you give on His behalf. Pray that you would continually grow in both the depth and quantity of the service you do for God. “I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.” Revelation 2:19 (NIV)

Bonus Prayer Focus: Pray for Impact Prayer Ministry as I have a display set up at the International Conference on Missions this week.

November 4, 2018 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Wise Choices!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Wise Choices!

“To [those] who keep my Sabbaths, who choose what pleases me and hold fast to my covenant — to them I will give within my temple and its walls a memorial and a name better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that will not be cut off.”
Isaiah 56:4-5 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on our need to make wise choices. We live in a culture that wants us to believe that our choices should always reflect whatever benefits us the most or what we want the most — regardless of whether such a choice honors God and reflects the character of Jesus in our life. Sometimes we get so caught up in trying to make a name for our self that we miss out on the name that God wants us to have. Our choices ought to be the ones that please God as we hold fast to Him even in the midst of our shortcomings and insecurities. As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine the choices you make. Pray that you would seek to honor God in all of your choices. Pray for the courage to make choices that please God and pray for wisdom to know what pleases Him. Pray for a focus in your choices that looks beyond the temporary satisfaction offered in this world and can gaze into the eternal reward that God gives. Pray for a spirit of unity within your church congregation and within the body of Christ as a whole. Pray each day for the individuals of your congregation and for the body of Christ as a whole.

“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 make wise choices.

Monday: Choose Life. Pray that you would understand the choice of life and death which stands before you each day. Pray for the courage to choose the life offered by God. Pray that you would honor the choice of life for those who need someone to stand for them. “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: Choose to Serve the Lord. Pray that you would recognize that serving is mandatory, who you serve is your choice. Pray that serving the Lord would be most desirable to you. Pray that you would daily choose to serve the Lord. “But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15 (NIV)

Wednesday: Choose Instruction & Knowledge. Pray that you would learn to choose the things of true value. Pray that you would be teachable as you choose instruction. Pray that God would help you to apply the instruction you receive so that you would grow in knowledge. “Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold.” Proverbs 8:10 (NIV)

Thursday: Choose Wisdom & Understanding. Pray that you would not weary yourself pursuing things that the world values. Pray that God would give you the wisdom you need for every situation. Pray that you would choose a life of understanding as you apply the wisdom God provides. “How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!” Proverbs 16:16 (NIV)

Friday: Choose What Is Right. Pray that you would look to God in order to know the difference between what is right and wrong. Pray that you would have the courage to reject the things which are wrong. Pray for the strength to choose what God says is right. “He will eat curds and honey when he knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right.” Isaiah 7:15 (NIV)

Saturday: Choose Spirit-Filled Leaders & Workers. Pray that you would look for a God-given Spirit and wisdom in the leaders you help choose. Pray that you would be both a leader and worker who values wisdom and God’s Spirit more than the things of the world. “Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them.” Acts 6:3 (NIV)

October 28, 2018 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Proclaim!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Proclaim!

“What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.”
Matthew 10:27 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on our responsibility to proclaim to others what we have learned from God. When we recognize God’s authority over us and surrender our will to Jesus, there ought to be such a transformation within us that we couldn’t keep it a secret if we wanted to. The light of truth that God has used to illuminate the darkness within us ought to be shared with all we encounter. The whispers of love that we hear from God’s Word and His Spirit ought to be proclaimed by us to a world desperately in need of true love and hope. Proclaiming what God has done for you isn’t always about shouting loudly or drawing attention to yourself. In fact, it is often most effective when done with a combination of quiet words and bold, loving actions. As you pray this week, ask God to help you be deliberate in how you proclaim His work in your life. Pray for the courage to tell your story and give God the credit. Pray that you would live in such a way that your actions proclaim God’s working in your life just as much as your words do. Pray for the wisdom to know what needs proclaimed in a way that benefits those who hear. Pray for a spirit of unity within your church congregation and within the body of Christ as a whole. Pray each day for the individuals of your congregation and for the body of Christ as a whole.

“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 proclaim to others the things He has entrusted you to share.

Monday: Proclaim Righteousness. Pray that you would not hesitate in proclaiming what is right. Pray that God’s righteousness would be the standard for what you consider to be right. Pray that your surroundings would not keep you from proclaiming righteousness. “I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, as you know, O LORD.” Psalm 40:9 (NIV)

Tuesday: Proclaim the Works of God. Pray that you would proclaim the works of God as you consider all He has done. Pray that you would know a fear of the Lord as you proclaim His works to others. Pray that others would fear God as you proclaim His works. “All mankind will fear; they will proclaim the works of God and ponder what he has done.” Psalm 64:9 (NIV)

Wednesday: Proclaim the Kingdom of God. Pray that you would never lose sight of the importance of proclaiming the kingdom of God. Pray that you would be diligent about sharing life with those who need to know of the kingdom of God. Pray that you would not be distracted by good things as you proclaim the best things. “Jesus said to him, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.’” Luke 9:60 (NIV)

Thursday: Proclaim the Will of God. Pray that you would seek to know God’s will through knowing Him. Pray that you would understand God’s “good, pleasing, and perfect” will so that you would not hesitate to proclaim it to those who would hear. Pray for the courage to live the will of God so that your proclamation of it is honest. “For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God.” Acts 20:27 (NIV)

Friday: Proclaim the Lord’s Death and Return. Pray that you would know the importance of the body and blood of Christ as you proclaim what He has done in death and what He is doing in life. Pray that you would proclaim a risen Lord who is returning for His bride. “For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” 1 Corinthians 11:26 (NIV)

Saturday: Proclaim Clearly. Pray that you would understand the “mystery of Christ” in such a way that you may proclaim it clearly. Pray for an understanding of those you proclaim Christ to so that your words and actions would be clear to them. Pray that you would accept your responsibility to proclaim Christ clearly. “Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.” Colossians 4:4 (NIV)

October 21, 2018 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Rescued!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Rescued!

“Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.”
Psalm 91:14-15 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on being rescued by God. As I study scripture, it seems that the foundational requirement for being rescued by God is a willingness to cry out to God as we admit we need rescued. Being rescued isn’t the same as being safe at all times, rather it is a process of being brought out of trouble and placed on solid ground. In fact, it is in the times of great trouble or danger that we most recognize the need for God to rescue us. Being rescued by God is something He chooses to do because of His love for us and through our love for Him as we learn to call upon Him. As you pray this week, ask God to help you call out to Him in every troubling situation. Pray that you would praise God for rescuing you even from the trouble you create for yourself. Pray that you would know the peace that comes from God’s rescue. Pray for those around you who also need to be rescued by God. Pray that the rescue you have received would help you proclaim God’s ability to rescue anyone. Pray for a spirit of unity within your church congregation and within the body of Christ as a whole. Pray each day for the individuals of your congregation and for the body of Christ as a whole.

“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 as one who has been rescued so that you can help others know God’s rescue.

Monday: Rescued By God’s Delight. Pray that you would know the delight God has in you. Pray that you would learn to delight in the Lord even as He delights in you. Praise God for choosing to rescue you simply because He delights in you. “He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.” Psalm 18:19 (NIV)

Tuesday: Rescued From the Grave. Pray that you would experience the rescue that comes through the power of God’s Word. Pray that the healing you desire from God would be of a nature that rescues you from an eternal grave. Pray that you would have the courage to share God’s Word with those who need to experience His rescue. “He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.” Psalm 107:20 (NIV)

Wednesday: Rescued From Trouble. Pray for a righteousness that can only come through Christ so that you would experience the rescue that only He can give. Pray for the courage to endure times of trouble, knowing that God’s rescue is on its way. “The righteous man is rescued from trouble, and it comes on the wicked instead.” Proverbs 11:8 (NIV)

Thursday: Rescued By Our Words. Pray that you would surrender all of your words to God so that He can rescue you through them. Pray that you would choose words which honor Christ in all of your communication with others. Pray that you would use words that not only rescue you, but words that would lead others to be rescued. “The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them.” Proverbs 12:6 (NIV)

Friday: Rescued From Darkness. Pray that you would daily choose to walk in the light as God rescues you from the darkness of this age. Pray that you would live each day as a citizen of Christ’s kingdom. Pray that you would help others know that darkness need not have dominion over them. “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.” Colossians 1:13 (NIV)

Saturday: Rescued From Evil Attacks. Pray for a heavenly perspective that helps you have confidence that no evil formed against you can prosper. Pray for the courage to endure the attacks of the enemy, and of those he uses, as you trust God to rescue you and carry you safely home. “The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom.” 2 Timothy 4:18 (NIV)

October 14, 2018 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Every Effort!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Every Effort!

“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.”
2 Peter 1:5-7 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on some things that God says we should make every effort to add to our faith. As you read through the list in the above verses out of 2 Peter, it is good to stop and consider how much effort you are currently putting into adding and developing those things in your life. There are many things that seem to demand our attention and efforts and, unfortunately, those things can easily distract us from giving our best effort to the things that really matter. As you pray this week, ask God to help you focus your efforts on the things that will make an eternal difference. Pray for the wisdom and courage to notice and move away from the distractions that try to steal your efforts away from that which is important. Pray that your desire to grow in faith would compel you to give your best efforts, with God’s help, in adding to your faith the things that make it grow. Pray that the people around you would see God at work in you as you apply your every effort toward the things of God. Pray for a spirit of unity within your church congregation and within the body of Christ as a whole. Pray each day for the individuals of your congregation and for the body of Christ as a whole.

“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 to give every effort to the things that matter.

Monday: Every Effort to Add Goodness. Pray that you would not only know the goodness of the Lord, but that you would make every effort to add goodness to your faith. Pray that you would live as a child of the light as you seek to please the Lord in the goodness He provides. “Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.” Ephesians 5:9-10 (NIV)

Tuesday: Every Effort to Add Knowledge. Pray that you would desire to grow in godly knowledge through the grace given by Jesus. Pray that your faith and goodness would increase as you make every effort to add knowledge to them. “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” 2 Peter 3:18 (NIV)

Wednesday: Every Effort to Add Self-Control. Pray that your life would have the walls of protection that self-control can provide. Pray that you would know the importance of giving effort to adding self-control to the faith, goodness, and knowledge that you possess. “Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.” Proverbs 25:28 (NIV)

Thursday: Every Effort to Add Perseverance. Pray that you would persevere through the difficulties of life as God completes His work in you. Pray that you would give your best effort into growing in the grace of perseverance as you add godly characteristics to your life. “Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:4 (NIV)

Friday: Every Effort to Add Godliness. Pray that you would know and accept the incredible value that a life of godliness brings. Pray that you would share with others regarding the current and future value of adding godliness to your life. “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8 (NIV)

Saturday: Every Effort to Add Kindness and Love. Pray that you would do the work required to add kindness to others into your life. Pray that Jesus would be your prime example and pattern for adding kindness and love to your “every effort” things. “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us.” Titus 3:4 (NIV)

October 7, 2018 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Waiting!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Waiting!

“I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,
and in his word I put my hope.”
Psalm 130:5 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on the oft-dreaded subject of waiting. While many can quote God’s promise that “they who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength”, it seems to only be thought of when we find ourselves forced to wait. In fact, this week’s prayer guide came together while I was sitting in a waiting room at a local hospital or I may not have even thought to pray about waiting! How different would our life be if we chose to cheerfully wait for the Lord instead of doing so grudgingly? We know that God’s timing is most often different from our timing, but learning to be content with waiting can be a very difficult thing. As you pray this week, spend time not just talking to God but also deliberately waiting for Him to answer through His Spirit and His Word. Pray that you would learn to value the times when you must wait. Pray that you would find yourself renewed in strength and spirit as you learn to be more deliberate in your waiting. Pray for the wisdom to know when to wait and when to act, and for the courage to do the proper one at all times. Pray that God’s Word would fill you with great hope as you grow in your practice of waiting for the Lord. Pray for a spirit of unity within your church congregation and within the body of Christ as a whole. Pray each day for the individuals of your congregation and for the body of Christ as a whole.

“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 to learn and practice the essence of waiting.

Monday: Waiting With Expectation. Pray that you would find joy in waiting with the expectation that God listens and answers. Pray that you would always be confident in going to God with your requests as you wait with the expectation that He hears and cares. “In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.” Psalm 5:3 (NIV)

Tuesday: Waiting With Courage. Pray that you would learn to grow in strength and courage in the midst of your times of waiting. Pray that you would be an example to others by the way you practice waiting with courage. Pray that your courage would be based on the Lord’s strength rather than your own. “Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” Psalm 27:14 (NIV)

Wednesday: Waiting With Hope. Pray that you would live life with great hope as you trust God’s help during your times of waiting. Pray that you would have hope as you wait for the Lord. Pray that your waiting would keep you protected by the shield God sets before you. “We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.” Psalm 33:20 (NIV)

Thursday: Waiting With Patience. Pray that you would learn to wait patiently for the help and answers God will provide as you cry out to Him. Pray that patience and waiting would be things you learn to value rather than things you seek to avoid. “I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.” Psalm 40:1 (NIV)

Friday: Waiting With Obedience. Pray that you would know the salvation of God now even as you learn to wait for its complete fulfillment. Pray that you would live obediently as you wait for the completion of God’s work in you. Pray that your obedience to God would stand out to others as you wait. “I wait for your salvation, O LORD, and I follow your commands.” Psalm 119:166 (NIV)

Saturday: Waiting With One Another. Pray that you would grow in your practice of waiting on, and with, one another. Pray for an attitude and practice in your life that seeks the good of others to such an extent that you find it a joy to wait with them and to wait for them. “So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for each other.” 1 Corinthians 11:33 (NIV)