Tag: evil

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For Courage to Do the Right Thing

Mighty God,
I regularly find myself in situations with the opportunity to do the wrong thing. I am invited to join in the gossip. I am nudged to have one more drink than I should. I am pressured to misuse your gift of sex. The list goes on. I don’t pretend that all of these are someone else’s fault, either, as I am well aware that I am only tempted by them because of my own sinful inclinations. As much as possible, therefore, give me the wisdom to avoid putting myself in those situations in the first place. Nevertheless, when I do face them, give me the courage of faith to do the right thing. Help me control my thoughts and desires. Curb any sinful urges within me. Provide a way out, as you promise to, and open my eyes both to see and to seize that way out. Create in me the genuine desire to be more eager to be a good and godly influence than to allow myself to be negatively influenced and misrepresent you. When I fail, be there with your grace to turn my forgiven failures into the motivation to do right the next time.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Diminish Our Appetite for Violence

Patient Lord,
Our culture seems to be infatuated with an excess of horror, gore, and violence, always raising the shock levels of each and normalizing what in the past was considered extremely disturbing. In addition to these unhealthy cravings, we often see the line between good and evil blurred in movies and stories. What is sinister and even satanic is celebrated. The villain is the victor, while the hero is often vilified and shamed. 

Such interests aren’t innocent. They are not harmless. They shape how we think and act. Yet, in the midst of all of these influences, we still act surprised that people could ever actually commit the heinous and horrifying crimes that fill our real-life headlines. 

Forgive us, Lord. Cure our bloodthirsty lust and curb our cravings for cruelty. Redirect our entertainment interests to whatever is right, pure, noble, and good. Fill us with what encourages and uplifts. Inspire us to demonstrate acts of kindness and generosity toward our neighbor. Use us as believers to pave the way in positively influencing others as we counter the darkness and let our light shine. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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Use Me to Overcome Evil with Good

Mighty God,
We are not only surrounded by evil everywhere, but as sinners we contribute to it ourselves as well. Nevertheless, when anything evil happens, you warn us not to be overcome by it. But you don’t stop there; you call us also to overcome evil with good. My sinful nature knows full well how daunting this is, for wherever evil is, there is a part of me that is drawn to it and longs to be a willing participant in it. 

Therefore, stir up in me the new man, set apart by the Holy Spirit to live a pure and blameless life. Let him win the day when evil arises, smothering wickedness with sanctified thoughts, words, and actions. Grand scale or small, may the good that comes from me bring a swift end to the fires of evil wherever they fan into flame. When gossip is spreading, let me stall and stop it. If lies catch on around me, let me snuff them out with the truth. May my righteousness overcome violence, my kindness kill cruelty, and my compassion counter indifference and animosity. You overcame the evil one by the cross; now use me as your instrument to continue carrying out your work and overcoming evil with your good. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.