Tag: joy

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Appreciate Your Blessings in Moderation

Caring Father,
You have blessed us with so many good things, and for that we will always be grateful. Nevertheless, because our sinful nature is so susceptible to developing unhealthy connections with your blessings, we need your help. Lead me, Lord, to strive for moderation in all things. I can enjoy good food without gorging. I can limit myself to watching one episode at a time. A single new clothing item can bring joy without purchasing a whole new wardrobe. I can do without buying the unnecessary extra thing just to get free shipping. Grant me a content heart and the self-discipline to admire without having to acquire. Make excess the exception and satisfy me with what is sufficient. Help me honor you with a life of moderation.  

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Be Excited to Forgive Others

Forgiving Lord,
Make me eager to forgive. You’ve entrusted to us the authority to forgive others who are sorry for their sin, and to warn those who aren’t that they are forfeiting your forgiveness. This is no small responsibility! Neither is it optional, since you build your Church on the gracious forgiveness that you extend to and through believers. You paid for all sin, not so that we would relish the times to refuse forgiveness for those with no remorse, but to delight in the privilege of announcing forgiveness to sorry sinners. Do not let me ever be the one to clog up the funnel of forgiveness you long to lavish on all people. Instead, grant me great joy in every opportunity to announce the peace of your forgiveness.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For the Satisfaction of Projects Done Well

Loving Lord,
While the work required to carry out assignments or projects can feel frustrating and futile at times, there is a sense of satisfaction in bringing something to completion and finishing well. Thank you for the skills and abilities you give us to be able to take on such tasks, and the determination to see them through. While our intent behind such efforts is not to seek the approval of others, we nevertheless enjoy it when others acknowledge our work or take the time to express their appreciation. Thank you for those who do. Lead us always to give our full effort regardless, as if whatever we’re working on, we’re doing so for you. As we look back on the things we’ve accomplished, give us a healthy pride, not based on how others respond to what we’ve done, but based on knowing we gave it – and you – our best. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For Treasured Memories

Gracious Lord,
Memorabilia and mementos have a way of invoking memories of special people, experiences, and seasons in our lives. Just as the image or fixture of a cross reminds us of your great sacrifice for us, so may other pieces of our lives serve as special reminders. An item in our possession that was once treasured by someone dear to us who has passed away causes a clash of joy and grief to wash over us all at once. The first couple of chords of a song transport us to a past event that is imprinted in our hearts. A familiar smell whisks us back to the kitchen of a loved one preparing a signature dish or dessert. We thank you both for the gift of meaningful memories, and for whatever you allow in our lives to help us recall them. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For Believers to Live in the Joy of Salvation

Spirit of Joy,
You alone know the complete number of Christians in the world at any given moment, for you alone know the heart and whether or not saving faith in the Son is present. Regardless of that number, though, we know from personal experience that the joy of our salvation can so easily become buried by burdens or overshadowed by strife. We must also confess that we even allow salvation’s song to be muted by the mundane routines and responsibilities of daily living. Cleanse and renew us from all indifference to the gift of your saving work on our behalf, and make our hearts glad with the certainty of our salvation. Regardless of our day-to-day circumstances or happenings, let our delight be evident to all, so that others may be drawn to your salvation because of our elation.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Encourage More With Your Word

Sanctifying Spirit,
Your Word is filled with promises of hope. It has the power to inspire, uplift, and gladden. When my heart is heavy or my mood melancholy, lead me to turn to your Word more frequently for encouragement. Through it, provide what my spirit needs, according to your perfect knowledge. Then, as I personally experience that encouragement, make me more aware of those around me who also need it. Make me especially eager to follow up the correction and rebuke of others with the nurturing encouragement of your Word. There is so much discouragement in this world that we will never be lacking reasons to offer encouragement. And, since there is no greater encouragement than your Word, move us to proclaim it more often for that purpose. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For Christian Schools

Lord God,
Thank you for the blessing of Christian schools, where students receive so much more than just an exceptional education; they flourish in faith. Through their Christian education, they learn and discover through the lens of faith, seeing the abundance of your goodness all around them. In addition to being prepared to thrive in the workplace and be solid citizens in their community, students grow emotionally and spiritually, finding their identity and purpose in you and your Word. They don’t simply learn lists of how to be better people, but are actually changed by the good news of you being the best for them, and sacrificially giving yourself in death so that they might live – here and eternally.

With that security and faith-fueled confidence, they are well-prepared to navigate the uncertainty of life, bear up under suffering, and find genuine joy in loving you by serving their neighbor. Thank you for those who teach selflessly in Christian schools, for those who support them financially and prayerfully, and for all who entrust their children to Christian schools as partners in providing the best possible education anyone can receive: one rooted in you.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Only Use Your Name in a Worthy Manner

Beautiful Savior,
Yours is the only name by which anyone is saved. Therefore, help me use it properly. Since salvation comes through you, let me make your name known to all, but… not as just another curse word. Not merely as an exclamation. Not as a thoughtless validation that I am telling the truth. Rather, let me set aside your name properly, to praise you, to pray to, and to give thanks. Let my mouth make your name synonymous with forgiveness and grace. Let others associate your name with what is good and right through my use of it. Let your name be known as the way, the truth, and the life, so that in you, others may find what I have, and what the world can’t ever offer: the joy, peace, and security of eternal life.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For the Security of My Salvation

Friend of Sinners,
You are the best thing that has ever happened to me. I have no greater treasure than you and the flood of blessings you have consistently lavished on me. I am grounded in the confidence that I am yours and that my eternity will be spent in your presence, all thanks to the perfect work of your life, death, and resurrection. My salvation is sure and certain! Leave these truths imprinted on my heart, so that my days are marked with joy and peace. Allow the reality of my future inheritance to carry me through every present impediment or inconvenience. Let the confidence of my permanent home in heaven spur me on to make the most of my temporary home and time here on earth.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For the Continued Joy of Easter Worship

Heavenly Father,
Sundays are sacred, and none more so than Easter worship last Sunday. And, just as with other milestone events and holiday highs, sometimes we feel the emotional swing of letdown in the days or weeks that follow. Let it not be so with Easter! The Resurrection isn’t a one-and-done, but an ongoing, eternal reality for us. The tomb is still empty. Jesus still lives, and always will, and so will we. Lead your faithful followers back to fill up churches again this week, to still listen with wonder as the blessings of the Resurrection keep unfolding in Scripture, and to sing aloud the Easter hymns with all the exuberant joy of Easter Sunday. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.