Touching, tender, and top priority. It’s an intimate thang. It’s blessed of God! It's about worshipping the Lord together--you two were created for Him.
Yep, it’s about waiting on Him. It's about helping one another too. It's about hearing both God and her voice, guys. It’s about sincere vertical candor, trust, expectation, and selfless concern for each other. We pray so He can hear us and respond with power. Christians, our main aim isn't so people around us hear us. The weird Pharisees of old primarily prayed on street corners so that others would hear them out in public and feel impressed.
This is SO needed for couples daily -- cuz when we’re together praying or apart praying for each other (like when away working in order to pay those bills), we both need the Lord who provides, helps and guides.. to come through and answer us. What do we hear from Him. Yes, No, or Wait is what we hear (He answers every prayer). And His timing is perfect, He knows best, and He delights to bless and take part as Lord in our relationships.
Seems like I often learn more about my wife (Liney’s) needs, 'bout her longings and her dreams when she is casually praying with me, and I am thrilled to join in for her sake. I pray that she will continue to live happy, and blessed with all needs met. God can do it--the big stuff isn't too big for Him. She has some spiritual battles that she faces at her office at times, that I don’t face or fully understand, but Jesus does. We all have some battles, believers.
Plan a time to discuss the “First Steps You’ll Take” with your wife in this.
Impact: God uses individuals and couples to make a positive impact in this world... if and when we are praying in faith. God calls us to be a good witness at home and in the world. No room for unbelief. A frequent routine of prayer together dramatically enhances marital relations by improving marital trust..along with spiritual and physical intimacy. Be active in a healthy Bible teaching Christian church with an on-fire (saved spiritual, instead of carnal, religious or worldly) pastor. And pray a short or longer prayer before you go, so you won’t have a fight along the way. Mr. Lu-Cifer (the devil) likes to divide couples and rob them of JOY etc.
Typical Obstacles For Some:
• INTIMIDATION: Many men want to always come off strong with no needs. They can feel awkward about initiating prayer with their wives because some perceive her to be more spiritually mature (and some wives are). But you don’t need to be a spiritual giant to lead in this area, husbands. You just need to initiate and point to the ultimate Solution for your marriage which is Christ. The couple that prays together can stay together and give witness of His love. Saved husbands are called to be the spiritual leaders in a marriage, and saved wives are to be the spiritual challenge in the relationship--equally valued and loved.
• BACKGROUND: Some grew up in homes where honest prayer was silent or non-existent. God is not religious so none of us need to work beads or say religious form prayers--God through His Son Jesus Christ is our only focus when we pray. Praying out loud in front of others can feel uncomfortable to some. Men, start by holding her hand. Holding hands while praising and praying silently together..and then perhaps squeeze hands when you are done, or when it’s their turn. Do graduate on to “one sentence prayers” from the silent praying--it’s good to come into agreement with each other when praying. Still feel awkward, just take baby steps.
• SCHEDULES: Jobs, kids, travel and other life realities will get in the way. Piggyback your prayer habit onto existing routines (e.g., bedtime, driving, etc.) at least twice per week rather than setting lofty but unattainable goals.
No need to act all hyper-spiritual, churchy weird or even spooky. Keep it plain and simple -- just start like you talk in a casual friendship. Sure, you already know how to start a conversation with your friends--so it's important to keep it that simple. Perhaps discuss the following with your wife before launching a simple prayer routine together.
1. How will we pray? (Choose a place to start. I like to write down some basic needs -- her’s first and some things to thank the Lord for.)
❑ Silent prayer while holding hands
❑ One sentence prayers about shared concerns
❑ He prays while she silently agrees
❑ She prays while he silently agrees
❑ Take turns praying out loud
2. What will we pray for/about? (Mention 2-3 in each category.)
❑ Giving Thanks
❑ Our Needs/Concerns
❑ Our Kids/Grandkids
❑ Our Dreams/Goals
❑ Family/Friends/Acquaintances
• BACKGROUND: Some grew up in homes where honest prayer was silent or non-existent. God is not religious so none of us need to work beads or say religious form prayers--God through His Son Jesus Christ is our only focus when we pray. Praying out loud in front of others can feel uncomfortable to some. Men, start by holding her hand. Holding hands while praising and praying silently together..and then perhaps squeeze hands when you are done, or when it’s their turn. Do graduate on to “one sentence prayers” from the silent praying--it’s good to come into agreement with each other when praying. Still feel awkward, just take baby steps.
• SCHEDULES: Jobs, kids, travel and other life realities will get in the way. Piggyback your prayer habit onto existing routines (e.g., bedtime, driving, etc.) at least twice per week rather than setting lofty but unattainable goals.
No need to act all hyper-spiritual, churchy weird or even spooky. Keep it plain and simple -- just start like you talk in a casual friendship. Sure, you already know how to start a conversation with your friends--so it's important to keep it that simple. Perhaps discuss the following with your wife before launching a simple prayer routine together.
1. How will we pray? (Choose a place to start. I like to write down some basic needs -- her’s first and some things to thank the Lord for.)
❑ Silent prayer while holding hands
❑ One sentence prayers about shared concerns
❑ He prays while she silently agrees
❑ She prays while he silently agrees
❑ Take turns praying out loud
2. What will we pray for/about? (Mention 2-3 in each category.)
❑ Giving Thanks
❑ Our Needs/Concerns
❑ Our Kids/Grandkids
❑ Our Dreams/Goals
❑ Family/Friends/Acquaintances
HUSBAND, THERE’S A TIME TO GENTLY EMBRACE HER AND PRAY OVER HER PLANS AND NEEDS.
Doesn’t have to be long or complicated at all--sometimes when she’s hurting inside.. it can be longer of course. Not loudly praying for her. It can be whispered prayers to God for her--He loves you both most, so SO MUCH and wants to see her blessed more than you do. But nothing is more intimate for a couple than that. Praying for each other's needs.
Be United, Harmonious, Joyful, and in Prayer--Be Of The Same Mind In The Lord.
Turn all your concerns, fears and worries into prayers.
The Bible says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things.” Phil. 4:4-8
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things.” Phil. 4:4-8
❑ Humility with faith: Act confident even if you don’t feel like it. Agree that you are just two of God’s cherished children seeking help rather than some spiritual giants hoping to inspire or impress one another.
❑ Silence with hearing Him: Recall the Scriptures you’ve together read. When either of you doesn’t know what to say, agree to mention a topic of need and then pray silently.
❑ Reminders: You want to stay together in love (so many don’t). You want mature spiritually--fully grow up into all that God wants you each to be. You want to be what the other needs you to be according to God’s wisdom and word. Either can “nudge” the other back on track whenever your prayer routine wanes. You can pray over the phone when away taking turns. No guilt or remorse.
