DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

For Those Secretly Struggling

Omniscient Lord,
There are so many who appear to be fine on the outside, but in reality are struggling mightily on the inside. Rather than facing their struggles and processing them in healthy ways, they avoid them and focus more time and energy on masquerading as if all is well. They are ensnared by addictions. They suppress past trauma or abuse. They battle depression and wrestle with suicidal thoughts. The list goes on, as do the numbers of those secretly struggling.

Be their champion. Fight for them and refuse to let Satan pick them apart and prey on them. Protect them from serious emotional, physical, and spiritual affliction. Make others aware of their internal struggles and move them to intervene with aid and support. Heal their wounds and guide them along a healthy path of recovery. Build up their resiliency so that when they face similar troubles in the future, they are well-equipped to manage them and unafraid to reach out for help. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

For Struggling Congregations

Head of the Church,
There are many Christian congregations that struggling. Their struggles can be caused by many different challenges in different seasons of ministry. Some are without a pastor to shepherd your people. Others struggle to raise up strong leaders. A lack of financial support from generous offerings can limit essential ministry efforts. Declining attendance and/or disengaged members put a heavy burden on the faithful few who bear the bulk weight of congregational responsibilities. 

Yet when you are the Lord of the Church, the head of the body of Christ, there is always reason for hope. Answer the prayers of members in struggling churches, and do so in such radical ways that surpass even the loftiest of requests. Use their struggles to drive them into your Word and through that process draw them closer to you. Spur members on to share in the joys of ministry by inviting and engaging each other when service opportunities are available. Use them also to encourage their pastor when he is down by lifting him up with your promises. Lead them to see each and every victory you bring about in their midst, to celebrate them, thank you for them, and build on them as your grace allows. Make struggling churches into turnaround stories that become healthy, thriving congregations which are a testament to the power of your Word and the blessing of your grace. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

For the Blessing of Struggles

Almighty God,
Thank you for struggles. Though I don’t often anticipate ahead of time the good that you are able to bring through them, it becomes clearer as I reflect on them afterward. Through difficulties you keep me humble and lead me to look to and lean on you more. In dealing with challenges, you help me to notice and appreciate the support system you have placed all around me. When I am faced with adversity, it teaches me perseverance and resilience, forcing me to stretch outside my comfort zone or grow beyond what I thought was possible. Although my struggles may feel monumental while in the thick of them, they also put into perspective how resolutely your Son endured so much more on my behalf. Thank you that he endured all that he did, all for me. Give me your strength to keep on enduring as well. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.