My Prayer for Men

During one of our Wednesday night Prayer Meetings our leader had us focus on the following scripture. And while he was correct in saying that the reference to “men” was meant for both “men and women”, I find myself drawn to the idea of “men” specifically. And also the word “entrusting” in the following scripture.

(John 2:23-25) ²³Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast [day], many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he performed. ²⁴But Jesus did not commit (entrust*) himself to them, because he knew all [men]. ²⁵And needed not that any should testify concerning man: for he knew what was in man.

Even though some men in the church disagree with me, I still believe the state of men in America is less wholesome than in past generations, and verifiable by many statistics. So when we see that Jesus was unwilling to “entrust” Himself to them, what is the challenge for our men since we have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior and have been baptized? If the Holy Spirit now indwells the men of our church, are we not “entrusted”? How do we pray having inherited this awesome responsibility?

*NASB

I understand that many of our members are ill, some very severely. But shouldn’t the spiritual failings of many men also draw our attention to prayer? Don’t the failings of men also impact more than themselves? I believe the greatest responsibility of men is in the home based on the following scripture.

(Ephesians 5:25-27) ²⁵Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; ²⁶That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, ²⁷That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Men often claim the position of leadership based on earlier verses in Ephesians Chapter 5. But since we are “entrusted” by the Holy Spirit it behooves us to note that Jesus models “servant leadership”. And that means sacrificing ourselves for the wellbeing of our families. And that wellbeing means providing security and spiritual leadership. Men are the head of the family and should be praying accordingly to take up that responsibility.