In part two of how to cultivate spiritual unity in marriage, Leslie shares the driving force behind a dynamic marriage that impacts eternity – prayer. Sharing stories from her marriage of 20+ years, Leslie shares how to place prayer at the center of your relationship in every season, pray with specificity, and the heavenly results of seeking first the Kingdom of God together.
PODCAST TRANSCRIPT
In marriage especially there is no greater secret to increasing spiritual unity than to discover the power of praying together as a couple. It truly has the power to bring Heaven down to earth as you learn how to cry out to God on behalf of your marriage, family, life, ministry, and more!
If you or your spouse are being hindered or discouraged from accomplishing God’s will for your lives, it is time to evaluate your current trial in light of the source of where it is coming from. While God does send tests into our lives to strengthen us and equip us for the path He has called us to, His tests never hinder us from obeying Him or the calling He has placed on our lives. It is important to know when to submit to God and when it’s time to resist the devil through the power of Jesus’ name (see James 4:7).
One of the most important things you can do for your marriage is to pray for protection over your marriage and life as a couple. In your prayer time, it is also vital to pray specifically and boldly instead of remaining passive against the enemy’s harassment. While it may feel awkward to pray for prolonged amounts of time or to pray passionately and boldly in the presence of another person, there is nothing that can impact your marriage more! Praying together in this way will improve your communication, your intimacy, and built you into a unified team as you approach the throne of God together. If you are lacking clarity or confusion is grabbing hold of your perspective as a couple, you need to pray! As you do, a unified purpose and like-mindedness that carries throughout the entire day will inevitably follow.
Ways to Deepen Prayer in Marriage
1. Create a Purposeful Prayer Strategy
Identify points of struggle in your life or marriage and place these on your list. Commit to praying for these things daily until you sense a breakthrough or see the answer come through. Don’t grow discouraged if there appears to be a delay, but continue steadfastly in prayer!
2. Don’t Consult Your Emotions
There may be days or seasons in your marriage where you won’t always look forward to your prayer time together. However, it’s important to set an appointment with God and honor it. Your soul will be greatly benefitted as a result! Consult the Spirit of Truth rather than your own emotions and place God’s priorities above your own wants. Developing a discipline of prayer is a sign of obedience to Jesus Christ.
3. Be Aware of the Battle
Remember, the enemy isn’t going to like it when you place prayer with your spouse as a priority in your life. At the moment when you feel least like praying is a sign that you probably need it most! Press in and pray! Also, don’t allow the enemy to distract you with petty arguments and disagreements between you both when you approach praying together. Don’t allow these things to hinder you from praying and keep you from God’s presence, that is the exact aim and intent of the enemy.
Final Thoughts
If your husband is not supportive of placing prayer as a high priority in his life, then commit to making it the highest priority of yours and put your husband on your prayer list. Refrain from nagging, complaining, and criticizing and pray for change in this area of his life and your marriage. God will delights to answer your prayer!
Key Scriptures
James 4:7
Matthew 18:20
Psalm 40:8
Recommended Resources
Leslie takes an in-depth look at how to build a Christ-centered marriage in her online course Vibrant Marriage available here.
Read Leslie’s article How Prayer Strengthens Marriage here.