Tag: self-control

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Practice Patience More

Patient Lord,
You praise patience in your Word. Jesus modeled it perfectly during his life and ministry. You also deal with me patiently, not treating me as my sins deserve, but mercifully forgiving all my sins – including my impatience. I ask you not only to continue to deal with me patiently, but also to grant me more patience in my life. Keep me from rash responses and immediately overreacting with my family members when what is really called for is simply patience. Enable me to remain patient when others make mistakes or disregard directions, so that I am in a proper frame of mind to offer constructive correction. Help me practice patience not just in the presence of others, but also when no one else is around. Lead me to be as patient with others as you are with me. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For Self-Control in Response to Violence

Patient Lord,
There is so much in the world that is unsettling and upsetting. Violence and tragedy, whether current or in memory, always seem to be on our minds. Bring to justice all those responsible for despicable acts of hate-filled evil, and bring comfort, peace, and closure to all family and friends directly affected. 

While I won’t ever be able to put a stop to such terrible events or keep them from happening, I pray for you to help me control what I can: my response. I never want to become comfortable with sin and unrighteousness anywhere – including my own, but neither can I allow it to justify my uncontrolled or extreme response. We too easily let acts of outrage enrage us in return, and that response is not becoming of the godly men you set us apart to be. Let me always be in control of my reactions and manage my emotional responses in ways that uphold your holy name and reputation.  

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Be Mindful of What I Eat

Providential Father,
Food is a blessing from you, not only to provide fuel for our bodies, but also to be enjoyed. Yet, just as we do with so many of the good gifts you give us, we can abuse them or take them for granted. Help me take to heart the significance of praying for my daily bread in the Lord’s Prayer – to see the wisdom in your promise to provide exactly what I need. That way, I neither over-indulge in gluttony, nor despair of starvation.

Rather than filling me with more than I need, fill me with self-control, so that my cravings are curbed and I can appreciate in moderation even the joy and pleasure of finer food and drink. In gratitude for the gift of life and the body you’ve given me by which to enjoy it, lead me to show my heart-felt thanks by being sensible about what I put into my body, without becoming pharisaical or legalistic about it. And finally, keep me from being wasteful with food, while also being generous to others with it.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Prioritize What Is Praiseworthy

Sanctifying Spirit,
Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy – lead me to think about such things (Philippians 4:8). There is so much all around me that isn’t necessarily wrong or sinful, but neither does it fit the description of positive things on which to direct my attention. In a culture that is completely comfortable with and permissive of sex, violence, horror, and gore, I want to swim against the current. Help me to guard my heart against foolish FOMO when it involves glorifying anything that fails to bring you glory.

While I know that many voices – even those of my brothers in the faith – may downplay or diminish my choices for a variety of reasons, grant me a resolute spirit of determination to stay strong and stay the course. Grant me the self-control to not only care for my own soul in this way, but to inspire and positively influence others to do the same, so that through our collective efforts you continue to raise up strong Christian men and build up the body of Christ. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Celebrate Responsibly

Gracious Father,
This time of year offers many parties and opportunities to celebrate. As the final weekend before Christmas arrives, and the celebrations continue into next week, I want to celebrate responsibly. Where I find myself in tempting situations, whether the source of those enticements are people, food, or drink, help me to maintain my self-control. While secular celebrations may be viewed by many as invitations to promiscuity, gluttony, or drunkenness, I know better.

Wanting to walk in your footsteps, especially in light of the gift of Jesus who is the reason for my celebration, guard my heart and my steps from meandering down paths of unrighteousness. You have set me apart so that my life stands out to others as different from the rest of the world. Give me the discipline and determination to represent you well and honor you in my celebration of your birth. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For Fruit of the Spirit: Self-Control

Holy Spirit,
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Our society celebrates the pursuit of pleasure in excess and lives by an “if it feels good, do it” mantra. Yet even in Christian freedom, your Word reminds me that while everything is permissible, not everything is beneficial. When I can no longer say no to something, then I have become mastered by it.

To counter such extremes, Holy Spirit, grant me instead a spirit of discipline and self-control. Guide my thoughts, words, and actions to keep me from being enslaved by anything in this world. Lead me to pursue that which is virtuous and highly esteemed in your sight. Curb my sinful desires and strengthen me to say no when I need to. Give me the maturity to avoid whatever deceives me with the promise of instant gratification. Where I know I am weak, surround me with fellow believers who know my weaknesses and are willing to stand firmly beside me so that I do not fall. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.