Why don’t men pray? Here are a few thoughts and some ideas to tackle in mobilizing men to get on their knees.

I. Men tend toward self sufficiency. Men don’t like to ask for help and this includes directions. Men enjoy the sense of accomplishment that comes from taking care of something themselves. Great burdens may drive them to prayer – but it is usually temporary. Action Point: Men need bigger goals. They need bigger dreams. They need to be part of something that is very clearly beyond what they can do. Ask your men to join you in a great challenge – a God sized challenge – then give them specific requests to take to God in prayer. Key verse: Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

II. Men tend to lack great faith. Men do not ask because they do not believe. It is often that simple. Most men have very few stories of God answering specific prayer. A lack of personal stories of God answering specific prayer leads to a lack of faith. Action Point: Men need to remember answers to prayer. You can give men journals to record their prayers. You can work with them to list specific prayers and then record the specific answers. Bulletin boards at church, websites and weekly email reminders will help to keep prayer requests - and their answers – visible to everyone involved. Key verse: Ezra 8:3 “So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.”

III. Men tend toward isolation. Men know they need to pray but time with God can be so flexible that it just never happens. Men have good intentions when it comes to prayer but lousy execution. They need the encouragement, accountability and structure that comes with praying with others. Action Point: Men need a time and a place and another person to pray with. It can be one other man and a group of men who come together. Set up a time and a place and invite men to join you. Key verse: Matthew 18:19 "I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.”

With permission from Mr. Brian Doyle, Men’s Ministry Director, Vision New England