DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

To Assume the Best of Others’ Words and Actions

Kind Savior,
I find it so easy to take things personally and make negative assumptions about the words and actions of others. I want to change this. You call me not to conform to the world, but to be transformed. Since your Spirit is behind that change, I ask you to adjust my attitude and reframe my thoughts to align with yours. When I reflect on the things my neighbor says and the way s/he treats people, prompt me to filter everything through a positive lens. Direct me to consider the best intentions behind words and actions, and to hold to those assumptions until given a reliable reason not to. Allow this approach to spread all around me, so that society normalizes taking the words and actions of others in the kindest possible way. Let your light shine brightly in me and through me in this way.

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

For God-Pleasing Thoughts

Holy Spirit,
One of the greatest blessings unique to mankind is our capacity for thought. I am able to reflect on events from my past and hope for future plans, to get lost in my imagination or ponder my present realities. These can be wonderful things. But, they can also be distractions, or worse, lead to dark places that end up producing bad fruit in my life. Without the new man raised up in me through faith in Jesus, my thoughts would so easily be controlled by the evil one. 

But in Christ I am empowered to direct my thoughts toward what is good and God-pleasing. Therefore, guard my heart and guide my thoughts. Keep what is impure, hateful, violent, and greedy far from me. Allow my thoughts to be Spirit-guided so they are in alignment with your will. Let your Scriptures permeate my thinking so that all words and actions that flow from my thoughts clearly reflect that I am walking in your light.

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.