Tag: healthy

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Love and Care for My Body and Life

Loving Father,
While I acknowledge that I am fearfully and wonderfully made, I must confess that I do not always reflect that in how I take care of – or rather neglect – my body. Indeed, if the attention and care I give to my physical health serve to indicate how much I value my body and life, I am embarrassed to admit the conclusion anyone would have to draw. I am sorry. Forgive me.

Thankfully, that is exactly what you do: forgive me. I do not live under shame or guilt, but under grace. You do not delight in finding fault, but in forgiving. The new life you daily call me to live in through my baptism is not merely spiritual, but flows into the blessing of physical as well. Since you redeemed not just my soul, but my body as well, steer me away from viewing it pessimistically or speaking of it pejoratively, and elevate how I view my own body. Whatever size and shape it is, help me to embrace and love it as you do – a gift to be cared for. Instill in me a healthy mindset that celebrates progress over perfection regarding exercise, working out, and anything that seeks to avoid being overly sedentary. Thank you for my body and life, and for the godly desire to treasure and care for them.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For Healthy Drinking Habits

Dear Lord,
Keep me honest when it comes to my relationship with alcohol. Being aware of my susceptibility to self-deception regarding my drinking habits is essential for maintaining control. When I convince myself that addictions or alcoholism are only problems other people have, I’ve already let my guard down and have become vulnerable. Let me be aware of signs of concern, help me establish healthy boundaries and limitations for myself, and give me the courage to permit others to provide additional guardrails of accountability. Through these channels, shield me from ever normalizing excessive drinking, and allow alcohol to remain a blessing in the area of Christian freedom, always enjoyed in moderation. Remind me regularly that even eating and drinking are done to your glory.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Appreciate the Blessing of Food

Providential Father,
Though so easily taken for granted, thank you for the blessing of food. While food is certainly fuel that you provide to nourish and sustain our bodies, it is also a blessing to be enjoyed and appreciated. You paint pictures of banquets and celebrations in Scripture using imagery of delicious food and wine, and such descriptions are relatable to us because of memorable experiences we’ve had that involved food. The variety of tastes and flavors and the science behind how food is prepared and served are fascinating reminders of your generosity and how marvelously blessed we are.

Let our relationship with food be a healthy one, grounded in moderation and avoiding the extremes of malnourishing our bodies or overindulging. Guard us against gluttony. Intervene on behalf of those who are starving and open channels by which they can be fed. Provide wise counsel, support, and real help to those who struggle with eating disorders, and mercifully spare their bodies from long-term damage. Guide our decision-making when it comes to eating so that we embrace food as another blessing by which we can glorify and honor you. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Salvage Struggling Marriages

Gracious Savior,
Marriage is filled with wonderful blessings for husbands and wives, but it isn’t without its challenges. While every marriage needs your guidance and grace, be present especially in those marriages most at risk. Give spouses in those seasons an extra measure of patience and grace for each other, driven by a renewed determination to devote themselves to doing whatever it takes to save their marriage. Grant healing and recovery to the hurting spouse, and a humble, repentant heart to the spouse responsible for the hurt. Whether the issue at the center of their struggle is a series of smaller ongoing concerns or one or two more substantial matters, help them see a path forward that fills them with hope. Turn Satan’s efforts to destroy marriage against him and revive marriages on life support so that they thrive once again. 

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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For Success… as You Define It

Gracious God,
People sacrifice countless hours and spend endless amounts of energy chasing after success, however they define it. While success is, for the most part, a good and positive thing, becoming consumed with the pursuit of it is not. When we demand it at all costs and refuse to settle for anything less, success has become our idol, our first love. 

As I ask you for success in my life, I do so submitting myself to your definition of it. Grant me success as you define it and as you determine is best for me and for my neighbor. Protect my heart from an unhealthy drive to achieve success that would compromise my morals or disregard how I treat others. No success is worth going against the framework of my faith. When you do grant me success, ensure that it is followed up with plenty of gratitude, fully acknowledging it as a gift from you. Use this thanksgiving to keep me humble, so that I do not allow my pride to get its foot in the door and demand recognition for your gift of success. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For a Strong Heart

Mighty Lord,
A weak heart is a significant health concern. Even relatively light physical activity can be a risk. A poor diet could cause even greater damage. Things that could normally be taken for granted with a healthy heart have to be given serious consideration when the heart is weak.

What is true of a physically weak heart is also true of a spiritually weak heart. A weak heart may be easily led astray. It can drift away from God or depend on other people or things for what God promises to provide. It easily folds in the face of temptation. It questions and even challenges God. 

Grant me, therefore, a strong heart. Strengthen my heart through your Word. Build it up by increasing my faith and cementing my trust in you. Make me spiritually heart-healthy so that I cling to your promises and confidently walk in your ways. Let me be a solid example for others to follow and use me to lead and guide others closer to you.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For Struggling Congregations

Head of the Church,
There are many Christian congregations that struggling. Their struggles can be caused by many different challenges in different seasons of ministry. Some are without a pastor to shepherd your people. Others struggle to raise up strong leaders. A lack of financial support from generous offerings can limit essential ministry efforts. Declining attendance and/or disengaged members put a heavy burden on the faithful few who bear the bulk weight of congregational responsibilities. 

Yet when you are the Lord of the Church, the head of the body of Christ, there is always reason for hope. Answer the prayers of members in struggling churches, and do so in such radical ways that surpass even the loftiest of requests. Use their struggles to drive them into your Word and through that process draw them closer to you. Spur members on to share in the joys of ministry by inviting and engaging each other when service opportunities are available. Use them also to encourage their pastor when he is down by lifting him up with your promises. Lead them to see each and every victory you bring about in their midst, to celebrate them, thank you for them, and build on them as your grace allows. Make struggling churches into turnaround stories that become healthy, thriving congregations which are a testament to the power of your Word and the blessing of your grace. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For a Healthy Prayer Life

Abba Father,
One of the greatest blessings I have as a believer is the privilege of bringing all things before you in prayer. You promise always to hear me and always to answer me. Help me prioritize prayer. I don’t want it to be just a morning/evening or before meals thing, but an all-through-the-day thing. When I speak to you in prayer, my thoughts are more directed to you and your trustworthy promises, and away from the many frustrations and distractions of this world. Keep me mindful of the prayers of intercession that I have promised to others, so that I approach your throne on their behalf regularly as well. Lead me always to approach prayer as a first line of defense and never as a last resort. Guide me in prayer so that all that I ask is in alignment with your will and desire for my life and for your kingdom. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.