Real Men Pray

“Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.” (1 Timothy 2:8)

These words are written for men. As Christians in Ephesus gathered to worship, Paul had some specific instructions on what their worship was to look like. Who was to lead the prayer? The men.

These words are good for men to hear. There is always a great temptation for men to stand on the sidelines when it comes to faith and Christianity. The devil so easily convinces men that church or Jesus or religion are for women and children. Real men don’t need that stuff, right? Wrong!

Maybe this is why so many men feel empty. Alone. Searching for something they never find. Maybe this is why so many men feel purposeless. They are missing what God has called them to do.

If you’re a man, don’t think that Jesus isn’t for you. Don’t think that religion isn’t for you. On the contrary, if you’re a man, God wants to empower you to lead others closer to Jesus.

Want proof? Think of these names from the Bible: Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Samuel, David, Isaiah, Josiah, Peter, John, Paul… What do they all have in common? They are all men who took their faith in God seriously. They are all men whom God used to lead his people.

Faith is not just a women’s thing. Faith is not just a kids’ thing. Real men pray.

But as you do, watch out for something: Anger and disputing. If men are honest, they often struggle with pride and self-esteem and authority. If God calls on men to lead his churches, the devil is going to do all he can to get those men to fight and argue. Those disputes have brought death to many churches.

Real men aren’t proud. They submit to Jesus and his Word. Real men don’t insist on getting their way. They put others above themselves. Real men aren’t focused on their glory. They seek God’s glory.

There is a great need in the Christian Church for godly men who lift up their hands in prayer. Who lead congregations in the truth of God’s Word. Who sacrifice so that others can know the peace of God’s salvation. 

Are you a man? Jesus is for you! Jesus has a plan and purpose for your life. It starts with this: Real men pray.

Dear Lord, you give men the responsibility of leading your church. Don’t allow men to stand on the sidelines. Inspire godly men with your Spirit to lead your people ever closer to you. To your glory, amen.

Pastor Nathan