Lifestyle of Prayer: Asking For Help!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Asking For Help!

“I lift up my eyes to the hills — where does my help come from?  My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about learning to ask for help as we build for revival.  The work of revival is accomplished by the power of God through His Spirit and His Word, but it often begins with our recognition that we need help.  It is in the most difficult of times that we often learn most clearly what our needs really are — and where our real help must come from.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you.  Pray that you would keep your eyes fixed on Him as you seek the help you need.  Pray for the ability to notice His hand at work in all of the help you receive, and in all of the help you give to others.  Pray that God would meet your needs according to His riches in glory.  Pray for the humility to both request and accept help from God through others and to give help from God to others.  Pray that your testimony of God’s goodness and help would be clear and visible as you “do your good works so that people see them and glorify your Father in heaven.”.

“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 be your help in time of need and for the humility to ask for help.

Sunday: Pray for your church staff, the preaching and teaching that takes place, the church leadership, the volunteers that are helping in so many areas, the spiritual and financial health of the congregation, and the work of the missions ministry of the church.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday:  Asking For Help When Distressed.  Pray that God would remove the stress from your distress as you cry out to Him for help.  Pray for the confidence in knowing that God has heard your prayers and His help is on the way.  “In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help.  From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears.”  Psalm 18:6 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Asking For Help When Weak.  Pray that you would always turn to God for help, but especially so when you recognize your own weakness.  Pray for an awareness of God’s nearness to you when you feel you can go no further.  Pray that you would know the perfect timing of God’s help when you need His strength.  “But you, O LORD, be not far off; O my Strength, come quickly to help me.”  Psalm 22:19 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Asking For Help When Needing Mercy.  Pray for a greater realization of just how much you are in need of God’s mercy.  Pray that a proper understanding of what you do, and what you don’t, deserve would fill you with gratitude for God’s mercy.  Pray with thanksgiving for a God who hears and is merciful in your time of need.  “Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me; O LORD, be my help.”  Psalm 30:10 (NIV)

Thursday:  Asking For Help When Needing Protection.  Pray that God would fill you with great hope as you wait for Him to act with perfect timing.  Pray for God’s presence within you to be the shield of protection you need.  Pray that your patient endurance would be rewarded by a protection that can only come from God.  “We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.”  Psalm 33:20 (NIV)

Friday:  Asking For Help When Feeling Estranged.  Pray for a greater practice and desire to draw near to God, especially at times when you feel distant.  Pray for a confidence in knowing that God hears you and responds to you when you call out to Him from wherever you are.  “Hear my prayer, O LORD, listen to my cry for help; be not deaf to my weeping.  For I dwell with you as an alien, a stranger, as all my fathers were.”  Psalm 39:12 (NIV)

Saturday:  Asking For Help When Afraid.  Pray that God would fill you with His peace when the things of this world are frightening.  Pray that you would recognize the comfort of God holding your hand in the midst of fearful situations.  Pray that your walk with God would be a comfort to others when they are afraid.  “For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”  Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Foundation of Prayer!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Foundation of Prayer!

“When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.”
Nehemiah 1:4 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about our need to build for revival on a foundation of prayer!  I suspect one of the big reasons we need to seek God’s help in our prayer life is the command to “devote yourselves to prayer”.  If God had said to simply pray when you feel like it, or when it’s convenient, most of us could handle that.  But devoting ourselves to prayer is an entirely different task.  When confronted with the devastating condition of Jerusalem, Nehemiah  laid a foundation of prayer in order to see God’s perspective of what was needed.  When we go to God about our prayer life, we open our self up to His instruction and guidance in the way we relate to Him.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine just how devoted to prayer you are.  Pray that you would understand your need for God’s  help in this part of your relationship with Him — as in all other parts.  Pray that you would be always watchful and thankful as you pray — both qualities that will require God’s help.  Pray that your desire for revival would be built upon a foundation of prayer.

“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 each of us build with a foundation of prayer.

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: Pursue.  Spend time with God considering, even writing out, what it would look like for you to pursue God wholeheartedly.  Pray that your whole heart would be involved in seeking God.  Pray that you would pursue God in a conversation with Him which leads you to a right foundation for revival.  “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”  Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)

Tuesday: Repent.  As you pray, listen for God to reveal not just actions, but even thoughts for which you need to turn to Him in repentance.  Pray that you would turn to God for the strength and courage to change the things that need revived in your life.   “Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart.”  Acts 8:22 (NIV)

Wednesday: Act.  Spend the necessary time listening to God so that your prayers result in God-led action.  Pray that you would see and respond to the opportunities that God gives you.  Pray about how your action of spending time with God prepares you to build.  “If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?”  James 2:16 (NIV)

Thursday: Yield.  Empty yourself daily of your will so that the focus of your prayers would be fully yielded to God.  Pray that God’s will would not only be done, but that it is your priority.  Pray for a desire to build on the foundation laid by Jesus.  “He went away a second time and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.'”  Matthew 26:42 (NIV)

Friday: Encourage.  Pray that you would be filled with, and share, encouragement as you cry out to God as a way of life.  Pray for wisdom in using the stories of your struggles to encourage others.  Pray that you would be encouraged, even as you encourage others, in pursuing a revived life.  “You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry.”  Psalm 10:17 (NIV)

Saturday:  Rejoice!  Recognize, and rejoice, in the greatness of God being found by all who would seek Him.  Pray for a heart that constantly rejoices as you live in the presence of God.  Pray that your desire to build on a solid foundation of godly wisdom would result in rejoicing by you and those around you.  “Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.”  Psalm 105:3 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Missions For Everyone!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Missions For Everyone!

“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)

As we continue our Lifestyle of Prayer emphasis, this week’s focus is a reminder to pray for the mission work supported by you and your congregation.  God expects every believer to be involved in sharing the good news of Jesus everywhere we go.  For some, that calling is to a coworker in a community that you’ve spent your entire life in.  For others, that calling is to take the gospel message to a people group in a distant land that you’ve never been to until responding in obedience to God’s calling.  For many, that calling is somewhere between those two examples as we carry the gospel message everywhere we go.  As we pray about the spread of the gospel, we also pray about our part in taking the message of Jesus to all the world.  Our involvement in missions ought to be an integral part of who we are as a Christian.  We give financially to missions so that their work would not be hindered by a lack of resources.  We pray fervently for missions so that we would hear how God wants to work through them, and through us in partnership with them.  As you pray for the missions and missionaries you know, pray that they would have fruitful labor as you ask God to fill them with the characteristics listed below.

“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 the work of full-time missionaries, as well as your work as a missionary.

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: Encouragement.  Pray that God would help you find ways to encourage those directly involved in mission work throughout the world.  Pray that you would be known as one who refreshes the hearts of others.  Pray that those being served by our missions would be encouraged.  “Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.”  Philemon 1:7 (NIV

Tuesday: Provision:  Pray that each mission would have all that is needed for their work as Christians around the world are “credited” with being the instrument God uses to meet the needs of missionaries.   Pray that  you would know God’s provision as you give to others.  “Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account.  And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:17,19 (NIV)

Wednesday: Wisdom:  Pray for a wisdom that comes from God as our missionaries make decisions.  Pray for the patience that is required to know God’s wisdom.  Pray that the good news of Jesus being shared through our missions would be accepted as godly wisdom.  “Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him.”  2 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

Thursday: Effectiveness:  Pray that the work of missionaries would be effective in reaching people with the good news of Jesus.  Pray for a knowledge of doors which have been opened for effective work.  Pray that an obedience to those open doors would bear much fruit for the kingdom.  “But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.”  1 Corinthians 16:8-9 (NIV)

Friday: Boldness:  Pray that the missionaries, and yourself, would be filled with a boldness to proclaim the gospel as we ought.  Pray for the courage to fear God more than the threats of men.  Pray for a spirit of love to fill the bold message of the gospel.  “Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.”  Acts 4:29 (NIV)

Saturday: Faithfulness:  Pray for missionaries to be great examples of faithfulness and that they would be filled with joy by the faithfulness of those who hear the message from them.  Pray for a faithfulness to the knowledge of the truth in both message and practice.  “It gave me great joy to have some brothers come and tell about your faithfulness to the truth and how you continue to walk in the truth.”  3 John 1:3 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Final Words!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Final Words!

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” 
Hebrews 12:2-3 (NIV)

Our “Lifestyle of Prayer” emphasis this week will focus on a return to the words of Jesus from the cross.  As we spend the week reflecting on Resurrection Sunday, it is fitting to not only consider the sacrifice Jesus made, but to apply His very words to how we pray.  As you pray this week, use the topics to help you pray through difficulties, through weakness, through loneliness, through concern for others, and most importantly through the eyes of Jesus.  Pray for a greater awareness of the things Jesus went through to bring salvation to you.  Pray about how the words of Jesus will help you know the fullness of His love for you.  Pray that you would realize how you are part of the joy that was set before Jesus as He endured the cross.  Pray that your life would reflect the message of the cross to the people around you.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”
Ephesians 6:18 (NIV) 

Please pray each day for God to help you learn from the words spoken by Jesus from the cross.

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: Father, Forgive Them.  Pray for a growing awareness of the fullness of God’s forgiveness extended toward you.  Pray that you would learn to forgive others, just as in Christ you are forgiven.  Pray that the people you see today would realize and accept the Father’s forgiveness.  “Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.”  Luke 23:34

Tuesday: You Will Be With Me.  Pray that you would live each day with a knowledge of God’s presence with you through His Spirit.  Pray that your life and words would be an invitation for others to live in the presence of Jesus.  Pray that the people you interact with today would have a desire to know, and be known, by Jesus.  “Jesus answered him, ‘I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.’”  Luke 23:43

Wednesday: Behold, Your Son.  Pray about how God would have you respond to those with no family.  Pray that you would know of God’s care for you when you feel alone.  Pray that you would live as God’s family with those who have no other family.  “When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, ‘Dear woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.”  John 19:26-27 

Thursday: Why Have You Forsaken Me.  Pray for the courage to cry out to God whenever you feel discouraged.  Pray for those who feel forsaken by God; that you would represent Jesus well to them.  Pray for the humility to love and serve those who feel abandoned.  “About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?’–which means, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’”  Matthew 27:46

Friday: I Thirst.  Pray that you would always hunger and thirst for righteousness so that you would be satisfied.  Pray that you would know the value of God’s completed work in satisfying your thirst.  Pray that the people you see today would have a real thirst for the things of God.  “Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, ‘I am thirsty.’”  John 19:28

Saturday:  It Is Finished.  Pray for an increasing appreciation for the work completed by Jesus on the cross.  Pray that you would be filled with a wisdom from God that helps you live life to the full each day that God gives you.  Pray that you would be actively involved in helping people be ready for the time their life on earth is finished.  “When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”  John 19:30 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Time of Suffering!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Time of Suffering!

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.  But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”  
1 Peter 4:12-13 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about our identification with the suffering of Christ.  Jesus stated that we would have trouble in this world but we should not be overwhelmed, rather we should take heart, because He has overcome the world.  As we consider the death of Jesus on the cross, we understand that His time to die was actually good news for all who sin . . . which is everyone.  When Christ calls all who would follow Him to take up our cross daily, He does it with an awareness that we must die to self in order to be raised to new life.  In our prayer time we will seek to learn how to rejoice in the suffering we experience because of our relationship with Christ.  As you pray this week, talk to God not only about your suffering but about how you can help and encourage others who suffer.  Pray that you would experience the goodness of God in the midst of your suffering.  Pray the glory of God is revealed in you as you die to self and live for Christ.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”
Ephesians 6:18 (NIV) 

Please pray each day for God to help you know the value of joining in His suffering.

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: Worthy to Suffer.  Pray that you would not be ashamed of living with the name “Christian”.  Pray that your relationship with Jesus will always be worth more to you than avoiding suffering.  Pray for a growing recognition of the honor it is to be identified with Christ.  “The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.”  Acts 5:41 (NIV)

Tuesday: Rejoice in Suffering.  Pray that you would rejoice as you trust God to produce good things in you through your suffering.  Pray that you would persevere when you suffer for doing right.  Pray that your identification with Jesus would lead you to a steadfast endurance.  “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance.”  Romans 5:3 (NIV)

Wednesday: Share in Suffering.  Pray that your suffering for the sake of Christ would help you realize that you will also share in His glory.  Pray that you would always desire an inheritance with Christ more than the rewards of this world.  “Now if we are children, then we are heirs — heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”  Romans 8:17 (NIV)

Thursday: Comforted in Suffering.  Pray that you would be comforted in your suffering and that you would be a comfort to others in their suffering.  Pray that you would be filled with, and share, a great hope as you know the comfort of God which surpasses your suffering.  “And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.”  2 Corinthians 1:7 (NIV)

Friday: Fellowship in Suffering.  Pray that you would see suffering for the sake of Christ as a fellowship with Him in His sufferings on your behalf.  Pray that you would know Christ in a way that fills you with a confidence in joining His resurrection.  “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.”  Philippians 3:10-11 (NIV)

Saturday:  Obedience in Suffering.  Pray that you would follow the example of Jesus and learn obedience to God through the suffering that you experience.  Pray that your time in God’s Word would help you learn the lessons which suffering produces.  Pray for the humility to be obedient even in suffering.  “Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered.”  Hebrews 5:8 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Time of Remembrance!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Time of Remembrance!

“The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’  In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.’”
1 Corinthians 11:23-25 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about some things God wants us to remember.  When Jesus ate with His disciples the night before His arrest and crucifixion, He did so in remembrance of the angel of death passing over the children of Israel who had followed God’s instructions.  He took that moment of remembrance and used it to ask His followers to remember His sacrifice which has the power to free us from the penalty of death.  As we remember the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, we will also spend time praying about remembering some things that God doesn’t want us to forget.  Things that we know, or have known, but would be good for us to remember . . . again.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you remember.  Pray that you would remember the sacrifice of Jesus on your behalf.  Pray that you would remember the way of life God calls you to live.  Pray that you would remember to put into practice the things God wants you to never forget.

“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 remember the things He views as important.

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:  Remember to Be Generous.  Pray that you would remember to be generous with the things you sow into the lives of others.  Pray that your generosity would reflect the things of eternal value.  Pray that your generosity would result in an abundance of godly fruit.  “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”  2 Corinthians 9:6 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Remember the Poor.  Pray that you would be eager to remember, and care for, the poor.  Pray that God would fill you with the wisdom necessary to care for the poor as you ought.  Pray that you would remember, and reflect, God’s compassion for the poor.  “All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.”  Galatians 2:10 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Remember To Pray For Others.  Ask God to help you remember to pray for the people He has placed in your life.  Pray that your prayers would be filled with thankfulness as you remember others.  Pray that God would help you be an example to others as you grow in a life of prayer.  “I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.”  Ephesians 1:16 (NIV)

Thursday:  Remember Your Victories.  Pray that you would remember the victory obtained when God’s light first came upon you.  Pray that you would be able to stand firm as you remember the victories God has given you.  “Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering.”  Hebrews 10:32 (NIV)

Friday:  Remember Those In Prison.  Pray that you would be filled with compassion as you remember those who are in prison — whether in a literal or figurative prison.  Pray that you would share in the sufferings of those who are imprisoned and/or are being mistreated.  “Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.”  Hebrews 13:3 (NIV)

Saturday:  Remember Your Leaders.  Pray that you would hold fast to the teachings of the leaders who have shared the word of God with you.  Pray that you would imitate the way of life of godly leaders so that your life is also worth imitating.  “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.”  Hebrews 13:7 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Being Watchful!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Being Watchful!

“Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?”  He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them.  When you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.”
Luke 21:7-9 (NIV)

This week our prayer focus will be on our need to pay attention to the happenings of life with a view of an eternal perspective.  We often see in Scripture that Jesus often noticed things that were different from what others paid attention to.  When we become distracted by the things of this world, Jesus desires to turn our attention to the things we ought to watch out for.  The goal is not to frighten us, but to challenge us with the need to be ready for eternity as we notice the signs of a failing world.  As you pray, ask God to help you be aware of the attempts of the enemy to destroy you.  Pray that your relationship with Jesus would fill you with His presence in a way that gives you the strength, wisdom, and courage to always be watchful.  Pray that your desire to know Christ and the power of His resurrection would be greater than any other desire you have.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”
Ephesians 6:18 (NIV) 

Please pray each day for God to help you notice things from an eternal perspective.

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:  Watch Out for Betrayers.  Pray that God would protect your heart and mind from the damage caused by betrayers.  Pray that your trust of God would fill you with peace.  Pray that you would watch yourself in a way that you would not betray others.  “Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues.”  Matthew 10:17 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Watch Out for False Teaching.  Pray that God would help you to be devoted to His teachings so that false teaching would not deceive you.  Pray that God’s Spirit would help you hold fast to the truth of God’s Word.  “For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and miracles to deceive the elect — if that were possible.  So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time.”  Mark 13:22-23 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Watch Out for Hypocrisy.  Pray that God would surround you with people whose lives match their words.  Pray that you would always be on guard against the temptation to be someone different than who God says you are.  “Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: ‘Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.’”  Luke 12:1 (NIV)

Thursday:  Watch Out for Greed.  Pray that you would always be on guard against the desire to measure yourself, and others, by the things that are owned.  Pray for courage in resisting all the temptations of dissatisfaction.  “Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.’”  Luke 12:15 (NIV)

Friday:  Watch Out for Opposition.  Pray that God would help you to see the source of any opposition you face.  Pray that you would be on guard against those who would oppose the message of the gospel.  “Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done.  You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.”  2 Timothy 4:14-15 (NIV)

Saturday:  Watch Out for Error.  Pray that the confidence you have in Christ would not make you blind to the temptation of error others may entice you with.  Pray that God’s Word would equip you to notice and avoid error.  “Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position.”  2 Peter 3:17 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Lord Of All!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Lord Of All!

“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
Acts 2:36 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will consider the position of Jesus as Lord of all.  It has been said that every one of us make the choice each day as to whether Jesus is Lord of all or not Lord at all.  This is a choice we make with our life more than our words, because sometimes our words aren’t as accurate as they ought to be.  While the word or title of lord is used in many contexts throughout Scripture and in the world today, most English translations of the Bible use the word LORD to signify the personal name of God.  It is in this context of Jesus being God that He is indeed Lord of all.  As you pray this week, ask God to strengthen your conviction regarding Jesus being both Lord and Christ.  Pray that your life would show a submission to the Lordship of Jesus in all things.  Pray for a consistency in your actions that would match your words proclaiming Jesus as Lord.  Pray that you would know the righteousness and compassion of the One who is Lord of all.  Pray that you would live in such a way that the people around you would learn to call upon the Lord and be saved.

“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 grow in your understanding of Jesus being Lord of all, including Lord of your life.

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:  Lord Of All Blessing.  Pray that you would know the blessings of the Lord which are given without partiality.  Pray that the way you bless others would always display a unity which overcomes the divisions of this world.  Pray for all people to call upon the name of the Lord.  “For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile — the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him.”  Romans 10:12 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Lord Of All Comfort.  Pray that Jesus would be the source and substance of the comfort you need in any situation.  Pray that the comfort you receive from God would be reflected in the way He comforts others through you.  “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.”  2 Corinthians 1:3 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Lord Of All Grace.  Pray that you would be aware of the unmerited favor God extends to you through His great love.  Pray that Jesus would be Lord not only in the grace you receive, but also in the way you extend grace to those around you.  “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”  2 Corinthians 13:14 (NIV)

Thursday:  Lord Of All Work.  Pray that all of your work, whether paid or unpaid, would be done with a full awareness of Jesus being the Lord of that work.  Pray that the way you work would help others see your reverence for Christ.  Pray that your desire to please Christ would exceed your desire to please self or others.  “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.”  Colossians 3:23 (NIV)

Friday:  Lord Of All Peace.  Pray that you would know Jesus as the One who brings peace that surpasses understanding.  Pray that you would rejoice in God’s ability to bring peace in the way that is just right for every circumstance for you and for the people around you.  “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”  2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV)

Saturday:  Lord Of All Strength.  Pray that you would know the strength of the Lord and His ability to empower you as His messenger even through your weakness.  Pray that you would not only be strengthened by God, but that you would know the power of His Word to overcome all obstacles.  “But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it.”  2 Timothy 4:17 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: King of Kings!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

King of Kings!

“He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.”
Daniel 7:14 (NIV)

Who’s in charge?  How much authority has Jesus been given by His Father?  What do you and I do about the authority of Jesus?  How does it apply to us?  This week  in our Lifestyle of Prayer emphasis we will look at some scriptures about the authority of Jesus.  When Jesus is proclaimed as King of Kings, God is stating He has authority over all other authorities.  As  you pray, ask God to help you be submissive to the authority of Christ in all things.  Pray that your obedience would grow in a way that represents Jesus well to all you meet.  Pray for a greater understanding of the eternal nature of God’s authority and how that authority has been revealed in Jesus.  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.

“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 grow in your understanding of Jesus being in charge of all things.

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:  King Over Heaven and Earth.   Pray that you would open every aspect of your life to the authority of Jesus.  Pray that your life would be lived with Jesus as King.  Pray for a submissive spirit that finds contentment and joy in your obedience to Christ.  “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.’”  Matthew 28:18  (NIV)

Tuesday:  King Over Teaching.  Pray that you would accept the teachings of Jesus as having authority in your life.  Pray that you would let God’s authority be present when you share scripture.  Pray that you would greatly value the teachings of Jesus as you recognize Him as King over all things.  “The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.”  Mark 1:22 (NIV)

Wednesday:  King Over Forgiveness Of Sins.  Pray that you would live with confidence because of the authority of Jesus to forgive sins.  Pray for a willingness to identify your own sins in order to submit them to the authority of Jesus.  Pray that you would help others to know the authority of Jesus over sin.  “But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins….”  Mark 2:10 (NIV)

Thursday:  King Over Evil Spirits.  Pray that you would look to Jesus as the One with authority over evil spirits and over the attacks of Satan in your life and in the lives of others.  Pray that you would submit to the authority of Jesus in a way that leaves no room for evil of any kind.  “All the people were amazed and said to each other, ‘What is this teaching? With authority and power he gives orders to evil spirits and they come out!’”  Luke 4:36 (NIV)

Friday:  King Over Judgement.  Pray that you would have no reason to fear the authority of Jesus to judge.  Pray that you would leave the eternal judgment of people to the King who has the authority to do so.  Pray that the people around you would understand His authority to judge all things.  “And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man.”  John 5:27 (NIV)

Saturday:  King Over Give Eternal Life.  Pray that you would never forget that it is Jesus who has the authority to give eternal life.  Pray that you would share the news of eternal life with others.  Pray that the people around you would come to know Jesus as the only way to life eternal.  “For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him.”  John 17:2 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Immeasurably More Scripture!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Immeasurably More Scripture!

“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)

This week’s prayer focus is about the usefulness of God’s Word in our life.  As we pray about experiencing immeasurably more scripture, it isn’t about finding additional scripture that has not yet been revealed rather it is about growing daily in our application of God’s Word to everyday life.  In Paul’s second letter to Timothy, we have a list of some of the things that God says Scripture is useful for if we were to value it and apply it to everything we do.  Sadly, many have come to view Scripture as more inspirational than transformational.  In reality, it is only truly inspirational if it inspires us to draw near to God and be transformed.  As you pray, ask God to help you accurately evaluate how much time you spend reading, studying, and meditating on the Word of God.  Pray that your love for God’s Word would grow as your understanding of its usefulness grows.  Pray that your life would be guided in every way by the truth of God’s Word.  Pray that the usefulness of God’s Word in your life would cause you to share it at every opportunity.

“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 grow in your understanding and use of Scripture in your life.

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: Scripture From God.  Pray that you would have a proper view of Scripture as coming from God and not from man.  Pray that God’s Spirit would give you insight into what He has spoken through His Word.  “For prophecy [God’s Word] never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”  2 Peter 1:21 (NIV)

Tuesday: Scripture For Teaching.  Pray that you would hold fast to God’s Word as useful in teaching you how to live a life pleasing to God.  Pray that your devotion to the Word of God would prepare you to teach others.  “For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.”  Ezra 7:10 (NIV)

Wednesday: Scripture For Rebuking.  Pray that you would listen to the wise rebuke of God’s Word in your life.  Pray that you would use God’s Word in wisely rebuking others with great care and love when it is necessary.  “It is better to heed a wise man’s rebuke than to listen to the song of fools.”  Ecclesiastes 7:5 (NIV)

Thursday: Scripture For Correcting.  Pray that you would heed the correction that God desires to give you through His Word.  Pray that God’s Word would be the basis for any correction of others that you do.  “Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.”  Job 5:17 (NIV)

Friday: Scripture For Training.  Pray that you would reject the myths of the world and seek to be trained by God’s Word.  Pray that you would cling to God’s Word as the true source of training in godliness.  Pray for wisdom in using God’s Word to train others in godly ways.  “Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.”  1 Timothy 4:7 (NIV)

Saturday:  Scripture For Equipping.  Pray that the application of God’s Word in your life would equip you for every good work He desires.  Pray that you would make God’s Word the very core of your task of helping others to be equipped for the work God has created for them to do.  “May the God of peace . . . equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”  Hebrews 13:20-21 (NIV)