DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

For Everyone to Keep Seeking Him

Light of the World,
This week of Epiphany, we reflect on the wise men who journeyed to worship the Savior. With so few details revealed about their travels, we can only imagine the kinds of sacrifices they made to seek out Jesus. Lead us to follow their example continually, never tiring of seeking him, no matter how well we feel we may already know him. Let us be willing to make whatever sacrifices are necessary to keep seeking him. In the process, deepen our understanding, elevate our faith, and solidify our trust. By whatever means you see fit, compel the lost to seek him, too, that they might find the light of their salvation and their eternal hope and joy. Reward all who seek you with the peace that only you can provide. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

For Churches to Warmly Welcome Visitors

Heavenly Father,
Sundays are sacred. In this new year, many have made or will make resolutions to go to church. For some, this choice is fueled by a penitent awareness that they have sinfully been neglecting worship. For others, this commitment reflects a curiosity and desire to explore the Christian faith and learn more about it. Regardless of the reason, lead churches and regular church attenders be ready to greet with open arms any and all who walk through their doors in this new year. Let these visitors feel warmly welcomed by radical and loving hospitality extended by your people. Let law and gospel be clearly proclaimed in worship and allow the forgiveness and salvation of Jesus to be central to it. Send your Spirit to work in the hearts of all these visitors and use your Word to draw them closer into your church, the body of Christ.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Strive for Truth and Love

Loving Savior,
You direct us in your Word to speak the truth in love. While this should go without saying, it quickly becomes clear to me how difficult it is when I deliberately try to apply it! I have spent endless time and energy in my own mind trying to massage and bend the truth to suit my own purposes. Other times, I circumvent the truth to avoid difficult or uncomfortable conversations. While I consider myself an expert in telling when others are lying, I gloss over my own expertise in lying and deceiving. 

All of this also exposes my shortcomings in the second part of the command, for if love always directed my words and speech, the truth would never be in question. Instead, either selfishness replaces love, resulting in half-truths and white lies, or I am too eager to speak the truth because I know it will negatively impact someone else’s reputation. For all of this, I thank you for speaking the truth in love to me by being blunt about what my lies and lack of love really deserve from you, but also for being relentlessly devoted to making sure I know and believe the truth of how covered in your grace and forgiveness I really am. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

For Greater Patience This Year

Patient Lord,
As I continue to settle into this new year, I ask you to grant me a greater measure of patience. In this fast-paced world that views having to wait for anything for any amount of time as if it were some horrific tragedy, help me get better at simply slowing down. I don’t need everything right away. I don’t need immediate results. I don’t have to respond ASAP 24/7. Let me be OK with uncomfortable silences. Show me the wisdom of thoughtfully thinking through things rather than providing a hasty answer or solution. Increase my patience, especially with others I know who enjoy testing it. Finally, equip me with this Fruit of the Spirit to patiently wait on your promises, confident that as I do, I am waiting while covered in your grace. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

For Your Grace and Guidance in this New Year

God of Grace,
On this first day of a new year, as I look ahead, I see so many unknowns. There are plans in place and events scheduled that excite and energize me when I consider them. But there will also be transitions and changes that leave me uncertain and uneasy. Remind me that you already know their outcome, and that you attach to them your promise to bring good out of everything for my benefit and blessing. Therefore, let my goals and plans for the year ahead be less about my desire to be in control and on top of everything, and more about developing my relationship with you and solidifying my trust in you. Take my faith to new heights this year, and use every part of me to honor you and build up your kingdom through my service to others. Pour into me so that I am overflowing and able to pour into others as I strive to carry out your calling for me to make disciples.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.