Tag: life

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

adbLeave a comment

To Be Dedicated to Serving You

Gracious Lord,
In life and death, you gave everything for me, and by your resurrection you sealed my salvation. Now, Lord, compel me to gratefully give all that I have and all that I am in service to you. Free me from the foolishness of chasing after the approval of others. Liberate me from the bondage of tying my worth to the opinion others have of me. How could my best efforts possibly impress anyone else on earth to a degree that surpasses the level of your devoted sacrifice for me? No, my time of grace here on earth is not a performance to be applauded by men, but the opportunity to work while it is day, laboring in your vineyard to bear fruit in your kingdom. Make this my priority, and attach my resolve, my desire, and my drive to pleasing you alone. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

adbLeave a comment

To Keep Devoting Ourselves to Your Word

Holy Spirit,
Your Word is life, but so often we let life get in the way of your Word. We know firsthand the blessings of being in your Word regularly, but we also know how challenging it can be to maintain the regular habit of spending time in it. Thank you for the seasons of consistency, and for the ways you nurture our faith in those seasons. Be patient with us when we drift or get out of our routine. When we do, guard us so that our guilt and shame do not give way to frustration and discouragement, leading us to fall for the lie that we’ll never be able to establish a regular devotional life. Instead, with your patient grace, invite us back into your Word for the freshness of forgiveness and the newness of your mercy every morning. Feed our souls, and let our time in your Word be driven not by duty, but by delight. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

adbLeave a comment

For Grace and Peace for Mothers Troubled by Abortion

Lord of Life,
The privilege of pregnancy and the elation of embracing the child you just gave birth to are special experiences unique to mothers. Sadly, Lord, for reasons that range from deep trauma to mere inconvenience, many mothers have ended their child’s life by choosing to have an abortion. While we mourn the loss of the unborn, we pray also for mothers who have made this burdensome decision. Where mothers have hardly given the slightest thought to the life they ended, nor shown any remorse for their actions, work godly repentance in them that ultimately elevates their regard for your gift of life and eventually brings them to you. For all mothers who have had an abortion and are still carrying guilt, shame, and regret because of it, overwhelm them with your gracious gift of forgiveness and tender love for them. Protect them from the judgment and condemnation of others. Grant them complete healing and wholeness in you, and let them find welcome and support in the arms of the church. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

adbLeave a comment

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

adbLeave a comment

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

adbLeave a comment

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

adbLeave a comment

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

adbLeave a comment

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

adbLeave a comment

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

adbLeave a comment

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.