DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

For Compassion Toward Those Experiencing Loss

God Who Cares,
Trouble and tragedy so frequently fill our news feed that we can become disinterested and desensitized. When that happens, our sense of compassion can diminish along with it. We brush over death and lives lost, lacking sympathy for those devastated by such tragic loss. Unconcerned, we don’t spend so much as a passing thought on souls and their eternity. 

Forgive me for being too much in the world, but not of it in all the wrong ways. You have placed me here to grieve with those who grieve. You have uniquely shaped me to show compassion to suffering neighbors and care for saddened strangers. Lord, your heart ached for others who were hurting. Give me that same heart, always willing to pause and be present with others in their loss and grief. And, when appropriate, compel me to point them to the precious hope you provide to all who have experienced loss. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

For Whatever I Need to Better Help My Neighbor

Loving Lord,
You call on us so many times in Scripture to serve our neighbor in so many different ways, and the good news of the gospel works in us the desire to do just that. Since you promise to provide us with whatever we need to carry out what you direct us to do, I pray that you give me the understanding to determine the needs of others. Prompt me to ask thoughtful questions when needs arise and to listen carefully to responses. Increase my emotional intelligence and social awareness to be able to read between the lines when necessary. Connect me with a strong network of friends and acquaintances who have both the means and the desire to support those requiring help. Use me as a conduit of your compassion and care for others. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

For Those Contemplating Suicide

Author of Life,
Although they may have figured out how to mask it on the outside, many are desperately hurting on the inside. For a number of them, the struggle is so severe that they have even considered suicide as an option. Intervene, Lord, especially in the lives of those who have gone so far as to plan out how they would end their lives. Protect their lives by frustrating their plans and making others aware of the gravity of their situation. Compel those with suicidal thoughts to be proactive and ask for help, and when they do, provide it. Let those struggling in this way know that others love them and care for them, and that their lives really do matter. And, if that is difficult for them to grasp or believe, open their eyes to see that they are so valuable to you that you were willing to give up your only Son for them. Please extend their time of grace and restore meaning and purpose to their precious lives. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

For Those Who Care for Christ’s People

Lord of the Church,
Thank you for those who shepherd your people and provide spiritual care for the sheep of your flock. Bless their work as they carry out the great responsibility of guiding and nurturing the faith and lives of the body of Christ. Keep them faithful to your Word and grant them the discernment to correctly apply law and gospel. Refresh them in soul, spirit, and body when they feel the burden of their calling. Reward their work with joy in seeing the fruit of their labor as your Holy Spirit strengthens faith and equips believers for works of service. Continue to train and provide future workers for this important work, so that your grace flows in abundance from one generation to the next until your glorious return. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Be There for Young People

Son of God,
Growing up in the world today is not easy. So many kids come from broken homes and dysfunctional families. They face pressure to excel and succeed already at such a young age that they’re hardly allowed to just be kids. Parents often choose permission over discipline, leaving them ill-equipped to function in the real world, where wrongdoing has consequences. Technology and temptation often form an alliance that kids (let alone adults!) simply aren’t able to handle.

For all of these reasons, and many more, help me go out of my way to help young people in any way. Rather than just complaining about all the problems with young people today, I want to be a part of the solution. Let me take the time to do the simple things like acknowledge them, listen to them, and encourage them whenever possible. Give me discernment to know when it is appropriate to correct bad behavior and wrong choices when I witness them. Help adults to be mindful of when and where young people can be included in meaningful ways. Through these efforts, let young people know they are appreciated and cared for, not just by us, but even more importantly, by you. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

For a Healthy Body Image

Lord God,
Your Word assures us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. While we marvel at the detail and design that went into creating mankind, the crown of your creation, we confess that we don’t always feel all that special. While women have traditionally struggled more with body image, men are not immune. Images of shirtless men sporting six packs or hitting the gym are widespread, and can leave those with dad bods discouraged and deflated. Lead guys to be realistic and reasonable about their physical appearances, and to be willing to share their struggles with others. Let us embrace taking care of our bodies as a natural part of our calling, and just one more way we can honor and thank you. Help us to view it as a privilege and not a pain, and let our worth be determined not by what we see in the mirror, but by remembering the price you were willing to pay to make us yours. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

For Those Feeling Alone During the Holidays

Precious Savior,
While the holidays are a time of joy for many, remember those for whom this time of year may serve as a painful reminder of their loneliness or isolation. Through accident or tragedy, some family members will be looking at empty seats around the table as reminders of their loss. Many who are confined to nursing homes in the final season of their lives may feel more neglected or forgotten than normal as they witness other residents receiving visitors. Those on the inside of a jail or prison bear not only the burden of their wrongdoing, but also the hurt of not being able to be present with those who care about them. 

Be there for all facing these or similar situations, and remind them that the very reason you came to earth was to be with us, and so that we can always have the promise of your presence. Let your love and care be experienced by many through the thoughtful expressions of those who take time to visit, write notes, create crafts, and all other gestures that let others know they are not forgotten and they are cared for. Allow these efforts in some way to direct those feeling lonely and overlooked to see the light of your gracious face shining on them.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

For Those Providing Care for Others

Dear God,
Those who are committed to caring for others provide a tremendous service to society. There are so many in need of care of all kinds – physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. Physical therapists, counselors, and pastors go to significant lengths to receive adequate training for these roles, but family members and friends often fill them in various ways, too. Thank you for the sacrifices they are willing to make to provide this valuable care to others. Give them perseverance and strength for their responsibilities when they are tired and worn out. Uplift them with words of encouragement and appreciation when they are emotionally drained. Above all, refresh them with the spiritual rest you freely offer, forgiving their sins and securing their salvation by your loving sacrifice for them and for all people.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Live and Lead with Kindness

Caring Savior,
Help me to live and lead with kindness today. If I become frustrated or irritated by some personal issue, do not allow me to let that justify my impatience or meanness toward others. When others say or do something that is unkind or uncaring to me, keep me from responding to them in the same way. Regardless of the circumstances, let kindness color my thoughts, so that it may also permeate all of my words and actions. Let my considerate gestures, thoughtful compliments, and friendly demeanor toward others be a blessing to them and a delight in your eyes. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Appreciate and Care for All Living Things

Creator God,
When you spoke all of creation into existence, you gave mankind the responsibility of overseeing and caring for it. Carrying out this duty diligently is an expression of thanks for giving us such a variety-filled and fascinating world to discover and appreciate. Let us be informed consumers, aware of products and processes that are irresponsibly and unnecessarily harmful to the environment. Give us an appreciation for how you provide for all living things around us as we also care for things like gardens, houseplants, and pets. It is no small thing when you bring to life and sustain it. Neither should we take for granted when you heal or restore anything living that was damaged or unwell. Thank you for this world and for all that lives in it. Help us tend to it well.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.