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Hi! Welcome to day 8 of the 21-day marriage challenge. Click the image below for this week’s video, or click here to watch the video on Youtube.
P.S. Come back here to the blog every day for a new challenge!! And, every Monday I’ll also post a new video.
Day 8 – To Pray for Our Marriage
Today’s Scripture:
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (James 5:16, KJV)
Today’s Marriage Vow – To Pray for Our Marriage
Marriage is a life-long process of growing together as one. But in the same way that a wound might be painful at times when a rib is removed, so will it be when the rib has returned.
The Bible tells us,
And the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. (Mark 10:8 NIV)
It’s important to understand unity and to see the beauty of one flesh. We came from one body that we might again be that one body in a spiritual sense.
Although unity is a beautiful thing, it’s not all that easy. Prayer must be an ever-present part of marriage if we hope to grow together as one, or more importantly to grow together in Christ.
We all have days when we struggle—when we feel the sting of the rib. I can tell you from experience that it’s a lot easier to be selfish than it is to sacrifice for the good of my marriage. But here’s the thing–God doesn’t call us to walk the easy road, He calls us to take up our cross and follow Him because He knows the joy and peace that comes to those who walk in obedience.
God is more than your ally. The Psalmist refers to Him as, “our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1, NIV). Do you know what that says to me? That when we call upon the Lord, He doesn’t simply show up for the rescue, He’s already here.
Prayer is the most powerful force we can bring to our marriage, and the greatest gift we can give to our spouse. Don’t let this treasure slip from your grasp.
Excerpt from The Ultimate Marriage Vow – Day 8 (affiliate link)
Today’s Challenge
Take time every day to pray for your marriage, and if he’s willing, ask your husband to join you.
Appreciate the Little Things
At the close of each day, jot down some appreciation, gratitude, or admiration. For example, you might want to record something that you appreciate about your husband: maybe there’s something you’re grateful for, or perhaps he went out of his way to do something special. Doing this exercise at the end of each day will help you to gain a deeper appreciation of the blessings at hand.
Let’s Not Forget Prayer
The best plan of attack starts with a morning prayer. God helps us formulate a plan, and He helps us to achieve it.
David once wrote, “My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.” (Psalm 5:3, KJV)
David knew what it took to slay a giant. He knew that his wisdom and strength rested on the power of God, and he drew on it daily.
And so I want to remind you to bring your marriage to prayer. Bring your husband to prayer. Bring your home to prayer. And, if you have children bring them to prayer. Lay them down at the feet of our Savior each and every morning asking God to bless and protect them. You won’t find better protection for your marriage, than that which only God can provide!
The Ultimate Marriage Vow, available at Amazon.com (affiliate link)
Surrender Your Marriage to God…
Too many couples give up. They part ways before they experience the joy of growing together God’s way.
I’ve been there. I’ve smelled the stench of death in my own marriage. We’ve been to rock bottom where all hope was seemingly lost. But that wasn’t the end—something incredible happened when we surrendered our marriage to God. Winter turned to Spring, Spring turned into Summer, and here we are decades later thanking God for His life-saving grace.
And so, I’m asking, will you give me 21 days? That’s all I’m asking you for—3 weeks, 10 minutes a day, and a gentle heart that’s willing to yield. Give me 21 days to show you what God can do for your marriage. 21 days to remind you that marriage is a gift worth fighting for. 21 days to love on and pray for your husband. 21 days to a life filled with love, joy, and peace. 21 days to a life-long commitment.