DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Honor You in My Use of Alcohol

Lord Jesus,
You blessed the wedding at Cana, not just with your presence, but also with a miraculous gift of fine wine. Your Word also speaks positively of wine as a blessing that gladdens the heart and can also address certain bodily ailments or distress. Used properly and enjoyed in moderation, alcohol can be appreciated as the blessing you intend it to be. 

Keep me from abusing it. Guard me from drinking excessively and in excess. Drunkenness is not a gray area in your Word, but is always a sin that dishonors you and my own body. And, since the sin of drunkenness so often multiplies into other sins, help me to always be in control when drinking. Give me the wisdom to know my limitations, and not to be unwise when I have surpassed those limitations. Let me never put my own life or the lives of others at risk regarding my use of alcohol. Instead, guide me to model a healthy relationship with it, so that in a world of so many poor examples, I might be a bright spot. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

For Husbands in an Abusive Marriage

Humble Savior,
In a world so broken by sin, even your sacred institution of marriage is too often damaged. When the roles of loving head and helper are confused, neglected, or abused, spouses end up wounded and hurt. Marriage is no place for abuse of any kind, and while attention is often focused on husbands being guilty of abuse, in some instances, husbands are the victims. 

Be with husbands who are in an abusive relationship. Where wives are guilty of abuse, give husbands self-control so that they do not respond with any sort of aggression or violence, but instead seek outside support and help. Intercede in any manner necessary to bring the abuse to an end and provide wives with the help and counseling they need. Since sin in some form or fashion is always the source of abuse, lead abusive wives to see their sin for what it is and repent of it. Then, whenever possible, allow forgiveness to follow so that reconciliation and healing can begin to take place and restore the bruised marriage bond.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Remain in Control of My Relationship with Alcohol

Lord God,
Your loving providence not only meets, but exceeds, all of our needs. Not only are our needs more than met by you, but you also generously give so many things that provide us with pleasure and enjoyment. We include alcoholic beverages among those. You point out in your Word that wine can gladden the heart and help cheer up those who are down. Jesus provided wine at Cana. Paul encouraged Timothy to drink wine to help with his health issues. Many pictures of the joys of heaven include banquets of rich food and wine. 

But when we take your good blessings too far, abuse them, or become enslaved by them, we sin. Your Word doesn’t hold back on the warnings against how dangerous and damaging alcohol can be when not appreciated in moderation. The sin of drunkenness is clearly condemned. Therefore, help me to always be aware of my relationship with alcohol, so that I don’t allow it to become a snare for me. Let me always be in control and know my limitations, so that it remains the blessing you intend it to be, and not a destructive force in my life or in the lives of those I love. Give me the ability to refrain and say no if it would ever become apparent that I might have a problem, and give others the courage to speak to me if they become concerned. I always want to honor you in all things, including my use of alcohol.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

For Those Battling Sexual Addiction

Victorious Savior,
Send your Spirit and strength to those battling sexual addiction. It is not a battle that can be successfully won alone. Sin of any kind is so devastating, not only because even one sin breaks the whole law and is deserving of eternal death, but also because it refuses to be content just to be something dabbled in or as an occasional passing interest. Sin wants to take over and be in control, so when sexual sins are committed, they are no different. 

Lead those with sexual addictions to acknowledge that they are no longer in control, for as long as they believe the lie that they are in control, sin will keep mastering them. When outside help, guidance, and support are brought into the battle, the tide can begin to turn. Let your grace and forgiveness completely wash over the shame and guilt of stricken consciences and contrite hearts. Open the eyes of their hearts to see that sex will never provide the fulfillment or satisfaction that only you can. Redirect their thoughts and passions away from the empty lies of sexual immorality and toward the truth of your Word and promises. Free them from slavery to their addiction, and instead let them find genuine joy and delight in being slaves to righteousness.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Put an End to Abuse

Caring Father,
No matter the nature of the relationship – parent/child, boyfriend/girlfriend, husband/wife, or any other – I pray for those in any relationship where abuse exists. Whether that abuse is expressed physically, emotionally, or in any other sense, it has no place in any relationship. A close relationship is meant to be a source of safety and security, and when anyone takes advantage of the trust that is given to facilitate abuse, the results are devastating.  Defend and protect any victims from serious harm or injury. Give them the courage to speak up for themselves and seek help as soon as possible. Open the eyes of friends or family members nearby to be able to identify any signs of abuse, and give them the courage to intervene. 

Be also with the abuser in any way that puts a stop to the abuse and gets them the help that is needed to address its root cause. Work the fear and trepidation of the law into the hearts of any responsible for abuse, ultimately leading them to contrition and remorse for their actions. Then, grant forgiveness to those who are guilty, and the ability to forgive to those who are victims. Put an end to abuse everywhere, and through the power of your gospel work reconciliation and restoration in those relationships damaged by abuse.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

For Those Battling Drug Addiction

Powerful Lord,
The ongoing battle many have with drug addictions can end up a matter of life and death. Both street drugs and prescription drugs, depending on how they are abused, are capable of killing. Any lives lost at the hand of drugs are too many.

Intervene, Lord, on behalf of those ensnared in addiction, whether voluntarily or not, and provide them with what is needed to overcome. Cut off their access to the drugs that continue to fuel their addiction. Place determined individuals in their lives who refuse to give up on trying to help them beat their addiction. Grant them someone or something to treasure so greatly that the damage and harm resulting from their drug abuse is no longer worth it. Open doors of opportunity for them to receive help coping with whatever issues drove them to drugs in the first place.

Show them that in you they have purpose, meaning, and worth, and are valued more than they could ever imagine. Overcome their addiction by revealing to them your dedication and affection for them.   

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.