The Primary Goal:
To avoid being backlogged and overwhelmed by the daily tests and trials of life we will regularly let our requests be made known to God that we may walk together in peace.
There is power in the agreement of two and when spouses set themselves in agreement in what they are believing for lives are changed. Not only do you grow in your relationship with God and with each other, you also become a living testimony for those around you.
DON’T ASK, DON’T GET
The Word shows us that it is imperative that we ask. It’s a legal situation- we do the natural and God will do the supernatural.
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (NIV)
I John 5:14-15 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us– whatever we ask– we know that we have what we ask of Him. (NIV)
John 14:13-14 And whatsoever ye shall ask in My Name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in My Name, I will do it. (KJV)
SEEKING GOD IS NOT AN OPTION
As a couple you are always going to be solving problems. Everyday is filled with new opportunities to solve problems and we need the wisdom of God to meet those opportunities head on.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that He is a rewarder of them that dilligently seek Him. (KJV)
Proverbs 8:17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. (KJV)
James 4:8 Draw close to God and He will draw close to you. (KJV)
When we seek God, He’ll show us things we need to know -it says so in His Word. He’s not trying to make it difficult, He’s given us a roadmap in the Word.
HINDRANCES TO PRAYER
Sin.
Psalm 66:18-19 If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; but God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer. (NIV)
Arguing.
1 Peter 3:7 Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. (NIV)
Deceitful Speech.
1 Peter 3:10-12 For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” (NIV)
WATCH: Listen as Joe shares on praying both with and for your spouse.
Get the Know Prayer, Know Power resource and start today.
WHERE, HOW & WHEN TO START
- Start with yourself.
- Much easier to say, “Hey, would you pray with me about this just a minute in prayer”, than it is to launch an official “devotional time”.
- Make a detailed list of needs in every area of your home, family, work, etc.
- Put major requests on index cards you can carry with you. Write out at least three scriptures on the back of each card as a reference for your faith.
- Start each prayer with a “thank you” God attitude.
- Be as specific and detailed as you can when praying.
- Keep it short and to the piont.
- When you are through praying, briefly ask your spouse if there is anything they need prayer for. If not, thank them for agreeing with you and go on about your business.
You’ll be surprised how that can get things started and you can continue to grow together as you pray together.
“Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. Matthew 18:19 (NIV)
Talk about your future and find out what you need to be praying over. Here’s a PDF to help.
THE TAKE AWAY
Keep a prayer journal of your requests. As they are answered, check them off and put a date next to them. It’s amazing how your faith builds as you see these requests come to fruition. It’s not only an answer to prayer, but a testimony to those around you- including your children.
SHARE THE LOVE: Share a picture of your prayer journal on facebook with the hashtag: #marriagebuilding
LEARN MORE ABOUT PRAYING TOGETHER
