July 15, 2018 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Be Merciful!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Be Merciful!

“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
Luke 6:36 (NIV)

After two weeks focused on being a good neighbor, this week’s prayer guide will center in on the quality that defined being a neighbor in the story of the Good Samaritan — showing mercy. It can be easy to live with two sets of standards (and that’s another issue to pray about) when it comes to mercy. The mercy we expect, and need, from others is often far greater than the mercy we freely extend. Yet, God’s standard is Himself. His desire is that we learn to be merciful to others, and to our self, in the same way He is merciful. The more we understand and accept God’s mercy, the more we will know the mercy He wants us to extend. No one ever deserves mercy — it really wouldn’t be mercy if we deserved it. As you pray this week, thank God for being a merciful God. Pray that you would pay attention to how you do, or don’t do, at showing mercy. Pray that God would help you to be a more merciful person each day. Pray that your recognition, and acceptance, of God’s mercy would lead you to be a more merciful person. 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 be merciful to others, just as He is merciful to you.

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: Be Merciful In Forgiveness. Pray that you would live with the freedom that comes from being forgiven by God. Pray that you would show mercy to others as you forgive them just as you have been forgiven. “Yet he was merciful; he forgave their iniquities and did not destroy them.” Psalm 78:38 (NIV)

Tuesday: Be Merciful To One Another. Pray that you would be thankful for God making things right between you and Him through the mercy He has extended. Pray that you would follow God’s example in extending mercy and compassion to the people around you. “This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.’” Zechariah 7:9 (NIV)

Wednesday: Be Merciful In Service. Pray that you would know the mercy of God that has called you into His service. Pray that you would be diligent in your ministry to others as you serve because of the mercy of God. “Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.” 2 Corinthians 4:1 (NIV)

Thursday: Be Merciful To Receive Mercy. Pray for an awareness of how God’s mercy frees you from the judgment you deserve. Pray that you would show mercy to others, even when your first reaction is to pass judgment. “Judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!” James 2:13 (NIV)

Friday: Be Merciful In Abundance. Pray that you would seek God as the source of receiving an abundance of mercy and peace through His love. Pray that you would be merciful to others as you share with them the abundance of God’s mercy, peace, and love. “Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.” Jude 1:2 (NIV)

Saturday: Be Merciful To Doubters. Pray for an awareness of how God’s tender mercies have helped you walk through all of your doubts. Pray that you would have patience with those who doubt as you share with them a mercy that comes from God. “Be merciful to those who doubt.” Jude 1:22 (NIV)

Extra Prayer Focus: Pray for Impact Prayer Ministry as I look to God for the resources needed to supply a request from a prison chaplain to put a prayer-based devotional book and Bible reading calendar into the hands of 750+ inmates for Christmas.

Lifestyle of Prayer: Good Neighbors (Week 2)!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Good Neighbors!
(Week 2)

“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”
The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
Luke 10:36-37 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis is the second of two weeks focused on being a good neighbor. As we looked at this topic last week, we found that God not only expects us to treat our neighbors well, He expects us to be a neighbor to all we meet. How we treat others says much more about us than it ever will about them. Being a good neighbor means we look at everyone as God looks at them and we seek to serve them just as Christ has served us — sacrificially. As you pray this week, ask God to help you broaden your view of who your neighbor really is. Pray that you would be more concerned about being a good neighbor to all than about limiting the list of people who are your neighbor. Pray that Jesus would be visible in the way you treat everyone — from those you consider least to those you consider great. 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 be a good neighbor to those around you.

Monday: Submit As a Neighbor. Pray for the humility needed to not always have to be right in matters of opinion. Pray that God would help you to consider the needs of others above your own. Pray that your relationship with Jesus would help you to submit to others. “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Ephesians 5:21 (NIV)

Tuesday: Teach and Admonish As a Neighbor. Pray that both the teaching and admonishing you do would be done with the attitude of a good neighbor. Pray that you would receive teaching and admonishment so that you can live as a better neighbor. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16 (NIV)

Wednesday: Forgive As a Neighbor. Pray that the forgiveness you have received from God would help you to forgive others. Pray that you would not hold your neighbor’s sins against them anymore than God has held yours against you. “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13 (NIV)

Thursday: Encourage As a Neighbor. Pray that you would gather with fellow believers for the purpose of encouraging one another. Pray that your heart would not be hardened by sin as you live in harmony with those who are your neighbors. “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Hebrews 3:13 (NIV)

Friday: Spur On As a Neighbor. Pray that your faith would challenge others to love and good deeds just as their faith challenges you to be more Christ-like. Pray for purity in the things you spur others on to. “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Hebrews 10:23-24 (NIV)

Saturday: Fellowship As a Neighbor. Pray that you would seek out fellowship with others who are walking in the light of Jesus. Pray that your fellowship with others, and with Christ, would help them to know you as a good neighbor. “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7 (NIV)

July 1, 2018 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Good Neighbors!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Good Neighbors!

This week’s prayer emphasis will be the first of two weeks focused on being a good neighbor. In the fourth chapter of Genesis, Cain asks God, “Am I my brother’s keeper?”. It seems that the implied answer from God is, “Yes, you should have been!”. When Jesus was asked by a man trying to justify his own indifference, “Who is my neighbor?”, Jesus told a story about who we refer to as the “Good Samaritan”. At the end of the story, Jesus turns the question around and asks who the neighbor was in the story. The man rightly replies, “The one who showed mercy.” At this answer, Jesus tells him to “go and do likewise.” As you pray this week, ask God to help you be the neighbor He wants you to be. Pray that all of the “one anothers” that surround you would be treated as neighbors. Pray that you would know the mercy God has shown you so that you can have that same kind of mercy on others. 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 be a good neighbor to those around you.

Monday: Love As A Neighbor. Pray that your love for people would help them to know you as a disciple of Jesus. Pray that your love for people would make you a good neighbor to all those you encounter. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 (NIV)

Tuesday: Be Devoted As A Neighbor. Pray that you would show proper devotion and honor to others. Pray that you would value others in a way that makes them believe you are a good neighbor that can be counted on. “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:10 (NIV)

Wednesday: Accept As A Neighbor. Pray that God would be praised because you accept others in the same way Christ accepted you. Pray that you would look for those who feel unaccepted so that you can be a good neighbor to them. “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” Romans 15:7 (NIV)

Thursday: Serve As A Neighbor. Pray that you would be eager to serve others with the freedom you have in Christ. Pray that you would live as one who is free to serve your neighbors with all that God has given you. “You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.” Galatians 5:13 (NIV)

Friday: Endure As A Neighbor. Pray that you would “put up” with others as they “put up” with you. Pray that you would live with the humility necessary to endure any hardships associated with being a good neighbor. “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:2-3 (NIV)

Saturday: Be Kind and Compassionate As A Neighbor. Pray that your words and attitude would show kindness to others. Pray that God would help you remove all things from your life that keep you from being a good neighbor to all. “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)

June 24, 2018 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Greater Things!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Greater Things!

“I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.”
John 14:12 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus will be about seeking, and doing, greater things. It is easy to walk through life each day settling for “good enough” when God wants us to look to Him for “greater things”. In fact, we are so used to settling that we generally find it unbelievable that Jesus would say we can do even greater things than He had done during His ministry on earth. These words were spoken before His ultimate “great thing” of the death, burial, and resurrection so I believe being able to share that gospel news is a big part of the greater things in store for us to share with others. As you pray this week, ask God to help you seek the greater things He offers. Pray that your relationship with Jesus would equip you to do greater things as you serve people in His name. Pray that you would not be one that settles for lesser things when God wants to amply supply you with greater things. Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular. 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 seek, and do, the greater things He has for you.

Monday: A Greater Love. Pray that you would always be aware of the great love God has shown you through the laying down of the life of Jesus. Pray that you would love people like Jesus loves you. Pray for a willingness to sacrifice for the benefit of others. “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13 (NIV)

Tuesday: A Greater Gift. Pray that you would use all of the gifts God has given to you, but always within the context of the “greater gift” of love. Pray that God’s love would be expressed through you in ways that are “most excellent”. Pray that you would always desire the things God calls “greater gifts”. “But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way.” 1 Corinthians 12:31 (NIV)

Wednesday: A Greater Glory. Pray that you would seek the things of God which will endure. Pray that your appreciation for the things of glory that fade would lead you to discover the things of greater glory. Pray that your life would share with others about the glory yet to come. “And if what was fading away came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!” 2 Corinthians 3:11 (NIV)

Thursday: A Greater Value. Pray that you would accurately evaluate the value you place on the “treasures” of this world. Pray that you would learn to consider the cost of following Jesus to be of greater value than the things of the world. Pray that you would keep your eyes focused on the reward that has eternal value. “He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.” Hebrews 11:26 (NIV)

Friday: A Greater Testimony. Pray that you would view the testimony of God to be greater than the testimony of man. Pray that you would listen for truthful testimony and find that its source is from God. Pray that your life would be about sharing the greater testimony of God’s work in you. “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)

Saturday: A Greater Joy. Pray that you would find a greater joy than what the world can offer. Pray that you would receive joy from having children in the faith. Pray that you would bring greater joy to others by walking in truth. “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” 3 John 1:4 (NIV)

June 17, 2018 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Like a Child!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Like a Child!

“‘I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.”
Mark 10:15-16 (NIV)

As we continue to grow in A Lifestyle of Prayer, it is important to remember prayer should be a lifestyle, not an event. View prayer as your first priority, not as the last resort. With summer being a season of Vacation Bible Schools and summer camp sessions, I have updated a previous prayer guide with a focus not only on children, but on our need to come to God as His child. It is important to pray for our children, the children within our church congregation, and the children within our community. But it is also important to understand the ways that God wants each of us to approach Him as a little child. As you pray this week, ask God to watch over the children around you. Pray that you would learn from them as you seek to approach God like a little child. Pray for the wisdom to know the difference between child-like and childish. Pray for the humility needed to approach God from the perspective of a child. Pray for a unity of spirit among believers in general and among your church family in particular. 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 receive the kingdom of God “like a little child”.

Monday: A Worshipful Child. Pray that you would approach God with a heart and life of worship. Pray that your praise of God would overcome and silence His enemies. Pray that your worship would identify you as a child of God. “From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.” Psalm 8:2

Tuesday: A Kingdom Child. Pray that you would understand how you must change in a way that opens the kingdom of heaven to you. Pray for the courage to trust God with the changes He will make in your life when you live as His child. “And he said: ‘I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.’” Matthew 18:3

Wednesday: A Welcomed Child. Pray that nothing would hinder you from knowing the welcome of Jesus. Pray that you would not be a hindrance to others approaching Jesus to live as His child. Pray that your child-like faith would welcome you into God’s kingdom. “Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’” Matthew 19:14

Thursday: A Forgiven Child. Pray that you would know and accept the forgiveness God offers to all of His children. Pray that you would live in a way that forgives others just as God has forgiven you. “The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off — for all whom the Lord our God will call.” Acts 2:39

Friday: An Obedient Child. Pray that you would live a life that seeks to honor and obey your parents — no matter your age or theirs. Pray that your obedience to those God has placed over you would follow your obedience to Him. “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” Ephesians 6:1

Saturday: A Faithful Child. Pray that you would bring joy to those who have nurtured your faith. Pray that you would take great joy in hearing that those you have disciple continue to walk in the truth. Pray that your life would help others know, and walk in, truth. “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” 3 John 1:4

June 10, 2018 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Prepared!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Prepared!

“He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me,
and he prepares the way
so that I may show him the salvation of God.”
Psalm 50:23 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about our need to be prepared! A long time ago I had a mentor tell me that everything I was currently going through should be used as preparation for whatever God would lead me to next. Sometimes we are so busy looking for whatever is next that we miss the preparation time, and thus delay the next step because we are not prepared. God’s desire is that we would not only be prepared for an eternity with Him, but that we would also be prepared for our journey of life through this world we live in. When we are prepared with an open heart that honors God, we are more likely to see the salvation He offers. As you pray, ask God to help you do the things necessary for you to be prepared for the salvation which comes from Him. Pray that you would not be so anxious for whatever is next that you miss the preparation necessary. Pray for the endurance necessary to put in the preparation work that is needed in your life. Pray that you would do the things God has prepared for you. 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 prepare, and be prepared, for the things of His kingdom.

Monday: Prepared For An Inheritance. Pray that your interactions with people in this world would prepare you for a kingdom inheritance. Pray that you would know the blessings of God as you seek first His kingdom. “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.’” Matthew 25:34 (NIV)

Tuesday: Prepared For Glory. Pray that you would be prepared to receive the riches of God’s glory. Pray that you would know the preparation God has already done in order for you to receive His mercy. “What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory — even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles?” Romans 9:23-24 (NIV)

Wednesday: Prepared For Good Work. Pray that you would know the things in your life that you need to be cleansed from so that you will be prepared for noble purposes. Pray that you would allow God’s cleansing to prepare you for the good work He has for you. “If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.” 2 Timothy 2:21 (NIV)

Thursday: Prepared At All Times. Pray that you would always be prepared to share the Word of God with those who need to hear it. Pray that your times of preparation would include both “great patience and careful instruction”. “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage — with great patience and careful instruction.” 2 Timothy 4:2 (NIV)

Friday: Prepared For Action. Pray that you would be prepared to act on the things God calls you to do. Pray that you would be prepared by the grace of God to realize, and share, the grace of God which has been given to you. “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.” 1 Peter 1:13 (NIV)

Saturday: Prepared To Give an Answer. Pray that your life of preparation would begin by setting apart Christ as Lord in your life. Pray that your answers would be given with the gentleness and respect that people need. “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

June 3, 2018 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Grow!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Grow!

“Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.”
Ephesians 4:14-15 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about our need to grow! Far too often we think of church growth as being all about increasing attendance in a church building. When the Bible talks about our need to grow, it is most often talking about the individual Christian growing so that the body as a whole will be healthy and grow as God intends. When we spend time with God seeking to grow in Christ, we find that we are less distracted by the things the enemy will use in an attempt to keep us from maturing. When we grow in Christ, we become a healthy part of the body and as the body increases in health, it will grow both naturally and supernaturally. As you pray this week, ask God to help you see how you need to grow. Pray that you would never lose sight of the need for growth in your life. Pray that you would experience healthy growth in Christ that will benefit the entire body of Christ. Pray that your growth would be according to the instruction from your Head, Christ. 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 grow in the ways He would want.

Monday: Grow By God’s Power. Pray that you would know and follow the source of true growth. Pray that you would be actively involved in helping your growth even as you trust God’s power to cause it. “So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” 1 Corinthians 3:7 (NIV)

Tuesday: Grow In Love. Pray that you would grow in love as you care about others growing by you doing your part in the body. Pray that you would live in a way that everything is held together by godly 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)

Wednesday: Grow In Knowledge. Pray that you would grow in knowledge where it counts — knowledge of God. Pray that your knowledge would help you live a life that pleases the Lord. “And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.” Colossians 1:10 (NIV)

Thursday: Grow In Faith. Pray that you would grow in the faith required to love others as you ought. Pray that you would live by faith in a way that increases your love for others. “We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing.” 2 Thessalonians 1:3 (NIV)

Friday: Grow In Your Salvation. Pray that you would crave the things of God that will help you grow in your salvation. Pray that the goodness of the Lord would increase your desire to grow in Him. “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” 1 Peter 2:2-3 (NIV)

Saturday: Grow In Grace. Pray that your knowledge of God would help you grow in the grace of God extended to you. Pray that God’s grace in your life would help you to grow in the grace you are willing to extend to others. “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)