DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

For Rest

Loving Lord,
We are always on the go. We treat every gap in our schedule as a blank space that needs to be filled. We can’t stand missing out on the experience someone else (or someone else’s kids) had. Just one more thing. Just a little bit more. We are too easily deceived by the lie that we can pack 30+ hours into a 24-hour day.

We need rest – in our body, in our mind, in our spirit. Maintaining a breakneck pace in life takes its toll on our bodies. We cut out sleep and settle for a diet that leaves us undernourished. Our racing minds have lost the ability to unwind and unravel during even the slightest bit of downtime because our screens enslave us. Spiritually, you are often the last thing we try to squeeze in, and by that time, we’ve already exhausted ourselves. 

Forgive us. Refresh us. Renew us. Reframe our thinking so that we start with you and fit everything else after, for only in you will we ever find the kind of soul rest the world simply cannot provide.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

For Mental Health

Wonderful Counselor,
The month of May is recognized by many as a time to bring awareness to mental health. What a wonderful reminder that we are fearfully and wonderfully made in body, mind, and spirit! As the crown of your creation, you created mankind in such a unique way, so that our physical, mental, and spiritual health are all interconnected. When any one area suffers, the others are affected. We thank you therefore, for those with expertise in mental health who desire to help others in this area. Bless them with knowledge and insight regarding how the amazing minds you’ve given us allow us to think and process, and how connected our thoughts are to our actions and general well-being. Since a secular approach to mental health will naturally lack the all-important connection to spiritual health, provide that awareness through solid spiritual leaders who are well-equipped to point people to your powerful promises. Then, Lord, use those gracious promises to provide a rock-solid foundation for many as the basis for resilient mental health.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Set My Mind on Things Above

Heavenly Father,
It isn’t only my heart – my feelings and desires – that you direct me to set on things above, but also my mind. This makes perfect sense, for you as our Creator wired us in such a way that our hearts and minds are connected. Since our feelings and desires flow from our thoughts, how important it is then that we follow your guidance and set our minds on things above!

So I ask you to send your Spirit to keep my thoughts in check, to safeguard them from the enemy’s ambushes, and to limit any mindless disengagement that could leave me vulnerable. Although your thoughts are beyond my thoughts, let my thinking imitate your thinking which you have revealed to me in your Word. Lead me to meditate on the spiritual truths of your Word and to ponder what pertains to your kingdom. May I daily consider your church and her ministry, and prayerfully reflect on where and how I fit into your designs and intentions for them. Then, when my mind is properly aligned and set on things above, ensure that my heart’s desires follow accordingly.  

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Make the Most of My Mind

Holy Father,
You created mankind with a mind that affords us the unique abilities to think critically, to reason, to create, and to dream. Truly we are fearfully and wonderfully made! Through these gifts of intellect and imagination, you have ushered in countless advancements and blessings that have served us in all walks of life. While these gifts have also been abused and utilized for evil purposes, I pray that you frustrate and prevent all such efforts in the future.

Ironically, many of those same blessings and advancements that were created by brilliant and creative minds can also hinder and suppress creative and critical thinking. Keep me from being sucked into scrolling on my screen and soaking in mind-numbing content. When I choose to watch something, let it be constructive, edifying, or with purpose, or at least limit whatever is nothing but pure entertainment.  Compel me to be deliberate about how I manage my time, so that I allow margin to simply think and dream. Curb any mindless behaviors in my life so that I maximize my mind’s mental capacity to the fullest. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

For God Pleasing Thoughts

Sanctifying Spirit,
Guide my thoughts today. Since my thoughts determine my speech and actions, take them captive to your will so that I reflect your righteousness in every way possible today. Protect my eyes from anything that could lead to lustful desires creeping in and hijacking my focus. Guard me from greed and any of its lies that seek to chip away at my contentment and replace it with ingratitude. 

Instead, enable me to follow your direction by thinking of what is good and lovely, noble and pure. Make my attitude like that of Jesus, so that I prioritize the needs of others before my own. Lead me to meditate and reflect on your faithful promises throughout the day, so they may encourage me and provide hope if I need it. May I then reflect the joy of my salvation to others as I try to be more deliberate about reflecting on it. Bless my thoughts in ways that lead them to bear fruit in your kingdom.  

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.