Thursday, October 16, 2014

Pray for your Spouse!

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.  Matthew 7:7

While in college I was given a gift that has equipped, encouraged, and empowered my marriage more than any other tool I have employed.  This piece of advice has paid far more dividends than I could have ever dreamed of or imagined. If anyone ever asks me for a silver bullet to a prevailing marriage, this would be it.  The advice I received was this: Pray for your spouse! 

When the man who was investing in my life at the time gave me that advice, I quickly retorted, “But I’m not married!” Tim wisely exhorted me, “Gary, the reality is that your wife is living somewhere right now. Why not start NOW the habit of having a marriage centered on prayer.  Imagine the honor your wife will feel knowing that you prayed for her long before you married her.”

I must say, almost 30 years since that counsel was given to me and almost 24 years into marriage, that piece of advice has not betrayed me.  While Anne and I aren’t the poster couple for praying together, we work at it and are growing in it.

It’s easy to complain and make excuses for not praying, but prayer should be our first and most powerful weapon against any division within or opposition against our marriages.
There’s something intimate and bonding about praying for your spouse because only you know some of the battles that they are facing. What are they dealing with at work? What areas are they striving to grow in? How are their family relationships?

I am sure many of you reading this are in the habit of praying for your spouse but if you’re having trouble getting started, here’s a list that can be printed and placed where you access it daily.

There are no set rules; just be honest. Remember, God knows your needs, even before you ask Him (Matthew 6:5-14). Here is my list. You can change the name and make it yours:

10 Ways to Pray for Your Spouse:

  1. I pray for Anne’s relationship with God.
  2. I pray that Anne would have a soft heart toward God.
  3. I pray that God would bless Anne.
  4. I pray Anne and I would be unified, devoted spiritual leaders for our family.
  5. I pray for Anne’s heart for our children to grow in wisdom and passion.
  6. I pray for Anne to make wise choices.
  7. I pray for Anne’s emotional, mental and physical health.
  8. I pray for Anne to flourish in her roles and in her work.
  9. I pray for Anne’s strength grow in Christlikeness.
  10. I pray that I will show Anne love, honor, grace and kindness.


Remember when we pray, we are talking to the Designer of marriage Himself, the King of the universe, and the one who is fighting for us and with us.

This weekend I am praying for a tremendous experience.  It all starts on Saturday at our Beautiful Day at Roosevelt.  Sign up here. Then on Sunday Brian Rhen will be serving up Ephesians 4:1-16.

I love being your pastor!