Um, have I mentioned how this dare, combined with the Beth Moore and Max Lucado studies I am also doing, is a big time experience in Spiritual conviction?! 'Cause, yeah, it is. They are. It is a good thing - a GREAT thing - but Oh. My. Golly! It is kinda tough at the same time!
Yesterday we talked about how we need to be spending time in the Word. And, I do. But, really, I need it more. I have used my quiet time to do homework more than just exploring and enjoying God's love letter to me. I need to be better about that. I need to just let God love on me, and really return the favor, with not so much of an agenda.
Ouch.
But, ya know, I needed that.
Today we will be talking about prayer. Prayer time shared as a couple specifically, but also time spent in prayer FOR your spouse. Big, important stuff, my friends. Yesiree!
"If two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by my Father." - Matthew 18:19
If I told you that by changing just one factor of your marriage you could increase the unity you share as a couple, as well as the chances of your marriage surviving, would you do it? Wouldn't you, at the very least, want to know what that one factor is? I know I sure would!
Well, there IS one change to be made that WILL do all of that. It is a little thing called prayer.
I realize that there are people that would roll their eyes and walk away at that suggestion. But, ya see, I figure if you have stuck around for 37 days of this dare, you not only have a deep desire to see your marriage thrive, but also have at least a mild interest in Spiritual things like prayer. Am I right? I hope so!
There is a powerful connection to be found when we pray as a couple. In prayer we open ourselves up emotionally and spiritually. And, in doing so as a couple, we increase the unity of our bond. When you married your spouse, you were given the gift of a permanent prayer partner. And, truly, it is meant to be one of the most unifying aspects of your marriage.
It is difficult to be angry with someone that you pray for and with. It is hard to not be softened and moved by someone who is humbly crying out to God. If there is any point of disagreement within your marriage, may I suggest that you take it to your knees in prayer. I would hope that you can pray as a couple, but if not, at least cry out to God in your spouse's favor.
If you do not already do so, may I suggest that you begin a habit of prayer time with your spouse. Or, at the very least, FOR your spouse. Not only will it Bless your marriage, but it will Bless God's heart to see you humbly laying your heart, your marriage and your spouse before the throne. He wants so desperately to Bless you and your family. Won't you please let Him?
TODAY'S DARE
Ask your spouse if you can begin praying together. Talk about the best time to do this, whether it is in the morning, your lunch hour, or before bedtime. Use this time to commit your concerns, disagreements, and needs before the Lord. Don't forget to thank Him for His provision and Blessing. Even if your spouse refuses to do this, resolve to spend this daily time in prayer yourself.
Any new habit can be awkward and difficult at first, but if you keep at it, the Blessings will be bountiful. I promise! You will look back on this and see how this one simple thing changed everything! And you will be so glad that you began. You may even wonder why you didn't do it sooner.
May I suggest that you very carefully pick the time of day that you choose to set for your regular prayer time. Hubby and I began our marriage with a bedtime prayer routine. This was NOT a good choice. We are not really night owls. AT ALL! I need time before bed to unwind and then I like to go to bed just as I am really ready to sleep. Any interference in that routine will keep me up for hours! Hubby has a "tilt factor" - meaning that once tilted beyond a certain angle he falls asleep nearly instantly. So, we would try to pray, he would fall asleep and I would lie awake, stewing about it, for quite a while! OR, I would fall asleep and he would get frustrates, wake me up and the fall asleep himself, leaving me awake ... Not the best possible scenario, you must agree!
However, we have since discovered (sadly, after quite a long time where we prayed together at meals and in specific instances, and that was just about it) that mornings are a good time for us to pray together. Usually we come before God together before the first one leaves the house in the morning. And, I cannot tell you how that has Blessed our days ever since.
Did I mention, you will not be sorry?!
See ya tomorrow!
1 of ya left some love:
once again, an awesome post. I too have been spending my quiet time doing homework. I need to stop and take time for God to speak to me personally and not just through an outlined study. Thanks for the reminder.....
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