DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Protect Those Surrounded by War

God, our Shield and Strength,
Watch over civilians all over the world who live in or near areas of conflict and war. Keep them safe from collateral damage, protecting them from the damaging effects of weapons and war. Even as enemies are at war with each other, make fighters and those in command aware of possible unintended casualties, and guide them to avoid making decisions that put innocent people at risk. Grant wisdom to civilians, and keep them diligent and alert so they do not put themselves or others in danger. Compel government leaders to seek resolution with urgency and haste, limiting injury and loss of life as much as possible. And, since you have declared that wars and rumors of wars will continue until you return, I ask you to use them for a good purpose: lead people to long for and find peace here, and help them find it in you for eternity, too.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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

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

To Pray Properly for Our Government

Dear Father,
You call on believers not only to honor and respect their government leaders, but also to pray for them. If only we knew how often you allow our prayers to shape and influence government practices and policies, surely we would offer up our petitions with much greater frequency! When we bring our prayers, let them be driven by the unique needs of elected officials in their respective roles, as well as the needs of the citizens of our country. And, although your kingdom comes through the gospel and not through those carrying political power, we nevertheless pray for leaders to fulfill their obligations in a way that doesn’t hinder the work of your kingdom and your church. While party affiliations, platforms, and policies will understandably come into consideration in our prayers, do not allow them to taint our prayers by letting bitterness, resentment, or animosity toward individuals flow from our hearts. Through our prayers, bless all those who serve in our government as you see fit. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Honor God and the Government with Our Taxes

Mighty God,
No matter which category we fall under, proactive or procrastinator, today marks the same deadline for everyone in the U.S. to file their taxes. We have a responsibility as citizens to honor and respect the government, and one of the ways we carry that out is by giving to Caesar what is Caesar’s, as Jesus instructed his disciples to do. Paying taxes is also an act of worship, as we serve you by dutifully fulfilling our obligations to the government you have placed over us to bless us.

Keep us from being deliberately shady or deceitful on the one hand, or careless and thoughtless on the other when working through our taxes, and keep our hearts in the right place. Grant patience to tax preparers dealing with last-minute stresses. Bless those collecting, managing, and directing the spending of our taxes with wisdom and prudence to serve our country well. Guard our government against corruption and abuse, and put in place reliable and trustworthy leaders to oversee the whole process. If there are improvements that can be made anywhere, allow those changes to take place and benefit many. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.