DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

For Those Who Are Dating

Loving Lord,
Guide and direct men who are dating in hopes of establishing a relationship that they pray may eventually result in marriage. Lead them to marvel at how remarkably wonderful women are and to appreciate our unique differences. Compel them to always treat women with respect, looking out for their best interests while protecting and serving them, however necessary. Guard their hearts and keep them from allowing themselves to succumb to lust and any sexual temptation, so that they honor both women and their own bodies. Grant them joy and fulfillment in the pursuit of learning more about the interests, goals, and dreams of those they’re dating. Favor them with a shared love for you and the blessings of growing in their faith. Help them see the ways that dating provides them with the opportunity to display Christ-like, sacrificial love, and equip them to show it.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Care for Caregivers

Caring Father,
Look with favor on those who serve as caregivers. Whether it’s adult children caring for their elderly parents, dedicated parents caring for children with physical limitations and/or special needs, or somewhere in between, their work is arduous. Be the source of their strength. While they focus on providing care for others, it can be easy for them to neglect their self-care. Give them ample time to allot to their own care, and surround them with a support system of others who recognize when they are running on empty and offer to step in and help. Make the service that caregivers provide not only a blessing to those they care for, but also to them, so that they are able to see and enjoy the fruit of their labor.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

For Widows and Widowers

Compassionate Lord,
Look with favor on widows and widowers. Whether their loss was recent or in years past, they understandably experience painful memories and reminders of their loved one. Comfort and console them as they grieve. When they are feeling the ache of loneliness, remind them they are never really alone with you by their side. Additionally, surround them with human connection through family and friends. Where there is the desire for companionship, provide it accordingly. Help widows and widowers adjust to new plans and purposes for them in their lives. Reassure them that they are very much loved, that they matter, and that their lives are no less meaningful without their spouse. Move their churches to support and help them as you call believers to do, and cause neighbors and acquaintances to be present with care and aid whenever needed. Remember them, Lord, and do not let them feel forgotten.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Uplift and Encourage Others at Church

Heavenly Father,
Sundays are sacred. Since I am always uplifted and encouraged by your Word in worship, I pray this morning that you also use me to encourage and uplift others. Spur me on to step outside of my normal circle of friends to meet and greet someone new. Let my lips be filled with complementary words of kindness. While I don’t know the details of all the stress and strain your people bring with them into your house each week, I can remind them of the peace you came to bring that surpasses their every trouble. When worshippers leave your house this morning, let them do so not only filled up with your Spirit, but also cheered on by their fellow believers, including me.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

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.