DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For the Animal Kingdom

Thoughtful Lord,
You have richly blessed us by filling the earth with so many wonders and curiosities. Near the top of that list is the animal kingdom, which you called Adam to rule over and to name. Thank you for the fascinating uniqueness and spectacular variety of animals, wild and domesticated. We appreciate the joy of simply observing majestic wildlife in its element, as well as the ability to study and learn how animals live and survive. Many know the bond of pet ownership, by which you can bring a special love and companionship for individuals and families to experience. We are grateful for the ways specially trained animals can serve, guide, and protect those with special needs on a daily basis. We also thank you for the many ways animals provide food for our sustenance and enjoyment. As overseers of all that you have created, in gratitude for the various ways you bless us through them, help us to protect and care for all your creatures as we are able. May we continue to delight in them as you use them to enrich our lives. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For Good Listening in Marriage

Patient Lord,
Many of the issues that arise in marriage are negatively impacted by – if not caused by – miscommunication. Since one of the leading contributors to miscommunication is failing to listen well, help spouses give attention to this essential element of good communication. The longer couples have been married, the easier it can be for one spouse to presume s/he knows what the other is going to say. When that is the case, the skill of active listening is skipped by the spouse who has begun internally formulating a response. Give husbands and wives the loving respect for each other to commit to listening attentively when the other is speaking. Help them reflect this by eliminating any distractions that might hinder good listening or even give a partner the impression s/he isn’t being heard. Let patience be the norm in this area as spouses work to improve, and bless their marriage with deeper understanding and connection as a result.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For Those Bearing the Burden of Guilt

Heavenly Father,
Sundays are sacred. Since we cannot read hearts, we could never assess the layers of guilt people bring with them into your house on any given week. We know our guilt and shame all too well, and any effort at seeking relief will always fail until we end up at the same place: Christ’s cross. Only there do we see the price Jesus paid in full to cancel our debt of sin – and the guilt and shame that accompany it. Therefore, let Christ crucified and risen be clearly proclaimed in worship everywhere on this day, so that guilty consciences and shame-saturated hearts may find genuine peace and rest. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For Those Hurting Financially

Gracious Lord,
We live in a very prosperous nation, yet many are struggling financially. In some cases, poor financial decisions, unnecessary debt, and consumerism have contributed significantly to financial hardships. In other cases, rising costs, low income, and special needs also factor into the equation. Meet the needs of those who are struggling in the way that you know is best for them. When that help includes education, make it available. When accountability is needed, grant it. When financial assistance is necessary, move generous hearts to provide it as they are able, and to do so in ways that bless – and not enable – those in need. All that we have belongs to you, and you entrust your resources to us to manage well and to help those in need whenever possible. Guide our hearts to do so. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For Those Dealing with Betrayal

Merciful Lord,
The pain of betrayal is a unique wound. We are not surprised when those who have openly expressed their dislike of us or our enemies hurt us, but being betrayed stings differently. When we extend our trust to an individual or an organization, we assume certain understandings and agreements are in place. When we give our word, we take seriously our responsibility to keep it, and we expect those we trust to do the same. So when that bond of trust is broken, or that word isn’t kept, it leads us to question the relationship altogether. Furthermore, it can cause us to rethink other relationships or pull back in isolation, resulting in our reluctance to trust others in the future.

Sadly, Lord, you are no stranger to betrayal. Not only did you experience it at the hands of those disciples you trusted while here on earth, but you experience it daily when we turn against you in sin. Yet, in your faithful mercy, which can always be trusted, you don’t turn away from us, but always forgive. Let that joyful reality ease the pain, the hurt, and the anger of all those who right now are feeling bowled over by betrayal.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Be a Godly Neighbor

Dear Jesus,
Help me to be the neighbor my neighbor needs. In order for that to happen, I have to connect with real people. I have to know my neighbors. I have to spend time with them. I have to be familiar with their stories and their situations and their struggles. Only then do I become aware of the ways God may have brought us together in order for me to be a blessing to them. Shift my focus from self-concern and self-absorption to caring more about others, and loving and serving them. Give me the courage to engage others, the foresight to allow for flexibility and margin in my schedule, and the willpower to deliberately disconnect from screens, so that I am well prepared to be the godly neighbor my neighbor needs.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For After Elections

King of Kings,
Yesterday, as citizens of the United States, we enjoyed the responsibility of casting our votes to determine those we feel are qualified to serve and lead us in positions of local, state, and federal government. May we never take for granted what a blessed privilege it is to have a voice in deciding who will carry out those responsibilities on our behalf! Whether we are thrilled or disappointed by the outcomes, let us commit ourselves to praying for all elected officials. Grant them the wisdom to seek out counsel and advice from others, and the discernment to put into practice whatever is prudent and beneficial for those they serve. Give us the humility necessary to uphold your desire that we honor and respect all of those in authority over us with our words and actions. As Jesus reminded Pontius Pilate, no one serving in any government capacity has that authority apart from you granting it. Let them humbly acknowledge that, and let us remember it, too. Finally, regardless of any election outcome, what hasn’t changed – and never will change – is that you remain seated at the right hand of the Father, overseeing all things for the good of your Church. We boldly ask you to bless both our kingdom and yours, Lord, for you rule them all.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Excel in the Grace of Giving

Gracious Savior,
When it comes to our offerings, long before anyone ever gives you so much as a single dollar, the greatest concern in your heart is who/what has our heart. You care about the heart above all else, for when you have our hearts, everything else follows. Our gifts are pleasing to you not because they measure up, but because they’re given in faith and out of gratitude. And since faith and gratitude flow from the grace you lavish on us through your Word, excelling in godly giving depends on becoming exceedingly aware of what we’ve been given by God. Capture our hearts with the gospel and shape them through your Word so that our generous gifts will follow. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For the Godly Leadership of Husbands in Marriage

Loving Lord,
Equip husbands to raise the bar of leadership in their marriage. Achieving this worthwhile goal is only possible when your Word is the priority. Strong leaders lead themselves first, so give husbands the self-discipline to set apart daily time in your Word. Let that time draw them closer to you, while also increasingly bending their heart and will toward lovingly and sacrificially serving their wives. Make their servant leadership a reflection of Jesus’ selfless life and ministry. See that their marriages are marked by patience, honor, and respect for their wives. When wives are blessed to receive such unconditional, selfless leadership from their husbands, lead them to welcome and embrace it, and to support it with their own gifts, so that their marriage beautifully mirrors the marriage between Christ and his Church. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For the Communion of Saints

Heavenly Father,
Sundays are sacred. While we treasure worship because it is one of the most special opportunities for us to hear your voice proclaimed, we also acknowledge the unique bond of fellowship shared and appreciated by believers gathering together. Unfortunately, there will be some in your house today, Lord, as there always are, for whom your Word will go in one ear and out the other. For one reason or another, life issues or other concerns limit their ability to focus or retain what they hear. Nevertheless, despite that reality, they may very well still find the personal encouragement and support from a brother or sister in Christ that is just what they needed. This reality is one of the reasons we celebrate the communion of saints – especially on this All Saints’ Day. Through faith in Jesus, we are united both with those sainted believers in heaven, as well as those still battling together with us here on earth in the church militant. So, while we will always delight in your Word as our greatest gift, for by it we see Jesus, we also delight in fellow believers in the body of Christ, through whom you build us up and bless us richly. Use your saints here on earth to encourage each other until we join your saints in heaven. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.