Pray together. It’s kind of a crazy idea when you think about it. The Creator of the Universe invites us into a conversation. We talk, and Almighty hears. We listen, and God has messages for us.
Prayer is both intimate and powerful, and inviting God into your marriage relationship through prayer is full of possibilities. So while there are lots of great reasons to pray with your spouse, here are four to think about and discuss together.
1. Prayer helps us find answers to hard questions.
Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3
Life can be difficult. It can be complicated. We all need wisdom. And God offers that to us when we pray.
Could you and your spouse use help problem solving? Are you facing tough issues as a family and not sure how to handle them? Pray about those things together. Ask God the hard questions. Then listen for the answers. They may not come immediately, but the act of asking and listening helps us get more in tune with God. The answer may not be what we expect, and it may not come as quickly as we would like, but God promises to answer.
2. Prayer is healing.
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed… James 5:16
We all mess up. Owning up to that — confessing our faults and receiving forgiveness — is powerful and freeing. And God invites us to confess to each other, and to pray for each other so we can experience healing in our relationships.
Praying together with your spouse provides a great opportunity to confess your wrongs, even the small things, and to extend forgiveness to each other. That way, little resentments don’t make your heart bitter and cold toward your spouse. Saying “I’m sorry” and “I forgive you” are part of a healthy marriage.
3. Prayer keeps us on the right track.
Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41
When Jesus said those words to his disciples, it was at night in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus had asked them to keep watch, and the temptation for them was falling asleep (which they did).
Life is full of temptations that can tear at your marriage. It might be a flirtation with an old friend from high school, or it might be an unhealthy addiction to your cell phone. Praying together can help you reconnect at a deep level. Talking to God together helps you be honest with each other. That way, you can pray for and encourage each other.
4. Prayer relieves anxiety, promotes gratitude, and provides peace.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
The world is full of things to worry about. And stress can affect our relationships. Are there difficult changes at work or unexpected expenses at home? Are the kids sick or failing math? Almost any concern can result in short tempers and less than kind words.
When you pray together, thank God for your blessings first. That puts the concerns in better perspective. And then when you ask God for what you need, receive the peace He offers. Because it is possible to go through incredibly difficult times together and experience God’s peace in the middle of everything.
So there you have it. Four good reasons to pray together. You can probably think of several others. And it doesn’t matter if you kneel or sit on the side of the bed, cuddle on the couch or take a walk holding hands, God is ready to meet you whenever and wherever.
Marriage Dynamics Institute offers classes that help couples grow intentionally — emotionally, physically, and spiritually. To find out more about taking a class or bringing a class to your local area, click here.
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