Pray Like a Shepherd

You can’t lead your family if you won’t pray for yourself first.

Prayer is not weakness. It’s war. And it starts with you. This short devotional speaks directly to men who want to rise up, lead well, and stop holding back. If you’ve ever felt unworthy to pray for yourself, this will hit home. It’s time to pray like the shepherd you are.

God’s Word for Today

Romans 8:26 – “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” (ESV)

It used to be that I prayed once or twice a day. And let’s be honest—that was already a big step up from where I used to be: maybe praying once on Sunday, if at all.

Back then, when I did pray, it was usually when someone told me to. And only for others. I never even considered praying for myself. I didn’t think I was worthy. My life was about serving others, being the man, the protector, the provider—but somehow I convinced myself that praying for me was selfish.

Then something changed.

It wasn’t one big moment. It was a slow shift—over the years, through having children, facing hardship, growing into the role of a shepherd over my family. My prayer life grew. It deepened. It got clearer. It became more focused. And most of all, it became personal.

The more I prayed, the more I realized how badly I needed Jesus—not just as a Savior, but as a Friend. A guide. A listener. I began talking to Him just to know He was near. To remember He hadn’t left me. And I stopped praying only for others and finally began praying for myself.

Not out of pride. Not out of selfish ambition. But out of total dependence.

You see, I finally understood what had been holding me back: shame. I thought I was being humble by not praying for myself. But in truth, I was carrying the weight of unworthiness—and it was never mine to carry.

That weight came from thinking like a man—not like a son.

When I thought I was unworthy to pray for myself, I was focusing on myself and on what others thought of me. I was letting the world define my worth. But Jesus had already spoken louder than any of that noise: He went to the cross for me.

If I was worthy of His blood, then I’m worthy to speak His name. I’m worthy to come before Him in prayer. I’m worthy—because He made me so.

And if you’re leading your family—if you’re the shepherd, the protector, the man of that home—you need to understand something: praying for yourself is not optional. It’s part of the mission.

Because when you pray for yourself, you’re praying for your family.

They are your heart. Your responsibility. Your blessing. The ones God gave you to shepherd.

So stop holding back. Stop letting shame keep you silent. Stop acting like the cross didn’t count for you. Because it did. And it still does.

Listen, I’m not talking about arrogant, self-important prayers. I’m not saying puff out your chest and talk to God about how great you are.

I’m talking about going to your Father and saying: “God, I’m tired. I’m overwhelmed. I feel like I’m not enough—but You say I am. Fill me with Your Spirit. Give me the strength to love my family like You love me.”

That’s real leadership.

Because the Holy Spirit wasn’t given to decorate your life. He was given to empower your life. To guide you when you’re lost. To lift your head when you’re low. To point you to Jesus when your flesh is screaming for control.

Man, you need that power. And you need to ask for it.

You are not supposed to do this on your own. You can’t.

But God has given you everything you need to lead your family with strength and grace. And it starts on your knees.

You are worthy to pray. Worthy to be heard. Worthy to ask. Not because you earned it—but because Jesus paid for it.

Pray for yourself today. Out loud. With boldness. Let the enemy know you won’t sit on the sidelines anymore. You are a man of the Shepherd. You fight differently now.

Today’s “Shepherding in Action” Value
Courage to Ask – A shepherd-leader must be brave enough to come before God for strength. Prayer is the front line of spiritual leadership.

Reflect / Apply / Share

1. Reflect – What’s been keeping you from praying for yourself with boldness and honesty?
2. Apply – What’s one specific way you can start praying for yourself today that would also bless your family?
3. Share – Who needs to hear that they are worthy to pray boldly? How will you tell them?

Bible References (ESV)

Romans 8:26 — Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. (ESV)

Personal Prayer
God, help me stop running from Your presence. Teach me to pray boldly and lead my family with Your strength, not my own.

My Personal Journey & Engagement Call
These weekday reflections flow from my time in God’s Word. I invite you to join me and other Men of the Shepherd in building Christ-centered homes—leading, discipling, and serving like Jesus.
If these reflections encourage you, please like, share, and pass them on so more men can grow in their calling.
To follow along with the weekday readings, check out our Weekday Reflections Playlist on YouTube or subscribe to the YouTube channel here.

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