Tag: death

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For Those Facing Heavy Decisions

Spirit of Comfort,
Be present for those who find themselves in situations where they need to make hard, heavy decisions. When choices will significantly impact families, finances, and futures, do not let those decisions be rash or hasty. When circumstances require a decision to be made urgently or in a very short timeframe, grant those decision-makers an extra measure of your Spirit, and surround them with wisdom and counsel. When gut-wrenching end-of-life decisions need to be made, let the confidence of the Resurrection and eternal life wash over and calm troubled, anxious hearts. Move believers in the body of Christ to offer the comfort of their presence for those facing emotionally draining decisions, so that they don’t have to make those decisions alone.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Realize How Truly Blessed I Am

Precious Savior,
Today, with the smell of snuffed-out Good Friday candles wafting behind me and the floral aroma of Easter lilies before me, let me pause to reflect how richly blessed I am. You, the innocent Son of God, took my place as a guilty crucified criminal. You endured the wrath and punishment that should have been mine. You died… for me. Tomorrow, I celebrate once again with blissful joy your rising up from the grave to live again… for me! These monumental milestones are mine to rejoice over, as they have forever altered my eternity. Since they cannot be taken from me or be undone, my joy is everlasting. Because you died and live again, so will I. How overjoyed my heart is to fathom it all!

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Treasure Your Death

Sacrificial Lamb,
Death is not something we celebrate. Our hearts are heavy when headlines highlight killings or casualties. We mourn the loss of our loved ones and grieve with others when they experience the same pain. Death hits us hard.

And your death is no different. And yet, it is at the very same time radically different, nothing like any other death. For as much as your death tears us apart, knowing that our sin necessitated it, we also rejoice because of it! Your death took the place of our death. Your death canceled our debt. Your death satisfied the Father’s wrath. Your death guaranteed our life. So we call this Friday Good.

A thousand times over, thank you.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For Widows and Widowers

Compassionate Lord,
Look with favor on widows and widowers. Whether their loss was recent or in years past, they understandably experience painful memories and reminders of their loved one. Comfort and console them as they grieve. When they are feeling the ache of loneliness, remind them they are never really alone with you by their side. Additionally, surround them with human connection through family and friends. Where there is the desire for companionship, provide it accordingly. Help widows and widowers adjust to new plans and purposes for them in their lives. Reassure them that they are very much loved, that they matter, and that their lives are no less meaningful without their spouse. Move their churches to support and help them as you call believers to do, and cause neighbors and acquaintances to be present with care and aid whenever needed. Remember them, Lord, and do not let them feel forgotten.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For Grace at Goodbyes

Loving Lord,
It’s rarely an easy thing to say goodbye to those we love. When children leave for college and then leave home for good, it’s a big change. When visits between those weathering long-distance relationships come to an end, having to part ways again hurts. And no goodbyes are more painful than the final goodbyes between those about to be separated from each other at the end of life.  

You, Lord, are no stranger to goodbyes. You left those you loved – and who loved you – when you gave yourself up on the cross, only to be shunned by the Father in our place. And again, after your resurrection, you left your church in the hands of the disciples when you ascended into heaven. Yet at that time, you promised never to leave us permanently, but that you would be with us always. As a result, for all who believe, goodbyes are short-lived when compared to the forever of eternity. May the certainty of that future reality soothe the sting of our goodbyes until then.  

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For the Gift of Life

Dear Jesus,
The gift is not like the trespass. Because of the trespass of one man, Adam, death reigned. It ruled without mercy, unchallenged. All sinners were helpless to address their fate. Then you came, Lord, and dethroned death! By your sinless life, your sacrificial death, and your death-defying resurrection, you brought life. Truly, the gift is not like the trespass! Where faith in you is present, death no longer calls the shots, but must submit to the eternal life that is your gift of grace to all who believe. Thank you for the grace that makes this gift mine.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For No Fear of Condemnation

Dear Jesus,
The gift is not like the trespass. The judgment resulting from the trespass is condemnation, while the judgment following the gift is acquittal. We rejoice, Lord, for the gift of your grace means no fear of condemnation! Though I am guilty of sin, you do not count it against me. Though I earned condemnation, your gift is justification. As a result of your sacrifice, all sin – including my sin – has been paid for in full, meaning there is no substance to the empty accusations of the evil one. The eternal death sentence of Adam’s trespass has been undone by the gift of your grace. How true it is that the gift is not like the trespass!

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Make the Gift Known

Dear Jesus,
The gift is not like the trespass. Through Adam’s act of disobedience in the garden, death came into the world. However, through you, Jesus, the gift of grace overflowed. In Adam, we all die. In Christ, we live. While the result of Adam’s trespass – death – directly affects all people, whether they know why or not, Jesus’ gift of grace has to be made known, for it can only be received by faith. Truly, the gift is nothing like the trespass! Let my mouth speak to others of this gift of grace so that death is not the end of their story. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For Compassion Toward Those Experiencing Loss

God Who Cares,
Trouble and tragedy so frequently fill our news feed that we can become disinterested and desensitized. When that happens, our sense of compassion can diminish along with it. We brush over death and lives lost, lacking sympathy for those devastated by such tragic loss. Unconcerned, we don’t spend so much as a passing thought on souls and their eternity. 

Forgive me for being too much in the world, but not of it in all the wrong ways. You have placed me here to grieve with those who grieve. You have uniquely shaped me to show compassion to suffering neighbors and care for saddened strangers. Lord, your heart ached for others who were hurting. Give me that same heart, always willing to pause and be present with others in their loss and grief. And, when appropriate, compel me to point them to the precious hope you provide to all who have experienced loss. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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A Prayer for Ash Wednesday

Merciful God,
On this day, Ash Wednesday, we mark the beginning of the season of Lent. Today especially, we are reminded of the inseparable bond sin and death share. Sinners cannot escape death. I, therefore, cannot escape death. What I can do, though, and need to do daily, is confess my sins that lead to death. Lent is not a season of self-help, but a penitential season of helplessness. Grant me a humble and contrite heart, and create in me a renewed spirit as I prepare once again to see the Savior’s steps toward his ultimate sacrifice for all, including me. Only at the cross was the eternal bond between sin and death broken, so that now, in Christ, even though I die, I live. Eternally. With you. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.