Tag: celebrate

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For the Freedom to Worship

Heavenly Father,
Sundays are sacred. As our nation continues to celebrate 250 years of freedom, the opportunity to gather freely for Sunday morning worship is still appreciated by believers as one of the most blessed privileges we have. We recognize and lament that such a privilege does not belong to your Church everywhere in the world. While we pray for the protection of Christians worshiping in hostile nations, let us not give up meeting together; let us not rob ourselves of the Spirit’s work of strengthening our faith and centering it more on Christ. May the freedom we have in Christ prompt us to steward well the freedom we have as citizens of the United States, taking advantage of those freedoms to advance your kingdom and to love and serve others in need. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For Our Nation’s Independence

God of Freedom,
Today we celebrate the freedoms our nation has had since being established 250 years ago. Since you alone determine the duration of nations and the rise and fall of civilizations, we thank you for establishing and sustaining the United States of America for two and a half centuries. Over that time, you have guided and directed the course of our history to result in tremendous blessings not only for our nation, but worldwide. The freedoms we enjoy are absolute treasures, and we plead for your intervention whenever those are threatened. Yet like all other nations, we are not without our faults, so we daily need your patient forgiveness and rich mercy. Heal division within our nation and unite us with like-minded goals in pursuit of the greatest good for all people. Protect us from all who seek to destroy or undermine our blessed country in any way, whether those enemies are internal or external. Let your church also thrive at this time, taking advantage of the freedoms we are permitted to sow the seed of the gospel. Through that gospel, bring many more to faith, while also creating responsible, respectful, honorable, obedient, and loving citizens who will continue to uphold and defend this great nation.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For Your Blessing on July 4th Travel and Celebration

Dear Lord,
Many in our country will be traveling today and begin celebrating the 250th Anniversary of our nation’s independence. Direct your watchful angels to guard and protect all those traveling near and far, guiding them to safe arrivals. Grant your favor on all who have planned and are hosting gatherings and events, allowing everything to go as smoothly as possible. Prepare paramedics and first responders to also be ready for when things do not go according to plan. See that festivities are carried out and conducted responsibly, so that people do not put themselves or others in danger. Prohibit irresponsible or excessive partying that dishonors you or reflects poorly on our nation. Instead, bless the celebrations this weekend with joy, laughter, and a deeper awe and appreciation of the profound privilege of being a citizen of the United States of America.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Lovingly Serve, Uphold, and Respect Women

Selfless Savior,
You charge us with the responsibility of sacrificially serving others, including women. In the process, we are to honor them and treat them with respect. Too often, though, we treat them as inferior, diminish them, and make punchlines of them. And, as if such actions weren’t shameful enough, we also objectify them and behave as if their only reason for existence is to serve and satisfy us. When we mistreat or abuse women, or fail to speak up in their defense against those who do, we sin by taking advantage of them and abdicating our responsibility toward them.

Have mercy on us and forgive us for having such cold, calloused hearts! Wash and cleanse us, and transform our attitudes. Direct our hearts to desire the safekeeping and protection of women, and to support and celebrate them in their roles. Prompt our prayers on their behalf, and raise us up as godly men to lead them spiritually and to always look out for their well-being. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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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

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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

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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

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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.