DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For Struggling Spouses to Keep Fighting for Their Marriage

Loving Lord,
When a marriage is healthy, it can stand alone as the most incredible relationship two people can experience. But when on life support, a dying marriage can feel like one of the most loathsome relationships imaginable. Today I pray for those in unhealthy marriages who are struggling so mightily that divorce seems imminent. Intervene, Lord, and in your mercy do whatever it takes to help them turn the corner. I pray that you guard and protect all marriages from the specific sins of adultery and desertion that can shatter a marriage and open the door to permissible divorce. Even when those sins do take place, though, lavish husbands and wives with an abundance of your grace to extend to each other liberally. Make them strong and willing to fight – not against each other, but for each other.  Give clarity to their communication, so they know what the real issues are, and where the real work needs to take place. Surround them with other couples in strong marriages who are willing to guide, counsel, and support them in any way. Provide them with hope and renew their love for and dedication to each other and to you, so they come to embrace their marriage as a treasure worth fighting for.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For Fathers to Be a Reflection of Their Father

Heavenly Father,
Sundays are sacred. To belong to you and to call you Father is a joy and privilege unrivaled by any other, and to be in your presence for worship each week highlights that reality even more. Moreover, as you draw us closer to you through your Word, you also equip fathers to be passionate about carrying out their vital role in the home. Raise up spiritually dedicated fathers who are devoted to passing on their greatest treasure – Jesus – to their children. Nurture this devotion in them by first maturing their own faith and deepening their desire to know you more and more. Then, enable them to be your reflection as they father their children.

Give them gentleness and patience, while remaining evangelically firm in their discipline. Make fathers willing and eager to forgive, without being permissive or tolerant of sin. Let children see what strong spiritual leadership looks like in their fathers, not only so they grow up appreciating and respecting those in authority, but also – and of far greater importance – so that they grow up enthralled by you and the pursuit of your faithfulness and righteousness. Enrich fathers with every spiritual blessing they need to find purpose and great satisfaction in fulfilling this high and holy calling well.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Protect the Unborn

Loving Father,
The subject of abortion serves as a tragic reminder that this dying world is a far cry from the deathless creation you first brought into existence by the breath of your life. No matter the rationale behind it, anytime an abortion takes place, a child never receives the opportunity to take that first breath, and because of that, we grieve. We plead for your protection on behalf of babies in the womb who are unable to defend themselves. Surround those considering abortion with caring and compassionate counsel from others who want what is best for mother and child according to your Word. Lead expecting mothers to treasure your gift of life and grant them the fortitude to make sacrifices for the benefit of their unborn child. Compel fathers to be present and responsible, and use them to speak as a voice in favor of life. Spare those in the womb, Lord, and thwart the plans of all who promote the option of putting the unborn to death.  

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For Patience and Gentleness When Sharing Your Word

Wonderful Counselor,
When we feel confident enough in our knowledge of Scripture to share it, grant us also an accompanying spirit of patience and gentleness. Whether some just take longer to understand the wonders of your Word, or others are deliberately being difficult, becoming irritated or abrasive in return does not serve the gospel well, nor does it reflect well on you. Instead, make us winsome with others, willing to give them our time and attention as they think and reflect on what we share. Place thoughtful follow-up questions on our lips and lead us to listen carefully in response. Through our patient dialogue and clarity of Scripture, let your Spirit stir their spirit and awaken their hearts to the trustworthy and true promises of your Word. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Be Well Read and Ready With Your Word

Loving Savior,
The times we feel ready and well-prepared to speak your Word to others may not always align with their willingness or readiness to hear it. On the other hand, others may approach us with questions or challenges regarding your Word, and we find ourselves caught off guard or at a loss. When you encourage us to be prepared with your Word in season and out of season, it calls for us to be ready at all times, so that we never miss an opportunity to sow the seed of your Word. For us to be ready with your Word, we first have to be in your Word. Weave your Word into our lives daily, so there is no hesitation to share it whenever the opportunity arises. Release us from the pressure of expectations or outcomes, relying entirely on your Spirit to work through Scripture according to his plan, not ours – for our confidence is not grounded in ourselves, but in you and the mighty power of your Word. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Encourage More With Your Word

Sanctifying Spirit,
Your Word is filled with promises of hope. It has the power to inspire, uplift, and gladden. When my heart is heavy or my mood melancholy, lead me to turn to your Word more frequently for encouragement. Through it, provide what my spirit needs, according to your perfect knowledge. Then, as I personally experience that encouragement, make me more aware of those around me who also need it. Make me especially eager to follow up the correction and rebuke of others with the nurturing encouragement of your Word. There is so much discouragement in this world that we will never be lacking reasons to offer encouragement. And, since there is no greater encouragement than your Word, move us to proclaim it more often for that purpose. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Welcome Rebuke

Almighty God,
Ever since our rebellious fall into sin, we bristle at being rebuked. We struggle to tolerate when others call us out, on the one hand because we don’t want others to tell us we can’t or shouldn’t do something, and on the other hand, because it makes us look bad in front of others. Rather than welcoming rebuke when it is appropriate and necessary, we spin it as a personal attack and make it about the other person. Be patient with us, forgive us, and replace our stubborn spirit with humility and contrition, so that any admonishment we receive bears blessing in our lives. And, when situations call for us to be on the other side, needing to apply your Word to chastise others, make our motivations pure, fill us with confidence in the power of your Word, and let it result in a favorable outcome that ultimately honors you.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Correct with Your Word

Lord God,
When you call us to proclaim your Word, it is primarily so that others may hear the good news of the gospel, since there is no other way mankind can know what you have done to save him. But your Word doesn’t only provide the gospel; it also offers correction. Help us remember to use it for that purpose and give us the confidence to do so. Guard us from both the extreme of Pharisaical piety that is too eager to correct others, and also from a timidity that avoids it altogether. Since sanctification is your work, and your work is carried out through your Word, lead us to rely on it and on you to direct us along paths of righteousness. We cannot know the right way unless we know your way, and we have no desire or ability to walk in your steps unless you work in us that desire and ability. Lead others to accept correction with humble hearts, and us to offer it with humble hearts as well. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For Wonderful Variety in Worship

Heavenly Father,
Sundays are sacred. Sundays are for worship. Thank you for the rich variety in worship that you have blessed your Church with for as long as your people have gathered. Never before have Christians had so many resources available to them to incorporate into worship. So many cultures have so much to offer your Church as she worships. Different seasons of the church year invite different themes and moods appropriate for their unique focus. These are reflected in diverse Scripture readings, hymnody, and artistic expression. Tradition and history anchor us to the past, while new and contemporary can provide fresh ways to connect us to the present. Each has its place, provided your Son and his work are central. Grant us patience and discernment as we utilize technology, old and new, always seeking to ensure that you are not lost in the novelty or demeaned by mediocrity. You deserve our best, having served us with your best, so let us use our finest gifts, abilities, and resources to magnify you every time we worship. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For Those Getting Married This Summer

Lord of Love,
I ask you to bless the weddings scheduled over the course of the summer months. Let your hand guide the plans that are still in motion, so that everything goes as smoothly as possible for so many on their special day. Yet, even when there are hiccups or disappointments, equip the bride and groom with the resiliency to manage them, since they will inevitably encounter similar discouragements together in their marriage as well. Fill husband and wife with so much mutual joy and elation over each other that any slip-ups are easily overshadowed and forgotten. Cause their hearts to swell with gratitude as they experience your goodness. See that the message in the ceremony highlights the necessity and blessing of growing a marriage around you, centering it on your perfect obedience for them and building it on the foundation of the cross and empty tomb. Let such marriages be conduits of your love, overflowing with boundless grace and unlimited forgiveness, so that they beautifully mirror your loving, sacrificial devotion to your Church.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.