“Couples who pray together, stay together”
Study after study has shown that the old adage is true.
Couples that pray together
daily have a significantly lower divorce rate.
But, at least for me and my husband, this has been one of the most difficult things to do on a regular, daily basis.
I realize that much of this is due to our individual upbringings. My husband was raised in a very dysfunctional and less than Spirit-filled home. I very much doubt that there was ever family prayer, let alone, his parents praying together. The fact that he is willing to pray with me is a blessing! I grew up in a very structured Christian home. My mom was the spiritual leader, but I always felt that she longed for my father to take that role. He never did.
Throughout our 26 years of marriage, I have attempted to start both family and couples prayer time at home. Usually it starts out awkwardly. Eventually, we just pray less and less together, till we completely stop altogether. I don't think it's ever intentional to totally stop praying, but the daily activites of life distracts us, we get discouraged, or we just forget. I will admit, on a few occasions, when I've been upset with my husband, that I have avoided praying with him. Those are the most difficult times for me to pray.
Lately, though, we have been more diligent in making it a habit to pray before bed each night. We take turns, every other night, so each can get a little break from leading in prayer. Surprisingly and joyfully, there seemed to be a bit of a breakthrough the other night. The prayers seemed to flow more easily and we found ourselves talking on a more intimate level, following our prayer time. I'm not saying it's always going to go so easily, but it was refreshing to finally feel more at ease, for once. It made it worth all of the effort we have put into committing to praying as much as possible on a regular basis.
Lately, though, we have been more diligent in making it a habit to pray before bed each night. We take turns, every other night, so each can get a little break from leading in prayer. Surprisingly and joyfully, there seemed to be a bit of a breakthrough the other night. The prayers seemed to flow more easily and we found ourselves talking on a more intimate level, following our prayer time. I'm not saying it's always going to go so easily, but it was refreshing to finally feel more at ease, for once. It made it worth all of the effort we have put into committing to praying as much as possible on a regular basis.
Benefits of praying together:
- Prayer Promotes Unity
- Prayer Promotes Emotional Intimacy
- Prayer Invites God Into Your Relationship
- Prayer improves relationships
source: Focus on the Family
Below are some articles/posts and materials that may benefit anyone who desires to improve their prayer life as a couple.
Blog post by Jolene Engle, "Why I Used to Hate Praying With My Husband"
This and several other books on prayer for married couples are available. Go Here for more information.
HERE is an article to read, if you have a spouse that refuses to pray with you.
Do you pray with your spouse?
Why or why not? I would love to hear back from you!
Just leave a comment at the bottom of this post.
May you all have a blessed and enjoyable weekend!
Linking over to these blog hops:
Heart Reflected Blog Hop
Unite (Rich Faith Rising)
TGIF (1-Minute Bible Love Notes)
Sunday Stillnes(He Cares For You)
The Weekend Brew(My Freshly Brewed Life)
Heart Reflected Blog Hop
Unite (Rich Faith Rising)
TGIF (1-Minute Bible Love Notes)
Sunday Stillnes(He Cares For You)
The Weekend Brew(My Freshly Brewed Life)