PRAYERS FOR GUYS

For God’s Best Gifts in Worship

Heavenly Father,
Sundays are sacred. Just as loving parents delight in giving gifts to their children, so do you long to give us your best gifts. When we gather in your house, where your Word is spoken and sung, you dispense your greatest gift of grace: the free forgiveness we have through your Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ. Just as a child would never tire of receiving gifts from mom and dad, may we never tire of receiving gifts from you, our Heavenly Father. Give to us your best gifts in worship this morning, that we might receive from you all that we need to also give others our best this week and always.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

PRAYERS FOR GUYS

For Fruit of the Spirit: Joy

Holy Spirit,
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. When I confuse happiness with joy, help me to discern the difference. Happiness is tied to my situation or to certain circumstances, which may be positive or negative. Joy however, is constant, because Jesus’ love and forgiveness are constant and unconditional.

Therefore, even after a bad day at work, I still have joy. Even when a relationship goes sour, I still have joy. Even when I receive bad news, I can take it in stride because I still have joy. When my team loses, when I forget something important, when others are inconsiderate – when anything in life happens, good or bad, I still have joy, because I still have you, Jesus. Fill my heart with the faith both to know that joy and to feel it daily. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Manage Our Finances Well

Generous Lord,
All we have that is good comes from you. You give generously and freely, asking only that we manage well what you have entrusted to us. Help us to do that. 

Open our eyes to see the wisdom of having a budget, and grant us the discipline to take the necessary steps to either establish one or continue maintaining the one we have. Such a practice not only helps us see more clearly how richly you bless us, but also how we can better direct our finances for the good of your kingdom and our neighbor. Where we spend frivolously, compel us to rein in our spending. Where we are miserly, soften our hearts toward giving and generosity. Let us experience the joy that accompanies managing your financial blessings well. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

PRAYERS FOR GUYS

For Protection

Good Shepherd,
We know all too well that as we walk through this valley of the shadow of death, dangers threaten us around the clock. Yet we do not need to be afraid, because we are confident that you do not waver in your promise to guard and protect us. We thank you for the many safeguards you have placed in our lives like medicine, technology, policies, and people who protect us. You use these measures in so many different ways to keep us from harm. We could hardly fathom the unknown dangers of each day that we never even experience because you keep them from us! Thank you, Good Shepherd, for your vigilant protection. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Love Learning

Omniscient God,
You know all things and are filled with knowledge that far surpasses even the brightest and most brilliant minds of human beings. But even though we will never attain your level of knowledge, you have created us with minds that are able to learn and discover so much. Work in us the desire to be life-long learners. You have provided us with more ways than ever to pursue greater knowledge and understanding. May we take advantage of books, documentaries, websites, podcasts, and so many other sources of knowledge available to us. Increase our knowledge through these resources. Lead us to a greater love of learning, so that our knowledge might serve others, while also honoring you.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Guard Our Hearts

Dear God,
Your Word encourages us to guard our hearts. There is so much in this world (and in ourselves!) that can carry out tremendous damage against our hearts. Make us aware of such threats and through your Spirit, set up a stronghold in our hearts to stand up against them. Cover our eyes and ears from whatever would strike a devastating blow against our heart and soul. Draw us closer to you to loosen the power of the enemy’s pull and further protect our hearts. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

PRAYERS FOR GUYS

For Commitment to Our Church Family

Triune God,
As true God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – you work in perfect harmony on our behalf. Not only do you bring us blessings through our biological family, but by your grace you also bring us blessings through the family of the Church. 

Help us overcome any fears or hesitation we may have about being more active and engaged in our church. We don’t want to miss out on the impact our Christian family can have on us or vice-versa. Recommit us to dedicated discipleship and service with our brothers and sisters in Christ, and through us expand your family, the Church. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Remember Your Sacrifice

Heavenly Father,
Sundays are sacred. When we gather in your house, God, worship rightly points us to Jesus our Savior, who gave himself up as a sacrifice for us all. By that sacrifice we are cleansed and forgiven. 

Sacrifice is on our mind this Memorial Day weekend, as we remember so many men and women of our military who gave their lives for our freedom – including the freedom to worship. Move us to honor their sacrifice by taking advantage of our freedom to worship you. Move us also to honor Jesus’ sacrifice for us by using our freedom to walk in step with your Spirit and live sacrificially for others. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

PRAYERS FOR GUYS

For Fruit of the Spirit: Love

Holy Spirit,
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Make me eager to bear more of this fruit in my life, beginning with love. Since love is what spurs on the increased production of all of this fruit in my life, I want to prioritize it in my words and actions. And, since my love for you and for others ripples outward only from the center of your love for me, fill me first and foremost with your love on a daily basis. 

Open the eyes of my heart to see the endless opportunities all around me to express love to my neighbor. Lend me your loving ears to listen to others who long to be heard. Open my lips to speak loving encouragement to those who are disheartened and discouraged. Align my actions with yours, Lord, that my loving deeds of service to others would be a timely blessing to them. In all things, may this fruit of love in my life serve as a reflection of your perfect love, so that others come to know your love through mine. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

PRAYERS FOR GUYS

For the Blessing of Enjoyment

Dear Lord,
I am grateful for the countless ways you provide for me. I have an abundance of the basic necessities of life, but also so many blessings beyond these that serve to bring added enjoyment into my life. A simple song can so easily shift my mood in positive ways. A familiar movie can gladden my heart. A riveting book can provide a brief and healthy escape from worries or troubles for a time. While such things are not essential to life, you provide them anyway, reminding me how much you delight in blessing your people. Thank you for all the little things that add joy to my life. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.