DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

For Christian Schools

Lord God,
Thank you for schools that provide a Christian Education. When congregations are able to offer elementary schools as a part of their ministry, both the congregation and the community are richly blessed. The standards are high and the flexibility of curriculum choices allows them to avoid certain controversial content. However, there is no greater benefit than Jesus that Christian schools are able to offer. To nurture and equip not just the mind, but also hearts of faith provides an eternal reward to students. For high schools and colleges that allow students to continue on this path of spiritual instruction, thank you. 

Through these schools, your impact often goes beyond the student into the home, so I pray that your Spirit stretches his reach into the hearts of not just students in school, but their families as well. And, because teaching young minds is no small task, I also ask that you equip teachers and professors in these schools with patience, wisdom, and compassion for their students. Let your light shine brightly in them, so that they put the love of Jesus on display for their students and other faculty members to see. Continue to use Christian schools to build up your church and equip believers for this life and the next.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Prioritize What Is Praiseworthy

Sanctifying Spirit,
Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy – lead me to think about such things (Philippians 4:8). There is so much all around me that isn’t necessarily wrong or sinful, but neither does it fit the description of positive things on which to direct my attention. In a culture that is completely comfortable with and permissive of sex, violence, horror, and gore, I want to swim against the current. Help me to guard my heart against foolish FOMO when it involves glorifying anything that fails to bring you glory.

While I know that many voices – even those of my brothers in the faith – may downplay or diminish my choices for a variety of reasons, grant me a resolute spirit of determination to stay strong and stay the course. Grant me the self-control to not only care for my own soul in this way, but to inspire and positively influence others to do the same, so that through our collective efforts you continue to raise up strong Christian men and build up the body of Christ. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

For the Daily Blessings of My Baptism

Gracious Father,
Thank you for the blessings of my baptism. Through this gracious act you have achieved for me so much to sustain me spiritually throughout my life. Lead me to benefit daily from reflecting on the spiritual realities that are mine through this precious gift. Since my baptism assures me that I belong in your family, it keeps me secure and stable whether I am experiencing sensational successes or frustrating failures in my life, for neither takes away from or adds to my place in the family. I am still yours.

When the guilt of my sin lingers far too long, I can revisit my baptismal font for the refreshing reminder that my sin has been washed away through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

When my life lacks purpose or I feel like I am wondering aimlessly, wondering what to do, my baptism redirects me to the new life and purpose I have in Jesus, providing meaning for my many callings to joyfully serve others in so many ways. 

Thank you for the blessings of my baptism. Lead me to treasure them daily. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Make Your Mission Mine

Dear Jesus,
Keep me on mission – not mine, but yours. The daily grind can keep me from remembering that as one who has been bought and paid for by you, I have also been set aside for your purposes. In addition to your general call to daily put my faith into practice in all walks of life, you commission believers to spread your gospel to the ends of the earth. So many are blindly stumbling in the darkness of unbelief, either unconcerned or unaware that they stand lost and condemned without you.

Unloose my tongue so that the joy of salvation spills from my lips as freely and effortlessly as possible. Make me as passionate for your mission as you were to secure salvation for all. Place me in situations that provide the setting to point others to your grace and forgiveness. Give me ears that are willing to listen for opportunities to bring you into the conversation and make you known. Fill me with passion to fervently and faithfully carry out your mission.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Discern Between Trash and Treasure

Loving Father,
You richly bless us with so many material blessings, but we forget how easily our hearts can treasure your gifts more than you, the Giver. Help me discern between trash and my true treasure – you – so that nothing would ever come between us now or for eternity. When I struggle to identify what those things might be in my life, direct me to a trustworthy and respected friend for help. Give me the humility to ask them if they notice any red flags or concerns that reflect any unhealthy attachment(s) to things or people in my life. Then, give me the humility to listen to what they may have to say, without defending or excusing anything, but simply taking it to heart for further personal evaluation. If anything or anyone appears to have a greater hold on my heart than you, Lord, give me the discipline to detach from it or discard it entirely. Let there be no shared space in my heart for anything else that would deceive me into allowing it to coexist alongside you, my greatest treasure. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Give Thoughtfully

Heavenly Father,
Sundays are sacred. When we gather to worship you, we do so primarily to be on the receiving end of your rich blessings. However, your grace and generosity to us also generate in us the desire to express our gratitude and think through our offerings. In this day and age, convenient digital options have often replaced the collection plate and other physical, in-person methods of giving offerings. As a result, it’s easier than ever for us to forget or neglect our offerings. I am grateful for the many different means by which I can give, but I seek your guidance both to work in me a generous spirit, and also to reflect on and act regularly regarding my offerings. Thank you for blessing me with the resources to give back to you and to support the important work of your gospel in and through your church.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Befriend Others

Friend of Sinners,
Friendship is exactly what many need. While it is true that we always have a friend in you, you have also created us with a need to connect with other human beings. I am grateful for all the friendships you have blessed me with in my life, but I am also aware that there are many who are not able even to name a close friend. Help me keep my eyes opened for such individuals, and where possible, help me befriend them. Let me be ears to listen to them and allow me opportunities to show love and concern, so that in seeing my care for them, they may also come to know and appreciate how much greater your care for them is, and to know that they always have a friend in you.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Be Approachable

Precious Savior,
Grant me a gentle spirit. Help me to realize that it isn’t just my words, but my body language and actions as well that contribute to how I come across to others. Do not allow me to get drawn into confrontations just for the sake of arguing. Free me from the need to always be right and help me to see the value in appreciating and respecting other people’s views and opinions. Lead me to measure my words and speak to others with patient kindness. Through all of these efforts, I pray that others may see me as approachable, caring, and always willing to listen. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

Prayers from the Prodigal (Part 4)

Forgiving Father,
Through the “lost” parables in Luke 15, we become aware of how radical your grace truly is. When I am on the receiving end of your compassion and see your capacity for forgiveness, it leaves me a changed man. To be freely welcomed and fully forgiven for all that I have ever done wrong is not only life-changing, but eternity-altering! With this as my reality, there is no place for bitterness or grudges against others when they sin against me. How can I possibly withhold forgiveness from anyone else while standing before a gracious Father who has not chosen to treat me that way? No, let my willingness to forgive others be a perfect reflection of your faithful willingness to forgive me. The world does not need more unmerciful servants, but more forgiving fathers. Help me to be one.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

Prayers from the Prodigal (Part 3)

Forgiving Father,
Through the “lost” parables in Luke 15, we become aware of how radical your grace truly is. Regardless of which son we identify with – the prodigal young son or the prideful older son – we need the same thing: the forgiving father. And in you, we have just that!

As we stumble our way through this life and press on toward our heavenly home, some naturally assume that rigid rules and the threat of a strict, stern disciplinarian are necessary to keep everyone on track. But yours is a better way! Your unconditional love, your open arms, your warm welcome – these are what draw sinners to you. Moreover, it is your heart for us – not the terror or fear we feel – that keeps us on the path of your righteousness to the open door that leads to eternal life. You paid a dear price to be able to forgive us again and again and again, and the sacrifice of your own Son is our only hope for being welcomed to our eternal home. Oh, how we need a forgiving Father! And there you are, always welcoming this lost-on-his-own son, with open arms and gushing with grace. Thank you!

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.