DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Disagree with Dignity

Lord Jesus,
You have given us the ability to think critically, to reason, and to apply logic. Our upbringing, our experiences, and our education all factor in when it comes to our unique views and opinions. Inevitably then, we will not share the same convictions with others about certain matters. Not only is this OK, but different ideas about how to address issues and solve problems often result in a better overall solution. 

Different opinions, though – especially those strongly held – can also raise tensions and cause conflict. When I find myself in such situations, equip me with the self-control to disagree with dignity. Keep me from doing or saying anything that would deliberately stir others up and escalate the situation. Guard my tongue from profanity or insult, so that my mouth does not dishonor you. Instead, give me an attitude that seeks to learn more about others’ differing views, so that I am challenged to either reinforce or rethink my own views. Regardless of the outcome, let my speech always be seasoned with salt, and give me the patience to treat those holding different views with honor and respect.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Correct with Your Word

Lord God,
When you call us to proclaim your Word, it is primarily so that others may hear the good news of the gospel, since there is no other way mankind can know what you have done to save him. But your Word doesn’t only provide the gospel; it also offers correction. Help us remember to use it for that purpose and give us the confidence to do so. Guard us from both the extreme of Pharisaical piety that is too eager to correct others, and also from a timidity that avoids it altogether. Since sanctification is your work, and your work is carried out through your Word, lead us to rely on it and on you to direct us along paths of righteousness. We cannot know the right way unless we know your way, and we have no desire or ability to walk in your steps unless you work in us that desire and ability. Lead others to accept correction with humble hearts, and us to offer it with humble hearts as well. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

For the Courage to Correct When Necessary

Spirit of Truth,
Give me the courage to speak up to brothers in the faith who need to be called out or rebuked for one reason or another. Whether they are stuck in sin, settling for worldly satisfactions, or lacking the desire or discipline to pursue you more deeply and faithfully, make me bold to speak up. When I am ready to say something, ensure that my heart and my attitude are grounded in pure motives and a longing for what is best for my brother(s). Break down any barriers that would hinder others from listening to correction, and use these challenging situations to foster healthy spiritual growth all around. And, when others have the courage to correct or admonish me when I need it, quiet my own stubborn spirit so that I receive it properly and take it to heart. Cause me to be grateful that you have placed godly, mature Christian men in my life who care enough to correct me.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Expose Error and Restore Truth

Heavenly Father,
Sundays are sacred. We rejoice that there are so many places of worship for believers to gather and be fed by your Word. However, we also know that not all of them stand faithfully on the Bible. Whether a church deviates from Scripture a lot or a little, no amount of false teaching is insignificant and always causes damage to souls. Bring rebuke and correction wherever they are needed, so that your people are not led astray, and the message of the gospel is not compromised. Equip your people with the discernment to identify false teaching and empower them to speak up when they become aware of it. Expose error and restore the truth so that your church continues to stand on the solid foundation of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, revealed in Scripture alone. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Protect the Reputation of Others

Dear Lord,
When you call us to speak well of others and protect their reputation, that certainly includes telling the truth about them at all times. But it also means speaking up to defend them when that reputation is being slandered or called into question. Give me the courage to speak up for others who are not present or who cannot speak up for themselves. On the other side, make me bold enough to admonish or correct those who gossip or spread false rumors about others. Forgive me for when I’ve failed on both ends, and shape my heart to reflect yours in how I treat others, whether in their presence or not. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

For Accountability and Encouragement

Lord God,
Your Spirit works in me the desire to do your will. My inability to follow through or carry out your will is my fault alone. Give me the humility to seek out a friend and brother in the faith to aid me in my walk, and to provide me with accountability and correction. Where my desire falls short or my discipline is lacking, use this individual to speak the truth in love to me. Establish a trust between us that allows him to tell me what I need to hear, no matter how difficult it may be, and give me the spiritual maturity to receive and accept his admonishment as it is intended: for my good. For such a relationship to bear fruit, I need to be honest and transparent with him. Give me the courage to consider and seek out someone who could serve in this way and bless each of us through this bond.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.