Tag: family

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For the Blessing of In-laws

Dear Lord,
In marriage, not only are the two united as one, but our family expands to include in-laws. While those relationships may sometimes feel like a source of frustration or an exercise in futility, help us see them for the blessings they really are. Brothers or sisters-in-law can often end up as close to us as siblings. Mothers and fathers-in-law can double the parental blessings you shower on us. Resolve issues of tension or testing in these relationships, that they might instead be channels of support and another funnel to fortune in our lives. Thank you for the unique way you guide our families to grow through the addition  of in-laws. Make them a source of blessing and joy.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For Children Without Parents

Abba Father,
Come to the aid of children without their biological parents. Heal the hurting hearts of those who lost their parents through tragedy. Soothe the troubled minds of those given up for adoption who feel unwanted and struggle with abandonment issues. Bring peace to those bearing the weight of shame because of incarcerated parents. In all situations like these, provide loving and nurturing environments for children to be cared for and raised. Richly bless those willing to step in and make sacrifices to love these needy little ones. If they don’t already know you, allow them to be introduced to you, their loving Heavenly Father. Point them to the cross so that they may know the depth of your love. Then, enable these children to love others deeply because they know how deeply loved they are by you. Meet all of their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs in accordance with your lavish generosity. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For My Home Church and Church Family

Heavenly Father,
Sundays are sacred. Thank you for the blessing of being able to worship in my home congregation. Whether away for school, traveling frequently for work, or simply being unable to attend in person for one reason or another, it is a joy to worship in our own church. We get to smile at familiar faces, share laughs, and catch up with our church family. The sanctuary itself is a sacred space, a collection of ministry milestones and memories over the years that will forever be held in our hearts. Siblings were baptized, co-workers finally confirmed, family friends joined in marriage, and saints with secret struggles were renewed by your Body and Blood to keep battling. These are all woven together to form the unique and beautiful patchwork of people who are yours – and people I am blessed to call mine, too, for they are treasures to me. Thank you for each and every one of these trophies of grace who make up my church family, and for the cherished space where we gather.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Cherish My Baptism

Gracious Father,
My baptism isn’t just an empty church ritual that happened to me some time ago in the past; rather, it is who I am. I am a baptized member of your family, adopted into an inheritance that will never perish, spoil, or fade. Therefore, my identity and sense of worth are not based on my successes or failures, but on all of the generous, gracious promises laid out for me in your Word. So, rather than ruminating on past regret or fixating on the future anxiously, I can always be at peace in the present, for my baptism assures me of where I stand before you: forgiven and treasured. By your Spirit, empower me today and every day to live confidently in my baptismal grace and to boldly walk in your steps, so that I reflect for others the joy of belonging to you. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For the Blessing of Siblings

Loving Father,
One of the many blessings you bring us through our families is the gift of siblings. Thank you for brothers and sisters, for the tight bonds between them, and for having someone to share the experiences of childhood and being raised together. Though we aren’t always aware of it, siblings are often looking out for us and even defending us. Younger siblings can learn from and imitate the best of older siblings, and having younger siblings can help foster a nurturing and protective spirit in older brothers and sisters. Even though there is bickering and fighting at times, those provide valuable learning opportunities to work through repentance, reconciliation, and forgiveness. As siblings establish families of their own, nephews and nieces introduce the privilege of being uncles and aunts. Brothers and sisters can also share the responsibility of caring for aging parents. Bless siblings with healthy relationships, fond memories, and special joys throughout their lives.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Take the Time to Rest in You

Dear Jesus,
So much of our lives is spent trying to make a good impression on others. We vie for our parents’ affection as we compete with siblings for the coveted status of favorite child. We aim to impress the teacher as the star student. We want to get noticed by the coach to get playing time. 

How different is our relationship with you, Lord! It isn’t based on our performance or perfection, but on your grace. You chose us to be yours and made it so. You worked it all out so that every requirement, down to the smallest detail, was satisfied. I know and believe this to be true, but I also take it for granted and rob myself of the peace and serenity that flow from your completed work on my behalf. Move me to embrace the place you secured for me in your family, and to daily de-stress by seeking you for rest. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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Thank You for Family

Giving Father,
Thank you for the blessing of family. While no family is perfect, your design for the nuclear family remains the ideal model for a healthy society. When a husband and wife are committed to each other with a devotion only overshadowed by their devotion to you, children have something to aspire to. When they put forgiving each other into practice, children see what grace in action looks like. When parents present a united front in lovingly raising their children with consistency, discipline, and an abundance of grace, little ones will be well-equipped as adults. The unique bond shared between siblings can allow them to serve as strong pillars of support throughout all of life, and provide a level of closeness that can surpass that of best friends. Continue to raise up and strengthen nuclear families, Lord, and bless not only those within the family, but also whole communities as well.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For Strong Parents

Strong Father,
You call parents to the noble goal of not only raising strong citizens, but also strong Christians. Theirs is not an easy task in a world that is flooded with outside opinions, influences, and distractions – so many of which are negative and destructive. Purify their hearts from all selfishness that could lead them to resent their children as a bother or an inconvenience. Help them to manage their anger and frustration so that it would never be taken out on their children or put them in danger. 

Keep them focused on their parental responsibilities and provide them with necessary resources and support. Let the words that come from their lips match the behavior that is reflected in their lives, so that children are not confused, but have clear expectations and boundaries. Through the gentle patience and loving discipline of parents, establish homes that are places of safety and stability. Equip parents to put Jesus’ love on display constantly, and let your Word dwell richly in families everywhere. Bless faithful parents with the countless joys that accompany parenthood, lighten their burdens, and limit their discouragements. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Prepare for the Holidays

Dear Lord,
As October gives way to November, Thanksgiving and the holidays will be here soon. This time of year brings many opportunities for gathering together with family and friends, which can also usher in plenty of stress and anxiety. Keep me grounded in what matters – you – and guard me from over-scheduling and overcommitting myself and/or my family. Help those inclined to say yes to too much because they struggle with people-pleasing. Provide them with gracious and thoughtful responses to politely decline unnecessary activities or events. Let us manage our time well right now so that we allow opportunity for looking ahead and being well-prepared and ready for the upcoming weeks. In doing so, we can establish margin and boundaries to ensure that the holidays bring more blessing than burden.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For the Privilege of Raising Children

Gracious Father,
All good gifts come from you, and children rank near the top of the list. Because parenting can be so exhausting and require so much energy, we can overlook the blessing they are. No matter their season of life – infants, toddlers, teens, or adults – lead parents to appreciate the unique joys of each stage of raising children. Thank you for their individual personalities and the variety of gifts you grant to them. Let children see fine examples of the Christian faith modeled in their parents. Make Jesus central to the home so that the gospel plays a prominent role in their training and instruction. When law and gospel are present and grace abounds, may fruits of faith flourish in children, including loving obedience and respect toward their parents. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.