DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

For Children Without Parents

Abba Father,
Come to the aid of children without their biological parents. Heal the hurting hearts of those who lost their parents through tragedy. Soothe the troubled minds of those given up for adoption who feel unwanted and struggle with abandonment issues. Bring peace to those bearing the weight of shame because of incarcerated parents. In all situations like these, provide loving and nurturing environments for children to be cared for and raised. Richly bless those willing to step in and make sacrifices to love these needy little ones. If they don’t already know you, allow them to be introduced to you, their loving Heavenly Father. Point them to the cross so that they may know the depth of your love. Then, enable these children to love others deeply because they know how deeply loved they are by you. Meet all of their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs in accordance with your lavish generosity. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Cherish My Baptism

Gracious Father,
My baptism isn’t just an empty church ritual that happened to me some time ago in the past; rather, it is who I am. I am a baptized member of your family, adopted into an inheritance that will never perish, spoil, or fade. Therefore, my identity and sense of worth are not based on my successes or failures, but on all of the generous, gracious promises laid out for me in your Word. So, rather than ruminating on past regret or fixating on the future anxiously, I can always be at peace in the present, for my baptism assures me of where I stand before you: forgiven and treasured. By your Spirit, empower me today and every day to live confidently in my baptismal grace and to boldly walk in your steps, so that I reflect for others the joy of belonging to you. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

For Families with Little Ones in Worship

Heavenly Father,
Sundays are sacred. But worship is a unique challenge for parents with little children. Thank you for the Christian parents who prioritize bringing their little ones to worship. Some mornings, before they even pull into the church parking lot, they have already experienced a day’s worth of stressful wear and tear. Provide them with the strength and determination to follow through with worship, and through it, rejuvenate their spirits. Fill the members of their church families with compassion to know when to lend a helping hand to frazzled moms and dazed dads. Direct congregations to consider how they might become more family-friendly. Give parents the discernment and discipline to raise their children to view worship with reverence and respect. Through these formative years in church, lay a solid foundation in children that paves the way for a lifetime of faithful worship attendance, so their hearts remain saturated by the gospel. 

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 Families with Little Ones in Worship

Heavenly Father,
Sundays are sacred. Jesus told his disciples to let the little children come to him. Therefore, I thank you for young parents and families who faithfully attend worship. That season of life can be filled with more than enough hassle and headaches that would make it easy to stay home. Those parents recognize not only their own spiritual needs, but also the needs of their children. They are establishing healthy worship habits that can serve to bless their children for a lifetime.

When their Saturday evenings or Sunday mornings are filled with stress and frustration, and the pull to just stay home is strong, let your Spirit provide the determination they need to stay the course. And, when they do, and little ones are out of sorts or unsettled during worship, give other worshipers an extra measure of patience, and remind them how good and healthy it is to have little ones together in worship. At the same time, give parents the discernment to recognize when circumstances call for them to take a break if little ones have become a distraction for other worshipers, while also compelling other worshipers to lend a helping hand whenever possible. When we view worship not just as an opportunity to be served, but to serve, we’ll gladly welcome all worshipers – including children – and rejoice that they are present. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.