Pray together, you say? But how? Maybe you can’t remember the last time your prayed with your spouse… maybe never? And plus – there’s stuff goin’ on!
Is life a bit crazy right now? Maybe finding a moment alone together as husband and wife is hard. Maybe the cray-cray cycle is spinning so fast, that you and your spouse feel like you’ve lost your stuffing. Maybe you can’t put two words together before you fall asleep at night, so how can you devote yourself to prayer?
Is life a bit hard right now? Maybe you are struggling. Struggling with finances, with relationships, with health… Maybe you don’t really feel like talking to God when life sucks the big one… He knows everything. Does He really need to hear you whining again?
Is life a bit too good right now? Whoa, there! Yes. I did say “too good”! Maybe you’re on track and shining. Maybe those things you’ve been praying for are real now. Maybe you’re all “prayed-up”, and you’ve already said a great big thank you to God. Yup. You’re thankful. You’ve told Him.
Why Pray Together?
Why should you pray together as husband and wife? If it’s hard enough to pray on your own, why even try to pray together?
Everything is better with God included.
The first reason to pray together is that everything is better when you’ve invited God to participate – or rather, when you’ve drawn close to Him. (He doesn’t go anywhere, we’re the ones who move away a step or two… or ten…)
- Our crazy cycle can become less crazy if we draw closer to God. look at Matthew 11:28
- Our struggles can be calmed – we can have peace. read Philippians 4:6-7
- Our joys are even better when they’re directed to the One who authored them. see Philippians 4:4
You and your spouse can encourage each other.
It’s easier to stay motivated if you pray together. One can encourage the other. And you’ll both be encouraged by your growing connection with God.
Where do you begin if you’ve never prayed together?
I’m going to quote my friends Jason and Tiffani at SongSix3:
Start simple. Hold hands. Thank God for each other.
Here’s “A TIP”
And here’s A TIP if you want to go a little bit further – take turns:
A – Adoring Him. Tell God how amazing and awesome He is.
T – Thanking Him. Thank God for all the wonderful gifts in your life – including your spouse.
I – Interceding for others. Consider all those around you who need God’s help. Ask for help – for them.
P – Petititioning for yourselves. Sometimes the simplest words are the most effective – “Father, help!”
Prayer doesn’t need to be fancy. It’s a conversation.
Prayer doesn’t need to take hours. But take as long as you need. No hurry.
Scripture and Prayer
Robert’s favorite chapter in the Bible is John 17 – it’s the chapter where Jesus is praying to His Father. It’s conversational. He prays for those with him and those that come later and believe in Him. (that’s us!) Read that chapter to begin to feel what prayer can become. Try different Bible versions: The Message – International Children’s Bible – New King James.
Sometimes understanding comes after reading and pondering. Read just a few verses before you pray your own prayer together.
Spend time with other couples who pray together.
Maybe you didn’t grow up in a house where you heard your parents pray together. It happens. However, it’s never too late to find a couple from whom you can learn. (There’s something to ask God for the next time you pray together as husband and wife!) Yes. Ask God to to bring you close to another praying couple.
But to begin… take Jason and Tiffani’s suggestion to heart: Hold hands and thank God for each other.
check out the post on Jason & Tiffani’s site that birthed the tweet: http://songsix3.org/do-you-pray-with-your-wife/
Thankful to link with Woman to Woman
Take a look at the book on Amazon!
In this book, the nine reasons we all procrastinate are spelled out in detail as they appear in marriage, and solutions, and strategies are suggested for each area.
Also included are links to free downloads of the lists: 101 things to say and text to your spouse, 101 things to do for/with your spouse, 35 conversation starters and more. Reading this book will give you the big picture surrounding procrastination in all its forms, and the practical strategies to move past procrastination!
The goal is translating what you learn about procrastination in your marriage, to the rest of your life - so as husband and wife you're leading a meaningful life!
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Thanks so much Lori! This particular tweet sprang up from a post I wrote a couple of years ago called “Do You Pray With Your Wife?” In this post, I explain how we got started. Was it rough? Yep. Was it awkward? You bet. And even today, it still CAN BE. But we do it anyway because it draws us closer to each other, and closer to our Father God.
Thank you for this ministry of encouragement! I know it’s doing a lot of good for marriages!
http://songsix3.org/do-you-pray-with-your-wife/
Oh, I’m so glad you gave the link to the post that birthed the tweet – thanks Jason!
Your tweet comes to mind each time someone asks me about praying together… it’s perfect.
Beautiful. Thanks for all the ideas.
Lori, this is such an incredible message. THANK YOU for being so REAL and sharing such great ways to pray with our husbands/wives. You covered so many ideas and insights, and you reminded ME of the importance of prayer time with my hubs- which often goes neglected for ALL the reasons you stated! Ha!
Pinned and sharing on my page.
I love the idea of including scripture in our prayers together. It takes the pressure off to say just the right words. Thank you for all of these helpful tips!
Love your thoughts on prayer. Thank you for sharing your heart.