DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

For Our Veterans

Mighty God,
On this Veteran’s Day, thank you for all of the men and women throughout our nation’s history who have served in our military. Our brave veterans are the reason that our country has been able to secure and sustain the widespread freedoms we enjoy on a daily basis. They have made tremendous personal sacrifices not just to be able to serve, but also while serving. Regardless of personal opinions over past, present, or future wars, may we always be grateful for those who are willing to carry out their duty and put their lives on the line for this nation. May our veterans always feel appreciated and be well taken care of. Give strength and perseverance to our veterans’ families as well, and provide for their physical and emotional needs when their veterans are away being schooled, stationed, or deployed. Just as you provide veterans with the determination to serve, make us also determined to express our thanks to them for their service.  

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

For the Certainty of Salvation

Saving Lord,
While each day has plenty of uncertainties and unknowns of its own, I thank you that my eternal salvation is not one of them! The Bible spells it out so clearly that even a child can understand and believe that you love us so much that you sent Jesus into this world to live and die for us. In Jesus every perfect requirement of heaven has been met. In Jesus every condemning sin has been paid for and canceled. Though faith in him I am never wondering where I stand with you, because he came and carried out all that was necessary for me. Let me find joyful security in my salvation every single day, and lead me to make it known to others in every possible way.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

Thanks for Those Serving on Sundays

Heavenly Father,
Sundays are sacred. While the pastor preaches and leads worship, and the musicians and instrumentalists are responsible for the music, thank you for everyone else who is involved in some capacity or another. Before any attenders arrive, set up and preparations are made, sometimes by a few; others times by many. Greeters and ushers help worshipers feel welcome and at-home. Those working in audio and video help ensure that the Word is communicated clearly, allowing those present or those at home to hear and see. Some use their gifts to provide care for children during worship. Others teach. Coffee and refreshments are prepared and served. Afterward, once the service is over and the worshipers have left, others take pride in tidying up and making the space presentable for ongoing ministry that occurs during the week. Thank you for those who serve in so many ways on Sunday, so that you can serve us with your Word and Sacrament. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

For Those Providing Care for Others

Dear God,
Those who are committed to caring for others provide a tremendous service to society. There are so many in need of care of all kinds – physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. Physical therapists, counselors, and pastors go to significant lengths to receive adequate training for these roles, but family members and friends often fill them in various ways, too. Thank you for the sacrifices they are willing to make to provide this valuable care to others. Give them perseverance and strength for their responsibilities when they are tired and worn out. Uplift them with words of encouragement and appreciation when they are emotionally drained. Above all, refresh them with the spiritual rest you freely offer, forgiving their sins and securing their salvation by your loving sacrifice for them and for all people.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Live and Lead with Kindness

Caring Savior,
Help me to live and lead with kindness today. If I become frustrated or irritated by some personal issue, do not allow me to let that justify my impatience or meanness toward others. When others say or do something that is unkind or uncaring to me, keep me from responding to them in the same way. Regardless of the circumstances, let kindness color my thoughts, so that it may also permeate all of my words and actions. Let my considerate gestures, thoughtful compliments, and friendly demeanor toward others be a blessing to them and a delight in your eyes. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Appreciate the Blessing of Work

Gracious God,
While you created us to tend the garden and care for creation, the Fall forever corrupted our perfect relationship with the blessing of work. It is primarily our own sin and selfishness which drive our disdain for work. But, when we add deadlines, bosses on power trips, and self-centered co-workers to the mix, we find even more reasons to dread the workplace. 

Use us to provide an example that stands out from the negative perception of work that is so common in the world. Help us to recapture the positive relationship with work that you always intended. May we celebrate it as an outlet for creativity and problem-solving, and a place to provide purpose and meaningful contribution to a collective effort. Through our work, give us the satisfaction of overcoming obstacles and the joy of a job well done. Let our favorable speech, body language, and attitude toward our jobs stand out so much to others that they’re drawn to ask us for the reason behind it, then give us the courage to direct that conversation to you.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Be Driven By Eternal Rewards

Eternal Father,
When I get caught up chasing after rewards and recognition this world offers, remind me that my greatest rewards aren’t going to be received on this side of heaven. The rewards of your grace, earned and secured for me by Jesus Christ, are far superior to the best that this world could ever offer. Nevertheless, that which is immediately tangible and able to be experienced here and now so easily grabs my attention and focus. Guard me from being led astray by short-lived success. Let the joy and certainty of eternal blessings prompt my relentless drive and passion in all that I do in this life, and let it also work in me a burning zeal to be about your kingdom and your purposes. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Have the Tough Conversations

Holy Spirit,
Prompt me to have the difficult conversations. In an effort to avoid conflict or raise tensions, I so easily believe the lie that I’m better off steering away from tough talks with others. No matter how much I try to convince myself that an issue or concern will simply take care of itself eventually, the reality more often is that putting off talking about it only makes it worse. Give me the desire to be more assertive and insistent, not so that I would steamroll others or abrasively force conversations, but simply so that I prioritize having them. When I do, open my ears to listen first, grant me wisdom to process what I hear, and give me grace and patience to respond truthfully. Bless these difficult situations with resolution, and use them to make me a better communicator and enhance my interpersonal skills.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Prepare for the Holidays

Dear Lord,
As October gives way to November, Thanksgiving and the holidays will be here soon. This time of year brings many opportunities for gathering together with family and friends, which can also usher in plenty of stress and anxiety. Keep me grounded in what matters – you – and guard me from over-scheduling and overcommitting myself and/or my family. Help those inclined to say yes to too much because they struggle with people-pleasing. Provide them with gracious and thoughtful responses to politely decline unnecessary activities or events. Let us manage our time well right now so that we allow opportunity for looking ahead and being well-prepared and ready for the upcoming weeks. In doing so, we can establish margin and boundaries to ensure that the holidays bring more blessing than burden.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Treasure Worship

Heavenly Father,
Sundays are sacred. Today I reflect on the countless saints throughout history and in the present who have shared the common experience of being able to gather together in your presence around your Word and Sacrament. Although that worship has varied drastically during different periods of history and among different cultures, how beautiful it is to know that we have shared and celebrated the same Savior. It is the blood of that Savior, Jesus, which makes saints out of souls – regardless of language, social status, age, and skin color, creating a magnificent tapestry within your Church. Lead believers to regard worship as one of the most precious activities your saints can ever participate in, for it is a foretaste of when we will all be gathered together with saints past, present, and future in your glorious presence. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.