DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Measure My Words

Gracious Savior,
When I allow myself to become angry or irritated, especially by someone else’s words or actions, that is when I am most likely to unleash an unfiltered and unloving response of my own, either verbally or from a keyboard. Such words have never contributed positively to better understanding or resolution, and they never will. Furthermore, that kind of communication isn’t just hurtful to my neighbor; it’s also sin against you, my God. Have mercy on me and forgive my many thoughtlessly spoken (or typed!) words!

Instead, help me to speak only what builds others up. Let my words be words of encouragement, that others may find them to be a breath of fresh air. Even when I am called to admonish or correct, the words I use, along with my tone and body language, should better reflect the loving motives of my heart. If I am to speak in a way that edifies others and honors you, I need to be able to first keep my emotions in check. Let your Holy Spirit guard and guide my heart, so that the words which flow from it serve my neighbor and are always pleasing in your sight.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Overcome Irritations

Patient Father,
Sometimes it doesn’t seem to take much to set me off. The littlest thing can irritate me. I want to have better control over my emotions than to let such trivial things get the better of me. When I become aware of anyone or anything that is starting to cause that kind of a reaction in me, give me pause and help me retain my composure. In those moments, remind me that while I may not have control over the things happening to me or around me, I do have complete control over how I respond. Redirect my thoughts away from the source of my irritation and toward anything else that is positive or uplifting. Grant me instead a spirit of gratitude so that I may be filled with peace. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Manage My Emotions

Patient Lord,
This time of year can be one that is filled with tension and stress. On top of the normal daily to-do’s, there are additional deadlines and added responsibilities at home, work, and school. All of these factors provide ripe opportunities for impatience to creep in and for my temper to flare. 

I ask you, therefore, to help me be aware of all this so that I am actively managing my emotions well and not letting them get the better of me. As I sense my irritability levels rising and my patience running thin, I know I need to take control of my thoughts and redirect them to thoughts of peace and serenity. Place your Word and many rich promises on my heart at those times, so that I may find refuge in them even when everything around me feels chaotic and out of control. By your Spirit, keep me calm and in control of my thoughts and emotions. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

PRAYERS FOR GUYS

For Emotional Intelligence

Gracious Lord,
Thank you for our emotions. We are grateful for the ability to love and feel loved, for the sense of unexpected surprise, for infectious happiness, and even for the sorrows of sadness. Emotions, and the ways we experience them and share them with others, are one of the many ways you set us apart from the rest of your creation.

As men, it can sometimes be more difficult for us to identify and sort through the emotions we’re feeling. We aren’t always very comfortable talking about them or sharing them with others. We also struggle to be aware of the emotions others may be experiencing as we interact with them. Help us to grow in our emotional intelligence, so that we might better understand ourselves and others, and come to appreciate the different ways you have made us. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.