Tag: language

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Avoid Bad Language

Sanctifying Spirit,
You generously provide us with countless ways to thank and honor you for your goodness and grace with our whole lives. One such way is to be mindful of the kind of language we use regularly. While cussing and four-letter words have become normalized and even casually displayed everywhere from bumper stickers to online posts, you have set us apart for sanctified speech. Guard our hearts and lips from the negative influence of coworkers and media, so that we do not become comfortable speaking words that make us indistinguishable from the world. Let us also be unafraid to chastise fellow Christians who seem to be indifferent about the language they use. Since we represent you to this world, the way we speak should not be of this world. Forgive my tongue for tasteless talk, coarse discourse, and unsavory speech. Words matter, and I want my words to reflect your worth to me.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For Self-Awareness in My Communication

Spirit of Wisdom,
So much of how our communication is received is determined by far more than just the words we speak. Our facial expressions, our general body language, and our tone, inflection, and delivery all help or hinder the words that come out of our mouths. On top of that, the state of our own spiritual, emotional, and physical health speaks volumes about when and where we should have certain conversations. Since I want to speak the truth in love, and desire that my words and actions are taken in the kindest possible way, help me grow in self-awareness and emotional intelligence. I don’t want to get in the way of my own words, so that others are left confused or turned off before even being able to think about what I’ve said. Love for my neighbor means not just speaking what they need to hear or what builds them up, but also knowing myself well enough to communicate clearly and lovingly through the words I choose, and by how I choose to deliver them. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For Spouses to Feel Loved

Loving Lord,
Since people express love and feel love in different ways, we should expect the same to be true in marriage. The way husbands and wives communicate their love for each other varies. Help them to explore and discover this about each other. When one spouse feels loved one way, that doesn’t mean the other experiences love in the same way. One desires to spend time together doing anything at all, another cherishes thoughtful gifts. Others long to care for or be cared for, build up with words, or hug and hold hands. Sometimes this variety can be frustrating when a spouse expresses love in one way, but it isn’t received as such by the other. Instead of frustration, Lord, make spouses continually curious, searching together for all the wonderful ways to make sure their partner feels exceedingly loved. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Appreciate God’s Gift of Laughter

Joyful Savior,
Your gift of laughter is such a blessing in our fallen, sin-saturated world. It reminds us in a small way that gloom and despair exist on borrowed time, and will eventually meet their end when you return and replace them with eternal joy and delight. Thank you for the positive impact laughter can have on our mood and outlook. Whether the little unplanned bloopers in our day-to-day lives or the personalities and media which specialize in humor and comedy, these sources of laughter can cheer up wearied spirits and uplift heavy hearts. 

As with all good blessings from your hand, we can take them too far. Keep us from consuming comedy and laughter that crosses the line and is an affront to you. And, keep our own efforts within your boundaries for what is appropriate when we are seeking to make others laugh. Guard our lips from offensive language and swearing when attempting to entertain others. Keep us from inappropriate or course joking, and from the temptation to make jokes at the expense of others, which might cause them harm or distress or bring their reputation into question. Let us honor you in our support of clean comedy and humor that allows us to appreciate and treasure your gift of laughter.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For Grace-Filled Speech

Dear Lord,
The gift of speech comes from you. As you demonstrated at the Tower of Babel, you are more than capable of correcting us when we take your gift of speech for granted or use it to defy or oppose you. At Pentecost, you also proved that language barriers and speech itself will not keep your work from being carried out as you determine. 

Speech can be used to destroy and tear down or to defend and built up. Help me to be thoughtful in my speech, pausing first to consider whether my own motives are pure or not. Then, help me discern how my words may be received by others before I open my mouth. Remind me that my comments or responses are not always necessary, and if they aren’t constructive or beneficial, it may be best simply to leave some things unsaid.  Direct me to speak well of others and to speak kindly, and let my words be a blessing to others. Guide my speech so that it is always marked by positivity and grace.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.