“I want a marriage that lasts,” she said. “One that is filled with love, joy and trust.”
Fast forward nine months and this same bride was found on my couch, with a crumpled heart and a pile of tissues, sobbing over her wayward groom.
As she told her story in broken sentences, she said, “I thought we had what it takes.”
I struggled for words, wishing I could smooth it all over, but I also knew that right now she needed good solid advice.
Not a can of ice cream or sweet sugary consoling.
You see, the truth is, none of us has what it takes to make a marriage last.
Quite often, even as we give it our best shot, we come up short, empty-hearted and discouraged.
And the reason is this – we neglect to contact our Heavenly Father, the Designer of Marriage, and ask that He teach us how to thrive in this sacred relationship.
Jesus told a story of a woman who would “always pray and never give up.” (Luke 18:1) From this story we gather that dedicated, relentless prayer changes things.
Yet, there is a deeper intent for prayer than just receiving things or favor from God-
Prayer is the wireless communication that places us at the feet of Jesus where He can infuse us with His love, and become the very Source and Power we live from.
God fashioned marriage to be a beautiful union of connection, trust, mutual honor and sacrifice, only to be established to its most precious state as we grow more and more dependent upon Him.
Only through prayer can our crying soul find Rest.
Only the petitioning of the Father’s heart will give us strength to go just one more day, do one more thing, say one more kind word or breathe just one more breath.
So pray. Stay in a continual dialog with the Creator and Nourisher of your soul.
He will “guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” Isaiah 58:11
Dedicated, specific prayer is the most powerful super glue your marriage can have.
If you’d like to learn how to pray for your marriage, you might enjoy “A Wife’s 40-Day Fasting and Prayer Journal”.
This devotional prayer book guides you through spiritual practices of praying Scripture, writing God’s Word, personal journaling, and fasting. Each day equips you with practical wisdom as you cultivate a deepened relationship with the Father.
You can find it on Amazon.
You can also grab a free sample right here:
PROMISES FOR TODAY:
“Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble and He delivered them from their distress. He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and He brought them to their desired haven.” Psalm 107:28-20
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus.” Romans 15:5
“The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” Isaiah 58:11
*Also seen on JoleneEngle.com
Kaylene,
I came to your site looking for ways to bless my husband, and have been exploring and reading up on your beautiful posts. Prayer is so important, but sometimes Christians begin to feel this is a cliche as they seek out practical solutions and neglect the one solution that makes all other marriage blessings possible. Prayer is, as you have expressed beautifully here, the most important thing we can ever do for our marriages. We need to pray unceasingly, fervently, and specifically. In fact, the reason I am looking for ways to bless my husband is because I have let my prayer life slide enough that some selfishness was creeping into my interactions with him, and I need a way to show him that he is important to me and that I have renewed my prayer commitment. Thank you for the lovely reminder of the basis of a committed Christian marriage. I will be returning to your site again.
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