Women, let's pray for our men. Two reasons, one is that they need it. Our culture has abused, put down, and bashed men for enough years that it's starting to show up as a culture thread of male passivism. If the world is going to bash them anyway, why shouldn't they pull into their comfortable shell and avoid risk? I'm looking at our young men and seeing fantastic men, who aren't really sure what their role is in relationship and life. The Bible says they are to be the leader, but our culture has not taught them how to lead with love and wisdom, and it has taught women to be more and more demanding. I realize I'm being blunt here, but over the last few months, and especially these last few days, I've just had a growing burden to be praying for our men. My man, Jeff, is fantastic, but he still needs my support through prayer. My brothers (in-law and in life) are also fantastic, and can benefit from my prayers. The men in my church are stepping up to the plate, and can use the strength of all the prayers possible behind them. My nephews are Godly young men, who need prayer to stay the path and thrive in life. What can we pray? For their good, for their success, for confidence, passion, protection, Spiritual maturity, breakthrough in areas where they've been wounded. AND pray that we would have the grace to be the women they need.
That's the second point. When we actively, consciously, willingly, joyfully and consistently lift someone up in prayer, it changes our attitude toward them. And if we're praying for their best, we will inevitably desire their best. And if we desire their best, we become part of their best. We watch for the change we're praying for. We anticipate good from them. We give kind and affirming words. And most of all, we hopefully become less critical - in our thoughts, as well as our words - because we know that criticism tears down and kills. It kills the soul, and it kills relationships, and it kills love. So don't criticize your man, or the men in your life. When you're tempted to criticize, pray. Become a student of the men you love, and pray God's best for them.
A great prayer to start with is the one Jesus taught us. "Father, let your will be done in _________, even as your will is done in heaven."
Of course I LOVE this! I've often thought of having a Pryaing for Your Man Tuesday. :) There is a wonderful book called "The Power of a Praying Wife" and it is absolutely wonderful and perhaps a great starting point for your friends/readers. It is by Stormie O'Martian.
ReplyDeleteAnd you're right, whenever I am frustrated with Jeff I try (I said try) to pray for him and it is amazing the way God softens my heart towards him. There is so much power in prayer.
Thanks for this powerful exhortation. I love ya!
YES!!!! Scott and I often talk about how men these days are portrayed as incapable, lazy, indifferent, aloof and weak. And we wonder why so many marriages are suffering - when our men are silenced and the women rise up to take the lead role. Ouch. I LOVE praying for the men in my life and am honored to willingly submit to the leadership of my husband in our home. I thank God for the privilege of praying for him.
ReplyDeleteSo glad someone else feels this way! **high five**