Does prayer impact our marriages? In a blog, Dr. David Stoop tells us that as far back the 1980’s the Gallup Poll people did a study on how personal faith impacted marital satisfaction.
“One of the outcomes of that study led to the National Association of Marriage Enhancement, in Phoenix, Arizona to report that when couples prayed together on a daily basis, less than 1% of those couples would end up getting a divorce. The numbers were 1 out of 1156. Pretty amazing…”
I’ve seen many couples turn painful marriages around after the husband steps up to the plate as God intended, and asks his wife to pray with him every day. It’s not always fully accepted by their wives at the beginning, but sustained daily requests to pray with him, will over time, move her to trust and believe in his sincerity. Prayer is the most powerful of marital allies.
In the 70’s the foremost authority on prayer was Dr. Edwin Orr. In 1976 he gave a presentation to the National Prayer Congress on the topic of “The Role of Prayer in Spiritual Awakening”. Even thirty-eight years ago he could see our nation’s values under assault and crumbling. Dr. Orr told his audience that the situation then is very similar to the situation found in the wake of the American Revolution. The story he tells of transformation is linked here.
I’m certain that God’s intention for us is that each day includes prayer. His desire is that our relationship with Him be so vital, so alive, so intimate, that our prayers are a natural occurrence throughout our day and we become “known”. That’s what the Apostle Paul suggests when he says, in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, to pray without ceasing.
The Scriptures always interpret “knowing” as an ‘interactive relationship’, moving both directions and it is knowing and being known that we were created to become. Prayers become a natural outpouring at that depth – just as talking to our spouse is natural at any time during the day.
Prayer may well be a key sign of the health of our relationship with God. As we open ourselves to Him, He deepens our desire for the intimacy He created us for, and as we yield to Him, He reveals His plans and desires for us.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me. When you seek me with all your heart, I will be found by you, declares the LORD… Jeremiah 29:11-14
Prayer goes deeper though than our eroding national values as Dr. Orr says – it comes home to roost in our marriages and families, and permeates our very soul. We were created for intimacy with God here on earth as well as in eternity.
Individually and as a couple, our prayers are more than petitions that try to use God. He is the Creator, and His will IS done in Heaven, and we are to desire it here on earth. Becoming humble, seeking forgiveness for our sin, and turning to Jesus for wisdom, guidance and protection can become the most significant part of our day, one which will allow God to mold our character as He designed it to be. Unhurried praying daily with our spouse – holding hands, knee-to-knee, praying for each other’s day, and for the things before us, is a powerful bonding, unlike anything else. It draws us closer together more surely than anything else we can do.
Yield to Him individually and together and open the floodgates to a fulfilling life filled with unceasing prayer. May God deepen our walk every day, teaching, revealing and transforming us as we yield to Him, and bring us all into everything He designed us to become. Not knowing how to listen to God’s heart in intentional, sustained prayer puts us, our family, and the people we lead in great danger. Knowing it, He may even use it to restore our land.
Marriage Ministry – Relationship Fitness Center – Summer focus
All Couples Date Night – Pick up materials in South Parking Lot after 5:15pm
Childcare if you need it – Packet of fun semi planned for you – Fri, July 18
GYM (Growing Your Marriage) Studies
For Singles: P.I.C.K a Partner (How to Avoid Falling in Love with a Jerk or Jerkette – Wed, July 2 – Aug 20
Art of Marriage (From Family Life Ministries) – – Wed, June 18 – Jul 23 6:30 pm
Hearing the Heart of Your Spouse – Sat June 21 – July 26 – 5:00-6:30
Love Your Marriage (Lessons on Intentional Marriage) – Wed, July 30 – Sep 10 6:30
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