Marriage is the joining of lives, hearts, interests and ourselves to our spouse. It is a beautiful mesh of his and hers that blends into ours. Through marriage we learn about our spouses and learn to live with them and share everyday life with them. We share our thoughts, dreams and struggles and live in unity toward reaching goals and dreams.
One vital aspect of a godly marriage is marital prayer. Many of us pray for our husbands, but may find it a challenge to actually pray out loud with our husbands. Years ago my husband suggested that we pray together before bed. For me it was a bit intimidating and awkward at first. For some reason, I was afraid of saying the wrong thing or sounding foolish etc. But as I persisted, our marital prayer has grown and flourished and we have taught our children by example the habit of nightly prayer.
Prayer together opens a couple up to share what is in the heart. An observant spouse notices what is important when they hear what the other prays about. Most Christians have an area that they are passionate about: worship, repentance, missions, mercy towards others, evangelism, intercession for others etc. Praying together can reveal what our spouse is sensitive to and passionate about in their Christian walk.
Praying together in unity is powerful. Many couples face problems with children, jobs, family, church etc. head on by agreeing in prayer. Matthew 18:19-20 Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”
Praying together draws couples closer. Prayer brings couples closer to God and closer to one another. Prayer gives us a deeper love for one another. There are unlimited benefits and blessings for marital prayer. Romans 12:12 gives a formula for living a victorious life: "rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;"
If you are not active in marital prayer, taking the step to begin is the first step of a glorious walk of faith, filled with God's grace, love and power. There is no need to begin elaborate prayers. Simple prayers from the heart are a great place to begin. Establish some key elements and begin to build on them. A.C.T.S. is a simple acrostic to remember.
A: Adoration - Praise God and exalt Him. Read a Psalm of praise and glorify God.
C. Confession - Confess our weakness or sin before the Lord who is rich in mercy and forgiveness.
T: Thankfulness - Counting our blessings and being thankful produce a grateful heart.
S: Supplication - Remembering to pray for others. Begin with the needs of our family, then keep a list if needed to remember prayer request that have been shared.
Faithfulness to marital prayer is a beautiful way to begin a legacy showing the power of prayer for our families for many generations to come. It is a easy habit to begin that reaps eternal benefits. Go ahead, get started today!
Thanks for sharing this today Joyce! Great tips!
ReplyDelete-Ashley