Tag: death

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For Remembrance on 9/11

Lord of Nations,
On this day, twenty-five years ago, terrorists flew planes into buildings with the intent of murdering as many people as possible. Among all of the innocent lives lost were many of the first responders who dedicated their lives to helping and rescuing others. Let us remember and honor all of them. Be with all who on this day are reliving the pain of having lost loved ones on that tragic day, or some time afterward because they were exposed to the toxic effects. Continue to bless them with your healing and hope. Thank you for those who have vigilantly served around the clock ever since that tragedy to thwart future terrorist plots and to guard and protect the citizens of our nation. Protect all who dedicate their lives to protecting us. Bring to justice all of Satan’s agents with malicious hearts who are hell-bent on carrying out similar acts of pure evil against other human beings. Lord, have mercy.  

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For Grieving Worshipers

Heavenly Father,
Sundays are sacred. Yet, they can be especially hard for those still coping with the loss of a loved one. Church can sometimes serve as a source of grief or pain for those who are reminded of others who used to worship with them, but have now gone to heaven. “Their” spot in the pew or chair may be empty or occupied by someone else. The absence of their unique mannerisms or singing may cause sadness. The way(s) they served are now being carried out by others. While worship after the recent loss of loved ones can be a challenge, make it also a beautifully comforting reminder of why those who are grieving can be certain of where their loved one is. Let Easter hymns and Resurrection references from Scripture serve to ease the sense of loss and gradually replace it with the anticipation of rejoicing at the reunion in heaven. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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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

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For Those Who Gave Their Lives

Sacrificial Savior,
On this Memorial Day, our nation pauses to remember and acknowledge those who died while serving in our United States Armed Forces. While no effort to honor their sacrifice ever feels adequate, we pray that the events and experiences planned on this day serve as touching tributes to acknowledge all our military personnel who gave up their lives. There is no greater expression of love that man can make than laying down one’s life for others. 

Many alive today who served alongside those who died still wrestle with survivor’s guilt. Many family members also struggle daily with the loss of their loved ones, even though that loss may have occurred years or even decades ago. Therefore, let us also remember your sacrifice, for you died for them. You gave up your life to remove their guilt and to console them in their sorrow. So today, Lord, as we remember those who died for us, we also remember the One who died for them – and for all people – so that all who fall asleep in you will most certainly live again. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

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.