Seven prayers for the men in your life

Have you noticed that most resources about praying for men often focus on a woman’s husband or potential husband?

We are often encouraged to pray for the man we want to marry or the man we are married to and this is great advice.

But I believe we can go a step further.

Every one of us interacts with men at different points in our lives, this may be a father, brother, son, cousin, friend, colleague, pastor, leader, and other men who come into our lives.

There is a whole spectrum of male figures beyond one’s spouse who influence our lives in one way or another, which makes praying for men such an enriching experience.

When we do this, we essentially stand in the gap for them, telling God that these men matter to us and that we want the best for them.

How powerful is that!

 

Why should I pray for men?

Men face problems too.

Just like women, there are many men who are burdened by societal expectations and pressures.

Men have been told many unhealthy things about what it means to be a ‘man’ and how they should live their lives.

While the realities may be different for men and women, some of the consequences are the same; men who are not living in the truth of what God says about them will struggle and often falter under the burden of conformity.

In her book, I Thought it was just me, Brenè Brown had this to say:

“The expectations that fuel shame for women are based on our culture’s perception of what is acceptable for women. In my new research on men, I’m learning that the expectations that fuel shame for men are based on our culture’s perception of masculinity – what should a man be, look like and act like.”

(emphasis mine)

 

The prayers

This post focuses on seven key areas of prayer. I encourage you to pray for as many areas as you are led.

The seven areas are:

• Wisdom,
• Purpose,
• Strength,
• Provision,
• Direction,
• Humility, and
• Love.

 

 

Seven prayers to pray over the men in your life

As you take on each of these prayer points, I encourage you to create a list of the particular men or groups of men you’re praying for. This way you can make it specific and tailored to their needs.

1. Prayer for Wisdom 

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

James 1:5 NKJV

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”

Ephesians 5:15-17 NIV

 

Prayer:

Father, you are the source of all wisdom and knowledge. You created the world out of nothing and made man out of clay. Lord, your word says that we should ask for wisdom and you will give to us without reproach. 

Father, I pray that you pour out your wisdom and grace on your sons. Build them up in the knowledge and power of your word. Give them the gift of discernment so that they may be able to understand the times and seasons. Help them to remain responsive to your truth and your voice and set them on the path to true fulfilment in you. 

 

2. Prayer for Purpose 

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Ephesians 2:10 NIV

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who over God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

Romans 8:28

Prayer:

Lord, your word says that many are the purposes of a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s will that stands. Father, we pray that your sons will be attuned to your will. May they understand that their true worth, their completeness and the purpose of their lives can only be found in you.

Father reveal your plans for their lives and enable them to find meaning in all you have set out for them. May they no longer wander through life without focus or meaning but look to you, the author and finisher of their faith. Amen

 

3. Prayer for Strength 

“God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah”

Psalms 46:1-3 (NKJV)

Prayer:

Father, thank you for your care and protection. You are our strength and fortress and the lifter of our heads. Father, we pray for your strength and power over your sons. Father, we know many of them are burdened by the pressures and demands upon them. They are struggling to do so much but can’t seem to level up! 

Father, I pray that they cast their cares and burdens on you. You are the one whose yoke is easy and whose burden is light. Father, may they choose to live life on your terms. May they choose to lean into your strength and hide under your shadow, knowing that true strength comes from you. Like King David, may your strength help them overcome the battles within and without.  Amen

 

4. Petition for Provision

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.”

Philippians 4:6 (NLT)

“For the lord shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:19(NKJV)

Prayer:

Father, you are the source of life and all good things. 

You are the generous and benevolent One who gives to all who ask. Lord, today I pray for the men in my life, I pray that you meet them at the point of their needs. Lord, your word reminds us that even before we ask you already know what we need. Lord, I may not know what they need but you do. Father, provide bountifully for them and more than anything, may they ascribe all glory and honour to your Holy Name. Amen

 

5. Prayer for Direction

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. in all your ways, acknowledge him and he will direct your path.”

Proverbs 3:5

Prayer:

Dear Lord, I thank you for giving us your word which is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Father, may your son experience your divine guidance and direction. Lord, lead him in the way that is right. Guide his thoughts and actions and let him hear you when you say to him ‘This is the way, walk in it”.  

 

6. Prayer for Humility 

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”

Ephesians 4:2 NIV

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”

1 Peter 5:6 NIV

Prayer:

Father, thank you so much for your sons whom you created in your image and likeness. Our Lord Jesus, I pray that you teach them to be like you. To take on the mantle of service to others as unto the Lord. 

May they do nothing out of selfish ambition or with a need to impress others but focus on pleasing you and doing your will. Lord help them to live a life of humility every day. Teach them to continually deny the greed, arrogance and avarice of the flesh and to take on your spirit of patience, gentleness and love. Amen 

 

7. Prayer for Love

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails”

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a NIV

Prayer:

Lord, you are love! 

You are the epitome of all that is good and loving. You exemplified the irreproachable excesses of your love by sending your son, Jesus Christ, to die for us. Father, may your sons forever experience this love. And may they never doubt how much you love them.

More so, Lord, I pray that your sons become love in all they do. May they give your brand of love without holding back – generously and unconditionally. May they learn to love their wives as you love the church, to love their children, their friends and especially their enemies.

Let your love grow more abundant in their lives and help them to shine the light of your love wherever they go. Amen

 

 

Final Thoughts on praying for the men in your life

Prayer is a powerful means of communicating with God. 

It is our means of connection to the divine as we open spiritual portals that enable God’s will and kingdom to come on earth.

I hope you are encouraged to pray meaningfully for the men in your life.

I will leave you with one more scripture to encourage you to pray for others. God bless you, Sis.

“The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.”

James 5.16b