Tag: discipline

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For Focus

Dear Lord,
As technology continues to advance exponentially and the world moves at an increased pace, our ability to remain focused has suffered tremendously. Tools and tech that are supposed to save us time end up deceiving us into thinking we can take on more and get more done. We are tethered to devices that are designed to distract us. We are acquainted with more people than ever, which also makes us aware of more problems and troubles than ever. 

Help us, Lord. First, lead us to set time with you as our non-negotiable priority. Then, provide us with clarity, discernment, and direction, so that we are empowered to take control of our schedules and days. Finally, fix our attention on the things that we have determined matter most, and keep us focused on each responsibility we take on. Let us be present when we are with people and aid us in concentrating whenever a task is before us. In these ways, Lord, equip us to give our best fully to you and others. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For the Blessing of Correction

Patient Father,
Thank you for the blessing of correction. Though we don’t enjoy admitting our errors or the process of being corrected for doing or saying anything wrong, we know it’s necessary – both for the good of others and for our own good. When someone points out how I’ve mistreated another person, I can apologize and seek to make amends with that person, and also strive to avoid repeating that behavior in the future. You know us well, Lord, for even though the discipline we need is often unpleasant in the moment, you promise that it does produce righteousness in us later on. So let us humbly receive rebuke from those who care enough about us to admonish us, and let us willingly do the same for others, always in love. Let correction always be a reason to return in repentance to your cross, where your gracious forgiveness sets us back on your paths of righteousness. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Appreciate Adversity

Mighty God,
We don’t pray for hardship or struggle for ourselves or others, yet through them, you discipline us and teach us perseverance. Since these blessings would be rare to come by apart from adversity, thank you for allowing difficulties to come into our lives. Use them to build us up into what you need us to be. Make us resilient and ready for future challenges. Lead us to lean on you and into you for determination and direction.  Stretch our gratitude to more deeply appreciate the degree of suffering you obediently endured in our place.  Change our mindset about struggles into one that welcomes them as learning experiences that pull us in closer to you.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Bless and Equip Parents

Loving Father,
When you bless a husband and wife with a child, you provide them with a special gift. Children bring a richness into marriage that simply cannot be experienced in any other way. Yet even as we thank you for these treasures, we acknowledge the added challenges and frustrations parents experience in raising them. Bless fathers and mothers with a unified approach in parenting styles. As they train their children together, help them always view each other as allies, not competitors or even enemies. When they carry out discipline, grant them patience and resolve, and an evangelically firm spirit. Ensure that they do not neglect the spiritual, emotional, or physical health of their children, but rather raise them to see the important and interconnected role that each of these plays in the overall well-being of their young ones. Let children experience a depth of grace and forgiveness in how their parents interact with each other and how they treat their kids. See that God’s Word dwells richly in the home, so that as children see and know their Savior’s love, they then grasp the blessing of gratefully carrying out joyful obedience.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For Those Who Coach

Dear God,
Since you have created each of us with such unique skills and interests, not everyone gravitates toward playing sports. But for those who do, or who have children who do, we thank you for individuals who give their time to the demands of coaching. Solid coaches can leave a significant impact on their players long after their competitive days are over. They teach discipline, hard work, and respect. They model patience with teammates who are struggling, players who are challenging to manage, and parents who are abrasive or out of line. Coaches who find joy in fostering positive teamwork teach a valuable life lesson for their players. Winning can provide a teachable moment for humility, and a loss opens the door for teams to learn to lose with grace. Thank you for the dedication and sacrifice of coaches to enrich the lives of many. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Be More Respectful of Others

Humble Savior,
Teach us to respect others. As our society continues to encourage and celebrate individualism and the importance of being true to oneself, the collective good often suffers. A me-centric worldview doesn’t see the need or value of respecting others. So it shouldn’t surprise us to see children disrespect their parents. We don’t respect the opposite sex. We don’t respect those in uniform dedicated to protecting and serving. We don’t respect the government or those in authority. We don’t respect the elderly, but often treat them as an inconvenience or a burden. Respect and self-centeredness can’t coexist. 

So humble us. Forgive our selfish tendencies. Restore respect to our society, starting with me. Lead me to speak well of others and give honor where it is due. Give me Jesus’ heart and attitude, seeking to put others first, assuming the best of them, and humbly elevating the greater good above my own self-serving interests.  

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For Fathers to Be a Reflection of Their Father

Heavenly Father,
Sundays are sacred. To belong to you and to call you Father is a joy and privilege unrivaled by any other, and to be in your presence for worship each week highlights that reality even more. Moreover, as you draw us closer to you through your Word, you also equip fathers to be passionate about carrying out their vital role in the home. Raise up spiritually dedicated fathers who are devoted to passing on their greatest treasure – Jesus – to their children. Nurture this devotion in them by first maturing their own faith and deepening their desire to know you more and more. Then, enable them to be your reflection as they father their children.

Give them gentleness and patience, while remaining evangelically firm in their discipline. Make fathers willing and eager to forgive, without being permissive or tolerant of sin. Let children see what strong spiritual leadership looks like in their fathers, not only so they grow up appreciating and respecting those in authority, but also – and of far greater importance – so that they grow up enthralled by you and the pursuit of your faithfulness and righteousness. Enrich fathers with every spiritual blessing they need to find purpose and great satisfaction in fulfilling this high and holy calling well.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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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

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For Moderation in My Screen Time

Dear Lord,
Give me a spirit of self-discipline in my usage of technology and screens. There are tremendous blessings available to us through our phones and laptops, but any blessing can quickly become a burden if I allow myself to become enslaved by it. In order to determine if my screen time has reached unhealthy levels, I have to be aware of how much time I spend on my devices. If I notice others commenting on my frequent usage, let me take it to heart and make changes rather than becoming bitter. Help me sort out the good and beneficial uses from the unnecessary and negative ones. Let moderation be my mantra, so that my relationship with screens honors you and allows me to be present to serve others.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Live a Holy Life in Step With the Spirit

Holy Father,
When my life doesn’t reflect the holy life you have set me apart to live, it isn’t because I am unaware of what that should look like. And, it isn’t because you have failed to keep your promises to fill me with your overflowing grace that enables me to walk in step with the Spirit. Rather, my own lack of discipline and spiritual apathy work like quicksand to suck me into worldly living. And while it is often easier to walk in step with the world, the outcome is disappointing at best, and destructive at worst. Have mercy on me! Spur on the new man in me to consider each day what living righteously in my life looks like. Give me the determination to make the choices, speak the words, and take the actions that are in keeping with holiness. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.