The Importance of Praying for Our Spouse

Prayer takes time, but even more importantly, it takes faith. We have to believe that there is someone and something bigger than ourselves that will make a difference if we connect to it. Just like an electrical device does not function unless it is connected to a power source, human beings will only experience divine aid when we connect to the Source of all life and light.

Marriage is an institution of divine origin. The union of our first parents in the Garden of Eden enabled the birth of humanity as we know it. Man was to "leave his father and mother" and "cleave unto his wife" that they might be "one flesh" (KJV Genesis 2:24). The only way to preserve, protect, and sanctify marriage, is to petition its author for divine aid.

Prayer is powerful. Without it, life is empty and meaningless. Marriage without prayer is like trying to plant seeds without giving them the necessary water and sunshine to make them grow. Adding God to the marriage partnership enables both spouses to receive the benefit of personal progress, tailor made for their individual needs.

We are in a position to do enormous good, should we choose to do so. We know our spouse better then anyone. We know strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes, hopes and dreams. We have the power to bring happiness or misery.

Marriage is not an easy proposition. Two people from different backgrounds come together to form a single social unit that becomes the basis for the rest of their lives. What happens within that home affects everything, including career, family, extended family, relationships, and finances. There is nothing in marriage that does not matter. It all matters.

Petitioning Almighty God in behalf of our spouse gives us additional strength. It enables an eternal perspective to shed itself forth on our life. We see things differently. We experience life with a concern for our spouse and family's better future, and make decisions accordingly.

When we pray, we do well to express gratitude for our marriage and the blessing of having someone to love. Many people go through life without this gift. Giving gratitude to God for our spouse will help us to see the good qualities and little things that make a positive difference.

Marriage is God's great schoolhouse. It is the only place on earth where we learn and develop those characteristics that enable us to return to his presence. We start with love and a desire to serve our spouse, and before we know it, we become acquainted with unselfishness, a sense of humor, humility, charity, and hope.

Once children are added to the picture, it becomes even more complicated and difficult! Not only are we serving our spouse, but our children as well, and in the process, trying to earn a living to provide for them! How we need God's help and guidance! Praying for our spouse's strength and wisdom is imperative! Only then do we realize that we, in and of ourselves, are weak and simple, and that without God, we could easily fail!

Praying for our spouse will help us to appreciate all that is done for us and our family. We see the effort put forth to make life good, and that it takes both of us working in a spirit of cooperation to succeed. Disagreements fade into oblivion as we see from the other person's point of view, and how we can improve to make the situation better.

Putting our spouse in God's hands during times of difficulty gives us an anchor during the storm. We don't have to control what is happening, the outcome is in his hands, and he will not fail nor forsake us. He will make much more out of our spouse than we ever could by our own efforts alone. Our job is to love unconditionally. Let God do the rest.

We make or break our family: our actions, reactions, thoughts, words, and deeds. When we pray for our spouse, we are praying for us. Together, we are one. We have committed ourselves to something bigger than both of us. Our daily petitions on our spouse's behalf will bless our entire family.

Ask God for safety during travel, the spirit to guide in making decisions, the wisdom to use money wisely, and the courage to stand up for beliefs. Pray for protection from the evils and temptations of the world. Pray for those who work with our spouse, that they will see the good that is done. Pray that their hearts will be softened when difficult things happen.

Daily heartfelt, sincere prayer will be our source of power and inspiration as we pray for our spouse. We will realize our own nothingness before God and our dependence upon his aid. We will feel his grace more fully in our life, and we will feel his immense love for us. In turn, our heart will be filled with unconditional love for our spouse and our family. Now is the time to start!