Tag: worldly

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Acknowledge Your Generosity (Part 1)

Generous Father,
There is no better example than yours when it comes to demonstrating generosity. I don’t know this only because it’s how you reveal yourself in the Bible; I know it also from personal experience. When I consider the size and scale of all that you provide me with physically, it is clear that you are no miser! Closets that are hardly large enough to hold all of our clothes, multiple fridges and/or freezers, packed pantries, and garages or extra rooms that store away bins upon bins of belongings all serve as testaments of your generosity.

When it comes to shopping for everything we need (to say nothing of what we want!), there are countless brick and mortar stores, matched by a myriad of online stores. We know the frustration of indecision when it comes to having so many options for eating out (or having it delivered right to our door and eating in!). You are unbelievably generous, Lord, and I ask that you never allow me to take your generosity for granted. And, I also ask that you equip me with the wisdom to rightly use and manage all that you abundantly provide.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Guard Against the World’s Influence

Lord Jesus,
You have made me free! I rejoice in the eternal freedom I have from the condemnation of sin and the fear of separation from you in death. Moreover, my freedom means that my enemies – Satan, the fallen world, and my own sinful flesh – no longer have complete control over me. While each of those enemies still threatens me, help me navigate the treacherous traps all around me in the fallen world. When I let my light shine and stand up in for my faith, I so often stand out as well. But when that happens, I am tempted to quietly blend in and go along with the world instead. Then, as I blend in with the world, I am more inclined to let my guard down and embrace what should be avoided and avoid the good things you would have me embrace. Guard me from the desire to blend in at the expense of my faith and Christian morals. Create in me the longing to swim against the current of the world and reveal a better way: yours. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Set My Heart and Mind on Things Above

Lord God,
You direct me to set my heart and my mind on things above, and not on earthy things. One of the most effective ways to keep me from an unhealthy focus on earthly things is to prioritize redirecting my desires and thoughts on things above. My desires and thoughts are closely connected, so that whatever fills my thoughts also increases my desire, and what I desire then directs my thoughts.

Therefore, let your Spirit dwell in me richly to control both my thoughts and desires, so that they nurture and complement each other. Lead me to seek your spiritual blessings and to crave more fruits of faith in my life. Help me to treasure the work you do in me that serves my eternal good. Create not only a longing for my heavenly home, but an awareness of how my time here on earth helps prepare me for eternity. Align my desires with yours and my thoughts with yours, as much as possible.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Not Get Caught Up in Worldly Concerns

Dear Lord,
You direct me to set my heart and my mind on things above, and not on earthy things. It is so natural for me to give my attention to the things of this world. When my daily schedule involves so many things that deal with the here and now, those are the things I focus on. Problems need solving. Tasks need to be accomplished. People need to be pleased. Like Martha, I get caught up in prioritizing all of these responsibilities and obligations and you become an afterthought.

In addition to being so preoccupied with these types of concerns, which are not inherently wrong, I am also daily tempted by plenty of earthly things that are plain and simply just sinful. Guard my heart from both – from being consumed by earthly concerns and being courted by earthly temptations. Remind me that you are the one in control who oversees all things and equips me to carry out my daily responsibilities, and that you also promise me a way out when I am tempted.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Guard Against What Doesn’t Last

Blessed Redeemer,
If I want to be ready for you return on the Last Day, it means not only focusing on what lasts – your Word – but also guarding against what doesn’t. There is much in this world that begs for my attention. While much of it may be good, there is so much that is merely fleeting, passing away like the rest of the world. Guard me from being consumed by these distractions, from being overly concerned about what won’t last at the expense of your words and promises that will. See that I am detached from what is temporal and tuned in to what is eternal. Keep me from worry and anxiety over the little things and direct me to be invested in what matters while I watchfully wait for your return. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.