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DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For Volunteers

Dear Lord,
Thank you for the gift of volunteers. Many services and organizations that offer so much for so many often depend on the assistance of volunteers to function. It’s no small thing for people to willingly offer to use their gifts and their time in service to others without receiving some sort of compensation. On top of that, volunteers make many other sacrifices that go unnoticed and unappreciated, all for the benefit of others. 

Let their service bring them fulfillment as they meet the needs of others. Bless others through their volunteering, leading them also to express their appreciation for those who make a difference in their lives through their volunteering. May the service of volunteers also inspire others to give of their gifts and time selflessly, so that they, too, may find true joy in putting others first. In that way, help them to better grasp your selfless sacrificial service for all people. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For the Blessing of Recreation

Lord God,
When you created the world, on the seventh day you established the need for rest, not for yourself, but for us. Our bodies require it, as do our mind and spirit. And, at creation, you spoke into existence a marvelous world for us to enjoy and explore. One of the ways we carry this out is through recreation.

Through recreational actives, you allow us to be renewed. Moreover, in a fallen world, where work doesn’t always bring with it the joy and pleasure that you intended, recreation can provide a healthy break from the drudgery of work. Through so many activities, some athletic and intense, others more leisurely and relaxed, we are reinvigorated. Thank you for the wealth of outdoor and indoor recreational options and for those individuals and companies who facilitate them. At the same time, help us maintain a healthy balance in our lives so that we do not idolize recreation. Do not allow our selfish pursuit of it to overshadow the use of our time, gifts, and energy in service to others. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For the Blessings of Socializing

Gracious Lord,
Thank you for the gift of fellowship and the opportunities to socialize with others. You created us to be in community with others. While there are blessings and benefits of having time to ourselves and being alone, it’s never good to take that to the extreme so that it results in isolation. When we are with others, we can share joys and bear burdens together. Shared experiences with others create memories and strengthen relationships. Uplifting gatherings can shift sour moods and shape positive outlooks during difficult seasons. Laughter together brightens our spirits. Encouraging words fill us up.

Help those who struggle with socializing see the good in it and overcome any fear or trepidation to step out of their comfort zones and be blessed and be a blessing to others in their fellowship. Create continued opportunities in our churches and communities to foster fellowship and build solid connections with others. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Guard Against the World’s Influence

Lord Jesus,
You have made me free! I rejoice in the eternal freedom I have from the condemnation of sin and the fear of separation from you in death. Moreover, my freedom means that my enemies – Satan, the fallen world, and my own sinful flesh – no longer have complete control over me. While each of those enemies still threatens me, help me navigate the treacherous traps all around me in the fallen world. When I let my light shine and stand up in for my faith, I so often stand out as well. But when that happens, I am tempted to quietly blend in and go along with the world instead. Then, as I blend in with the world, I am more inclined to let my guard down and embrace what should be avoided and avoid the good things you would have me embrace. Guard me from the desire to blend in at the expense of my faith and Christian morals. Create in me the longing to swim against the current of the world and reveal a better way: yours. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Be Prepared to Defend Against the Devil’s Attacks

Lord Jesus,
You have made me free! I rejoice in the eternal freedom I have from the condemnation of sin and the fear of separation from you in death. Moreover, my freedom means that my enemies – Satan, the fallen world, and my own sinful flesh – no longer have complete control over me. While each of those enemies still threatens me, keep me diligently alert and aware of Satan’s schemes. His attacks are calculated, he has expert knowledge of my weaknesses, and he is relentless. Grant me vigilance to always be on guard and equip me with the Spirit’s armor to defend myself from every danger. Give me the discernment to avoid any circumstances that might give him the upper hand. Protect me from my own pride that could put me at risk of presuming I am strong enough to stand against him on my own. Finally, even when I fall, reassure me with the confidence of the victory I have in you that has already thoroughly defeated him. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Live Boldly in My Freedom From Self

Lord Jesus,
You have made me free! I rejoice in the eternal freedom I have from the condemnation of sin and the fear of separation from you in death. Moreover, my freedom means that my enemies – Satan, the fallen world, and my own sinful flesh – no longer have complete control over me. While each of those enemies still threatens me, lead me to a greater awareness of how dangerous my own sinful flesh is. It so smoothly prompts me to lay the majority of blame for my sin on other people or outside circumstances. Meanwhile, it is always with me, lurking about and driving my selfish desires and discontentment. So, rather than giving into those, lead me to daily know, appreciate, and exercise my freedom from self by pursuing the good fruit of your Spirit instead. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Be Mindful of Our Offerings

Heavenly Father,
Sundays are sacred. The primary reason we gather in your house is to receive from your generous hand what our faith needs both to survive and to thrive: your gospel in Word and Sacrament. We delight to be fed the spiritual food you fill us with to follow you in faith. You serve us graciously and generously.

Your grace and generosity to us spurs on our generosity in return, so when we gather in your house, we do not do so empty-handed. Rather, we come bearing gifts of gratitude, not only through the songs and speech that make up our worship, but also through our offerings. Whatever we bring to you pales in comparison to how richly you lavish us with your gifts! Nevertheless, we bring our gifts thoughtfully, cheerfully, generously, and gratefully. Guide us to keep growing in the grace of giving, not because you are interested in deepening our pockets, but because you long to deepen our dedication to you.  

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Restore Struggling Marriages

Lord of Love,
You established marriage as a foundation for the family. Through it, you intend to draw husband and wife closer to each other and to you, you provide the ideal setting for raising children, and you build strong communities. May we always have a high view of the blessed institution of marriage!

Yet, just as it has with everything else, sin wreaks havoc on marriages, too. I pray for all those whose marriages are troubled. Intervene in every possible way to not only deter divorce, but to strengthen struggling marriages. When the marriage wounds are self-inflicted by either spouse, grant repentance, confession, and forgiveness, so that reconciliation and healing can take place. When the damage is caused by external circumstances or other matters beyond their control, replace any division with determination, so that husband and wife grow through the shared experience of persevering together. When they aren’t even sure what the root cause(s) of their problems are, provide them with transparency and clarity, and grant them a special measure of patience and grace with each other. Recommit all husbands and wives to each other, to their marriage, and to you. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Honor Retired Called Workers

Lord God,
Many have dedicated their lives to the public ministry as pastors and teachers. Thank you for their willing sacrifices and for the ways you used their gifts to build up your church. Just as we honor veterans for their years of military service, let us remember to honor our retired pastors and teachers as well. Help our churches and schools to consider how their gifts and experience can continue to be tremendous blessings even in retirement. 

When our retired called workers struggle with finding their place after public ministry, remind them that their identity was never anchored in their ministry, but in their baptism, by which you called them and made them yours. Give them wisdom and discernment to distinguish between supporting called workers who have come after them and inserting themselves into a calling that is no longer theirs. Bless them in their later season of life to be able to see the ministry of the gospel continue to thrive in your church. Let their service in retirement – whatever that may look like – be a source of joy to many.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Care for Called Workers

Good Lord,
When you send called workers into your mission field, you send them with the promise of your providence. Lead them to trust that promise and open their eyes to the many ways you keep it. There is no greater need they have than for their faith to be nurtured and strengthened. Do not allow them to neglect their own spiritual care while focusing their attention on the care of souls you’ve entrusted to them. 

Meet all of their physical needs as well, so they can focus on ministry without the burden of being able to make ends meet. Where congregations struggle to provide the necessary care to adequately support their called workers, lead them to faithfully and diligently pursue all options to address whatever is lacking. If that means helping them grow in the grace of giving, help them grow. If that means being open to the possibility of merging ministry with another congregation or school, make them willing to give all options their consideration. In every way possible, move your people to embrace the privilege and joy of caring for their called workers with the same spirit as if they were caring for you, Lord. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.