Love Dare - Day 16: Love Intercedes

OK, we are back in business! I apologize for the break in our Love Dare. I cannot effectively explain it, except to say that this election has had a profound effect on me. I am looking at myself and my world in new ways. And my faith too ... I am now finding myself praying for a man that I had been praying against. It is humbling. It is hard. And it is POWERFUL.

PRAYER is powerful.

And prayer is what we are talking about today.

"Beloved I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers." - 3 John: 2

Have you ever noticed that it is difficult to stay angry at someone that you pray for? I had heard it before, but learned that it is true when someone I worked with - and did not really get along with - had found herself with a very ill husband and a very unsure future. I lifted her up in prayer on a regular basis and so found it hard to stay angry with her. Now, we never really became friends, but we were no longer nemesises (nemisie?) either. We were able to co-exist a little more peacefully.

The point is that prayer is not only a powerful tool spiritually speaking, but socially speaking as well. Hmmm, perhaps that is why the Apostle Paul consistently urged the churches he addressed in his letters to remain in prayer for each other. Guess He knew.

It works in marriage as well. If you are lifting your partner in prayer on a regular basis it brings about a new level of compassion. As well as a new level of peace in the home.

You see, YOU cannot change your spouse. No amount of nagging is going to make him want to be the spiritual leader in your household. But prayer, humbly and earnestly bringing your wishes for him before the throne of God, can make all the difference in the world. And you cannot make her want to have a better attitude toward you. But you can bring it to God and ask for His help in both her outlook and your behavior. And that is another key to prayer ... relationship.

And I am not just speaking of your relationship with God - even though that is a huge factor! You must also consider your relationship with your spouse and your motivation for your prayers. I mean, you CAN ask God to make him take the trash out. But will that help him or you as a couple? There is a difference between humbly stepping before the throne with a request being motivated by your desire to strengthen your marriage and asking God to change your spouse to make your life easier. Look at what you are asking of God. Think about WHY you are making that request. Is it for you alone or for the two of you.

Prayer is powerful. Use it wisely. And lovingly.

Here is the thing, God did not give us the incredible level of insight into the humaness and faults of our spouses so that we can nag. He did it so we can kneel ... in prayer. No one else can pray for our mates as effectively as we can. And no one else has the responsibility to pray for our spouse like we do. AND, no one else has the PRIVILEGE to pray for the one we love that we do. Consider it the honor that it is. And hit your knees for that love of yours!

TODAY'S DARE

Begin praying today for your spouse's heart. Pray for three specific areas where you desire for God to work in your spouse's life and in your marriage.

In the Fire Proof movie, this is the one that Caleb skipped until the dare was almost through. And it was the one that they BOTH needed the most. She needed prayer for her heart and attitude. And he needed to humble himself before her and God enough to fall on his knees for her. For his own forgiveness. And for the restoration for their love and their marriage.

I am praying for YOU. Now you go pray for your love!

See ya tomorrow!