DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Address Hindrances to Worship

Heavenly Father,
Sundays are sacred. Where the Word is proclaimed, a steady diet of law and gospel is there to feed our faith. Nevertheless, sometimes we are unaware of the hindrances that can prevent or shortchange some from hearing that Word. Make us aware of the special needs of some, such as challenges to hearing or seeing. If language barriers limit the understanding or comprehension of your Word, equip us to address these accordingly. Where temperature and other worship conditions deter worshipers, enable those issues to be addressed as much as possible as well.

Help parents to realize when active children might be a distraction, and move others to lovingly and patiently offer assistance. If a pastor or another worship participant’s mannerisms cause challenges to listening, provide alternate ways for those present to engage and worship actively. Do whatever is necessary so that your Word can not only be proclaimed, but also heard and received as well.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Remove Barriers to the Gospel

All-Powerful God,
When it comes to your gifts of salvation and the faith necessary to receive it, you deliver those gifts through your Word. However, you don’t only work through your Word, but oversee all things in the universe to suit your purposes, bless your people, and even serve those who are lost in unbelief.

With that in mind, I humbly ask you to arrange whatever is necessary to remove any obstacles that may be hindering the hearts of my unbelieving friends and family from hearing and believing your Word. Take away anything that might be clouding their reason, obstructing their common sense, or deceiving their hearts. While doing so won’t directly save anyone, I pray that it may clear a path for the gospel to reach their ears and ultimately their souls. Do all that is in your power to give the Holy Spirit the opportunity to transform their hearts and change their eternity.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Overcome Worship Frustrations

Heavenly Father,
Sundays are sacred. But… they can also be a source of frustration if I allow them to be. There can be elements of worship or styles of music that I don’t care for. I may find the sermons or the preaching to be formulaic and predictable. There are individuals who sometimes get under my skin. In short, there are always realities that I can turn into roadblocks to justify taking a pass on worship.

Yet any reason I might list to excuse myself from worship also serves as a double-edged sword, reminding me of my need for forgiveness. Let your gracious patience and with me and your boundless forgiveness always be enough to drive me to worship you. Let nothing hinder me from being in your presence where your Word is proclaimed and the Sacraments are dispensed. Turn every worship obstacle into an opportunity that can stretch and grow my faith and bless and serve my neighbor.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.