DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Avoid Bad Language

Sanctifying Spirit,
You generously provide us with countless ways to thank and honor you for your goodness and grace with our whole lives. One such way is to be mindful of the kind of language we use regularly. While cussing and four-letter words have become normalized and even casually displayed everywhere from bumper stickers to online posts, you have set us apart for sanctified speech. Guard our hearts and lips from the negative influence of coworkers and media, so that we do not become comfortable speaking words that make us indistinguishable from the world. Let us also be unafraid to chastise fellow Christians who seem to be indifferent about the language they use. Since we represent you to this world, the way we speak should not be of this world. Forgive my tongue for tasteless talk, coarse discourse, and unsavory speech. Words matter, and I want my words to reflect your worth to me.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Focus on Others in Conversation

Devoted Savior,
Whenever I have opportunities to interact with others, help me be more engaged and attentive. It’s natural for us to default to making conversations about us; what isn’t natural is deliberately being interested in the other speaker. Steer me away from my tendency to shift the focus back on me and prompt me to ask better questions that reflect genuine curiosity about the other person. The better equipped I am in expressing interest and attention to others, the more valued and appreciated they feel. Help me grow in this area so that whenever others walk away from a conversation with me, they are more blessed than stressed. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Reply to Others With Gentleness

Gentle Savior,
Help me remain in control of how I respond to others. Just because our society has normalized rage-filled responses any time a person is set off doesn’t mean you permit it. Instead, let our responses be filled with gentleness and self-control. Forgive us for knowingly and intentionally allowing ourselves to be drawn into divisive dialogues that will feed our sinful desire to quarrel and fight. Guard our hearts from such temptations and grant us wisdom to avoid the allure of arguing. If my conversations are always to be seasoned with salt, dear Lord, give me the discipline to be slow to respond. Doing so will not only allow me time to carefully choose the words I use, but also to consider how my response could be taken by others. Finally, give me the discernment to know when it’s wise to avoid providing a response that I may regret, and the humility to realize that my opinion is not so valuable that I need to express it about everything going on around me. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.