DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To See the Darkness in the World and in Me

Light of the World,
The world is a dark place. It is steeped in the darkness of sin and unbelief. I see this darkness in headlines and breaking news far too frequently. But, even more troubling than that, I see it in myself as well. I am no stranger to the shadows, since they emanate from within me. Though I am forgiven and set free by your grace, I still battle against the sinful flesh that craves to cover the world in darkness. Help me to see myself through the lens that is the light of your salvation, so that I become more and more interested not in dispersing the darkness, but in dispelling it. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Marvel at Jesus’ Baptism – and My Own

Heavenly Father,
Sundays are sacred. In many churches that follow the pattern of the church year, Jesus’ baptism will be the focus of worship today. At his baptism, not only did you voice your approval of your Son for those present to hear, but the anointing power of the Holy Spirit was also visible in the form of a dove. Armed with the strength of the Spirit, your Son set out to begin his ministry and to fulfill all that was necessary to achieve our salvation. Having accomplished all that needed to be done, he also established the blessing of baptism for us, connecting us through it to every benefit he secured for us. Let believers marvel at Jesus’ baptism, so they are led to deeply treasure their own. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Win Multitudes Over to Faith

Light of the World,
This week of Epiphany, we reflect on the wise men who journeyed to worship the Savior. I pray that you continue to lead multitudes today to seek him, to find him, and to believe in him. Whatever their motives may be, give them eyes of faith to see their salvation. In their newfound joy, use them to bring others to you. Add massive numbers of souls to your kingdom, using the gifts of all of those added to build up and build out your church. Then, bless and serve the world through your church to such a degree that has never been seen before in all of history. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Never Take the Gospel for Granted

Light of the World,
This week of Epiphany, we reflect on the wise men who journeyed to worship the Savior. How were their lives changed once they returned home? How long did they bask in the wonderment of personally witnessing their Savior? Did they struggle with the return to routine and the monotony of life back to normal? Were their lives so radically impacted by their experience that even the most mundane responsibilities in life took on newfound joy?

While we cannot know the answers to such questions, we can boldly ask that the jubilation of our salvation would never be muted in our lives. We can boldly ask that the certainty of a Savior for all permanently pushes us to give our best and to give our very selves to all that we do, knowing that our labor in the Lord is never in vain. When we become complacent or unstirred by the gospel’s potency or primacy in our own lives, do whatever it takes to transport us back to the Epiphany. Help us see the Savior from the magi’s perspective, and spur on our spirit to give ourselves in wholehearted devotion to you and your gospel. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

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 the Joy of Christmas to Continue

Heavenly Father,
Sundays are sacred. Today provides another reason to be grateful after all of the bonus Christmas services this past week: we get to gather for worship yet again to celebrate the gift of your birth. On this fourth day of Christmas, keep the joy of the season shining brightly in and around us. As we engage in the rich blessings of worship, lead your people to confession and repentance, so that you might renew and refresh them with the assurance of their forgiveness and the joy of their salvation. Let the announcement of Jesus’ birth and the news of peace on earth be clearly proclaimed today, and let all hearts that hear it be awakened to faith or strengthened in the faith. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Reflect on Christmas

Savior God,
During this week of Christmas, provide extra time for reflection. Prompt believers to pause and pray, to set aside time in the midst of the busyness to get lost in the wonder of Christmas and its significance. Lead Christians to slow down and soak in their salvation and all of the rich realities that accompany it. 

Move unbelievers to ponder as well. Whether they are indifferent, uncertain, curious, skeptical, or even averse to Christianity, intervene in their lives as you see fit, to coax them to contemplate the account of Christmas. As they reflect on it, raise up questions and concerns in their hearts that drive them to desire answers. Leave their hearts unsettled until they search your Scriptures, and then through the power of your mighty Word, let the Spirit stir their souls and lead them to faith and the assurance of their salvation.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

Thank You for Your Dedication to Our Salvation

Giving Father,
Thank you for all that you graciously provide for our lives, none of which is deserved or earned by our efforts. While this is true of all gifts we receive from your hand, the gift of salvation and the guarantee of eternal life that come with it are unrivaled. These exceptional gifts stand out all the more when we remember what we deserve and ought to expect as a result of our own rebellious hearts and sinful disobedience. But your grace is always greater than whatever our worst could ever be. Your determination and dedication to seek and save are relentless, and we are so very grateful for that. Let your desire to forgive and to save us always prompt our desire to thank and to praise you. 

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

To Boast in You Alone

Christ My Savior,
Whenever you grant me success and whatever it looks like, may my response always be the same: to boast only in you alone. All that I am and any good that comes from me is worked through you. Through the Spirit, you provide me with a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline, along with all other spiritual gifts and blessings. You build your church through Word and Sacrament, equipping your saints to be salt and light in the world. When I am inclined to think too highly of myself and take credit for your work, humble me and prompt me to praise you instead. Only your name saves, so let yours alone be the name that I magnify and exalt. You have done, still do, and will keep on doing great things for those who are yours. Let others know about it through my boasting.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.