Lifestyle of Prayer: A Road of Serving!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Road of Serving!

“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave — just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Matthew 20:26-28 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about serving others.  While many people put much time and effort into climbing their version of the ladder of success, few take time to understand God’s instructions for becoming great.  Not only did Jesus serve others as He walked this earth, that was His purpose in coming.  He made it clear through His teaching and His example that true success is found by climbing down the ladder to be with those who need served rather than climbing up the ladder away from them.  Any level of greatness that we might achieve will only be found as we view ourselves accurately according to God’s perspective and serve others as Jesus did.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you live with the humility that sees yourself as He sees you.  Pray for the courage to serve others when your flesh desires to be served.  Pray for the wisdom to serve others according to their need.  Pray for the desire to be more Christ-like in the way you serve.  Pray that your greatness would be measured by your sacrificial acts of service to others.

“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’s help as you grow in serving Him as you serve 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 me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday:  Serve Others By God’s Power.  Pray that your weaknesses would allow God’s power to be evident in you as you serve others.  Pray that you would not use your weakness as an excuse to not serve others.  “For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God’s power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God’s power we will live with him to serve you.”  2 Corinthians 13:4 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Serve Others In Love.  Pray that you would experience true freedom in Christ as you serve others in love.  Pray that godly love would compel you to use your freedom to serve others rather than your own selfish desires.  “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)

Wednesday:  Serve Others Wholeheartedly.  Pray that you would always view serving others as a way of serving the Lord.  Pray that your service to others would be wholehearted as you serve God.  “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.”  Ephesians 6:7-8 (NIV)

Thursday:  Serve Others Prayerfully.  Pray that your service to God would be filled with continual prayer for others.  Ask God to help you remember people in your prayers as you serve them.  Pray that you would follow the godly examples, and be a godly example, of serving.  “I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.”  2 Timothy 1:3 (NIV)

Friday:  Serve Others Faithfully.  Pray that God would help you understand His gifting in your life.  Pray that recognizing the gifting in your life as coming from the hand of God would help you use it to faithfully serve others.  “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”  1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)

Saturday:  Serve Others Eagerly.  Pray that you would be eager to serve even in areas where you are viewed as the leader.  Pray that your eagerness to serve would be an example to those around you.  “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers — not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”  1 Peter 5:2-3 (NIV)

 

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Road of Understanding!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Road of Understanding!

“Men of Issachar, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do — 200 chiefs, with all their relatives under their command.” 
1 Chronicles 12:32 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be to pray about growing in our understanding — our understanding of the things of God as well as our understanding of one another.  In a nation full of division, perhaps our understanding of the times would lead us to a greater understanding of God and then to a greater understanding of people.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you grow in understanding.  Pray that you would seek an understanding of the things of God in order to have a greater perspective on the things of this life.  Pray that you would learn to listen for the purpose of understanding — both in your listening to God and in your listening to others.  Pray that the knowledge and wisdom that you seek would be found through a fear of the Lord and that He would increase your understanding as you learn from Him.  Pray that an understanding of the times in which we live would help you to live in such a way that your life bears much fruit for God’s kingdom.  Pray for humility so that the understanding provided by God in response to your prayers would not become a source of pride.

“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’s help as you grow in understanding.

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:  Understanding the Deity of Jesus.  Pray that your understanding of Jesus as God would form the way you respond to His teachings and actions.  Pray that you would understand how the presence of God was made known to man through Jesus.  “But if I do it, even though you do not believe me, believe the miracles, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.”  John 10:38 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Understanding the Gifts From God.  Pray for a greater understanding of the gifting that is made known through God’s Spirit.  Pray that your understanding of the grace of God would lead you to share what He has freely given to you.  “We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.”  1 Corinthians 2:12 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Understanding the Lord’s Will.  Pray that you would understand the will of God as revealed through His Word, through the example of Jesus, and through the power of His Spirit.  Pray for wisdom in understanding how God’s love and compassion shape His will for you and for everyone you meet.  “Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”  Ephesians 5:17 (NIV)

Thursday:  Understanding the Good Things Christ Provides.  Pray for the courage to live and share you faith so that others would see and hear it.  Pray for a growing understanding of the good things  you have in Christ.  Pray that the sharing of your faith will increase your understanding of the goodness of God.  “I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.”  Philemon 1:6 (NIV)

Friday:  Understanding the Source of Scripture.   Pray that you would always view God’s Word as sacred because you understand its real source.  Pray that your response to scripture would be based on you understanding and acceptance of the fact that it is “God-breathed”.  “Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation.”  2 Peter 1:20 (NIV)

Saturday:  Understanding God’s Patience.   Pray that you would understand how God has been patient with you.  Pray that your interactions with others would be formed and molded by your understanding that God’s patience with them is equal to the patience He has shown you.  “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)

 

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Road of Generosity!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Road of Generosity!

“But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.”
1 Chronicles 29:14 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about God’s desire that we live with generosity toward God and toward one another.  When we recognize God’s ownership of everything and choose to live as good stewards, generosity should flow naturally.  As Christians, we ought to be generous because it is a part of God’s nature that He has put within us.  Our generosity to others is a reflection of the generosity we receive from God — at least it ought to be.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you see His generosity in all areas of your life.  Pray that the ways you share with others would reflect all the ways God has given to you.  Pray that your generosity would always flow from pure and right motives which glorify God.  Pray that you would be generous with your time, your abilities, your resources, and your love.  Pray that you would experience, and share, the true generosity that is found in Christ.  Pray that the people around you would experience the generosity of God through you.

“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’s help in living with a spirit and practice of generosity.

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: Your Attitude in Generosity.  Pray that you would have a right attitude in sharing and giving.  Pray that any traces of a “grudging  heart” would be removed from you.  Pray that your attitude in giving would result in God’s blessings upon all you do.  “Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.”  Deuteronomy 15:10 (NIV)

Tuesday: Goodness and Justice in Generosity.  Pray that your generosity would bring about goodness and justice in your life and in the lives of those around you.  Pray for open hands and an open heart when it comes to meeting the needs of others.  Pray for wisdom in practicing true justice with generosity.  “Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice.”  Psalm 112:5 (NIV)

Wednesday: Prosperity and Refreshing in Generosity.  Pray that you would know God’s version of “prosper” as your generosity refreshes yourself and others.  Pray for an increased generosity as you experience an increased prosperity.  Pray that the people around you would know the value of being generous toward God.  “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”  Proverbs 11:25 (NIV)

Thursday: Extreme Circumstances in Generosity.  Pray that you would not allow your circumstances to rob you of the joy of generosity.   Pray that you would have both a spirit and practice of generosity in all circumstances.  Pray that your lifestyle of generosity would produce joy in others.  “Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.”  2 Corinthians 8:2 (NIV)

Friday: Sowing and Reaping in Generosity.  Pray that you would reap an abundant harvest of God’s blessings because you have sown generously.  Pray for a spirit of generosity that sows the seeds of God’s Word everywhere you go.  Pray that the people around you would know the value of being generous.  “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”  2 Corinthians 9:6 (NIV)

Saturday:  Thanksgiving and Praise in Generosity.  Pray that your generosity would always be done in ways that result in praise and thanksgiving to God.  Praise God for a spirit of generosity that produces many expressions of thanksgiving.  “You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”  2 Corinthians 9:11 (NIV)

 

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Road of Stewardship!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Road of Stewardship!

“’Show me a denarius. Whose portrait and inscription are on it?’  ‘Caesar’s,’ they replied.   He said to them, ‘Then give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.’”
Luke 20:24-25 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is about God’s desire that we live as stewards of His.  Perhaps the most difficult part of doing that is the first hurdle of acknowledging His ownership of everything.  Many people hear the word stewardship and their first reaction is to tune out the person speaking because “they’re just wanting my money.”  There are two problems with that thought — one, it assumes stewardship is only about money; and two, it assumes your ownership of anything you’ve been entrusted with.  Godly stewardship recognizes that we do not have anything that we have not received from God, and what we have received God expects us to use for the benefit of others as He advances His kingdom through us.  As you pray this week, ask God to fill you with His perspective on the purpose of “things”.  Pray that you would seek to be a good steward as you spend time listening for how the Owner would want His things used . . . and yes, that includes the money that you think is yours.  Pray that you would learn to live with a loose grip on the things you have been entrusted with.

“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’s help in understanding His ownership and our stewardship.

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:  Stewardship of People.  Pray that you would be known as both faithful and sensible in the way you deal with the people God surrounds you with.  Pray that part of your stewardship would involve giving to others as they have need.  “And the Lord said, ‘Who then is the faithful and sensible steward, whom his master will put in charge of his servants, to give them their rations at the proper time?’”  Luke 12:42 (NASB)

Tuesday:  Stewardship of God’s Mysteries.  Pray that you would recognize the mysteries of God that He has entrusted you with.  Pray that even when the nature of God remains mysterious, you would be known as one who is a good steward of those mysteries.  “Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.”  1 Corinthians 4:1(NASB)

Wednesday:  Stewardship that is Trustworthy.  Pray that the way in which you use the things God has entrusted you with would be worthy of His trust.  Pray that others would know you as trustworthy because of the visible way you use the resources you have received from God.  “In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy.”  1 Corinthians 4:2 (NASB)

Thursday:  Stewardship of God’s Word.  Pray that you would view God’s Word as a valuable resource He expects you to be a wise steward of.  Pray that you would use God’s Word fully as you serve people.  “Of this church I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit, so that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God.”  Colossians 1:25 (NASB)

Friday:  Stewardship that is Above Reproach.  Pray that you would be known as one who uses God’s resources for the good of others above your own.  Pray that your lifestyle would show you to be above reproach as you manage the things God has given you.  “For the overseer must be above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain.”  Titus 1:7 (NASB)

Saturday:  Stewardship of God’s Grace.  Pray that you would know the gifting of God in your life and be a good steward of each aspect of that grace.  Pray that you would serve faithfully with the grace God has given you.  “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”  1 Peter 4:10 (NASB)

 

Lifestyle of Prayer: A Road of Sorrow!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A Road of Sorrow!

“As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it.”
Luke 19:41 (NIV)

This week’s prayer guide begins a series that will look at snapshots from the week leading up to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.  As we consider the path of Jesus to the cross and beyond, we will examine how we are called to walk with Him.  While the week leading to the cross began with great excitement and celebration by the crowd, the response of Jesus was one of great sorrow.  We learn much about being like Jesus when our own road to resurrection through the blood of Jesus begins on a road of sorrow.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you understand the reasons Jesus wept.  Pray that you would know the godly sorrow in your own life that would lead to your repentance.  Pray that your times of sorrow would not only reflect the sorrow of Jesus, but would know and express the comfort of Jesus also.  Pray that God would move you to a place of weeping over the lost and confused in your community.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”
Ephesians 6:18 (NIV) 

Please pray each day for God’s help in experiencing and responding to godly sorrow.

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:  Sorrow Over Silence.  Pray that your life would express a praise of God that is appropriate and fitting.  Pray that a sorrow over the times of your own silence would lead to a purer representation of Jesus as your life cries out His name.  Pray that the people around you would learn to replace sorrow with praise as they draw near to Jesus.  “‘I tell you,’ he replied, ‘if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.’”  Luke 19:40  (NIV)

Tuesday:  Sorrow Over Blindness.  Pray that your eyes would be opened to the things of God which bring peace.  Pray that a sorrow over the times of spiritual blindness would lead you to open your eyes fully to the things of God.  Pray that your life would help others to see the things that bring peace.  “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace — but now it is hidden from your eyes.”  Luke 19:42  (NIV)

Wednesday:  Sorrow Over Opposition.  Pray that the opposition of the enemy would not catch you unprepared.  Pray for a godly sorrow that is concerned about the opposition faced by others.  Pray that you would know and share a God who rescues His people.  “The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side.”  Luke 19:43 (NIV)

Thursday:  Sorrow Over Destruction.   Pray that the destruction of the things of this world would not dissuade you from trusting God.  Pray that a sorrow over the destruction caused by the enemy would  lead you to know the protection of God.  Pray for the courage to overcome in a way that helps others see God.  “They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”  Luke 19:44 (NIV)

Friday:  Sorrow Over Disrespect.  Pray that your life would show an appropriate honor and respect for the things of God.  Pray for a godly sorrow which would convict you of anything that would be disrespectful.  Pray that the way you honor God and show respect to others would help them see a God who is worthy of all honor.  “Then he entered the temple area and began driving out those who were selling.”  Luke 19:45 (NIV)

Saturday:  Sorrow Over Lack of Relationship.  Pray that you would grow in relationship to God as He dwells within you.  Pray that sorrow over an incomplete relationship with God would lead you to draw near to Him in your prayer life.  Pray that your life as a dwelling place of God’s Spirit would lead others to seek a relationship with Him.  “’It is written,’ he said to them, ‘My house will be a house of prayer; but you have made it a den of robbers.’”  Luke 19:46 (NIV)

 

Lifestyle of Prayer: A New Command — Love!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A New Command — 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 we continue a focus on being made new in Christ, I bring back a prayer focus I first shared a few years ago — a new way to 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’s help in obeying His new command to love like Jesus.

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 New Self!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A New Self!

“Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”
Colossians 3:9-10 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis is focused on living as one who has put on a new self in Christ.  The image of who we are is represented by our thoughts and practices.  So, putting on a new self requires that we think and live in a new way — a way that is clothed with Christ.  When we take off the practices of life that clothed us in the way of sin, we find Christ has prepared for us the clothing of righteousness.  As  you pray this week, ask God to help you consider what a new self should look like.  Pray that you would continually grow in the characteristics that represent Christ accurately.  Pray that you would daily know the renewal that comes through the presence of Christ dwelling within you.  Pray for the courage to live in such a way that the people around you recognize how God can make them new.

“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’s help in putting on a new self as one made new 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: A Self of Compassion.   Pray that God’s compassion toward you would lead you to have compassion for others.  Pray that you would live as one chosen by God to be compassionate to everyone who chooses to return home to God.  “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”  Luke 15:20 (NIV)

Tuesday: A Self of Kindness.  Pray that the Lord’s kindness to you would be your example in how you treat others.  Pray for the courage to treat others with kindness, especially when you disagree.  Pray that a practice of kindness would guide how you instruct others.  “And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.”  2 Timothy 2:24 (NIV)

Wednesday: A Self of Humility.  Pray that God would help you to accurately examine your motives.  Pray for the humility that considers others to be better than yourself.  Pray that you would represent God well as you reflect the humility that has been shown to us by Jesus.  “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.”  Philippians 2:3 (NIV)

Thursday: A Self of Gentleness.  Pray that being chosen by God would lead you to a life of gentleness.  Pray that you would grow in gentleness as you grow in your relationship with God.  Pray that the people around you would see God at work in your life as you live with a gentleness that is obvious to all.  “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”  Philippians 4:5 (NIV)

Friday: A Self of Patience.  Pray for God’s help in overcoming the human frustrations that accompany dealing with people . . .including yourself.  Pray that you would learn to be patient with everyone, especially those who are struggling in their life.  “And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.”  1 Thessalonians 5:14 (NIV)

Saturday:  A Self of Forgiveness.  Pray that you would live each day with an awareness of the forgiveness you have in Christ.  Pray that God’s grace extended toward you would lead you to be a person who forgives others.  Pray that you would know the freedom that comes through forgiving and being forgiven.  “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”  Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)

 

Lifestyle of Prayer: A New Covenant!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A New Covenant!

“In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.’”
1 Corinthians 11:25 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis is focused on living under a new covenant as one who is made new in Christ.  The Bible teaches that the old covenant was a covenant of law designed to show mankind their need for something different.  The blood of Jesus not only fulfilled all the demands of the old covenant, it became the living document of the new covenant.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you learn and know the lessons taught by the old covenant.  Pray that you would gaze deeply into God’s Word to discover how the blood of Jesus paid what was demanded so you could live in the freedom of a new way.  Pray that you would have the desire to live in the way of the Spirit rather than the way of law.  Pray that your interactions with others would reflect the nature of the new covenant as you treat others in the way God has treated you.

“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’s help in knowing, living, and sharing His new covenant.

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:  Covenant of the Spirit.  Pray that you would know that God has equipped you by His Spirit to not only live under the new covenant, but to serve and share in that covenant with others.  Pray that you would live as one competent to share in the covenant of life.  “He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant — not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”  2 Corinthians 3:6 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Covenant of Glory.  Pray that the fading glory which exists in this world would cause you to consider the greater glory of that which is eternal.  Pray that the things of temporary glory would not distract you from seeing that which is greater.  Pray for a growing desire to pursue that which is better.  “And if what was fading away came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!”  2 Corinthians 3:11 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Covenant of Boldness.  Pray for the courage to be bold in your recognition and sharing of the hope found through the new covenant established in Christ.  Pray that every aspect of your life would be lived according to the hope that is found in Christ.  Pray that the terms of the new covenant would lead to a boldness in sharing your faith.  “Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.”  2 Corinthians 3:12 (NIV)

Thursday:  Covenant of Visibility.  Pray that your eyes would be opened more fully each day to the goodness of God.  Pray that you would live with a life continually turned toward God so that He would lift the veil of confusion.  Pray about how God would have you live with clarity in noticing His presence at work in your life.  “But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.”  2 Corinthians 3:16 (NIV)

Friday:  Covenant of Freedom.  Pray that you would know the freedom that comes from being released from the penalty demanded by law.  Pray that you would live with a freedom that can only come through the Spirit of God.  Pray that freedom would be the foundation of how you interact with others.  “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”  2 Corinthians 3:17 (NIV)

Saturday:  Covenant of Transformation.  Pray that you would be patient with yourself and others as God’s transforming power does its work.  Pray that your decision to live under the new covenant would transform you more and more into the likeness of Christ each day.  “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”  2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)

 

Lifestyle of Prayer: A New Attitude!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A New Attitude!

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis is focused on living with a new attitude.  When we allow the Spirit of God to transform our mind, He gives us a new attitude.  However, that new attitude requires our diligent attention in order to keep it aligned with the attitude that was found in Christ Jesus.  As you pray this week, ask God to help you examine the attitude you live with as you interact with Him and others.  Pray for a continual renewing of your mind that will result in the attitudes God would want you to have.  Pray for the courage and humility required to adjust your attitude when it strays from what it should be.  Pray that the people around you would be attracted to Jesus as they see His attitude displayed in your life.  Pray for a heart of understanding and compassion toward the people around you as they also grow in the attitude they ought to have.

“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’s help in living with a new attitude.

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:  Attitude Of Humility.  Pray that you would learn from Jesus about placing your needs and desires below that of others.  Pray that you would grow in an attitude of humility as you learn from Jesus.  Pray for a gentleness of spirit that will bring you rest.  “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”  Matthew 11:29 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Attitude Of Obedience.  Pray that you would live a life of obedience, even in the midst of suffering.  Pray that your obedience to Christ would come from an attitude that seeks to live for Him and like Him.  “Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.”  Hebrews 5:8-9 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Attitude Of Service.  Pray that your heart would be inclined to serve others rather than seeking to be served.  Pray for an attitude that finds contentment in serving others according to their need.  Pray that your works of service would bring glory to God.  “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”  Mark 10:45 (NIV)

Thursday:  Attitude Of Love.  Pray for a greater understanding of the commands of God, particularly in regard to how you love others.  Pray that God’s love for you would transform your attitude and increase your desire to love others.  Pray that your love for others would help them know God’s love.  “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”  John 13:34 (NIV)

Friday:  Attitude Of Joy.  Pray that you would keep your gaze fixed upon Jesus to learn an attitude of joy as you accomplish the good works God created for  you to do.  Pray that your attitude of joy would be ever-increasing as you follow the example of Christ.  “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”  Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

Saturday:  Attitude Of Confidence.  Pray that your relationship with God, through Jesus Christ, would give you confidence in living a life that honors Him.  Pray for an attitude that displays a confidence in God to the people around you.  Pray that the work Christ does through you would be done with a confidence in His ability.  “In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.”  Ephesians 3:12 (NIV)

 

Lifestyle of Prayer: A New Life!

“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

A New Life!

“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
Romans 6:4 (NIV)

This week we will focus our prayer time on living a new life as we value all life!  Our relationship with God, and our view of His creation of us, greatly influences the value we place on life.  Life has inherent value because it is a part of God’s creative handiwork.  We can see the result of a society that rejects God — life quickly loses value because we have nothing left to base that value on.  As  you pray this week, ask God to help  you know the great value you have as one who belongs to Him.  Pray that you would live a life that has been made new in Christ.  Pray about how being made new in Christ should help you to value all life.  Pray that your representation of Jesus would help other know that they too can have a new life in Christ.  Pray that you would value life and speak up for those who can’t speak for themselves.

“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’s help in living as one who has a new 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:  Choose Life.  Pray that your value of life would be seen in the choices you make.  Pray that the people around you would choose life for the benefit of future generations. “This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.”  Deuteronomy 30:19 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Path of Life.  Pray that you would seek God as the path that leads to life.  Pray that you would have a life made new in every way possible as you follow the path of God’s Word.  Pray that the people around you would see God’s joy in you as you follow His path.  “You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”  Psalm 16:11 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Blameless Life.  Pray that your trust of God would lead you in a blameless life.  Pray about living with a blamelessness that comes from God rather than your own goodness.  Pray that the people around you would see your faithfulness to God and have no valid accusations against you.  “Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the LORD without wavering.”  Psalm 26:1 (NIV)

Thursday:  Fountain of Life.  Pray that God’s presence would spring up within you as your fountain of life.  Pray that the new life you have in Christ would spring up to provide joy and refreshment to you and to those around you.  Pray that the people around you would see the light of God through you.  “For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.”  Psalm 36:9 (NIV)

Friday:  Fleeting Life.  Pray that your understanding of a fleeting life would cause you to value each opportunity God gives you.  Pray about how God would add life to your days.  Pray that the people around you would not put off the important decision of pursuing God.  “Show me, O LORD, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life.”  Psalm 39:4 (NIV)

Saturday:  Preserved Life.  Pray that you would experience the protection of the Lord through your complete surrender to Him.  Pray that your new life would be one that you always maintain through the power of God within you.  Pray that the people around you would have life that is preserved through their relationship with Jesus.  “The LORD will protect him and preserve his life; he will bless him in the land and not surrender him to the desire of his foes.”  Psalm 41:2 (NIV)