DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

For Whatever I Need to Better Help My Neighbor

Loving Lord,
You call on us so many times in Scripture to serve our neighbor in so many different ways, and the good news of the gospel works in us the desire to do just that. Since you promise to provide us with whatever we need to carry out what you direct us to do, I pray that you give me the understanding to determine the needs of others. Prompt me to ask thoughtful questions when needs arise and to listen carefully to responses. Increase my emotional intelligence and social awareness to be able to read between the lines when necessary. Connect me with a strong network of friends and acquaintances who have both the means and the desire to support those requiring help. Use me as a conduit of your compassion and care for others. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

For Those Contemplating Suicide

Author of Life,
Although they may have figured out how to mask it on the outside, many are desperately hurting on the inside. For a number of them, the struggle is so severe that they have even considered suicide as an option. Intervene, Lord, especially in the lives of those who have gone so far as to plan out how they would end their lives. Protect their lives by frustrating their plans and making others aware of the gravity of their situation. Compel those with suicidal thoughts to be proactive and ask for help, and when they do, provide it. Let those struggling in this way know that others love them and care for them, and that their lives really do matter. And, if that is difficult for them to grasp or believe, open their eyes to see that they are so valuable to you that you were willing to give up your only Son for them. Please extend their time of grace and restore meaning and purpose to their precious lives. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Be There for Young People

Son of God,
Growing up in the world today is not easy. So many kids come from broken homes and dysfunctional families. They face pressure to excel and succeed already at such a young age that they’re hardly allowed to just be kids. Parents often choose permission over discipline, leaving them ill-equipped to function in the real world, where wrongdoing has consequences. Technology and temptation often form an alliance that kids (let alone adults!) simply aren’t able to handle.

For all of these reasons, and many more, help me go out of my way to help young people in any way. Rather than just complaining about all the problems with young people today, I want to be a part of the solution. Let me take the time to do the simple things like acknowledge them, listen to them, and encourage them whenever possible. Give me discernment to know when it is appropriate to correct bad behavior and wrong choices when I witness them. Help adults to be mindful of when and where young people can be included in meaningful ways. Through these efforts, let young people know they are appreciated and cared for, not just by us, but even more importantly, by you. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

For Those Facing Persistent Problems

Mighty God,
Now that Christmas has passed, some are stuck with the reality that their problems still persist. Having temporarily avoided them or pretending the magic of Christmas would somehow make them all disappear didn’t actually fix anything. However, what Christmas can do is change our view of the problems we face. Having been reminded that you came into this world to overcome it and to defeat the devil’s work, our problems seem so much smaller by comparison. Give strength and determination to those dealing with ongoing issues and challenges, and remind them that the Savior born in Bethlehem is the Mighty God who is strong to deliver and save. Lead them to turn to you, to lean on you, and to trust in you to guide and direct them through their troubles. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Bless the Work of Those Serving Families

Caring Father,
Bless the efforts of all fields of work, organizations, and individuals who exist to help and serve families. Give family counselors and therapists the specialized skills and abilities necessary to help them provide whatever unique services families may need. Thank you for establishing organizations devoted to meeting the physical needs of struggling families. Expand the influence and reach of all who champion the important role of families and advocate on their behalf. Make ministries and congregations aware of the opportunities they have to pour into families, and equip pastors to minister well to them. Lead families to be dedicated to the pursuit of letting your Word dwell richly in the home, so that you may bless them in the greatest and best ways possible. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

For Special Blessings on Non-Traditional Families

Faithful Father,
Families today come in all shapes and sizes. One of the many effects the fallen world has had on families is on their mix and makeup. Realities like divorce have brought about single-parent families. Death leaves behind children without parents and the need for adoption. Remarriage inserts multiple sets of parents into families, normalizing step-parents and step-siblings.

Nevertheless, the different DNA we see in families does not make them inferior to the traditional family. Neither do such cases in any way keep you from being able to generously bless them. Indeed, let there be an extra measure of your grace, patience, and forgiveness within non-traditional families, thereby equipping them not only to overcome the typical issues every family faces, but also to manage the burdens and challenges brought on by their unique circumstances. Lavish them with your love and let your light shine brightly to and through them.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Heal and Restore Broken Families

Restoring Father,
Sadly, families are not immune to the collateral damage of existing in a fallen, sinful world. I pray for your help and restoration in healing families broken by sin. Where the sin of adultery has ripped husband and wife apart, grant repentance and reconciliation to repair the marriage bond. When abuse of any kind has left family members or children devastated, intervene and bring it to an end. In those cases, also bring about justice for the one responsible and provide any necessary therapy to those harmed by it. Let those families crushed by traumatic death or injury receive counseling and support to help them process and navigate their grieving or loss. No matter what struggle or hardship any family may face, see to it that your grace is always apparent to provide healing and hope. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Be Aware of the Needs of Others

Compassionate Savior,
During your time on earth, as both God and man, you were aware of the needs of others. Sometimes your omniscience revealed these needs; other times you were simply socially aware enough to pick up on when others were hurting or experiencing some degree of loss. You then responded accordingly, never too busy for others or too self-absorbed that you overlooked or ignored the needs of others.

While I want to be focused and faithful to my callings in life, never allow my concentration in one area of life to result in my inattentiveness to the needs of others. My calling to be a neighbor to others in need often opens the door to opportunities for you to be made known and glorified. Therefore, grant me the emotional intelligence to sense when others are hurting or need help. Whether the cues are subtle or plain as day, let me pick up on them, so that in whatever way possible, I may love and serve my neighbor according to his needs.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.