Lifestyle of Prayer: Practical Wisdom (Part Four)!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Practical Wisdom (Part Four)!

“Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips.”
Proverbs 22:17-18 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis is week four in a series based on “thirty sayings for you, sayings of counsel and knowledge” found in Proverbs 22 – 24.  I believe that the best definition I have heard for wisdom is that it is “the practical application of knowledge.”  As  you read scripture, I pray that you recognize God’s desire has always been that we would not just know what His Word says, but that we would live it!  As you pray this week, ask God to help you accept His teachings to the extent that you would put them into practice.  Pray for the courage to apply God’s Word to every aspect of your life.  Pray that you would live life with the wisdom that comes from God in such a way that others would desire to know Him.  Pray for your faith to increase as you trust the ways of God to mold you more into His image each day.  Pray that wisdom is more than another word to learn, but that it becomes a way of life for you.  Pray for a spirit of unity among brothers and sisters in Christ as we grow in our love for one another.  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 apply the practical wisdom that He gives.

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:  Wisdom of Consequences.  Pray that you would have the wisdom to see how each of your choices have consequences.  Pray that you would apply the wisdom of knowing consequences to yourself first rather than pointing fingers at others.  “Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?”  Proverbs 23:29 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Wisdom of Contentment.  Pray that God would fill you with a contentment that gives you wisdom.  Pray that you would be able to see beyond the temporary appearances that make wickedness seem desirable.  Pray that contentment would guard your desire for the fruits of wickedness.  “Do not envy wicked men, do not desire their company.”  Proverbs 24:1 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Wisdom of Foundations.  Pray that your desire would be to have a life built on the foundation of godly wisdom.  Pray that God would fill you with the understanding of how His wisdom will lead you to the establishment of a house worth living in.  “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established.”  Proverbs 24:3 (NIV)

Thursday:  Wisdom of Power.  Pray that you would know the power of godly wisdom that exceeds the strength of men.  Pray that you would have the wisdom to live by the strength of God’s Word and His Spirit rather than through your own abilities.  “A wise man has great power, and a man of knowledge increases strength.”  Proverbs 24:5 (NIV)

Friday:  Wisdom of Appropriateness.  Pray for a wisdom from God that gives you appropriate words to say when needed.  Pray that the words you share with others would reflect the practical application of God’s Word in your life in a way that leads them to seek Him.  “Wisdom is too high for a fool; in the assembly at the gate he has nothing to say.”  Proverbs 24:7 (NIV)

Saturday:  Wisdom of Reputation.  Pray for the wisdom to avoid the planning, and acting, of evil which would destroy your reputation among unbelievers.  Pray that your “reputation among outsiders” would be one of integrity and godly righteousness.  Pray for the wisdom to avoid the schemes used by the enemy in an attempt to distract you from God.  “He who plots evil will be known as a schemer.”  Proverbs 24:8 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Practical Wisdom (Part Three)!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Practical Wisdom (Part Three)!

“Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips.”
Proverbs 22:17-18 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will continue a series based on “thirty sayings for you, sayings of counsel and knowledge” found in Proverbs 22 – 24.  As I continue through these “sayings of the wise”, I can’t help but think of the words from James which tell all who lack wisdom to ask God.  I wonder how often you and I have read that passage from James, asked God for wisdom, then sat back and wondered why it never appeared to arrive.  I also wonder how many of those times the wisdom we were in need of had already been given by God in His Word.  Many times I find myself asking God for wisdom and instead of a direct answer that I would want, He points me to places in scripture where the wisdom I need can be found.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you really listen to the wisdom He has already provided.  Pray for the courage to apply the words of wisdom God has provided.  Pray that the wisdom of God’s Word would be familiar to you so that it is always “ready on your lips.”  Pray for a spirit of unity among brothers and sisters in Christ as we grow in our love for one another.  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 apply the practical wisdom that He gives.

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:  Wisdom of Heart.  Pray to have a heart that would always seek after true wisdom which comes from God.  Pray that the desires and direction of your heart would always be filled with godly wisdom.  Pray that the wisdom of God that you fill your heart with would gladden those around you.  “My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad.” Proverbs 23:15 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Wisdom of Zeal.  Pray for the wisdom to notice, and correct, the desires of your heart.  Pray that you would see beyond the temporary attraction that sin often offers.  Pray that your life would be driven by a fear of the Lord which seeks to honor Him.  “Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD.”  Proverbs 23:17 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Wisdom of Advice.  Pray for wisdom in choosing where you get the advice you follow.  Pray that you would check all advice you receive with God’s Word to make sure it is godly advice.  Pray that the advice you give others would help them stay on the right path.  “Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path.”  Proverbs 23:19 (NIV)

Thursday:  Wisdom of Parents.  Pray for the ability to find and accept wisdom from previous generations.  Pray for parents to have the courage to live life in a way that shows godly wisdom to their children.  Pray that you would live and act with the wisdom of a parent to those who have no parents to look up to.  “Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.”  Proverbs 23:22 (NIV)

Friday:  Wisdom of Truth.  Pray for the wisdom to not only seek truth, but to guard it in your life at all costs.  Pray for a discerning spirit that both knows truth and holds on to it.  Pray that you would be one that speaks truth in love when you absolutely must speak.  “Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline and understanding.”  Proverbs 23:23 (NIV)

Saturday:  Wisdom of Ways.  Pray that your heart would be set on God as you seek to keep His ways.  Pray that you would have people in your life who show wisdom of ways by their example.  Pray that the ways of your life would be a godly example to the people around you.  “My son, give me your heart and let your eyes keep to my ways.”  Proverbs 23:26 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Practical Wisdom (Part Two)!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Practical Wisdom (Part Two)!

“Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips.”
Proverbs 22:17-18(NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will continue a series based on “thirty sayings for you, sayings of counsel and knowledge” found in Proverbs 22 – 24.  When paid attention to, these principles can become “lighthouses” that aid in our safe travels through times of rough water and darkness.  Even on good days, they become landmarks to remind us we are on the proper course.  As you pray this week, it is important to remember that these are principles to guide us and shape us into the godly people we are called to be.  Pray that you would be most concerned with learning from and applying these principles in your own life rather than first hammering someone else with them.  Pray that you would have a teachable spirit which is open to both the Word and Spirit of the living God instructing you in the way you ought to live.  Pray for the humility to live out these principles of practical wisdom without coming across to others as a “know-it-all”.  Pray for a spirit of unity among brothers and sisters in Christ as we grow in our love for one another.  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 apply the practical wisdom that He gives.

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:  Wisdom of Restraint.  Pray that you would learn to live with restraint when it comes to acquiring “stuff”.  Pray for the wisdom to both know when enough is enough and to share out of all that God provides.  Pray for the wisdom to know what is worth pursuing with a whole heart (God) and what isn’t (everything else).  “Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint.”  Proverbs 23:4 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Wisdom of Discernment.  Pray for the discernment to know, and avoid, the traps others may set.  Pray that  God would give you the wisdom to recognize when a situation you face seems out of character for those involved.  Pray that you would not set your desires on things which belong to others.  “Do not eat the food of a stingy man, do not crave his delicacies.”  Proverbs 23:6 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Wisdom of Silence.  Pray that you would be “quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.”  Pray for the wisdom to be silent when faced with situations when your words would not be productive.  Pray for the courage to avoid foolish arguments.  “Do not speak to a fool, for he will scorn the wisdom of your words.”  Proverbs 23:9 (NIV)

Thursday:  Wisdom of Respect.  Pray that you would value the boundaries for life that God has set in His Word.  Pray for the wisdom to respect the property of others even when they seem powerless to protect it.  Pray for the wisdom to know the difference between godly “ancient boundaries” and those set by man.  “Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless.”  Proverbs 23:10 (NIV)

Friday:  Wisdom of Instruction.  Pray for a heart which is open to instruction as you live with a teachable spirit.  Pray for the wisdom to apply the instruction that God provides through His Word and through the people around you.  “Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.”  Proverbs 23:12  (NIV)

Saturday:  Wisdom of Discipline.  Pray that you would value the receiving of discipline even more than you desire seeing others disciplined.  Pray for the wisdom to apply discipline fairly, both in the lives of other and in your own life.  “Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with the rod, he will not die.”  Proverbs 23:13 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Practical Wisdom (Part One)!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Practical Wisdom (Part One)!

“Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips.”
Proverbs 22:17-18(NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will begin a series based on “thirty sayings for you, sayings of counsel and knowledge” found in Proverbs 22 – 24.  God’s Word is meant to be “powerful and active” in our life, but for it to become most effective we must put it into practice.  Wisdom from God’s perspective always involves a practical application of the instruction He gives.  Rather than a focus on acquiring information, godly wisdom is something God expects us to put into practice in every aspect of our life.  As you pray this week, ask God to fill you with a wisdom that is practical in nature.  Pray that you would consider these “sayings of the wise” God has given us for our good.  Pray each day about how you will put this practical wisdom into practice.  Pray that your relationship with God would continually lead you into greater wisdom in your interactions with others.  Pray that the way you apply the wisdom you receive from God would lead others in seeking practical wisdom from Him.  Pray for understanding as you, and others, grow in the practice of wisdom.  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 apply the practical wisdom that He gives.

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:  Wisdom of Compassion.  Pray for the wisdom to have compassion toward those you may have some level of power over.  Pray that godly wisdom would lead you to care for those who the world would say are “less fortunate”.  “Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court.”  Proverbs 22:22 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Wisdom of Association.  Pray for the wisdom to carefully consider the temperament of those you choose to most closely associate with.  Pray that you would submit your temper and anger to God so that association with you would be beneficial to others.  “Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered.”  Proverbs 22:24 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Wisdom of Responsibility.  Pray for the wisdom to know the responsibility of the financial obligations you consider before you would commit to them.  Pray that your promises, whether in finances or other areas of life, would not be give lightly.  “Do not be a man who strikes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts.”  Proverbs 22:26 (NIV)

Thursday:  Wisdom of Boundaries.  Pray for the wisdom to respect the boundaries marked out by those before you who have listened to God.  Pray that God would lead you to understand the purpose of boundaries and that you would not attempt to cheat Him, or others, by moving those boundaries.  “Do not move an ancient boundary stone set up by your forefathers.”  Proverbs 22:28 (NIV)

Friday:  Wisdom of Learning Skills.  Pray for the wisdom to know, and improve, the skills God has given you.  Pray that you would help others to improve their skills.  Pray that God would make Himself known to others through the skills He has entrusted you with.  “Do you see a man skilled in his work?  He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men.”  Proverbs 22:29 (NIV)

Saturday:  Wisdom of Moderation.  Pray for the wisdom to consider how your actions will appear to others.  Pray that you would apply the wisdom God gives as you represent Him before others.  Pray that godly wisdom would lead you to a life of moderation in all things.  “When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony.”  Proverbs 23:1-2 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Set Your Mind!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Set Your Mind!

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
Colossians 3:2 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on setting our mind on the things of God.  Our actions eventually follow the direction  we set our mind upon, so it is critical to pay close attention to our thoughts if we want to have actions which honor God.   Fortunately, God’s Word gives us direction on how to set our mind on things above.  As we fill our minds with the Word of God, we find that His Spirit transforms our thought life in a way that nothing else could.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine your thoughts so that you would know where your mind is typically set.  Pray that you would be diligent about setting your mind on things above as you seek to honor Christ with your thoughts.  Pray for the courage to reject thoughts and ideas which are not pleasing to God.  Pray for a mind which is renewed by the power of God’s transforming Spirit.  Pray that the people around you would know you as one whose thoughts are pure.  Pray for a steadfast mind that is not easily swayed by the changing winds of false doctrine.  Pray for a mind that can separate out what is false and cling to what is true.  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 set your mind on the things of His kingdom.

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:  An Unworried Mind.  Pray for a confidence in your relationship with Christ that keeps you from worrying about how you would defend that relationship.  Pray that you would make a deliberate decision not to worry about the thoughts of others.  “But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves.”  Luke 21:14 (NIV)

Tuesday:  An Opened Mind.  Pray that your mind would be opened in a way that helps you to understand and apply the truth of Scripture.  Pray that you would have discernment when your mind is opened so that it is only the truth of God’s Word which you find acceptable.  “Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.”  Luke 24:25 (NIV)

Wednesday:  A Spirit-Controlled Mind.  Pray for the courage to allow God’s Spirit to lead your mind in the way of life and peace.  Pray for a submissiveness to God’s Spirit that would lead your mind away from death.  “The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.”  Romans 8:6 (NIV)

Thursday:  A Renewed Mind.  Pray that you would be fully changed as you allow God to renew your mind.  Pray that you would not conform your mind to the things of this world as you set your thoughts on the things of God.  “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”  Romans 12:2 (NIV)

Friday:  A Prayerful Mind.  Ask God to give you a mind that is clear in your prayerful communication with Him.  Pray that you would always be deliberate and thoughtful in the things you talk to God about.  “So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind.”  1 Corinthians 14:15 (NIV)

Saturday:  A Unity of Mind.  Pray that having a mind set on the things of Christ would help you to connect with others who are like-minded.  Pray that you would be filled with joy as you live life together with those who are like-minded in Christ.  Pray that you would bring complete joy to others as you share a unity of mind in pursuing God’s love, spirit, and purpose together.  “Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.”  Philippians 2:2 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: God’s Greatness!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

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

“I will proclaim the name of the LORD.
Oh, praise the greatness of our God!”
Deuteronomy 32:3 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on the “greatness of our God!”  I appreciate the foundation that was built in my life by my parents as one of my earliest memories is of reciting, “God is great. God is good.  Let us thank Him for this food.”  To be honest, it didn’t mean a lot to me as a prayer in those early years but it did plant deep within me the truth of God’s greatness and His goodness — as well as a gratefulness for His provision.  How much we talk, or don’t talk, about the Lord our God probably says more about our view of His greatness than we might care to admit.  As you pray this week, ask God to fill you with a fuller awareness of His greatness.  Pray that you would boldly share with others about God’s greatness.  Pray for the desire to honor God for His greatness rather than seek that greatness for yourself.  Praise God for the many aspects of His greatness as you consider how He has chosen to use it for mankind’s good — including your good.  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 know, and share, His greatness.

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:  God’s Great Name.  Pray that you would honor the great name of God by living as one He has made His own.  Praise God for honoring His own name by His acceptance and pursuit of you even when you didn’t deserve it.  “For the sake of his great name the LORD will not reject his people, because the LORD was pleased to make you his own.”  1 Samuel 12:22(NIV)

Tuesday:  God’s Great Strength.  Pray that you would know the great strength of God’s redeeming power.  Pray that you would always serve God faithfully as you consider His mighty strength that was used to redeem you from your sins.  “They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand.”  Nehemiah 1:10 (NIV)

Wednesday:  God’s Great Mercy.  Pray that God would look upon you with His great mercy.  Praise God for His consistency which assures you of His mercy every time you turn to Him and seek Him with a whole heart.  Pray that your life would show the greatness of God’s mercy to others.  “Remember, O LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old.”  Psalm 25:6 (NIV)

Thursday:  God’s Great Love.  Pray that you would know the greatness of God’s love as it spreads over your life.  Pray for the courage to not only receive God’s great love, but to share it freely with those around you.  Pray that you would know the faithfulness of God as He extends His love to you.  “For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.”  Psalm 57:10 (NIV)

Friday:  God’s Great Works.  Pray that you would pay attention to the great works of God which surround you.  Pray for eyes that would notice the works of God and for a mind that would ponder on the greatness of God displayed in His mighty works.  “Great are the works of the LORD; they are pondered by all who delight in them.”  Psalm 111:2 (NIV)

Saturday:  God’s Great Glory.  Pray that you would always sing of and proclaim the greatness of God’s glory.  Pray that your life would reflect the glory of God as you share with others about His ways.  Pray that you would consistently be overwhelmed by the glory of God.  “May they sing of the ways of the LORD, for the glory of the LORD is great.”  Psalm 138:5 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Good Riddance!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Good Riddance!

“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.  Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.”
Ephesians 4:30-31 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on some things that God says we need to get rid of.  While it may be a little early for traditional spring cleaning, it is always the right time to do some “spring cleaning” in our life as we draw near to God.  While the prayer focus this week will be on things to get rid of, it is important to note that we must be filling our life with the things of the Spirit as we clean out the things that don’t belong.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you see the things of an old life that should be gone.  Pray that you would have the desire to live as a new creation as you put away the things of this world.  Pray for compassion and understanding as this being made completely new in righteousness and holiness is a continuing process for both you and those around you.  Pray for the courage to say “Good riddance!” to the things of this world that keep you from fully pursuing God.  Pray for wisdom in filling your life with the things which honor Christ.  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 identify and remove the things from your life that He would want you to be rid of.

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:  Get Rid of Bitterness.  Pray that you would look for, and remove, the seeds of bitterness in your life before they take root.  Pray that the grace of God applied in your life would keep you from becoming bitter toward others.  “See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.”  Hebrews 12:15 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Get Rid of Rage.  Pray that you would remove the roar of rage from your life in every interaction you have with others.  Pray for a life that shows favor to others rather than frightens them from pursuing God.  “A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.”  Proverbs 19:12 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Get Rid of Anger.  Pray that you would be diligent about removing all traces of the anger that keeps you from the righteous life God desires for you.  Pray that you would always follow God’s instructions on anger and deal with it appropriately.  “Take note of this: Everyone should be . . . slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.”  James 1:19-20 (NIV)

Thursday:  Get Rid of Brawling.  Pray that you would carefully remove your attitudes that lead you to “pick a fight” with others.  Pray for the wisdom to lead others away from wandering into a grave filled with brawlers of every background.  “Therefore the grave enlarges its appetite and opens its mouth without limit; into it will descend their nobles and masses with all their brawlers and revelers.”  Isaiah 5:14 (NIV)

Friday:  Get Rid of Slander.  Pray that you would carefully examine your words about others as you ask God to help you remove slander from your speech.  Pray that God would protect you and others from the dangers of slander.  “Do not go about spreading slander among your people.  Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s life. I am the LORD.”  Leviticus 19:16 (NIV)

Saturday:  Get Rid of Malice.  Pray for God’s help in examining your motives in everything as you remove all traces of malice.  Pray that you would not be led into doing anything with evil intent through the temptations of deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander.  “Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.”  1 Peter 2:1 (NIV)