DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Provide Peace for Those Searching for It

Prince of Peace,
On this Christmas Eve, bring into the hearts of many what cannot be experienced apart from you: a peace that truly surpasses all understanding. It has been rightly observed that our hearts are restless until they find rest in you, for there is no other way for heavy hearts and crushed consciences to know peace outside of you, the Prince of Peace. Our relationship with God that was severed by our sin has been reconciled and restored through you. Yet, so many still arrive at one dead end after another in search of peace. Provide for them what the angels promised and pronounced at Christmas: peace on earth. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

For the Courage to Seek Reconciliation (Part 2)

Spirit of Peace,
Regardless of the reason, whenever there is an issue between another believer and me, I pray that you provide me with courage to seek reconciliation. When my words or actions have been the cause for concern, and someone else desires to speak with me about it, let me be willing to, whether I feel it is necessary or not. In those situations, I may either be blind to the damage I may have done, or be unaware of how my behavior affected another person. Or, I could be aware, but feel justified on my end and stubbornly try avoid the other person. This is not loving to them, and will only cause more hurt. Make me always willing to listen, quick to accept responsibility, and eager to apologize, whether it is for my own sake or for the sake of the other person. Whenever this process happens, usher in your peace, and heal any hurts or hangups with your gift of reconciliation. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

For the Courage to Seek Reconciliation (Part 1)

Spirit of Peace,
Regardless of the reason, whenever there is an issue between another believer and me, I pray that you provide me with courage to seek reconciliation. When I perceive another person’s words or actions to be the cause of discord, guard me from gossip, so that I don’t make things worse by fueling the discord even more. Instead, as soon as possible, enable me to address my concern with the individual with humble confidence. Let me be firm, but gentle, never seeking to get even or repay for some wrong, but to seek healing and restoration. When repentance is called for, let it be received well and allow it to bring about the confession and absolution that is necessary. Whenever this process happens, usher in your peace, and heal any hurts or hangups with your gift of reconciliation. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Restore Struggling Marriages

Lord of Love,
You established marriage as a foundation for the family. Through it, you intend to draw husband and wife closer to each other and to you, you provide the ideal setting for raising children, and you build strong communities. May we always have a high view of the blessed institution of marriage!

Yet, just as it has with everything else, sin wreaks havoc on marriages, too. I pray for all those whose marriages are troubled. Intervene in every possible way to not only deter divorce, but to strengthen struggling marriages. When the marriage wounds are self-inflicted by either spouse, grant repentance, confession, and forgiveness, so that reconciliation and healing can take place. When the damage is caused by external circumstances or other matters beyond their control, replace any division with determination, so that husband and wife grow through the shared experience of persevering together. When they aren’t even sure what the root cause(s) of their problems are, provide them with transparency and clarity, and grant them a special measure of patience and grace with each other. Recommit all husbands and wives to each other, to their marriage, and to you. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Imitate Joseph

Forgiving Father,
When Joseph revealed himself to his brothers visiting him in Egypt, two things stood out about his handling of the situation that I want to imitate. First, even with all the traumatic experiences in his past that had taken place to get him to that point, he displayed complete confidence in your navigation of it all for the greater good. He knew you were using those seasons of adversity, during which he must have felt hopeless at times, to ultimately bless and save many lives through his leadership. Remind me during hard seasons in my life of how capable you are of bringing your blessing out of any situation imaginable, and lead me to trust that you are doing just that.

Secondly, even though Joseph was in a position to ignore, shame, severely punish, or even put to death his brothers for their past treatment of him, he harbored no ill will and showed them nothing but love and affection. How hard this is when others mistreat me! I prefer to ruminate over how poorly I was treated, bathe in bitterness, or scheme to get even in some fashion. But Joseph’s is the better way, because it is your way. You did not treat those who mistreated you the way they deserved to be treated. Instead, you forgave them; you forgave me. Give me the same spirit that is eager to forgive and reconcile, no matter the wrong carried out against me, just as Joseph and Jesus did.  

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.