Tag: idolatry

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Keep Sports in Their Proper Place

Dear Lord,
The world has never had so many different ways for fans to engage in sports. Whereas watching a game or competition in person was historically the only option, today one can hardly keep track of all of the possibilities. We can watch on our televisions, stream from our devices, manage fantasy teams, follow favorite athletes on social media, and even place bets on games. There is also the huge role that active participation in sports often plays among youth and in families. The possible entertainment value that sports offer today has skyrocketed and is higher than ever. 

Because we can so easily become consumed with anything in excess, I pray that you help me to guide and guard my heart from an unhealthy relationship with sports. Kept in their proper place, they can be an enjoyable activity to watch or participate in. But sports can also become an idol, capturing our heart, with our time, energy, money, and priorities to follow. Let me always be in control when it comes to my appreciation of and involvement in sports, so that they would never subtly or overly replace you in my heart. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Discern Between Trash and Treasure

Loving Father,
You richly bless us with so many material blessings, but we forget how easily our hearts can treasure your gifts more than you, the Giver. Help me discern between trash and my true treasure – you – so that nothing would ever come between us now or for eternity. When I struggle to identify what those things might be in my life, direct me to a trustworthy and respected friend for help. Give me the humility to ask them if they notice any red flags or concerns that reflect any unhealthy attachment(s) to things or people in my life. Then, give me the humility to listen to what they may have to say, without defending or excusing anything, but simply taking it to heart for further personal evaluation. If anything or anyone appears to have a greater hold on my heart than you, Lord, give me the discipline to detach from it or discard it entirely. Let there be no shared space in my heart for anything else that would deceive me into allowing it to coexist alongside you, my greatest treasure. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Keep You Number One

Holy Father,
The Ten Commandments are intended to be a blessing, not a burden. Nevertheless, since they expose my sin, I naturally bristle before them. You command me to put you first in my life, to have no one and nothing else which I would fear, love, or trust more than you. But so easily my heart attaches itself to whatever seems to promise satisfaction, worth, or meaning. When such idols deceive us, devastation follows, for they can never provide what they promise. We relentlessly pursue what end up being meaningless mirages and dead ends.

Guide me to guard my heart from anything and everything seeking to establish a presence there. Reign supreme and expel all that threatens you. You alone are the source of grace for which my heart thirsts. Do not  allow anything to displace you. Be and remain the lone source of my soul’s satisfaction and lead me to look nowhere else but to you for my every need.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.