The Bible speaks of a God who is close to the broken hearted, who seeks the lost and who cares about justice. He calls His people to protect, encourage and restore one another. Jesus did not turn away from people who were struggling or rejected by society, He moved towards them with compassion, truth and hope.
This is why Christian men have an important role to play.
We can be present.
We can listen without judgement.
We can mentor boys and younger men.
We can support fathers.
We can stand alongside those who are struggling, challenge destructive behaviour and create communities. The need is great, but so is the opportunity. To help others discover their value, and that they are not alone, that their lives can have purpose and meaning.
SUGGESTION POINTS FOR PRAYER
Education, work, stress, redundancy and unemployment — Work and education can bring pressure, uncertainty and difficult decisions. The Bible encourages us to seek God’s wisdom and guidance and to bring our worries to Him rather than carrying them alone. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5–6). Jesus also reminds us that we can bring our burdens to Him: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28).
Homeless men, boys in care, excluded boys and men in custody — Circumstances, mistakes and labels do not remove a person’s God-given dignity. Jesus consistently reached out to people who were overlooked or rejected by society. “The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10).
Victims of violence and crime — God cares deeply about justice, protection and those who have been harmed. Christians are called to “seek justice, defend the oppressed” (Isaiah 1:17), while Jesus calls us to be people who bring peace rather than violence.
Fathers and parenting — Fatherhood carries an enormous opportunity to shape the next generation through love, security, discipline, encouragement and example. “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).
Boys and young men affected by online harms and radicalisation — Young people need truth, wisdom, belonging and someone they can trust. Scripture encourages us to “test everything; hold on to what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Positive relationships and strong communities can help young people recognise deception and choose a different path.
Boys with no positive male role models — Every generation needs people who will invest in the next. Paul encouraged Timothy to follow a godly example, and instructed older believers to teach and encourage younger people (Titus 2:1–8). Mentoring, discipleship and simply being present can make a lasting difference.
Mental health and suicide — “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18).
Men should not feel that they have to face pain, loneliness or crisis alone. The Christian message is one of hope, compassion and a God who draws near to those who are struggling.