DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Be Eager To Be Me

Gracious Lord,
Comparison has been called the thief of joy – and with good reason! When I cannot avoid focusing on the status or gifts and abilities of others, and I end up feeling inferior, I lack appreciation and gratitude for my own lot in life. As a result, my ambition and drive dwindle, and I struggle to accomplish anything while falling into a funk. 

Instead of comparing myself to others, lead me to rejoice in the unique and varied ways you have made all people. Move me to celebrate the gifts and abilities of others and be thankful for them. Give me the ongoing desire to develop my own gifts, and to operate on the basis of my personal strengths, finding satisfaction and fulfillment in who you have made me to be. Keep me from holding back, and let me give myself fully to you and to others.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Appreciate Extroverts and Introverts

Wonderful Father,
Each of us is fearfully and wonderfully made. That means we are not clones of each other, sharing the same personalities, abilities, and interests. Some of us are very outgoing extroverts, while others are keep-to-ourselves introverts. Rather than being frustrated by these differences, help us to embrace them and even celebrate that uniqueness.

You often use the outgoing nature of extroverts to make new introductions and connections with people. Introverts, on the other hand, while not eager to step out of their comfort zone to make those initial new connections, can be amazing at developing those one-on-one relationships more deeply. Extroverts may unintentionally speak without considering how their words might be received by others, while those who are more reserved may have more of a knack for reading the room and being socially aware. While we understand that these generalizations can’t possibly apply to everyone in the same way, they help us to appreciate that you have wired us differently. Rather than seeing these differences as deficiencies, help us to marvel at how you can use everyone in specialized ways to bless and build up each other. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Let the Christmas Celebration Continue

Dearest Jesus,
On this day after our celebration of your birth, much of the world sees Christmas in the rearview mirror and plans to box it up and store it away again until next year. But the season of Christmas isn’t over; it’s only just begun! Let the joy of this magnificent event linger and continue to warm my heart for days and weeks. The miracle of your virgin birth and incarnation are far too much to ponder for just one day. The significance of your coming to dwell among us deserves deep thought and reflection. Keep me from being swept up along with the rest of the world’s hurry and rush to move on to the next thing, and cause me to set aside time to ponder and pray. Let the Scriptures and songs that so beautifully detail the wonder of Christmas remain on my heart, my mind, and my lips while my joyous celebration of your birth continues.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Celebrate Responsibly

Gracious Father,
This time of year offers many parties and opportunities to celebrate. As the final weekend before Christmas arrives, and the celebrations continue into next week, I want to celebrate responsibly. Where I find myself in tempting situations, whether the source of those enticements are people, food, or drink, help me to maintain my self-control. While secular celebrations may be viewed by many as invitations to promiscuity, gluttony, or drunkenness, I know better.

Wanting to walk in your footsteps, especially in light of the gift of Jesus who is the reason for my celebration, guard my heart and my steps from meandering down paths of unrighteousness. You have set me apart so that my life stands out to others as different from the rest of the world. Give me the discipline and determination to represent you well and honor you in my celebration of your birth. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.