DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Protect Those Surrounded by War

God, our Shield and Strength,
Watch over civilians all over the world who live in or near areas of conflict and war. Keep them safe from collateral damage, protecting them from the damaging effects of weapons and war. Even as enemies are at war with each other, make fighters and those in command aware of possible unintended casualties, and guide them to avoid making decisions that put innocent people at risk. Grant wisdom to civilians, and keep them diligent and alert so they do not put themselves or others in danger. Compel government leaders to seek resolution with urgency and haste, limiting injury and loss of life as much as possible. And, since you have declared that wars and rumors of wars will continue until you return, I ask you to use them for a good purpose: lead people to long for and find peace here, and help them find it in you for eternity, too.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Protect the Unborn

Loving Father,
The subject of abortion serves as a tragic reminder that this dying world is a far cry from the deathless creation you first brought into existence by the breath of your life. No matter the rationale behind it, anytime an abortion takes place, a child never receives the opportunity to take that first breath, and because of that, we grieve. We plead for your protection on behalf of babies in the womb who are unable to defend themselves. Surround those considering abortion with caring and compassionate counsel from others who want what is best for mother and child according to your Word. Lead expecting mothers to treasure your gift of life and grant them the fortitude to make sacrifices for the benefit of their unborn child. Compel fathers to be present and responsible, and use them to speak as a voice in favor of life. Spare those in the womb, Lord, and thwart the plans of all who promote the option of putting the unborn to death.  

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Correct with Your Word

Lord God,
When you call us to proclaim your Word, it is primarily so that others may hear the good news of the gospel, since there is no other way mankind can know what you have done to save him. But your Word doesn’t only provide the gospel; it also offers correction. Help us remember to use it for that purpose and give us the confidence to do so. Guard us from both the extreme of Pharisaical piety that is too eager to correct others, and also from a timidity that avoids it altogether. Since sanctification is your work, and your work is carried out through your Word, lead us to rely on it and on you to direct us along paths of righteousness. We cannot know the right way unless we know your way, and we have no desire or ability to walk in your steps unless you work in us that desire and ability. Lead others to accept correction with humble hearts, and us to offer it with humble hearts as well. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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

To Draw Us Into Your Word

Word Made Flesh,
Your Word is life. There is no other way about it – faith does not exist and cannot survive apart from your Word. Nevertheless, in a culture constantly craving shortcuts, hacks, and pro tips, even as believers, we search for one workaround after another that can give us the benefit of the Word without actually being in the Word. Spare us this foolishness and turn our hearts and desires toward time in your Word. Not only does your Word supply your grace and forgiveness, which we need to feed and fortify our faith; it also provides healing when we’re hurting, strength for our struggles, and answers to all that we ask. Draw us into the Bible. Lead us to love and treasure it. Help us fiercely guard our time in it. Through it, enrich and bless us in ways we could not imagine, and pull us always closer to you. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

For Those Who Gave Their Lives

Sacrificial Savior,
On this Memorial Day, our nation pauses to remember and acknowledge those who died while serving in our United States Armed Forces. While no effort to honor their sacrifice ever feels adequate, we pray that the events and experiences planned on this day serve as touching tributes to acknowledge all our military personnel who gave up their lives. There is no greater expression of love that man can make than laying down one’s life for others. 

Many alive today who served alongside those who died still wrestle with survivor’s guilt. Many family members also struggle daily with the loss of their loved ones, even though that loss may have occurred years or even decades ago. Therefore, let us also remember your sacrifice, for you died for them. You gave up your life to remove their guilt and to console them in their sorrow. So today, Lord, as we remember those who died for us, we also remember the One who died for them – and for all people – so that all who fall asleep in you will most certainly live again. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

For Those Facing Heavy Decisions

Spirit of Comfort,
Be present for those who find themselves in situations where they need to make hard, heavy decisions. When choices will significantly impact families, finances, and futures, do not let those decisions be rash or hasty. When circumstances require a decision to be made urgently or in a very short timeframe, grant those decision-makers an extra measure of your Spirit, and surround them with wisdom and counsel. When gut-wrenching end-of-life decisions need to be made, let the confidence of the Resurrection and eternal life wash over and calm troubled, anxious hearts. Move believers in the body of Christ to offer the comfort of their presence for those facing emotionally draining decisions, so that they don’t have to make those decisions alone.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Lean Into Our Living Hope

Risen Lord,
By your resurrection, we have the guarantee of eternal life locked in. And along with that assurance, we have a living hope to carry us through life’s hassles, hardships, and uncertainties. Our hope is not some wishy-washy “hoped-for” hope, but the complete confidence that we will not be overcome, and you will see us through every ordeal we could ever face. Since neither of our greatest enemies, death nor the devil, was able to undermine or overpower you, what other force is left to fear? Nothing! By faith we trust this promise; empower us with the hope to live boldly in it. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

For Easter’s Work to Continue

Risen Savior,
How our hearts burned within us yesterday at our Easter celebration! Though all human effort falls short, we pray that you were glorified and exalted in a most worthy manner by believers everywhere. Through the preaching, hymns, and songs highlighting the certainty of the Resurrection, your people were edified as well. We boldly ask the Spirit to continue nurturing all seeds of faith that were planted yesterday, and that a great number of wandering sheep were brought back in closer to the fold and to you, their Good Shepherd. May this wonderful truth, that the Resurrection is not as much a one-time celebration as it is a daily reality, sustain and uplift our spirits even as the day of Easter itself has passed.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

For Resurrection Joy

Heavenly Father,
Sundays are sacred, and none more sacred than this festival morning, as we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. The long Lenten journey culminated at the cross, where death appeared to swallow up the Savior. But this morning we see a different story: the tables have turned, and it is death that has been swallowed up by the victorious Resurrection! Bless all who gather today to celebrate your gifts of forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life. Let the empty tomb ease minds troubled by thoughts of dying and calm hearts afraid of death. Fill countless souls with joy on this day, for today and always, life rules because He lives!

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.