Lifestyle of Prayer: Growing Together In Love!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Growing Together In Love!

“From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”
Ephesians 4:16 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will have us praying about how God would have us grow together in love as the body of Christ.  With Christ as the head, God’s desire is that we would look to Him as the glue which holds us together both individually and as a church, and equips us to work in ways that helps us to grow together.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you submit to the Lordship of Christ in everything.  Pray that your growth in Christ would lead you to a greater love of God and of people.  Pray for a greater understanding of the work God has created for you that benefits the whole body.  Pray that love would guide your interactions and relationships with others.  Pray for a growing together in love that would represent Jesus well to all who are watching and listening.  Pray for the humility needed to help others grow and be built up together in love.

“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 be built up and grow together in love.

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:  Growing Together With Grace.  Pray that you would recognize  the power of God’s grace to help you grow together with other believers.  Pray that the word of grace given to us by God would help you know the inheritance that belong to those cleansed by Jesus.  “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”  Acts 20:32 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Growing Together With Your Neighbor.  Pray that you would serve your neighbors in the name of Jesus in ways that help them to grow.  Pray for the humility needed to see how being considerate of one another helps the body of Christ to grow together in love.  Pray for wisdom in knowing how to do what is good for others.  “Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.”  Romans 15:2 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Growing Together With The Church.  Pray that you would use and grow in the gifts God has given you and that your use of them would build up the church.  Pray that your eagerness to know the gifting of God’s Spirit would be matched by a desire to excel in growing together.  “So it is with you.  Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.”  1 Corinthians 14:12 (NIV)

Thursday:  Growing Together With Speech.  Pray that you would set a guard on your mouth so that your speech would build up those who listen.  Pray that God would help you to learn what others need so that your words would be helpful in growing together.  “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”  Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

Friday:  Growing Together Through Encouragement.  Pray that your interactions with people would be an encouragement that builds them up.  Pray that you would know the encouragement that God desires for you to receive and that you would grow together with others as you encourage one another.  “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”  1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

Saturday:  Growing Together In Faith.  Pray that as you seek God through His Spirit that you would be built up in faith through prayer.  Ask God to  help you grow together in faith as you pray for one another.  Pray that your life of faith would be an encouragement and help to others as you pray for them.  “But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.”  Jude 1:20 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: An Offering to God!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

An Offering to God!

“You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
1 Peter 2:5 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis follows up on last week’s focus on acceptable things as we center in on offerings which are acceptable to God.  God’s view of an acceptable offering, while including money and possessions, goes way beyond financial giving.  Because God examines the heart, every offering we make is seen by Him according to our motives rather than by its appearance alone.  When we first offer ourselves fully to God, the rest of the offerings we make can become spiritual sacrifices which are acceptable to Him.  As you pray this week, examine both the motives and actions of your offerings to God and to others.  Pray that your offerings would always honor Jesus and be acceptable to God.  Pray that your acceptable offerings would be expressed in all of the ways you give.  Pray that your priorities in life would be seen in the offerings you make.  Pray that you would always allow God to define that which is acceptable.   As schools are underway for the new school year, please continue praying for all students, parents, teachers, school staff, and board members of all the various schools in your community.

“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 in ways that offers yourself to Him.

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:  An Offering of Trust.  Pray that a trust of God would allow you to offer sacrifices that are acceptable to Him.  Pray that your offering of trust would begin with God and extend to the people He brings into your life.  Pray for a growing faith that allows you to trust fully in the sacrifice made on your behalf by Jesus.  “Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD.”  Psalm 4:5 (NIV)

Tuesday:  An Offering of Yourself.  Pray that you would offer yourself to God as an act of worship.  Pray that God’s mercy shown to you would lead you to be a living sacrifice.  Pray that your life would show others what  holy sacrifice looks like.  “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship.”  Romans 12:1 (NIV)

Wednesday:  An Offering of Sacrificial Gifts.  Pray for a willingness to sacrifice of yourself in order to meet the needs of others.  Pray that your giving to others would be pleasing to God.  Pray that your sacrificial gifts would help others know the love of Jesus for them.  “I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.”  Philippians 4:18 (NIV)

Thursday:  An Offering of Praise.  Pray that you would live a life that fully expresses the praise that God deserves.  Pray that your praise of God would flow from a heart that continually confesses the name of Jesus in all you do.  Pray that your offering of praise would help others know Jesus.  “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise — the fruit of lips that confess his name.”  Hebrews 13:15 (NIV)

Friday:  An Offering of Prayer.  Ask God to help you view even your prayers for others as an offering that is acceptable to Him.  Pray that you would be ready, willing, and diligent in offering prayers to God on behalf of others.  “And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.”  James 5:15 (NIV)

Saturday:  An Offering of Hospitality.  Pray that you would be hospitable to others as you care for their needs above your own.  Pray that God would give you a proper attitude in your acts of hospitality.  Pray that your caring for others would be an acceptable offering to God.  Pray that your offering of hospitality would represent Jesus well.  “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.”  1 Peter 4:9 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Acceptable In God’s Sight!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Acceptable In God’s Sight!

“All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart.  To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.”
Proverbs 21:2-3 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus will be about some things that God says are acceptable to Him and should be acceptable ways for His children.  Compromise has become a way of life as we determine what we can get by with.  We adjust our behavior based on what is acceptable wherever we might be.  Unfortunately, we often carry that over into our relationship with God but rather than find out what is acceptable to Him, we attempt to relate to God based on what is acceptable to the people around us.  This week we will be praying about our response, our gift, our saying, our worship, our religion, and our testimony as we consider what would make them acceptable to God.  As you pray, ask God to help you to know what is good and right in His sight.  Pray that you would seek to live a life that is acceptable to Him regardless of how others may view it.  Pray for the courage to do the right things so you don’t have to try in vain to make up for doing the wrong things.   As schools are underway for the new school year, please continue praying for all students, parents, teachers, school staff, and board members of all the various schools in your community.

“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 in ways that are acceptable in His sight.

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:  Acceptable Response.  Pray that your response to God would be based on His Word and instruction so that it is acceptable to Him.  Pray that you would call people to an acceptable response when they consider the work of God in their lives.  “Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.”  Acts 2:41 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Acceptable Gift.  Pray that your giving would be done with a cheerful heart according to what you have received.  Pray that your gift to God would be accepted as generous because you have given to Him according to all He has given you.  “For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.”  2 Corinthians 8:12 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Acceptable Saying.  Pray that the statement of your life would be a saying that is acceptable to God.  Pray that you would acknowledge your need of God.  Pray that your words would clearly communicate the good news of Jesus to all.  “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners — of whom I am the worst.”  1  Timothy 1:15 (NIV)

Thursday:  Acceptable Worship.  Pray that you would offer to God worship which is acceptable to Him in every way.  Pray that your worship would be consumed by God as a feast which is pleasing to Him.  “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our ‘God is a consuming fire.’”  Hebrews 12:28 (NIV)

Friday:  Acceptable Religion.  Pray that your religious practices would be accepted by God because you look after those who are in need.  Pray that you would seek God’s help in remaining pure and unpolluted.  “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”  James 1:27 (NIV)

Saturday:  Acceptable Testimony.  Pray that the testimony you give about God would be found acceptable to Him, and to others, because it is true.  Pray that God’s testimony about Jesus would always be greater to you than what people may say.  “We accept man’s testimony, but God’s testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son.”  1 John 5:9 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: The Gift of Work!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

The Gift of Work!

“I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor — it is the gift of God.” 
Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about knowing the gift of work.  God’s desire is that we would learn to enjoy both the fruit of our labor and the gift of having work that we can do.  While sin brought with it great hardship and toil, God had given Adam and Eve the work of caring for the garden, and enjoying its bounty, prior to sin coming into the world.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you see work as a gift rather than a curse.  Pray that you would daily go about your work as doing it for the Lord.  Pray that you would find value in your work and that you would value the work done by others.  Pray for a greater recognition of how God is using your work to meet your needs and the needs of others.  Pray that the value of your work would not be based on an income, but rather on an obedience to God. As schools are underway for the new school year, please continue praying for all students, parents, teachers, school staff, and board members of all the various schools in your community.

“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 values the gift of work.

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

Monday:  The Gift of Work Which Honors God.  Pray for the humility needed to let your work bring honor to God rather than yourself.  Pray that you would know the gift of integrity that comes from work which honors God.  “He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.”  John 7:18 (NIV)

Tuesday:  The Gift of Timely Work.  Pray that you would know, and do, the work which needs done now.  Pray that you would live with a sense of urgency when it comes to doing the work God has called His children to.  Pray that your work would help others know of the nearness of Christ and of His return.  “As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.”  John 9:4 (NIV)

Wednesday:  The Gift of Work Which Helps Others.  Pray that you would live with an awareness of how God wants your work to help others.  Pray that your work would be a blessing to you as it allows you to give to those in need.  “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”  Acts 20:35 (NIV)

Thursday:  The Gift of Work Which Is Tested.  Pray that you would live with an awareness that your work will be tested by God.  Pray that the quality of your work would reflect the God who has called you and equipped you for that work.  “His work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work.”  1 Corinthians 3:13 (NIV)

Friday:  The Gift of Remembered Work.  Pray that you would not lose heart in work that seems to go unnoticed.  Pray that your work would be motivated by love as you use it to  help others.  Pray for a spirit of perseverance as you trust God to remember the work done for Him.  “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”  Hebrews 6:10 (NIV)

Saturday:  The Gift of Working Together.  Pray that you would learn to work well with others.  Pray for a spirit of hospitality that welcomes others into the work God has for you to do.  Pray that your work with others would always be centered on knowing, and making known, the truth of God’s Word.  “We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men so that we may work together for the truth.”  3 John 1:8 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Receiving Help!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Receiving Help!

“In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me.
From the depths of the grave I called for help,
and you listened to my cry.” 
Jonah 2:2 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about receiving help when we cry out to God.  When you find yourself in times of distress, it is comforting to know that God listens when we cry out.  Even when our distress is of our own doing, God hears and responds to our calls for help.  As you pray this week, ask God to increase your faith so that you would call out to Him in times of trouble.  Pray that you would grow in your awareness of all God does to provide the help you need.  Pray for wisdom to see how God would use the help you receive from Him to provide help to others.  Pray for the humility needed to admit when you are in over your head and in need of help.  As schools get underway for the new school year, please continue praying for all students, parents, teachers, school staff, and board members of all the various schools in your community.

“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 received His 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:  Receiving Help From God.  Pray for a growing awareness of how God is an ever-present help.  Pray that God’s help in your life would lead you to testify about Him to all who would listen.  Pray that you would seek help from God in all circumstances that you face.  “But I have had God’s help to this very day, and so I stand here and testify to small and great alike.”  Acts 26:22 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Receiving Help From Those You Help.  Pray that you would receive help when needed as a response to the help you give others.  Pray that you would honor those you receive help from by helping others.  “I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many people, including me.”  Romans 16:2 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Receiving Help Through Prayer.  Ask God to help you learn to pray continually when you find yourself in need and feel all alone.  Pray about how God would have you be an answer to the prayers of those who are really in need.  “The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help.”  1 Timothy 5:5 (NIV)

Thursday:  Receiving Help By the Spirit.  Pray that you would value all that God has entrusted to you.  Pray for the help of God’s Spirit to guard the good news which He has made grow in your life.  Pray that God’s Spirit would help you to live with great wisdom and discernment.  “Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you — guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.”  2 Timothy 1:14 (NIV)

Friday:  Receiving Help When Tempted.  Pray that you would know, and use, the help that is found in Jesus to overcome temptation.  Pray that your life would share the value of having One who understands temptation to help when you are tempted.  Pray that God’s help would be made known to all who face temptation.  “Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”  Hebrews 2:18 (NIV)

Saturday:  Receiving Help With Mercy and Grace.  Pray for the confidence to approach God’s throne of grace to find the help you need.  Pray for the humility needed to receive the mercy and grace offered to those who approach God in their time of need.  “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”  Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Knowing God’s Protection!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

Knowing God’s Protection!

“May the LORD answer you when you are in distress;
     may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.” 
Psalm 20:1 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about the protection we have in Christ.  This protection is designed to keep us secure in our relationship with God as we journey toward an eternity with Him.  God’s protection isn’t designed to keep us from facing all trouble, in fact the Bible teaches that we will indeed face trouble of many kinds.  No, the protection is to guard our heart and mind in Christ Jesus in order to keep us pure and holy until the coming of Christ.  God has provided us with all that is needed, not to always protect us from trouble, but to protect us through troubles.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you live under the “roof” of His protection.  Pray that the troubles you face would not lead you away from God and His protection, but rather lead you to experience a greater fullness in your relationship with Him.  Pray that you would share with others about the protection that is available through Christ.  As schools get underway for the new school year, please continue praying for all students, parents, teachers, school staff, and board members of all the various schools in your community.

“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 knows His protection.

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:  Protected by Taking Refuge.  Pray that you would turn to God for refuge in your times of trouble.  Pray that you would rejoice as God’s protection is spread over you.  Pray about how God would have you share His refuge with others.  “But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy.  Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.”  Psalm 5:11 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Protected by Integrity.  Pray that your hope in God would fill you with integrity as you walk with Him.  Pray that a life and reputation of integrity would protect you as you walk through times of trouble.  Pray that you would be protected by the integrity of God even when your integrity is weak.  “May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you.”  Psalm 25:21 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Protected by Discretion.  Pray that you would have the discretion to not only know what to say, but also what not to say.  Pray that your discretion would not only protect you during times of trouble, but would also protect those around you.  Pray for a heart of understanding that will guide your actions with godly wisdom.  “Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.”  Proverbs 2:11 (NIV)

Thursday:  Protected by Wisdom.  Pray that God would fill you with the wisdom that He promises to give without finding fault.  Pray that you would use godly wisdom to protect you from the temptations that accompany trouble.  Pray that God’s Word would be the source of wisdom you share with others.    “Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.”  Proverbs 4:6 (NIV)

Friday:  Protected From the Evil One.  Pray that you would live in this world with the protection of God from the evil one.  Pray that the trouble of this world would not overcome you as you share in the experience of God’s protection.  Pray for wisdom in living a life that honors Christ as you resist evil.  “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.”  John 17:15 (NIV)

Saturday:  Protected by Love.  Pray that you would know the depth of God’s love as a source of protection.  Pray that the love of God that dwells within you would be visible to others through all circumstances of life.  Pray that your life would express God’s love in ways that draw others to His protection.  “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”  1 Corinthians 13:6-7 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Clothed With Christ!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Clothed With Christ!

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
Colossians 3:12-14 (NIV)

This week our Lifestyle of Prayer emphasis will focus on some characteristics that God says we should clothe ourselves with.  As students begin returning to school over the next few weeks, it would be good to pray about how they are clothed.  In fact, MCA will be using the above passage throughout the year to teach and encourage the students here to live as those clothed with Christ.  Like it or not, people often make assumptions about us based on what they see us wearing.  As a Christian, what are you wearing that would help people see Jesus?  As you pray this week, ask God to help you live as one chosen by God, holy and dearly loved!  Pray that you would be clothed with Christ in such a way that you represent Jesus well in everything you do.  Pray that your life would be an encouragement to others in the way they let Christ be seen through them.  Pray for all students, teachers, and school staff as schools begin a new year.

“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 those who are chosen and dearly loved.

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:  Clothed With Compassion.  Pray for a growing awareness of God’s compassion on you as one who is dearly loved.  Pray that your understanding of your own weaknesses would fill you with a compassion for others.  “As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.”  Psalm 103:13-14  (NIV)

Tuesday:  Clothed With Kindness.  Pray for courage to show kindness to others in ways that reflect the unusual kindness of God which He extends to you as one He has chosen.  Pray that you would be observant to the needs of others so that you would show meaningful kindness.  “The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold.”  Acts 28:2 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Clothed With Humility.  Pray that the example of Jesus would help you to live with humility in growing measure.  Pray that you would see the value and importance of others as being greater than your own.  Pray that God would work in your life to remove all traces of selfishness.  “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.”  Philippians 2:3 (NIV)

Thursday:  Clothed With Gentleness.  Pray for a desire, and practice, to be gentle with others in the way you represent Jesus.  Pray that God’s presence in your life would clothe you with a gentleness that is obvious to all.  Pray for wisdom to know what godly gentleness looks like in every situation you encounter.  “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”  Philippians 4:5 (NIV)

Friday:  Clothed With Patience.  Pray that your patience would grow as you learn to be still and experience the presence of God in times of uncertainty.  Pray for the courage to have patience with people as you wait upon the Lord.  “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.”  Psalm 37:7 (NIV)

Saturday:  Clothed With Forgiveness.  Pray for a growing awareness of God’s forgiveness that is offered through Jesus.  Pray that the forgiveness you receive from God would overflow into forgiveness that you extend to others.  Pray that being chosen by God would give you a desire to forgive as He has forgiven you.  “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”  Mark 11:25 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Sincere Love!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Sincere Love!

“Love must be sincere.  Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.  Honor one another above yourselves.  Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.  Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” 
Romans 12:9-14 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus will be about growing in the kind of love that God says is sincere.  If God’s love abides in us, it is supposed to show in our words and actions so that others will see Jesus through us.  How we live life doesn’t earn us favor with God, but it does reveal our love for God.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you grow in the way your love for Him is expressed.  Pray for the wisdom to make loving choices in all of your interactions with people.  Pray for the humility needed to see others as God sees them.  Pray for the courage to value people simply because they have been created in the image of God.  Pray for a total transformation of your heart and mind in order to love others like Jesus loves you.  Pray for a covering of grace for yourself, and others, when the love expressed needs improvement. 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 live with sincere love.

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:  A Loving Righteousness.  Pray that you would grow in a righteousness that can distinguish between good and evil.  Pray for a sincerity in hating evil in your own life as much as you hate it in the lives of others.  Pray for eyes that see and cling to the good that God produces in your life and in the lives of those around you.  “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.”  Romans 12:9 (NIV)

Tuesday:  A Loving Devotion.  Pray that you would grow in the way you care about and honor others.  Pray for a love that results in a devotion to others that would put their needs above your own.  Pray for a willingness and practice of honoring others in ways that lift them above yourself.  “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.”  Romans 12:10 (NIV)

Wednesday:  A Loving Eagerness.  Pray for a freshness of spirit that results in an ever-increasing desire to serve God.  Pray that you would be eager to serve, knowing that it is the Lord you are serving.  Pray for a refreshing from God that overcomes the weariness of your flesh when you serve.  “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”  Romans 12:11 (NIV)

Thursday:  A Loving Attitude.  Pray for a prayerful attitude that helps you to be joyful and patient even when circumstances are less than ideal.  Pray that God would fill you with hope that is seen and shared by the joy others see in you.  Pray for the ability to live with patient endurance as you experience the many afflictions this life brings with it.  “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”  Romans 12:12 (NIV)

Friday:  A Loving Generosity.  Pray for eyes that see the needs of others and for a loving heart that overflows with generosity.  Pray for a sincere awareness of all that God has given you for the purpose of sharing with others.  Pray for God’s help in overcoming all of your excuses that keep you from being hospitable.  “Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”  Romans 12:13 (NIV)

Saturday:  A Loving of Your Enemies.  Pray for the humility needed to treat your enemies just as Christ treated you while you were an enemy of His in your own mind.  Pray for wisdom in knowing tangible and meaningful ways to bless those who persecute you and those you disagree with.  Pray for a sincere love that seeks the best for those who would be considered enemies.  “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”  Romans 12:14 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Understanding the Time!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Understanding the Time!

“And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.” 
Romans 13:11 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus will be about understanding the present time and living according to God’s will.  God’s desire is that our understanding of the present time would lead us to wake up and show others His love even as we live in expectation of the fruit of the salvation we experience in Jesus.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you not only understand the times, but make the most of them.  Pray that you would live in the moment with your eyes focused both on the work He has for you now and the future He has prepared for you throughout eternity.  Pray that you would know this moment as the time God has given you to make the good news of Jesus known to the people around you.  Pray that your life would lead others to decide it is time for them to follow 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 understand the times and live accordingly.

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:  Time For Refreshing.  Pray that you would experience the refreshing of your spirit that comes as a result of repentance.  Pray that you would live with clean hands and heart as you look for the refreshing that comes from God.  Pray that you would share God’s refreshing with others.  “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”  Acts 3:19 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Time For Doing Good.  Pray that you would know that the time for doing good is now.  Pray that you would not let weariness keep you from doing the good that God has called you to.  Pray that your eyes would stay focused on the harvest of righteousness God has promised to the faithful.  “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”  Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Time For Peace.  Pray that you would live with an awareness of the peace that comes from God’s presence in your life.  Pray that you would seek peace with God and allow His peace to direct your way of life.  Pray that the people around you would see how God is the source of your peace in all situations.  “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)

Thursday:  Time For Learning.  Pray that you would grow in your learning so that you would be prepared to teach others.  Pray for the humility needed to accept the teachings of God’s Word so that you would be able to share it with others.  “In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!”  Hebrews 5:12 (NIV)

Friday:  Time For Discipline.  Pray that you would accept the lessons that come through God’s discipline.  Pray that you would allow discipline to do its work in your life.  Pray that the people around you would experience the fruit of God’s discipline.  “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”  Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)

Saturday:  Time For Humility.  Pray that you would know the value of humility.  Pray for a greater understanding of how God lifts you up at the right time when you submit to Him in humility.  Pray that your willingness to humble yourself would help others to see how you lift up God and how He lifts up you.  “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”  1 Peter 5:6 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Together By Design!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Together By Design!

“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.  From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” 
Ephesians 4:15-16 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus will be about being the body of Christ as you live life together with others by His design.  God’s Word teaches us His plan and design for a healthy body with Christ as the Head and each member of the body doing its part.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you seek and understand His design for your part in His body.  Pray that you would not only know your own great value in God’s design, but that you would value those around you who are in your life by God’s design.  Pray for the courage to grow and work together with greater understanding and acceptance of the differences that exist among the different parts of God’s family.  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 do life together with others by His design.

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:  Together With One Head By Design.  Pray that you would live with a greater awareness of Christ as the head of all things.  Pray that your life would share with others the great joy that comes from living by God’s design.  Pray that you would grow in relationship with others as you come together under one Head.  “To bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.”  Ephesians 1:10 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Joined Together By Design.  Pray for wisdom in joining together with others in becoming a suitable dwelling for God’s presence.  Pray for greater courage in doing life together by God’s design.  Pray for the humility needed to join with others in representing Jesus to your community.  “In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.”  Ephesians 2:21 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Held Together By Design.  Pray that you would grow in your trust of God to hold together that which He has called to Himself.  Pray that you would always turn to God when it seems that things are falling apart.  Pray that you would become a bold messenger of how God holds together all who are found in Him.  “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”  Colossians 1:17 (NIV)

Thursday:  Growing Together By Design.  Pray that you would know God’s desire for you to continually grow in your relationship with Him.  Pray about how God’s presence in your life can be used to help others grow.  Pray for a greater willingness to give God glory for the growth He brings.  “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever!”  2 Peter 3:18 (NIV)

Friday:  Built Up Together By Design.  Pray that you would continually grow in your encouragement of others as you build them up by God’s design.  Pray that you would value the people around you as you each give and receive the encouragement that builds up the body of Christ.  “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”  1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

Saturday:  Working Together By Design.  Pray that you would show hospitality to others as you see the value of each part of the body doing its work.  Pray that you would be faithful in doing the work God has designed for you as you represent His truth to others.  Pray that the world would see Jesus clearly in the way you work with others.  “We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men so that we may work together for the truth.”  3 John 1:8 (NIV)