Marriage is hard. Plain and simple. Two separate people come together and suddenly everything is joined, but that’s the way God designed it. Genesis 2:24 says, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” Where before there were two, there is now suddenly one, and although, you love that person, this transition isn’t always an easy one.
That’s why prayer is so important. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” God tells us to bring everything to Him in prayer, and this especially true with our marriages. I believe it is important to pray specifically as well. I’ve listed 5 ways to pray specifically for our marriages.
1. Communication
It is so important that we communicate with our spouse. It is so easy to become caught up in the busyness of life that we fail to just talk to the one we love. However, communication is a two way street. We must also listen. Proverbs 19:20 says, “Listen to counsel and receive instruction, That you may be wise in your latter days.” Pray that you will have open your heart to your husband and listen when he speaks.
2. Trust
It is so hard to have a good relationship when there is no trust. You must be willing to forgive your spouse and trust. This one is especially hard for me and one that I have to constantly ask for help with. I know that my marriage will flourish, though, if I am able to forgive and trust my husband completely. Matthew 6:14 says, “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” If you struggle in this area, give it to God and pray that He will help you trust your husband.
3. Love
This should be a no brainer, but I have been in a loveless marriage before. Sometimes all the little things become one big thing and we stop loving. We must make a choice everyday to love our spouse. We must remember that they are human too, and we can also be unlovable. The main way that our husbands experience love is through respect. Ephesians 5:23 says, “Wives submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.” Pray that the Lord will help you to show love to your husband always.
4. Conviction
I know this one may seem odd, but we should pray that if we have caused an offense, that we are convicted. Romans 3:23 says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” So we are definitely going to mess up. We need to pray that we are able to recognize that sin and ask for forgiveness from not only our husbands, but also from our heavenly Father.
5. Blessing
Lastly, we should be praying for blessing for our marriages. God wants to see your marriage thrive. Marriage is a vision of Christ and the church. He wants that picture to be beautiful. Pray that God will bless your marriage in unthinkable ways.
I pray that your marriage is one that is centered around God and His holiness.
Ribbons and Lace 