Author and Bible professor Harold Lindell once said, “Why should we expect God to do what He has promised to do without prayer if we pray?” The Bible contains many calls to prayer, including God’s words to Solomon in 2 Chronicles 7:14. If the people humbled themselves and prayed when they sinned, God would hear them, forgive them, and restore them. His message to us is clear: “Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come” Jeremiah 33:3.
We come to God as our Father, knowing He wants to do good things for His children. Granted, God does not do everything He wants to do good things for His children. Granted, God does not do everything that we request. He loves us too much and is too wise to do that. If what we request is not for our ultimate good, then He will do something better.
Couples who learn to pray together are simply responding to God’s invitation. He wants to be involved in your marriage. Praying together is one way to acknowledge what you want. His presence and His power. Through prayer, the two of you can change your attitudes and your behavior. Remember, God is love and wants to teach you how to love each other.
Take time to pray and ask the Lord to:
Thank God for inviting you to talk to Him;
Express your gratitude for the love and guidance He offers;
Ask Him to bless your efforts to pray together.
Take time to reflect on these questions:
What keeps you from praying with your loved one as much as you should?
What specific steps can you take to remove those obstacles?
What steps can your loved one take to facilitate your prayer time together?
Consider these passages for further study on prayer.
Psalm 107:28-30 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
and he brought them out of their distress.
29 He stilled the storm to a whisper;
the waves of the sea[a] were hushed.
30 They were glad when it grew calm,
and he guided them to their desired haven.
Matthew 7:7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
Mark 11:24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Great goals to have a prayer life that you feel confident and grateful for your relationship with praying to the Lord. Find ways to keep expanding and pray with others. Great thoughts of Gary Chapman.