Why You and Your Spouse Should Pray Together
Over the years we have developed a strong habit of praying together. At the beginning of our marriage, we had to be very strategic to find the time to pray together. On most days we would pray together before the children were awake and once we put them to bed. Focusing on our family and our relationship and opening ourselves up to God has made all the difference, not only in our relationship with one another but also in our relationship with God. Here are reasons why you and your spouse should pray together.
Why You and Your Spouse Should Pray Together
The Bible Teaches Us to Pray Together
In the Bible we are taught to pray on our own, but we are also taught to pray in community and agreement with one another. Matthew 18:19-20 states that “Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by the Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them.” By together opening your relationship up to God, you and your spouse are working, with God’s help, to find strength in your marriage and to overcome any challenges that you may face.
If you and your spouse haven’t prayed together before, it may take some practice. Begin by finding a time when you know that you’ll have the opportunity to reflect without interruptions. Then start small, with each of you spending a few minutes praying aloud. As you get more comfortable speaking to God in front of one another, you will be able to speak more freely and for longer periods of time.
It Opens Husbands/Wives Up to One Another
When in prayer, we share our deepest thoughts, worries and joys with God. We ask forgiveness for those areas where we see the need to improve. By praying with your spouse, you allow him or her to understand your deepest desires and concerns…those that you may not otherwise be able to share. Only when you both know those thoughts can you truly support one another.
Praying Together
It Takes Your Relationship to a New Level
Once you have begun sharing your deepest thoughts with each other (and God) you will be able to be more supportive of one another. You will have the knowledge of those things that are on your spouse’s mind and can work together to find strategies to help each other move forward.
As you and your husband/wife work together to overcome those concerns or desires you may have, it will help to strengthen your relationship as you both work with passion toward the same goals.
It Can Be Your Safety Net
At times, all couples argue. Differences of opinion can lead to conversations that seem to spin out of control. If you and your spouse have gotten into the habit of praying with one another, going to God during times of disagreement will help you to diffuse the situation and come back to what is important in the bond that you share.
Depending on the situation, you may find that talking to God individually in such circumstances and then returning to prayer together will help you to reestablish love and peace in your marriage.
It Helps You to Serve as Positive Role Models for your Family
Prayer is a learned behavior. Just as Jesus taught us to pray, we can teach others to do the same. This sign of faith and trust in God is one that your children will learn by example. If they witness you and your husband/wife engaging in prayer, they will see the value that you place on it and will practice the same habits.
In helping them to develop those habits, it is important that you not only pray together (before dinner, at bedtime, etc.) but that they also see you and your husband/wife in a variety of prayerful settings. Witnessing your habits will help them to see that there are many times and ways that we can go to God and will help them to see the importance of each one.
Are there other reasons why you and your spouse pray together? Please share your reasons!
More to Consider…
