1. Oh Lord, sometimes I am consumed with doubts. And then I look at the apostle Thomas. It is comforting to know that I am not the only one. I ask you to encourage my faith as you did Thomas. Cause me to reach out by faith and embrace you as the author and finisher of my faith. I trust you with my life! (John 20:24-27).
2. Lord Jesus, it is so easy to get distracted by the visible circumstances around us. Yet you are the invisible God – the almighty, ever-present help in my time of need. Cause me to focus on the invisible realm of your presence rather than what I see only with my natural eyes. Enable me to see you in the midst of my situation and trust you with it. You are my Lord and my God! (John 20:28-29).
3. Heavenly Father, sometimes I feel like I need you to give me a sign. But then I realize you already have, through your Word and in my life. Cause me to recognize the signs, and enable me to read them correctly. May your signs motivate me to trust you with my life. And as I do, I am confident that you will live your life through me. Thank you for being my life! (John 20:30-31).
4. Dear God, when I read your Word and then I look at my life, sometimes the two don’t match. I do not want to hide your Word just in my head. I desire your Word to be implanted in my heart and lived out through my life. Cause your Word to become flesh in me. Enable me to become a doer of the Word (James 1:22).
5. Too often, secrets and sin are linked together. Pray that God will encourage you, men, to be willing to share your struggles with your wives and that they will respond in godly ways (James 5:16).
6. In a tension-filled marriage, the spouses often blame each other for their problems. Pray that husbands, as the heads of households, will act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God and their wives (Mic. 6:8).
7. The wife is described in Proverbs as a “graceful doe.” This is an image of one who is delicate and vulnerable. Regarding physical intimacy, pray for us husbands to treat our wives in this special way with exclusivity and deep devotion (Prov. 5:19).
8. Children thrive in an atmosphere of encouragement, affirmation and support. Pray that we as fathers will use our words to encourage and build up and not to hurt and tear down our children (Prov. 12:18).
9. Jesus was a man who wept at Lazarus’ death scene yet was tough enough to bear the brunt of Roman torture. Pray that we men will model Jesus’ example of balanced masculinity and sensitivity as we relate to our sons and daughters (John 19:5).
10. The devil often tries to convince us that our sin is too great to be forgiven. And unfortunately, he often succeeds. Some people carry the burden of their sin for many years, wrongly believing that the evil one is telling them the truth about themselves. Pray that people will understand that no sin is too great to be forgiven (Rom. 5:20).
11. Thank God today for what the Bible teaches us, that when we confess our sins to him, he is ready to forgive them, no matter how big and awful the trespasses (1 John 1:9).
12. The apostle Paul encourages us to continuously strive to live holy lives. None of us, however, can succeed in doing so based on our strength alone. When you have your quiet time today, pray that God will transform you from within, as only he can do (Phil. 2:13).
13. When you become aware that a brother or sister in Christ has sinned against God, do not be too quick to judge. Ask our Lord for wisdom on how you can help the individual get back on his or her feet. Pray that you will be given wisdom to help fellow believers grow in faith (Matt. 7:1).
14. Thank God today that you are alive, not just physically, but also spiritually. And give thanks that one day you will see Jesus face-to-face (1 Thess. 5:16-18).
15. A man’s character is formed through a consistent daily devotional time. Pray for yourself to be intentional and disciplined about your times with God in prayer and Bible study (Col. 3:16).
16. To become fully engaged with God on an experiential level throughout the day is a worthy and biblical pursuit. Be ready to cultivate a spirit of prayer and make it a norm to commune with the Lord always (Luke 18:1).
17. Creating “converts” to the institution of Christian isn’t what Jesus had in mind when he said, “Go and make disciples.” Disciples are students, pupil and followers of Jesus. Pray for and encourage men you know to be more than “converted,” instead becoming “disciples” in the school of Christ (John 8:31-32).
18. Paint covers the outside of a board, whereas a stain penetrates the heart – the grains and fibers. Pray to be more than “coated” with religion and church services. Instead, allow the spirit of Christ to permeate every detail of your life and character (Gal. 2:20).
19. Christlikeness is normally the result of the process of sanctification. Pray for the Lord to increase your desire to be Christ like as you face daily challenges. Allow him to develop your character as you put him first in your life choices (Rom. 8:29).
20. When you face seemingly overwhelming problems, find in God deliverance and provision as Abraham did: “Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram, and offered it up for a burnt offering instead of his son. And Abraham called the name of the place, The-LORD-Will-Provide …” (Gen. 22:13, 14).
21. Sometimes longstanding problems discourage us. May our prayers be strengthened by reassurance as Hannah’s were by the priest in her day: “‘Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have asked of Him.’ … So the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad” (1 Sam. 1:17, 18).
22. Jesus Christ declared, “‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive …” (John 7:37-39). Let us pray for the fullness of the Holy Spirit for today’s challenges (Eph. 5:18).
23. Most of the world’s population follow philosophers or prophets who have died. We pray that the good news of Christ’s resurrection will bring salvation and hope to listeners. On the day of Pentecost, the apostle Peter announced, “‘Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ’” (Acts 2:36).
24. The typical unsaved person is trying to earn salvation by works. May God use the TWR broadcasts to open their eyes to the gospel of grace. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Eph. 2:8.9).
25. In his Great Commission, Jesus said, “Go make disciples … teaching them to obey everything I taught you.” Making disciples of Jesus Christ is God’s plan to reach the world. The new Men’s Ministry Initiative of TWR will bring a greater focus of discipleship to this key outreach. Pray for God to raise up men and women everywhere who would have the heart and skills to fulfill Christ’s Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20).
26. Champions Arise broadcasts are now in nine languages and are designed to help men discover that the life questions they face have already been answered by God. Pray for the Champions Arise program to touch the hearts of men around the world, leading them to a knowledge of Christ and the beginning steps of becoming the men that God wants them to be (Rom. 10:17).
27. Every Man A Warrior, TWR’s new ministry and the discipleship curriculum it teaches, is being translated into Norwegian, and groups of men will begin to use the curriculum in Norway in 2018. Pray for these men’s groups to learn the skills of walking with God, sharing their faith and helping other men succeed in life (Eph. 6:19).
28. With Lonnie Berger becoming the new global director for the TWR Men’s Ministry Initiative, there will be a new emphasis on using the Every Man A Warrior discipleship material to follow up with people who respond to our programs. New Every Man A Warrior groups are forming in Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia and Venezuela. Pray for these men to be transformed by God’s spirit to become mighty warriors for God (Heb. 4:12).
29. If you wonder what the will of God is for your life, read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Be encouraged to be a man who is a doer of the Word.
30. Many activists and secular media outlets accuse Christians of being aggressive and intolerant. Be careful, and prove through word and deed that the love of Christ compels you. “Blessed are you when people insult and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me” (Matt. 5:11).
31. Pray for Christian men in countries where hatred and persecution of Christians is rampant. Pray for them to find in the Lord their refuge, wisdom and strength as they try to protect their families from the evil attacks of extremists and criminals. In more than 60 countries, Christians face persecution from their governments and surrounding neighbors simply because of their belief in Jesus Christ (1 Pet. 4:15-16).
