What do we pray for as men? What do we pray for as fathers?
There are a great many things on our minds, a great many things on our hearts, and one of the critical aspects of growing in maturity as a man is focusing on the right things and making sure our priorities are lined up properly with God’s priorities. Prayer is one of the key ways we do that, and prayer that focuses on the character and will of God is key to a man growing in Christlike maturity. Note what the apostle John writes about what Jesus said in the upper room discourse:
John 14:13-14 – Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.
When we think about the name of God, when we think about Jesus Christ…we must understand that His name is not a special cheat code. It is the personification of His essence, His character, His will. It is about all that He is and what He wants.
When we ask in His name, when we ask in accordance with His will, He promises that He will do it. The question is if that is what men really want, is that what our prayers reflect? Ultimately our goal must be that the Father may be glorified in the Son. May that be our focus, our priority and may that be reflected in our prayers.
Prayers for Fathers
As we think about Father’s Day, here are some prayers that can encourage us to have the right focus. Consider reading the bible verse listed below and praying one of these prayers each day leading up to Father’s Day. Pray for the men in your life, the fathers in your family, the fathers in your church, and pray this for yourself as all of us must pursue God’s priorities.
- Pray that fathers would understand salvation clearly, that first they would admit their sin and accept the free gift of salvation available through trusting in Jesus dying on the cross to pay for their sin. Pray that fathers have a clear testimony of placing their faith in what Jesus has done for them. (Romans 3:23-24; 6:23; 10:9-10, Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5)
- Pray that we would be holy because God is holy, and that fathers would be set apart for the purpose of bearing God’s image, proclaiming the excellencies of Christ, and becoming more like Christ each day. (Genesis 1:26-28, 1 Peter 1:15-16; 2:9, Romans 8:28-30, Colossians 1:28)
- Pray that fathers would be content and satisfied in Christ and not look to find fulfillment in hobbies, entertainment, or relationships that do not honor the Lord. (1 Timothy 6:6, Philippians 3:7-8; 4:4, Psalms 16:11; 37:3-4, 1 Thessalonians 5:18)
- Pray that fathers would be men of the word. Pray that they would know the word, cherish the word because they want to know God, and seek to apply His word to their lives each day. (Psalms 1:2; 119:97; 103, 2 Timothy 3:16-17)
- Pray that fathers would lead their families with graciousness, kindness, and clear direction especially loving and cherishing their wives so that kids can see how godly fathers treat their wives. (Ephesians 4:32; 5:25, Colossians 3:12-13, Galatians 5:22-23)
- Pray that fathers would seek wisdom and growth in community as part of the body of Christ. (James 1:5, Hebrews 10:23-25, Romans 12:4-5, Galatians 6:2, Psalm 133:1)
- Pray that fathers would be humble, willing to take rebuke well and able to gently rebuke others. (Philippians 2:3-4, James 4:6, Matthew 23:12, Proverbs 9:8-9; 15:1,31-32, 1 Timothy 5:1-2 , Galatians 6:1)
- Pray that fathers will be men who do not use sinful anger to intimidate and manipulate, but use their godliness to influence others to honor the Lord. (James 1:19-20, 1 Timothy 4:12, Titus 2:7-8, Matthew 5:16, James 3:13-18)
- Pray that fathers would fight the battle to put off sin in their lives and not blame shift to others, hide their sin, or be defensive about their sin. (Ephesians 4:22; 6:12, Matthew 7:1-4, Hebrews 12:1-4, Genesis 3:12, Psalms 51:17; 139:23-24)
- Pray that fathers would prioritize the Gospel and find their identity in Christ and be willing to share the good news with others, especially their children. (1 Corinthians 15:1-5, Romans 1:16, Mark 16:15)
- Pray that fathers will take the time to disciple their children well for the glory of God. (Ephesians 6:4, Deuteronomy 6:6-7, Matthew 28:19-20)
- Pray that earthy fathers would point us to the great love of our heavenly Father. (1 Corinthians 10:14-15, Matthew 22:37-39, 1 John 3:1, Romans 5:8, Ephesians 2:4-5, Psalm 103:13)
We want to pray with confidence, but a confidence that is focused on being a part of what God is doing as he has revealed His purpose and plan in His word.
1 John 5:14 – This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
Pray for the men in your life and pray for the fathers in your life. And men, pray in the name of Jesus, not just saying the right words, but align your heart with His priorities from His word so that the father may be glorified in the son. May that focus be reflected in our prayers and in our lives.
Photo by Malachi Cowie on Unsplash
