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This is the audio from the March 27, 2024 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.  But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”
1 Peter 4:12-13 (NIV)

This week’s prayer emphasis will be about our identification with the suffering of Christ.  Jesus stated that we would have trouble in this world but we should not be overwhelmed, rather we should take heart, because He has overcome the world.  As we consider the death of Jesus on the cross, we understand that His time to die was actually good news for all who sin . . . which is everyone.  When Christ calls all who would follow Him to take up our cross daily, He does it with an awareness that we must die to self in order to be raised to new life.  In our prayer time we will seek to learn how to rejoice in the suffering we experience because of our relationship with Christ.  Pray that you would experience the goodness of God in the midst of your suffering.  Pray the glory of God is revealed in you as you die to self and live for Christ.

“Now if we are children, then we are heirs — heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”
Romans 8:17 (NIV)

As you pray this week, talk to God not only about your suffering but about how you can help and encourage others who suffer.  Pray that your suffering for the sake of Christ would help you realize that you will also share in His glory.  Pray that you would always desire an inheritance with Christ more than the rewards of this world.

You can find the live video feeds of these encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page.

In prayer,
Tom