Tag: wrong

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Disagree with Dignity

Lord Jesus,
You have given us the ability to think critically, to reason, and to apply logic. Our upbringing, our experiences, and our education all factor in when it comes to our unique views and opinions. Inevitably then, we will not share the same convictions with others about certain matters. Not only is this OK, but different ideas about how to address issues and solve problems often result in a better overall solution. 

Different opinions, though – especially those strongly held – can also raise tensions and cause conflict. When I find myself in such situations, equip me with the self-control to disagree with dignity. Keep me from doing or saying anything that would deliberately stir others up and escalate the situation. Guard my tongue from profanity or insult, so that my mouth does not dishonor you. Instead, give me an attitude that seeks to learn more about others’ differing views, so that I am challenged to either reinforce or rethink my own views. Regardless of the outcome, let my speech always be seasoned with salt, and give me the patience to treat those holding different views with honor and respect.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Welcome Rebuke

Almighty God,
Ever since our rebellious fall into sin, we bristle at being rebuked. We struggle to tolerate when others call us out, on the one hand because we don’t want others to tell us we can’t or shouldn’t do something, and on the other hand, because it makes us look bad in front of others. Rather than welcoming rebuke when it is appropriate and necessary, we spin it as a personal attack and make it about the other person. Be patient with us, forgive us, and replace our stubborn spirit with humility and contrition, so that any admonishment we receive bears blessing in our lives. And, when situations call for us to be on the other side, needing to apply your Word to chastise others, make our motivations pure, fill us with confidence in the power of your Word, and let it result in a favorable outcome that ultimately honors you.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Correct with Your Word

Lord God,
When you call us to proclaim your Word, it is primarily so that others may hear the good news of the gospel, since there is no other way mankind can know what you have done to save him. But your Word doesn’t only provide the gospel; it also offers correction. Help us remember to use it for that purpose and give us the confidence to do so. Guard us from both the extreme of Pharisaical piety that is too eager to correct others, and also from a timidity that avoids it altogether. Since sanctification is your work, and your work is carried out through your Word, lead us to rely on it and on you to direct us along paths of righteousness. We cannot know the right way unless we know your way, and we have no desire or ability to walk in your steps unless you work in us that desire and ability. Lead others to accept correction with humble hearts, and us to offer it with humble hearts as well. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For Courage to Do the Right Thing

Mighty God,
I regularly find myself in situations with the opportunity to do the wrong thing. I am invited to join in the gossip. I am nudged to have one more drink than I should. I am pressured to misuse your gift of sex. The list goes on. I don’t pretend that all of these are someone else’s fault, either, as I am well aware that I am only tempted by them because of my own sinful inclinations. As much as possible, therefore, give me the wisdom to avoid putting myself in those situations in the first place. Nevertheless, when I do face them, give me the courage of faith to do the right thing. Help me control my thoughts and desires. Curb any sinful urges within me. Provide a way out, as you promise to, and open my eyes both to see and to seize that way out. Create in me the genuine desire to be more eager to be a good and godly influence than to allow myself to be negatively influenced and misrepresent you. When I fail, be there with your grace to turn my forgiven failures into the motivation to do right the next time.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Be Willing to Own My Wrongs

Patient Lord,
It’s not easy to admit when I’ve been in the wrong. What is easy is getting defensive when someone points out my faults, accuses me of sin, or implies that I should have handled a matter differently. When these situations arise, so does my pride, which gets stirred up whenever it senses my reputation is in question. I then seek to defend, excuse, justify, blame, and even flat out deny the possibility of any error or wrongdoing on my part.

Instead, lead me to swap out my pride for a humble spirit that seeks first to understand the matter. Then, let me be willing to admit fault and own whatever wrong is mine to own. Finally, never let me shy away from an opportunity to apologize, repent, and ask for forgiveness. Rather than being so self-assured and confident of my own self-righteousness, grant me the self-awareness and willingness to first review my own thoughts, words, and actions with a measure of skepticism. Cause me to be open to analyzing my role from the perspective of what I could have done or said differently to avoid things ending up the way they did. Let me be so confident of your grace and forgiveness, that I never have to deceive myself or others into thinking that I am not in need of it.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.