7 Prayers that Real Men Pray

7 Prayers that Real Men Pray

Men love to fix things, get their hands on a problem, and find a solution. They desire to protect and provide. These are honorable things, gifts to our communities and families.

But gifts can become weaknesses, as well. Men often try to solve problems with their own ingenuity and strength, something active they understand. Therefore, men can dismiss prayer as too passive.

Over the past few decades, our culture has become more resistant to the Gospel and the God revealed in Scripture. People often mock prayer as if it’s an excuse for Christians to do nothing.

As those following Jesus’ teaching, we should take actions of love and justice. However, prayer is anything but passive. The same Jesus anointed to preach the Gospel to the poor prayed habitually (Luke 5:16). This Jesus now serves as High Priest, interceding before the throne (Hebrews 7:25). Through faith, Jesus says we can move mountains (Matthew 17:20). In essence, prayer is the most powerful and active thing we can do.

Real men know the strength of prayer. Here are seven prayers real men pray.

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  • bible verses about strength, prayers real men pray

    1. Strength and Courage

    Christian men pray for strength and courage, seeking God’s empowerment to navigate life’s challenges and fulfill their responsibilities. True strength comes from God alone, so men pray to him for needed power.

    Psalm 27:1 affirms, “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” For Jesus’ followers, strength and courage come from God, the source of protection in times of trouble. Before entering the battles for the Promised Land, God commands Joshua: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” With God’s presence, Christians have access to the strength and boldness to face any challenge.

    Heavenly Father,

    I come before you, acknowledging my need for your strength and courage in my life. You are my rock and fortress, my ever-present help in times of trouble. Grant me the courage to face challenges confidently, knowing you are with me every step of the way. 

    Strengthen me in my weakness, and empower me to fulfill the tasks and responsibilities you have placed before me. Help me trust your promises and rely on your grace to overcome any obstacles. May your Holy Spirit fill me with courage so my life may glorify you in all things. 

    In Jesus’ name,

    Amen.

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  • Bible glowing in a man's hands, prayers that real men pray

    2. Guidance and Wisdom

    A man prays for guidance and wisdom with his responsibilities and roles, seeking God’s direction and insight to make wise decisions through life’s complexities. They pray grounded in the biblical understanding God is the source of wisdom.

    James 1:5 encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, promising that he will give generously to all without finding fault. This assurance reminds Christian men they can approach God confidently in prayer, knowing he will provide the wisdom needed for today and the future. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Men can trust God’s love and wisdom to guide them for their good and God’s glory.

    Heavenly Father,

    I seek your guidance and wisdom in the decisions I face. Your word teaches that if anyone lacks wisdom, we should ask you, and you give generously. Grant me wisdom to discern your will and help me follow where you lead. I submit my plans and desires to your perfect will.

    May your Holy Spirit illuminate my path and direct my steps so I may walk aligned with your good and wonderful purposes. Give me clarity of mind and the ability to hear your precious voice clearly.

    In Jesus’ name,

    Amen.

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  • hands holding cut out of family, prayers real men pray

    3. Protection for Loved Ones

    Every man has loved ones, whether they are husbands, fathers, sons, brothers, or extended family members. Real men pray for God to protect their families, stemming from a loving desire to ensure their loved ones’ safety and well-being.

    Psalm 91:11-12 assures Jesus’ followers of God’s protection, stating, “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” God watches over his people—his children—and sends his angels to protect them. Proverbs 18:10 says, “The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” This verse encourages believers to seek refuge and security in the Lord Almighty in an unsafe world.

    Heavenly Father,

    I lift up my loved ones to you today, asking for your divine protection and covering over their lives. Your word assures us you are our refuge and strength, a present help in times of trouble. I pray you surround my family and friends with your angels, guarding them from harm and danger.

    Protect my family from sickness, accidents, and any evil that may seek to harm them. I trust in your promise to watch over those who love you and keep them safe under your mighty hand. May your presence be real and with them always, filling their hearts with confidence and trusting your protection.

    In Jesus’ name,

    Amen.

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  • man covering his eyes hands held up to say stop, prayers that real men pray

    4. Personal Purity

    The Devil often attacks in private, when no one’s watching, in thoughts and sexual temptations, all too prevalent in our modern culture. Real men pray for personal purity, seeking God’s strength to maintain moral integrity and holiness in their thoughts, words, and actions.

    In Psalm 51:10, David cries out to God, saying, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” King David expresses the longing for spiritual renewal and cleansing, recognizing that true purity of heart comes from God alone. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 further highlights the importance of personal purity, stating, “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable.” God calls us to personal holiness, which includes sexual purity, which is pleasing to God.

    Heavenly Father,

    I acknowledge my need for your help to live a life of purity and holiness. Your word teaches the pure in heart are blessed, for they will see God. Create in me a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit in me. Help me to flee all forms of immorality and honor you with my thoughts, words, and actions. Give me the strength to resist the Devil and temptation. To live for you, to please you. May my life reflect your holiness and love, bringing glory to you alone.

    In Jesus’ name,

    Amen.

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  • hand holding compass, prayers real men pray

    5. Seek God’s Calling

    God doesn’t only save people from hell; he rescues individuals to join him in his redemptive mission and purpose, which he has prepared beforehand for each of us (Ephesians 2:10). Christian men pray to seek and discover God’s calling for their lives, desiring to align their endeavors with his plan to use their talents and spiritual gifts in ways that glorify him.

    In Jeremiah 29:11, God declares, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” God promises this to each person, and men seek God’s purposes because they are good and are promised to bring them life. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages believers to trust the Lord with all their hearts and to lean not on their understanding, acknowledging him in all their ways so he will direct their paths.

    Heavenly Father,

    I seek your guidance to discern your will for my life. Your word teaches you to have plans for me, to prosper, and give me hope and a future. Help me to trust your timing and wait patiently for your direction. Open my ears to your voice and my heart to understand your ways. Show me the talents and spiritual gifts you have given me. Guide me to use them in service and love so your name gets all the glory.

    In Jesus’ name,

    Amen.

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  • man holding out hand to help, prayers real men pray

    6. Servant Heart

    God leads us in purpose and mission not for our fame but for his glory and the good of others, to bless and reveal the love of the Father. Christian men pray to have a servant’s heart, seeking God’s transformation and empowerment to emulate Jesus’ example. He served others selflessly, and so must his followers.

    Philippians 2:5-7 encourages believers to have the same mindset as Christ Jesus, who humbled himself and took the form of a servant. Matthew 20:28 further emphasizes Jesus’ servant-hearted nature, who came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. Those great in God’s Kingdom seek the place of service and self-sacrificial love (Matthew 20:26-28).

    Heavenly Father,

    In your presence, I come before your throne, humbly asking for a servant heart like your Son, Jesus Christ. Your word teaches that whoever wants to become great among your children must be a servant, and whoever wants to be first be a slave of all. Transform my heart, O Lord, and help me put the needs of others before my own.

    Teach me to serve with compassion and love, following the example of Jesus who—even though he was King of Kings—came not to be served but to serve. Show me the opportunities to serve those around me, live as a servant, and give me joy. May I reflect on your grace and love.

    In Jesus’ name,

    Amen.

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  • image of man climbing mountain to represent perseverance, prayers that real men pray

    7. Perseverance

    Through life’s hardship, men get tired. When men get tired, they want to quit. The Bible repeatedly teaches believers they shouldn’t quit. Real men pray for perseverance, seeking God’s strength and resilience to endure trials, hardships, and challenges when others may quit. Only God can sustain believers through life’s crises and the Devil’s resistance.

    James 1:12 encourages persevering under trial, promising that the one who remains steadfast will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. This passage honestly admits the existence of adversity, but Jesus’ followers know God rewards those who persevere with eternal life. Romans 5:3-4 explains the value of refusing to quit, stating that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance produces character, and character produces hope. Endurance through trials and temptations transforms individuals and clarifies hope in God’s promises.

    Heavenly Father,

    I need your strength to endure the trials and challenges of life. Your Scripture teaches us that the blessed perseveres under trial, for when they have stood the test, they will receive the crown of life you promise. Grant me your all-sufficient grace to endure with faith, knowing you are with me in every hardship. Help me remain steadfast in my commitment to you, trusting in your unfailing love. May my endurance produce a deep character and sure hope, leading to a deeper dependence upon you and a greater godly testimony.

    In Jesus’ name,

    Amen.

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    Britt MooneyBritt Mooney lives and tells great stories. As an author of fiction and non-fiction, he is passionate about teaching ministries and nonprofits the power of storytelling to inspire and spread truth. Mooney has a podcast called Kingdom Over Coffee and is a published author of We Were Reborn for This: The Jesus Model for Living Heaven on Earth as well as Say Yes: How God-Sized Dreams Take Flight.

    This article is part of our Prayer resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Visit our most popular prayers if you are wondering how to pray or what to pray. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.

    The Lord’s Prayer
    Prayer for Peace
    Morning Prayers
    Good Night Prayers

    Prayer for Healing
    Prayer for Protection
    Prayer for Anxiety
    Prayer for Strength


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