Tag: guys

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Fight Sexual Temptation

God of Grace,
When we diminish your designed purposes for sex, it shouldn’t surprise us that our twisted perspective ends up turning your gift into a temptation. I am not only susceptible to the snare of sex, but am also guilty of sinning against myself and others in my misuse and abuse of it. I am left with nowhere to turn but to your cross for forgiveness. Assure me that there alone do I find gracious cleansing for all sin – including every sexual sin I’ve ever committed. 

Then, having been renewed and restored, equip me with the spirit necessary to fight the battle against sexual temptation. Guard my heart from being drawn into any situation that would allow a spark of temptation to flare up into a raging fire. Help me have the self-awareness to recognize when and where this particular temptation is tailored to my own unique weaknesses, and the discernment and discipline to avoid those scenarios. If I consistently fail to put up a fight on my own against this temptation, give me the courage to seek help from others who genuinely want to support me in these struggles. Do not let me allow my failures to suffocate me in this area. My sins do not define me or change my identify in you, therefore build me up with more of your grace and create in me the desire to live a pure and holy life for you.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Properly View Your Gift of Sex

God of Love,
Sex is all around me, everywhere, all the time, and with it, the temptation to treat it like any other pleasure that is up for grabs whenever it is desired. But you didn’t create it to be treated like some recreational activity available for anyone to engage in at any time, according to their own personal preferences or standards. Rather, you intended for it to be a uniquely special experience exclusively between a husband and wife, safeguarded within the bond of marriage. Although I live in a society that doesn’t see it that way, help me to honor it in accordance with your plans for it. 

Although sex is itself physical, keep clear for me its spiritual connection so that I am able to tap into your Spirit’s strength to battle my thoughts and urges. And, while the abuse of your gift of sex will always cause damage and harm to hearts and lives, let grace and your gospel be for me the driving force behind my desire to honor it. I don’t live under the fear and slavery of the law, but in freedom that longs to walk in your ways. Guide me to love you by treasuring your precious gift of sex in the way that you intend. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Avoid Favoritism

Dearest Jesus,
You warn us against favoritism, directing us to treat others equally. Multiples case studies in your Word underscore how much damage and dysfunction results in families and relationships when favoritism is involved. Nevertheless, it comes naturally for us to pay extra attention to those we favor. We give special treatment to those who are in a position to potentially return the favor in some way or another.

The truth is, when I behave in this way, I am not serving my neighbor, but myself. I am using others to selfishly gain personal gifts or advantages. Forgive me for my favoritism and make me aware whenever the temptation is there for me to fall into it again. You are the perfect example, as you had nothing to gain from putting us first. No reward or favor could ever be returned to you from fallen man, yet you gave yourself up for us anyway. You didn’t give to get anything in return, but rather so that in you, we could have everything we need. That’s not favoritism, but grace. May I reflect it in the way I treat others. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For Grace to Live Humbly

Loving Lord,
Ever since your image was lost in the Fall, we all come into this world with one thing on our mind: ourselves. Even believers, who have had your image restored through faith in Jesus, still battle selfishness daily. Only through your grace can we ever hope to win that battle.

Grace shows me what true humility looks like. Grace shows me a Savior who put sinners before himself. Grace shows me I have all the approval and affection I need from you, which could never be obtained through my own accolades or achievements. Grace equips and frees me to love others and concern myself with my neighbor’s needs and wants before my own. Grace forgives my many failed attempts at humility, and puts me back on the path toward it whenever necessary. Therefore, as I pursue humility, let me look no further than your grace. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Provide What Is Needed Through Your Word

Heavenly Father,
Sundays are sacred. Wherever and whenever believers gather around your Word, you enrich and strengthen your church. I pray that your Word – especially the gospel – is central to worship today everywhere your people are worshiping. Through your Word, provide what is needed for each worshiper. Use your law to afflict those who are comfortable in their sin, and your gospel to comfort those who are afflicted by their sin. Provide peace to anxious and unsettled hearts. Give courage and strength through your Word to those facing difficult tasks or decisions. Let your Word provide direction to those who are lost. Finally, let it bring forgiveness and salvation to all.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For Pastors

Lord of the Church,
Thank you for the gift of pastors. Through their service, you lead and feed your sheep. Keep them fervent and faithful to the task. Send your Spirit to guide their handling of your Word so that it continues to be proclaimed and taught without error. Guard pastors from apathetic attitudes and laziness. Let them carry out their calling with respect and the highest regard for your ministry. Bless their efforts and use them to equip your people and build up your church.

Along with the rich blessings that accompany ministry, there are also many challenges. When pastors are frustrated or discouraged, restore them with your gracious promises. When they have to oversee difficult situations or individuals, provide them with the counsel and support they need. When they struggle with feelings of inadequacy or insecurity, remind them that you are their rock and the rock on which your church is built. When they feel lonely or isolated, move them to look to brothers in ministry for encouragement and hope. Guard pastors from enticement or temptation that would not only threaten them spiritually, but potentially put their ministry at risk. Hold your heavenly prize always before them, and fill them with peace and purpose through the assurance that you are ever-present in their lives and ministries.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Increase My Work Ethic

Lord God,
When you created a flawless universe and called Adam to oversee and care for it, you established work as a blessing and privilege. Since the Fall, however, we view work differently. We often associate work with toil, frustration, and futility. Rather than seeing it as the blessing you intend it to be, we often see it as a burden. 

Remind me that through my job, I am not just working for a manager, a CEO, or a company, but most importantly, for you. So when I give anything but my best, forgive me. Steer me away from trying to justify subpar or lazy work for one reason or another. You deserve my best effort at all times, and my workplace and neighbor are better served, too. There is a lack of work ethic among many men in our culture today that I ask you to turn around. Help men to rediscover the drive to produce and build and create. Fill them with meaning and purpose in their work, and help them find satisfaction in a job well done. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Guard and Protect Others

Mighty Father,
You are the perfect protector and guardian of all. Whether you task your guardian angels with keeping us safe or get directly involved by divine intervention, you diligently watch over those who are yours. In one way or another, you always keep your promise to deliver us. 

You also call me to love my neighbors by living sacrificially for them. That sacrifice will most often show itself in the form of sacrificial living, as I put my neighbor’s needs before my own. Nevertheless, if the situation ever arises, let me also be willing to put my own life on the line to protect the lives of others. It is a sad statement of our times that tragedy can strike in so many ways at the hands of violent people with wicked motives. Cause good and godly men to rise up to the occasion and guard and protect those in harm’s way when danger strikes. Thwart the evil and malicious intentions of any who plot death and destruction, and guard and protect all who are willing to sacrifice their own lives to stop them.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Have Compassion for Others

Caring Savior,
When our own personal lives are filled with so many stories of those who are struggling and suffering, we can easily become cynical. We tune out others and their problems because we have enough of our own to focus on. Over time, unchecked cynical attitudes can turn downright calloused toward others.

Keep me from that extreme. Place me back among the crowds who followed you while you walked the earth, those who chased after you with all of their hurts and needs. That way, I can see clearly what compassion and care look like when perfectly carried out. You took time for others. You met their needs. You always cared, and you still do – for others, for me, for everyone. Move me to demonstrate the same genuine care and compassion for others.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Listen Attentively to Others

Gracious Lord,
You are never too busy to listen to my prayers. No matter how distant or persistent I may be, your ears are always open. You hear my requests and answer them in the way that is best for me. I pray you never turn your ear or your face away from me.

Let your willingness to listen to me spur on my willingness to listen to others. No matter how busy I may be, keep me always willing to listen attentively to others. So many wish to talk, but so few can patiently and properly listen, too. Use me as a sounding board for others to share and open up, and as I actively listen, make me aware of opportunities to love and serve my neighbor in their need. When so many in today’s world are hurried and rushed, let me stand out by slowing down and listening to others.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.