1. More and more, the world discourages the disciplining of children, but the Bible says the Lord disciplines those he loves. Pray that fathers will not hesitate to discipline their children in a biblically healthy way (Proverbs 3:11-12).
2. One of Satan’s lies is that men can hide their sin. But God knows all, and men’s families often suffer the consequences of their sin. Pray that men will confess, repent of and get help for their secret sins (Numbers 14:18).
3. When men overwork they risk being disobedient to God and missing important time with their wives and children. Pray that men will seek God’s balance between their work and home responsibilities (Psalm 127:2).
4. Though the Bible says it is better to live on a corner of the roof than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife, nowhere does it say to divorce her. Pray for men to seek God’s wisdom and strength to be godly husbands in difficult marriages (Isaiah 40:29).
5. Many men waste their family’s money on nonessentials. Pray that men will be faithful stewards with all God provides for their families (Luke 16:11).
6. When we remind ourselves of God’s greatness, our intercession is inspired. The LORD reminded his discouraged people: “Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: ‘I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god’ ” (Isaiah 44:6). In a world of many man-made religions, we pray to the one true God.
7. If we look inside at our flesh tendencies, or outside at the world’s tragedies, we sometimes feel overwhelmed. But our victory in prayer comes from gazing in faith to our victor. “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).
8. As we intercede for men of God to rise up, we continue in the tradition of believers throughout history. Our faith and practice will never go out of date, because God is the eternal, the unchanging one. “’I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,’ says the Lord, ‘who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty’ ” (Revelation 1:8)
9. In every nation people are dying of spiritual thirst. Countless people are trying to quench their thirst for forgiveness, meaning and hope through self-effort and false religion. But a concluding promise of the Bible is: “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts” (Revelation 21:6).
10.Born-again believers in Jesus are adopted into God’s forever family. Although most people – whatever their religious beliefs – intuitively pray about their concerns, we have special confidence that we are being heard by the Lord. As Moses reassured the children of Israel, “For what great nation is there that has God so near to it, as the LORD our God is to us, for whatever reason we may call upon him?” (Deuteronomy 4:7).
11.One characteristic of us men is the tendency to be factual, objective and decisive. But men’s real strength is not in the sharpness of their minds nor in the weight they can lift; rather, it is in the protection they offer to their family. Pray that men would be willing to learn to love their wives and families with the love of Christ and also emulate the heavenly Father’s love for their children and for a lost world (1 John 4:9).
12. One of the natural tendencies of men is to lash out when opposed. The daily news of domestic violence, abuse, raging rampages, murder and war are proof of how far men are from being agents of righteousness. Be personally aware of the danger in letting your anger boil over, instead praying for humility and self-control, “for the wrath of men does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:20).
13. The religious wars of our time feed on bitterness and hate. The Bible warns not to let any root of bitterness cause trouble and defile the lives of many (Hebrews 12:15a). On the cross Christ defeated the father of lies and evil and made peace with God. He now offers forgiveness and new life for everyone who believes. Pray in the name of Christ to become a peacemaker who brings healing and forgiveness into all of his relationships.
14. In several Western countries, it is becoming easier to change your registered sexual identity than your name. Western believers will soon need more courage and strength to stand firm in their faith. Therefore, be diligent in your study of Scripture and pray to be “wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove” as you stand up for God’s created order (Psalm 7:10).
15. When we see how the world develops, and how one Western country after another is implementing ungodly laws at a fast pace, it is quite obvious that the evil one is on the move. This doesn’t take the Lord by surprise; it is a sign of the end times (2 Timothy 3:1-7). Therefore, praise God – he is still the almighty one whom nobody can conquer (Psalm 89:9).
16. When we turn away from the world and our own inadequacies and put our focus on Jesus instead, he fills our hearts with strength, courage and joy! Pray today that God will help you to always keep focused on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2).
17. Many Christian men are struggling with various sinful habits that harm their relationship with God, thereby making them spiritually lukewarm. Pray that God will help us all to confess our sins daily and to offer our bodies as a holy sacrifice that is pleasing to him (Romans 12:1).
18. We should all know that a clear conscience is worth more than diamonds and gold. Still, as human beings we are always vulnerable to various temptations that have the potential to steal our clear consciences as well as our close relationship with God. Pray for the Lord to reveal what might be blocking your relationship with Jesus, and ask him to let the light from heaven shine into your soul (Psalm 32:5).
19. Bring to mind the many times God has answered your prayers. Don’t allow for the difficulties of the moment to block your remembrance of the many blessings in your life. Rather, praise the Lord as David did: “Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits …” (Psalm 103:1-2).
20. The people of Israel had to wander 40 years in the desert because of their stubborn unbelief. God had given them visible signs of his presence and took care of their daily sustenance. But they followed the desires of their own hearts and had a rebellious attitude. Pray for a humble spirit that submits to God’s will instead of asking him to fulfill your own desires (Matthew 6:9-13).
21. “‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20). Christians in most parts of the world suffer persecution, from the curtailing of religious freedoms by antagonistic legislators to actual violence and death at the hands of religious fanatics. Pray for the Spirit of Christ to determine your reactions and to be ready to give proof of the hope that is in you at any time.
22. We are required to pray for all people and especially for those who are in authority over us (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Beware of simply condemning and ridiculing the acts of others. Rather, pray with the psalmist, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer” (Psalm 19:14).
23. Our God is a prayer-hearing and prayer-answering God. Not always, though, do we receive his answers on our timetable. But do not get discouraged; rather, be persistent if you know that your prayer pleases God. Trust him for the answer in his timing. He can say yes or no or wait. Even Daniel the prophet had to wait for God’s answer because of the struggle in the heavenly realm (Daniel 10:12-14).
24.Oh Lord, my Lord, how excellent is your name in all the earth. Thank you for allowing me to call upon the name of the Lord Jesus Christ that I might be saved. Your name represents your person. I thank you, Lord, for imparting your life to me. “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
25.Great are you, Lord, and greatly to be praised. You are the almighty God and nothing is too hard for you. I am grateful, Lord, that regardless of how big my problems or how strong my enemies, you are much greater. I rejoice because greater is he that is in me than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4).
26. Dear Lord, I admit that there are times when I feel so alone and everything appears hopeless. Cause me to realize that you are an ever-present help in my time of need. Thank you for your abiding presence to sustain me! “The LORD is with you, you mighty man of valor” (Judges 6:12).
27.Oh my God, I am so grateful for men like Gideon who inspire us in our darkest hours. Holy Spirit, I trust you to work in my life as you did with Gideon. Cause me to respond, like Gideon, with boldness and courage when facing insurmountable odds and impossible situations. “But the spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet” (Judges 6:34).
28.Thank you, Lord, that in spite of my weak, frail flesh, you are the strength of my life. Therefore, I am strong in you and in your mighty power. I praise you, Lord, for making me mighty in Spirit so that I can overcome any obstacle. “The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1).
29. Champions Arise (CA) is TWR’s volunteer ministry for men. With prayer as the base, programming and broadcasting as the outlet, and discipleship groups as its goal, this ministry is already in development in seven countries and in 10 languages. Please pray that the Lord will use CA to encourage and equip Christian men to be godly leaders in their homes, churches and society (Matthew 5:13-16).
30.The moral bankruptcy of Western society is alarming. Promiscuity, premarital sex and cohabitation are common. The Telegraph newspaper predicts that in the U.K. most children will be born out of wedlock by 2016. While many social factors contribute to this trend, the real truth is the lack of commitment to moral absolutes. “If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3). Pray for moral and spiritual revival!
31.Our God reigns. He is the first and the last, the great I AM (Isaiah 41:4). Therefore, Christian men can confront the challenges of life with hope and with his strength. Christ wants his followers to live connected as his Church and members of his body. Pray for mentors and friends in your life and do gladly with them the work of God. “Everyone helped his neighbor, and said to his brother, ‘Be of good courage’ ” (Isaiah 41:6).
