May 19, 2019 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Setting An Example!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Setting An Example!

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”
1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV)

Our prayer focus this week is on setting an example in various areas of our life so that no one would have legitimate reasons to look down on us. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who really wants to be looked down upon, but I have encountered many that seemed to do little to keep that from happening — in fact, there are times I’m sure I’ve been one of those. God says that a good way to keep people from looking down on us for superficial reasons is to build a life of godly character. As you pray this week, ask God to help you to accurately examine the example you are currently setting. Pray that you would have the courage to live above reproach in every area of your life. Pray for wisdom in applying God’s Word in ways that make you an example without being pretentious. Pray for the humility needed to help others grow even as you work on your own example. 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 live as an example that lifts Him up to others.

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 Example Beyond Appearances. Pray that your relationship with Jesus would be the most noticeable thing about you. Pray for the courage and humility needed to let Jesus shine through your human weaknesses. “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13 (NIV)

Tuesday: An Example In Speech. Pray that the graciousness of your speech would rise above what people might expect. Pray for the wisdom to see how the words you use are heard by people — both people who are similar to you and people who may be very different from you. “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Colossians 4:6 (NIV)

Wednesday: An Example In Life. Pray that your life would reveal to others a wisdom and understanding that can only come from God. Pray that you would live with humility in such a way that people would see the hand of God present in the way you live life. “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.” James 3:13 (NIV)

Thursday: An Example In Love. Pray that you would know the fullness of God’s love expressed through Jesus Christ so that you would love others with the same fullness. Pray that you would continually grow in the way you express love, using the sacrificial love of Jesus as your example. “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.” 1 John 3:16 (NIV)

Friday: An Example In Faith. Pray that you would live with a faith that can be seen in what you do. Pray that the things you do each day would be consistent with your expressed faith. Pray that others would see your faith active within your deeds so that they would be encouraged in their faith. “You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.” James 2:22 (NIV)

Saturday: An Example In Purity. Pray that you would choose actions that are pure and right, even when doing so is not easy. Pray that the value you place on purity would be part of your godly reputation. Pray for the courage to live by a standard God would consider pure rather than settling for the world’s definition of purity. “Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right.” Proverbs 20:11 (NIV)

May 12, 2019 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Family Time!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Family Time!

“A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families, he leads forth the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.”
Psalm 68:6 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer time on a return to the topic of The Family! With Mother’s Day beginning the week here in the U.S., it seemed like a good time for me to revisit this prayer guide I first wrote a number of years ago. When done well, the family is a vital place for people to find comfort, encouragement, instruction, and correction. That is a true statement not only for the families we are born into, but for the family of God that we belong to as His children. As you pray this week, ask God to help you value each part of your family — both at home and in the church. Pray that the families around you would look to God for the instruction and strength to do family well. Pray that God would help you to grow in serving each member of the family. Pray that your church congregation is a place where each person is a valued part of the family, regardless of how they fit in their “real” family. 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 value each part of the family and to see yourself as a valuable part of the family.

Monday: Children. Pray for children to be brought up in the fear and knowledge of the Lord in a safe and nurturing environment. Pray that each child, of any age, would honor their parents. Pray for the wisdom to help children know they are valued greatly by God. “Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him.” Psalm 127:3 (NIV)

Tuesday: Moms. Pray that the work done by moms, both in and out of the home, would be filled with satisfaction and joy. Pray that mothers would have godly patience with their children. Pray that your life would give your mom, and the women around you, reason to rejoice. “May your father and mother be glad; may she who gave you birth rejoice!” Proverbs 23:25 (NIV)

Wednesday: Dads. Pray that dads would be involved in the lives of their children in positive and wholesome ways. Pray that they would teach their children about God by their words and actions. Pray that you would live in such a way that you are a delight to your father. “The father of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him.” Proverbs 23:24 (NIV)

Thursday: Marriage. Pray that the marriages in your congregation and community would be strengthened and protected. Pray that both husband and wife would feel loved and valued. Pray for the courage to live in purity in all of your relationships. “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.” Hebrews 13:4 (NIV)

Friday: Grandparents. Pray that they would be valued members of the family and church congregation. Pray that their wisdom and experience would be passed on to the next generation. Pray for the humility to treat those older than you with respect and understanding. “Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.” 1 Timothy 5:1-2 (NIV)

Saturday: Single Adults. Some are single by choice, some not. Pray that each would be filled with great peace and hope as they serve God and rely on Him to surround them with healthy relationships. Pray that God would fill their desire — whether that desire is to stay single or be married. Pray that you would learn to be comfortable with yourself. “I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 7:35 (NIV)

May 5, 2019 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Seek God!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Seek God!

“Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers righteousness on you.”
Hosea 10:12 (NIV)

Because I enjoy photographing wildlife, I am often asked where I find the various subjects of my photos. The basic answer is really quite simple — “Where I look.” The more complex answer involves knowing both where to look and where not to look but also in not being surprised at the occasional appearance somewhere unexpected. For me, the process of seeking God is similar — I find Him where I look but if I’m not looking with an expectation of finding, I will probably walk away thinking He’s not there. As you pray this week, ask God to increase your desire to seek Him at all times. Pray that you would look for Him, and find Him, in all the details of the life He would have you live. Pray that the seeds of righteousness being planted would bear great fruit in your life and the lives of others as you seek God. Pray that a life of seeking God would help you to find Him in both expected and unexpected places. 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 be a wholehearted pursuer of Him.

Monday: Seek Earnestly. Pray that God would help you evaluate just how earnestly you seek Him. Pray that your seeking of God would constantly be moving from casual desire to a greater longing for His presence. “O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” Psalm 63:1 (NIV)

Tuesday: Seek Humbly. Pray that your pursuit of God would be filled with a humility that leads to obedience. Pray for the courage to seek God from a position of humility that recognizes His great love for you. Pray for the wisdom to help others see themselves as God sees them. “Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands.” Zephaniah 2:3 (NIV)

Wednesday: Seek Wholeheartedly. Pray that God would cleanse your heart of anything that would get in the way of your seeking Him fully. Pray that your desire to seek God would lead you to do so with all your heart. Pray that you would be an example to others who need to find God. “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)

Thursday: Seek While You Can. Pray that you would know God’s willingness and desire to be found by you. Pray for a greater recognition of God’s nearness to you. Pray that the people around you would seek God while the opportunity exists and that they would find Him to be very near. “Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.” Isaiah 55:6 (NIV)

Friday: Seek Joyfully. Pray that you would find joy in the process of seeking God, as well as in finding Him. Pray for a spirit that is turned toward God so you have reason to rejoice when you encounter Him. Pray that the people around you would see the joy that you have in the Lord and seek Him. “Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.” Psalm 105:3 (NIV)

Saturday: Seek From Wherever You Are. Pray that you would always seek God no matter where you are. Pray that the people around you would know that God can be found from wherever they are if they would only seek Him fully. “But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Deuteronomy 4:29 (NIV)

April 28, 2019 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: What Kind of Person?

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: What Kind of Person?

“Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.”
2 Peter 3:11-14 (NIV)

After writing about God’s patience, Peter reminds us that the day of the Lord will indeed happen — on God’s timetable, not ours. With that reminder, he asks the question, “What kind of people ought you to be?”. To avoid speculation, he goes on to answer the question and those answers will be the basis for our prayer focus this week. When we live life in Christ, He expects it to be a new life — meaning that we ought to be a different kind of person that what we once were. As you pray this week, ask God to help you identify specific areas of your life in which you may need additional work to be the kind of person you ought to be. Pray for the courage to set aside your old way of life in order to be a new kind of person. Pray for God’s help to make the changes you need to make. Pray for the humility and grace needed to walk in unison with brothers and sisters who, like you, are at different stages of becoming the kind of person they ought to be. 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 be the kind of person you ought to be by being the kind of person He created you to be.

Monday: A Holy Person. Pray that you would choose to live a life dedicated to God. Pray for the humility to allow God’s holiness to transform your life into a holy one. Pray that you would look to Jesus as both the One who calls you to holiness and the One who makes you holy. “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.” 1 Peter 1:15 (NIV)

Tuesday: A Godly Person. Pray that you would seek God with a desire to reflect His nature in your life. Pray for the courage to live a godly life that is known by the Lord. Pray to be the kind of person who is known as one that the Lord hears. “Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD will hear when I call to him.” Psalm 4:3 (NIV)

Wednesday: A Watchful Person. Pray that you would make the most of the opportunities that exist because of God’s patience. Ask God to help you be devoted to prayer as you watch how He is working around you. Pray that you would be the kind of person who others look to as being both watchful and thankful. “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Colossians 4:2 (NIV)

Thursday: A Spotless Person. Pray that you would allow God’s refining to purify you when you stumble. Pray that you would be the kind of person who seeks God’s help in being cleansed to the point of being spotless. “Some of the wise will stumble, so that they may be refined, purified and made spotless until the time of the end, for it will still come at the appointed time.” Daniel 11:35 (NIV)

Friday: A Blameless Person. Pray that you would have a heart of discernment that would keep you both pure and blameless. Pray for the wisdom to seek and know what is best and to pursue it in a blameless way in a world that wants you to settle for less. “So that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ.” Philippians 1:10 (NIV)

Saturday: A Peaceful Person. Pray that you would be the kind of person who finds peace with God and shares that peace with others. Pray that your faith in God would lead you to seek peace in all areas of your life and in your relationships with others. “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1 (NIV)

April 21, 2019 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Dressed For a New Life!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Dressed For a New Life!

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 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.”
Colossians 3:1, 12-13(NIV)

As we begin the week celebrating the resurrection of Jesus, it is a good time to pray about how we should live as those who have been raised with Christ. God says that because we have been raised with Christ, it is important that we dress appropriately each day. Just as clothing is important to our physical life, being dressed spiritually is critical as we seek to represent Jesus to the people around us. We wouldn’t think of going about daily life undressed and being clothed daily with the things of Christ is a necessary part of our walk as a Christ-follower. As you pray this week, ask God to help you go out into the world each day fully dressed. Pray that you would be dressed fully in Christ as you live a new life each day. 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 be dressed for the new life He has given to you.

Monday: Dressed With Compassion. Pray that you would know the compassion of your heavenly Father in a way that leads you to a greater compassion for others. Pray that you would daily dress yourself with compassion as you represent Jesus to others. “As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.” Psalm 103:13 (NIV)

Tuesday: Dressed With Kindness. Pray for a greater awareness of how God’s kindness came to earth in the human form of Jesus. Pray that God’s love would fill you in a way that both experiences His kindness and leads you to put on kindness every day as you interact in a world that can be very unkind. “I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love.” Hosea 11:4 (NIV)

Wednesday: Dressed With Humility. Pray that you would have the wisdom to see yourself and others according to God’s view rather than man’s view. Pray that you would put on humility daily as you consider the needs of others to be more important than your own. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3 (NIV)

Thursday: Dressed With Gentleness. Pray for God’s help in dressing with a gentleness that is evident to others each day. Pray that the nearness of God to you would be a daily reminder to clothe yourself with gentleness. Pray that your gentleness would be a reflection of God’s gentleness toward you. “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” Philippians 4:5 (NIV)

Friday: Dressed With Patience. Pray that you would constantly be aware of God’s patience with you as He continually draws you to Himself. Pray that you would choose to wear the cloak of patience each day as you look for the Lord’s coming. Pray that your patience would help others to know of God’s patience. “You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.” James 5:8 (NIV)

Saturday: Dressed With Forgiveness. Pray that you would wear God’s forgiveness each day as you agree with Him about your great need. Pray that you would wear the forgiveness of God in such a way that you choose to forgive others just as fully and unconditionally as God forgives you. “Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.” Luke 11:4 (NIV)

April 14, 2019 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: The Cross!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: The Cross!

“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross!”
Philippians 2:5, 8 (NIV)

This week we return to the words of Jesus from the cross to help us focus our prayer time each day! As the celebration of Resurrection Sunday approaches, it is fitting to not only consider the sacrifice Jesus made, but to apply His very words to how we pray this week. While not pleasant and joyful like a resurrection, remembering the crucifixion of Jesus is just as important. As you pray this week, use the topics of this prayer guide to help you pray through difficulties, through weakness, through loneliness, through concern for others, and most importantly through the eyes of Jesus. Pray about your own attitude when facing opposition. Pray about the things that were important to Jesus, asking God to help those things become more important to you. Pray for the humility to consider how the sacrifice of Jesus benefits you . . . and how you ought to sacrifice in ways that benefits others. Pray for wisdom in sharing the full gospel — the good news of the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. 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 learn from the words spoken by Jesus from the cross.

Monday: Father, forgive them. Pray that you would continually grow in the attitude and practice of forgiveness as seen in the life of Jesus. Pray that the people you see today would realize and accept the Father’s forgiveness. “Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.” Luke 23:34

Tuesday: You will be with me. Pray for a greater desire to deliberately spend time with Jesus as you seek God throughout your day. Pray for a desire to have others join you as you walk with God. Pray that the people you interact with today would have a desire to know, and be known, by Jesus. “Jesus answered him, ‘I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.’” Luke 23:43

Wednesday: Behold, your son. Pray for an attitude of compassion toward those who are alone in this world. Pray about how God would have you respond to those with no family. “When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, ‘Dear woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.” John 19:26-27

Thursday: Why have you forsaken me. Pray for a heart that breaks with concern for those who feel abandoned by God. Pray for those who feel forsaken by God; that you would represent Jesus well to them. “About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?’–which means, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’” Matthew 27:46

Friday: I thirst. Pray that you would grow in your thirst and desire for scripture to be fulfilled as you look to God’s Word for guidance on how to live each day. Pray that the people you see today would have a real thirst for the things of God. “Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, ‘I am thirsty.’” John 19:28

Saturday: It is finished. Pray for the endurance needed to live your life in Christ with a faithfulness to Him that carries you all the way to the finish. Pray that you would be actively involved in helping people be ready for the time their life on earth is finished. “When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” John 19:30

April 7, 2019 by Tom

Lifestyle of Prayer: Promises, Promises!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Promises, Promises!

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will focus on some of the promises of God. Promises in the Bible can be difficult for many people to grasp. Sometimes we tend to define the promise according to our understanding and what we want. When God promises comfort, how often do we want it to mean we would never experience a pain that would require His comfort? Even if we understand the nature of the promise accurately, we often expect the promise to be fulfilled in keeping with our timetable rather than God’s. As you pray this week, ask God to help you grow in your understanding of His “great and precious” promises. Pray that you would hold fast to His promises, especially when it takes longer for them to be fulfilled than what you would like. Pray for the heart, mind, and eyes to see how God has not only extended His promises to you, but calls you to share in extending His promises to others. 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 know, claim, and share His promises.

Monday: Promised Peace. Pray that you would listen to God and find a peace in Him that the world cannot take away. Pray that you would share God’s peace with others as you fully reject a life built on folly. “I will listen to what God the LORD will say; he promises peace to his people, his saints — but let them not return to folly.” Psalm 85:8 (NIV)

Tuesday: Promised Salvation. Pray that you would know the unfailing love of God that gives the promise of salvation that is based on His goodness. Pray that you would share with others about the salvation God has brought to you as you live for Him. “May your unfailing love come to me, O LORD, your salvation according to your promise.” Psalm 119:41 (NIV)

Wednesday: Promised Graciousness. Pray that you would know the graciousness of God as you seek Him with a whole heart. Pray that you would learn to be gracious with others as you realize how much you experience the graciousness of God’s promises to you. “I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.” Psalm 119:58 (NIV)

Thursday: Promised Comfort. Pray that a recognition of God’s unfailing love would comfort you in your times of greatest pain. Pray that you would be obedient in comforting others with the comfort God has given you according to His promises. “May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant.” Psalm 119:76 (NIV)

Friday: Promised Deliverance. Pray that you would always turn to God as the one who can meet your needs “according to His riches in glory.” Pray that you would fully consider how God has delivered you as you share His promises of deliverance to the people around you. “May my supplication come before you; deliver me according to your promise.” Psalm 119:170 (NIV)

Saturday: Promised Eternal Life. Pray that you would always hold fast to the greatest promise of God — eternal life through Jesus Christ. Pray that you would have the courage to speak boldly with others about eternal life as a promise which we can hold on to because the One who promises is faithful. “And this is what he promised us — even eternal life.” 1 John 2:25 (NIV)