Lifestyle of Prayer: Authority

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Authority!

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

Who’s in charge?  How much authority has Jesus been given by His Father?  What do you and I do about the authority of Jesus?  How does it apply to us?  This week  in our Lifestyle of Prayer emphasis we will look at some scriptures about the authority of Jesus.  As  you pray, ask God to help you be submissive to the authority of Christ in all things.  Pray that your obedience would grow in a way that represents Jesus well to all you meet.  Pray for a greater understanding of the eternal nature of God’s authority and how that authority has been revealed in Jesus.  Please continue to pray for patience and understanding with one another as we all journey through these times of confusion knowing God is not the author of confusion.  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 and submit to His authority.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lifestyle of Prayer: Making Disciples As You Go

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Making Disciples As You Go!

“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.  Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.’”
Mark 16:15-16 (NIV)

This week’s prayer guide will focus on the instruction of Jesus following His resurrection for each of His followers to go and make disciples.  As we begin the week celebrating the resurrection of Jesus, it is important to remember that the power of the resurrection is meant to be shared . . . and to share it we must take it with us wherever we go.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you share the good news wherever you go.  Pray that you would look for, and notice, the opportunities that exist to talk about Jesus.  Pray that your good news story would be complete and help those who hear it to recognize their need to have their sins washed away.  Pray for the gentleness and respect necessary to make your good news story be heard.  Please continue to pray for patience and understanding with one another as we all journey through these times of confusion knowing God is not the author of confusion.  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 make disciples everywhere you go.

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:  Go to the Street.  Pray that you would see all people as valuable.  Pray that you would take the message of Jesus to where the people are who still need to hear it.  Pray for eyes that see the need for Jesus wherever you are . . . and for the courage to share the good news of Jesus in public.  “Go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.”  Matthew 22:9 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Go to your Family.  Pray that you would talk to your family about all that Jesus has done for you.  Pray that your family would know of God’s mercy upon your life as you share with your words and life about the transforming power of Jesus.  “Jesus did not let him, but said, ‘Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.’”  Mark 5:19 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Go and show Mercy.  Pray that your understanding of God’s mercy would compel you to be merciful.  Pray that you would be willing to extend mercy to the people around you.  Pray that your sharing of God’s mercy would lead others to follow Him.  “The expert in the law replied, ‘The one who had mercy on him.’ Jesus told him, ‘Go and do likewise.’”  Luke 10:3 (NIV)

Thursday:  Go and Leave Sin.  Pray that you would make a deliberate decision to remove yourself from the places of sin in your life.  Pray that God’s forgiveness would always be cause to leave sin behind.  Pray for the gentleness and respect necessary to challenge others to leave a life of sin and follow Jesus.  “‘Then neither do I condemn you,’ Jesus declared. ‘Go now and leave your life of sin.’”  John 8:11 (NIV)

Friday:  Go and Bear Fruit.  Pray that your life would bear much lasting fruit as you follow the call of Jesus to go and make disciples.  Pray that God’s will for you to bear fruit is evident in what you ask for.  Pray that being chosen by Jesus would lead you to see the importance of making disciples.  “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit — fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.”  John 15:16 (NIV)

Saturday:  Go Find the Missing.   Pray that you would notice people who are missing, and then actively search for them.  Pray that you would have the heart of Jesus in regard to people who are missing.  “What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?” Matthew 18:12 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Keeping Watch

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Keeping Watch!

“Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back — whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn.  If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping.  What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!'”
Mark 13:35-37 (NIV)

This week’s prayer guide will focus on the instruction of Jesus for us to keep watch.  As Jesus taught during the week leading up to His crucifixion, He spent time instructing His followers to keep watch.  His teaching found in the thirteenth chapter of Mark is a good reminder for all of us to live life keeping watch.  As you pray this week, ask God to open your eyes to the things He would have you see.  Pray for a heart, mind, and spirit that keep watch and are not distracted by the noise of the world.  Pray that you would be an active participant in keeping watch rather than a passive bystander to what goes on around you.  Pray that keeping watch would help you to be found ready when Christ returns.  Please continue to pray for one another in the midst of these confusing and changing times.  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 keep watch as you serve 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:  Keep Watch For Deception.  Pray that you would be one who knows the voice of your Shepherd so that you would not be deceived by imposters.  Pray that you would keep watch with eyes that are fixed on Jesus so that you would notice the deceit of the enemy and avoid falling into its trap.  Pray for protection from deception.  “Jesus said to them: ‘Watch out that no one deceives you.’”  Mark 13:5 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Keep Watch For the Beginning of the End.  Pray that you would not be frightened by the news of the day which reveals the battle of evil against all that is good.  Pray that you would keep watch of all divisive news as a reminder that the end is yet to come.  “When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.”  Mark 13:7 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Keep Watch For Opportunities.  Pray that you would keep watch for the opportunities God gives you to be His witness.  Pray that circumstances would not determine your availability to God.  “You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them.”  Mark 13:9 (NIV)

Thursday:  Keep Watch For Opposition.  Pray that you would not be swayed by the opposition of the world.  Pray that your desire to know the love of God would overcome all of the hatred the enemy would hurl at you.  Pray for the courage to stand firm in the midst of any opposition.  “All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.”  Mark 13:13 (NIV)

Friday:  Keep Watch For the Lord’s Mercy.  Pray that you would notice how God’s mercy has been extended to you so that you would survive.  Pray that you would be a messenger of God’s mercy as you share His invitation for all to come to Him.  “If the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would survive. But for the sake of the elect, whom he has chosen, he has shortened them.”  Mark 13:20 (NIV)

Saturday:  Keep Watch For Your Master’s Return.  Pray that you would keep watch for the return of your Master.  Pray that you would be faithful in doing your assigned task as you serve Christ and watch for His return.  Pray that your life would be an encouragement to others as you serve with the gifts God has given.  “It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.”  Mark 13:34 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: A House of Prayer

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: A House of Prayer!

“And as he taught them, he said, ‘Is it not written: My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations? But you have made it a den of robbers.'”
Mark 11:17 (NIV)

This week’s prayer guide will have us praying about what it looks like to live as the house of God — a HOUSE of prayer!  When we read of Jesus clearing the temple and proclaiming it to be a house of prayer, we would do well to look beyond a physical building and consider the cleansing He wants, and needs, to do in our life.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you live with a greater awareness of His presence each day.  Pray that you would not only allow Jesus to fully cleanse your life, but that He would fill your cleansed house with His Spirit.  Ask God to help you grow in a lifestyle of prayer as He longs for His dwelling within you to be a house of prayer.  Pray that your life would be an example to others of what living as the temple of God can look like.  Please continue to pray for one another in the midst of these confusing and changing times.  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 to be a house of prayer for all nations.

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:  Living As God’s House.  Pray that your decisions in life would be a reflection of God’s Spirit living within you.  Pray that being God’s temple would help you to live with a greater awareness of the purity that He demands.  Pray that the people around you would know the transforming power of God taking up residence within us.  “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?”  1 Corinthians 3:16 (NIV)

Tuesday:  A Home of Prayer.  Ask God to help you be committed to making your home a place of prayer.  Pray that becoming a house of prayer would begin in the place where you live.  “Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed.”  Daniel 6:10 (NIV)

Wednesday:  An Occupation of Prayer.  Ask God to help you be occupied with the practice of prayer at all times.  Pray that nothing would distract you from making your conversations with God be a part of everything you do.  “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)

Thursday:  An Understanding of Prayer.  Ask God to give  you a greater understanding of prayer through His Word and His Spirit as you learn from Jesus.  Pray that your understanding of prayer would lead others to a greater desire to pray.  “One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.’”  Luke 11:1 (NIV)

Friday:  A Submission of Prayer.  Ask God to give you a submissive spirit within your prayer life.  Pray that you would be fully open to God’s will in the midst of everything you pray about.  “During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.”  Hebrews 5:7 (NIV)

Saturday:  An Encouragement of Prayer.  Ask God to encourage you through your times of prayer.  Pray that you would know the protection of God that comes with living as a house of prayer.  Pray that God’s Spirit within you would help you to overcome the weakness of your flesh.  “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”  Mark 14:38 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Living the Good Life

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Living the Good Life!

“As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. ‘Good teacher,’ he asked, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’”
Mark 10:17 (NIV)

This week’s prayer guide will have us praying about living the good life according to God’s perspective.  Many times we think of goodness according to our own definitions of who or what is good.  When we seek eternal life through Christ, His goodness becomes the standard we must use to evaluate our life.  As you pray this week, ask God to open your eyes to see the attractiveness of His goodness.  Pray that His goodness in you would help others to see Jesus more clearly.  Pray that the good life you seek would come from a transformed life and be more than just a whitewashed surface.  Pray for a growing trust in a God who specializes in things thought impossible.  Pray about how God would have you share with others about living a good life in Christ. Please continue to pray for one another in the midst of these confusing and changing times.  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 know Him as the true source of goodness.

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:  Know God’s Goodness.  Pray that your acknowledgement of Jesus as good would always recognize Him as God.  Pray that you would know, and share, the goodness of God as you find Him to be the source of all that is truly good.  Pray that you would seek to imitate God’s goodness.  “’Why do you call me good?’ Jesus answered. ‘No one is good — except God alone.’”  Mark 10:18 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Know God’s Commands.  Pray that you would be a willing student of God’s Word.  Pray for a growing knowledge and understanding of the commands of God.  Pray that you would know God’s laws as good.  “You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.’”  Mark 10:19 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Keep God’s Commands.  Pray for a conviction and desire to obey God’s Word.  Pray that you would accurately evaluate how well you keep the commands of God.  Pray about how God would have you to know His goodness through your willing obedience to His commands.  “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.”  Mark 10:20 (NIV)

Thursday:  Know God’s Love.  Pray that you would never forget God’s love for you.  Pray that you would see people through the eyes of Jesus as He looks upon them with love.  Pray that you would find the goodness of life as you grow in your practice of knowing and sharing the love of God.  Pray about how God would have you share His love with others.  “Jesus looked at him and loved him.”  Mark 10:21a (NIV)

Friday:  Be Sacrificially Generous.  Pray that you would seek God’s help in discovering the things you lack.  Pray for the courage to live with the generosity toward others that God has shown to you.  Pray that the treasures you seek would be found in God.  “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”  Mark 10:21b (NIV)

Saturday:  Trust God With the Impossible.  Pray that your limitations would never cause you to give up pursuing the good life.  Pray for a growing faith that trusts God’s ability to do the impossible.  Pray that your pursuit of the good life would trust in what God will do rather than in what you are capable of.  “Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”  Mark 10:27 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Win, Lose, and Draw

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Win, Lose, and Draw!

“For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.”
Mark 8:35 (NIV)

This week’s prayer guide will have us praying about priorities — how we win, what we must lose, and where we draw strength from in order to choose wisely.  In a world that defines success by how much of its goods you can accumulate, following Jesus redefines our priorities when it comes to how we can really win by losing.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you draw from His well the gifts that lead to eternal life.  Pray that you would live a life that is fully surrendered to God.  Pray that you would value all that you gain through a life that is given to God.  Pray that your life would help others to see all that can be gained by giving themselves fully to God.  Pray for a life of faithfulness that consistently draws near to God in all things.  Pray that you would always allow God to set your priorities in all things.  Please continue to pray for one another in the midst of these confusing and changing times.  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 draw near to Him as you win by losing.

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:  Win the Heavenly Prize.  Pray for the discernment needed to stay focused on the heavenward calling God has extended to all who would accept it.  Pray that winning the heavenly prize found in Christ would be your greatest priority in life . . . worth more to you than anything else.  “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 3:14 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Lose Control of Your Life.  Pray that you would willingly surrender control of your life so that it would be found in Christ.  Pray that you would help others know the value of losing as a way to truly find what is most important.  Pray that you would always allow God to have control in your life.  “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.”  Matthew 16:25 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Draw From the Well of Living Water.  Pray that your thirst would be satisfied as you turn to Jesus as your source of living water.  Pray for the humility needed to share with others about the only source of life-giving water — the deep well of living water that is Jesus.  “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water?”  John 4:11 (NIV)

Thursday:  Win People to Jesus.   Pray that your idea of winning would lead you to consider the needs of others above your own.  Pray that your life would be lived in a freedom that shares Jesus with others.  Pray that many people would be won to Christ through your witness.  “Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.”  1 Corinthians 9:19 (NIV)

Friday:  Lose Your Trust In Things.  Pray that you would have the courage to lose your trust in the things this world tends to value the most.  Pray that your priorities would be realigned toward the things of God.  Pray that your life would help others to see how knowing Christ far exceeds the value of any loss of worldly things.  “I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.”  Philippians 3:8 (NIV)

Saturday:  Draw Near to God.  Pray that your definitions of winning and losing would be defined clearly by God as you draw near to Him with a whole heart.  Pray that your priorities would be purified and that your life would be washed clean as you experience God drawing near to you in response to your desire for Him.  “Draw near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”  James 4:8 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Tell Others

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Tell Others!

“Jesus did not let him, but said, ‘Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.’  So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.”
Mark 5:19-20 (NIV)

This week’s prayer guide will have us praying about some things God would have us to tell others, beginning with our family and extending to everyone around us wherever we go.  As we experience God’s work in our life, His expectation and command is that we would tell others about what He has done.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you see, and tell, all He has done in your life.  Pray that you would notice, and make the most of, all of the opportunities that God gives you to tell others about Him.  Pray for the courage to speak truthfully about God with your family as God prepares you to share the good news of Jesus wherever you go.  Please continue to pray for one another in the midst of these confusing and changing times.  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 tell others about all He has done in your life.

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

Monday:  Tell of God’s Wonders.  Pray for a heart that desires to praise God at all times as you share with others about the many wonders of God.  Pray that you would live with eyes that are open to seeing the many wonders of God that are displayed around us each day.  “I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders.”  Psalm 9:1 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Tell of God’s Righteousness.  Pray that you would always live with an amazement of the scope of God’s righteousness.  Pray that God would give you the words needed to tell others about how His righteousness has brought salvation to your life.  “My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure.”  Psalm 71:15 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Tell of God’s Works.  Pray that you would never lose sight of the mighty works of God — both those you experience and those you read about.  Pray that you would be faithful in telling others, especially the next generations, of the mighty acts of God in your life and in scripture.  “One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts.”  Psalm 145:4 (NIV)

Thursday:  Tell of God’s Glorious Kingdom.   Pray that your life as a citizen of God’s kingdom would prepare you to tell others about that glorious kingdom.  Pray for the words that would express both the glory and might of God’s kingdom.  Pray for the ability to speak clearly as you tell others of God’s glorious kingdom.  “They will tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might.”  Psalm 145:11 (NIV)

Friday:  Tell of God’s Faithfulness.  Pray that you would always praise God throughout your entire life.  Pray that your praise of God would help your children, and all the generations following you, to know of God’s faithfulness.  Pray that everything about your life would tell others about God’s faithfulness.  “The living, the living — they praise you, as I am doing today; fathers tell their children about your faithfulness.”  Isaiah 38:19 (NIV)

Saturday:  Tell What You Have Found In Jesus.  Pray for the courage to tell others about everything you have found in Jesus.  Pray for a sense of urgency in helping others to know of the salvation that is found in  Christ.  Pray that you would make the most of every opportunity to share with others the good news of Jesus.  “The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (that is, the Christ).”  John 1:41 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: Undivided

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Undivided!

“If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.  If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.”
Mark 3:24-25 (NIV)

This week’s prayer guide will have us praying about living an undivided life.  When accused of driving out demons by the power of the prince of demons, Jesus made it clear that being divided will bring about destruction.  God’s desire is that He would fill the center of our life to such an extent that there would be no room for division.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you live an undivided life.  Pray that you and those around you would be undivided in your pursuit of God.  Pray for the courage and wisdom needed to seek and find a unity in Christ that overcomes the divisions stirred up by the enemy.  Pray about the way you represent Jesus to others so that the people around you would know of an undivided kingdom that God is calling them to.  Please continue to pray for one another in the midst of these confusing and changing times.  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 an undivided life in Christ.

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:  Undivided Heart.  Pray that you would always seek to learn the ways of God with an undivided heart.  Pray that your undivided heart would lead to a greater fear of the Lord.  Pray for the wisdom to live in such a way that others would see the value of living with an undivided heart.  “Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.”  Psalm 86:11 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Undivided Devotion.  Pray that you would be steadfast in your decision to be devoted to God and serve Him only.  Pray that the people around you would have no doubt about your devotion to God in all things.  “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.”  Matthew 6:24 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Undivided Focus.  Pray that nothing would distract you from living a life focused on Jesus.  Pray that your faith would grow as you keep your eyes fixed on Jesus in every situation.  Pray about how God would have you represent Jesus to others as you keep Him in focus throughout all of your relationships with others.  “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.”  Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

Thursday:  Undivided Teaching.   Pray for the wisdom to see through the teachings of those who try to divide you from others and from God.  Pray that your teaching of others would be undivided as you base everything on the  Word of God.  “I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.”  Romans 16:17 (NIV)

Friday:  Undivided Mind.  Pray that you would grow in unity with all believers as you each live according to the mind of Christ.  Pray for a spirit of agreement with others as you think and live with an undivided mind.  “I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.” 1 Corinthians 1:10 (NIV)

Saturday:  Undivided Body.  Pray that you would live with a knowledge of the value that you have to God.  Pray that you would value others equally as important parts of the body of Christ.  Pray that the body of Christ would be undivided as each part shows concern for all of the other parts.  “So that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.”  1 Corinthians 12:25 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: A New Love

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: A New Love!

“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)

As many people pause to celebrate Valentine’s Day, I bring back a prayer focus I first shared a few years ago — love.  This week we will spend some time praying about the love God has expressed toward us and about how we can live in such a way that we share it with others.  God has always instructed His people to love, so it must have been a little confusing to the disciples when Jesus told them He was giving them a new command — a command to love one another.  I believe the new part of the command, new because it had not been seen in such a clear way ever before, was to love as Jesus loved.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you evaluate how you love.  Pray that you would be so filled with God’s love that loving like Jesus would become more natural each day.  Please continue to pray for one another in the midst of these confusing and changing times.  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 respond to His love with a new expression of 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:  Love God.  Pray that your love of God would always be the top priority of all the love you have.  Pray that God’s love for you would be the standard for the love you have for Him.  Pray that your love for God would grow each day.  “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  This is the first and greatest commandment.”  Matthew 22:37-38 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Love Your Neighbor.  Pray that you would focus more on loving your neighbor as God would want than on trying to define who that neighbor is — or isn’t.  Pray that  you would be the neighbor that shows love to all those in need.  Pray for the courage to love others in a way that values them.  “The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”  Mark 12:31 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Love Your Enemies.  Pray that the love of God within you would extend to those you disagree with — even with those who would be considered enemies.  Pray that the love God expressed toward you while you were an enemy would be expressed by you to those who may treat  you poorly.  “But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”  Luke 6:27-28 (NIV)

Thursday:  Love that Leads to Obedience.   Pray that you would be filled with a love that seeks to do the things that you know please God.  Pray that you would live with an obedient spirit that desires to obey the commands of God as an expression of your love.  Pray that your love for God would be seen by others as you live according to His Word.  “If you love me, you will obey what I command.”  John 14:15 (NIV)

Friday:  Love that Honors Others.  Pray that your love for others would be sincere as you look for the things that benefit them.  Pray that the way you honor others would reject evil and seek what is good.  Pray for the humility to honor others above yourself.  “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.”  Romans 12:9-10 (NIV)

Saturday:  Love that Resolves Sin.  Pray that you would know the love of God that has resolved the multitude of sins in your life.  Pray that the way you love others would not use their sin against them but would help them be able to resolve that sin with God.  Pray that the depth of your love would lead to forgiveness — both a forgiveness you receive and a forgiveness you give.  “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”  1 Peter 4:8 (NIV)

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Godly Portion

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: A Godly Portion!

“You are my portion, O LORD; I have promised to obey your words.  I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.  I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes.  I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.  Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget your law.  At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws.” 
Psalm 119:57-62 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus will look at how we should respond to God being our portion in life.  I suppose our response to many things is a reflection of how satisfied we are with the portion of those things we have received.  In a similar manner, our contentment with God is reflected in how we respond to Him being our portion in life.  As  you pray this week, ask God to help you know Him as your portion — a portion that is completely satisfying and more than enough.  Pray that your response to God’s presence would be seen by others in a way that makes Him desirable to them.  Pray that your acceptance of God as your portion would result in appropriate responses and praise of God.  Pray that God’s generosity to you would be shared by you with others.  Please continue to pray for one another in the midst of these confusing and changing times.  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 respond appropriately to Him being your portion in life.

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

Monday:  Obey God’s Words.  Pray that having the Lord as your portion would cause you to keep a promise to obey His words.  Pray that your willingness and desire to obey the words of God would help others know the contentment that can be found in Christ.  Pray that you would share God out of the abundant portion He has given you.  “You are my portion, O LORD; I have promised to obey your words.”  Psalm 119:57 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Seek God’s Face.  Pray that God’s graciousness is known by you as you seek His face wholeheartedly.  Pray that you would know the fullness of God as your portion as you fully seek Him.  Pray that the people around you would know that God will be found when they seek Him as their portion in life.  “I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.”  Psalm 119:58 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Walk In God’s Ways.  Pray that an examination of your ways would direct your walk to follow the ways of God.  Pray for the courage to change your direction when your walk is not according to God’s laws.  Pray that you would be an example to others of God’s power to change the direction of a life that seeks Him as their portion.  “I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes.”  Psalm 119:59 (NIV)

Thursday:  Obey God’s Commands.  Pray that your life would be emptied of excuses so that you would promptly obey the commands of God.  As you obey God’s words, pray that you would not delay in obeying all of His commands.  Pray that your eagerness to obey God’s commands would help others to know the fullness of God’s portion in their life.  “I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.”  Psalm 119:60 (NIV)

Friday:  Remember God’s Law.  Pray that the distractions of the world we live in would never keep you from remembering the law of God.  Pray that the wickedness of others would not cause you to forget and neglect the laws of God.  Pray that your steadfast remembering, and keeping, of the laws of God would help others to see God as your portion.  “Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget your law.”  Psalm 119:61 (NIV)

Saturday:  Thankful for God’s Righteousness.  Pray that words of thanksgiving would always be on your lips for the righteousness that God has expressed in His laws.  Pray that you would always know the goodness of God as you give thanks to Him.  Pray that your life of thankfulness with God as your portion would help others look to Him as their portion.  “At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws.”  Psalm 119:62 (NIV)