Couples Praying Together

Perhaps you have heard this statistic:  50% of marriages end in divorce.  This includes those professing Christianity.  BUT, with those couples who pray together regularly (most every day) that drops to 10%.  Think about it, if you are wanting to “divorce proof” your marriage, this one action item could take a huge step in doing just that!

THE HARDEST PART IS OFTEN GETTING STARTED

Praying at mealtime, giving thanks, doesn’t count.  I am talking about just the two of you, in a quiet setting, praying with and for one another.  If you are like a large part of the Christian community, you may never have done this.  Sure, you may pray by yourself, but not verbally, together.

I can almost promise that if this is you, it will be awkward to start.  That is OK.  It was awkward for us when we started, too.  It is easy to feel as though you don’t have time. Maybe you are not sure what time of the day would be best.  This is the devil whispering in your ear that it’s not worth it.  It is worth it! 

You may want to start by using a couple’s daily devotional.  This is very easy to find online or in your local bookstore.  Look for one that includes a prayer at the end and simply start by reading the prayer aloud after reading the devotional passage.  Take turns so you each can get used to hearing your spouse’s voice in prayer.

Some couples have started by praying scripture.  For instance, Ephesians 2:8-9 might be prayed like this:  Remind us daily that for by grace, both of us have been saved through faith; and this is not of our ourselves, it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so neither of us can boast.  Again, both of you take turns speaking from day to day. 

At the same time try out some different times of the day to pray.  Find the best time and commit to it.  A lot depends on your schedule, of course.  Don’t let excuses stop you!

MAKING IT PERSONAL

Using a devotional is a great beginning, but you also need to be able to pray with and for one another.  This might be hard if you don’t know what needs there are, if you aren’t sharing daily or almost daily what is going on in each of your lives.  Chances are you spend a good part of your day outside one another’s company.  Maybe it is something going on at work.  Maybe it is something involving the kids.  Maybe it is something you want to plan.  Maybe there is a conflict that needs resolution.  Maybe there is sin that needs confession and forgiveness.  Yep, now we are getting personal!  As a married couple, this is what is all about. 

THE AWESOME REWARDS OF PRAYING TOGETHER

Think about it.  Praying together is bringing God daily into your marriage relationship.  Each of your relationships with God will strengthen. Once you can open your hearts and begin to share your concerns and fears, as well as your victories, your relationship will increase in intimacy as a couple.  You will be able to see God working in your lives.  By bringing all of this before God, it helps to relieve some of your burdens as you lay them at the feet of Jesus.  It will truly bring you closer and closer to “the two becoming one” that God intends for marriage.

As I shared, our prayer journey took intentional effort, began very awkwardly and slowly.  Before long, it became a part of our daily routine.  There have been times I have called her from a gate at the airport, waiting on a flight home.  She called me from out of town when she was taking care of her parents.  It has become an essential part of our day. 

You can do this! 

If you desire the “more” for your marriage, check out our website at www.LKRChristianLifeCoaching.com.  We both are Christian life coaches with a desire to help you build your marriage in the way that God intends it to be.