“Praying at all times, and on every possible occasion, asking for what you need” (Eph. 6:18, ELT).
A. WHY PRAY TOGETHER?
1. Need. Barna says 27% of born again people and 30% of fundamentalists divorce.
2. Unites you spiritually before God. “If two of you agree . . . about anything they ask . . . it shall be done” (Matt. 18:19).
3. Teaches you how to pray privately for your spouse. You learn how they are important to you, and the things for which to pray.
4. Encourage humility and honesty. The Pharisee boasted in prayer, the tax collector confessed (Luke 18:10-14).
5. Deepens communication. “I didn’t realize it was a problem.”
6. You will be strengthened spiritually. “Building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit” (Jude 1:20).
7. You will have a stronger marriage and relationship.
B. TEN THINGS TO PRAY FOR
1. Thank God for your spouse. Prayer reminds them why you love him/her.
* Gratitude will strengthen your marriage
* Gratitude sets the bar higher without criticism
2. Yourself. Pray that you will be the best spouse possible.
* Ask forgiveness when you fail
* Ask for strength (he/she will see your heart)
3. Safety. Pray a hedge around them (Job 1:10).
4. Health. Prayer is preventative and prayer is corrective.
5. Work. Pray for your spouse’s accomplishment at work. Also pray for their sense of fulfillment.
6. Stress. Life is full of expectations. Pray for:
* Self-discipline
* Not to be overwhelmed (leads to depression)
* Contentment
7. Fears. Know your partner’s fears. Fear comes from finances, safety, failures, death.
8. Dreams/Goals. Without purpose, life is not worth living (Prov. 29:18). You share life together when praying for your dreams.
9. Growth in faith. You won’t try to be godly, if you don’t plan to grow closer to God. If you both pray to be godly, you will more likely get closer to God.
10. Temptation. You don’t really know your spouse until you know their spiritual battles. What gets to him/her? Laziness, sex, cheating with money, exaggeration, pride, workaholic, etc. “Devote yourself to prayer, being watchful and thankful” (Col. 4:2).
C. PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS
1. Decide to pray as a couple. Agree that you both need to pray together.
2. Decide on a mutual time. When one time gets crowded out, find another time.
“If you don’t make time for prayer, you will never find time for prayer.”
3. Ask your spouse how could you pray for him/her. Get them to take the initiative.
4. Let your spouse know you value his/her prayers.
5. Both should pray out loud. “If two of you agree” (Matt. 18:19).
6. Begin gently. “Don’t push, go easy.”
7. Both praying with children is a start.
8. Mealtime is a natural place.
9. Special time of prayer in a crisis.
10. Keep your prayers personal. Let your spouse learn your needs and how to relate to you.
11. Pray with your spouse, not at your spouse. “Don’t preach” and don’t pray about their problems.
12. Focus on the Lord, don’t pray to each other, like talking to one another; focus on the Lord.
13. Keep prayer time short. Pray for what you want or need, then be silent.
14. Regularly thank God for your mate. By placing value on him/her you strengthen the other and your marriage.
15. Persevere. Satan will discourage you and you might feel embarrassed, don’t quit.
D. PRIVATE PRAYERS FOR YOUR MARRIAGE
1. Pray to be a good spouse. Your marriage won’t be strong if you are not committed to it, and work to make it strong.
2. Pray for your spouse’s relationship with God. “Without Me (Jesus) you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
3. Pray for your spouse’s role in the family. They are manager, role model, counselor, provider, lover, etc.
4. Pray for protection in temptation.
5. Pray for strong relationships with godly members of their same sex.
6. Use practical reminders to pray regularly.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord,
I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
For more information on the TRBC Pastor’s Bible Class, log on to the Internet for TRBC Home page at www.trbc.org/pbc.
