Pray with Your Spouse, Even if it Feels Awkward - Crosswalk PLUS Marriage Devotional

When we were first married, we never prayed together unless there was an emergency. Yes, life was busy. We had different work schedules. And we had different prayer styles. But here’s the main reason we didn’t pray together: it felt awkward.

Perhaps you can relate.

Praying with your spouse can feel awkward because prayer opens up your heart. Prayer can expose private thoughts and areas of vulnerability. But praying with your spouse is worth pushing past awkward feelings. Here’s why: studies show that the divorce rate is less than 1% among couples who pray together regularly.

A less than 1% divorce rate? Amazing.

As the old adage says, praying together actually does help you stay together. It’s one of the most powerful things you can do for your marriage.

When you pray with your spouse, you come before the Lord’s throne hand in hand to make requests, admit your struggles, and thank your God.

Like spiritual glue, the experience of prayer can bond your hearts together and help you understand each other more deeply.

Praying together can be awkward, but it’s worth it. Nothing will bless your marriage more.

When my husband and I finally started praying together regularly, we were surprised at how close it made us feel to each other. We shared our fears and hopes through prayer (and often, a few laughs). Now, we both look forward to praying together because it gives us a sense of unity and joy.

Make a point to pray with your spouse today. If it feels awkward, that’s okay. Push past the initial clumsiness so you can receive the blessing! Set aside a time to pray together each week. If you miss it, don’t be discouraged; simply try again. Remember, God is more interested in your prayers today than in the prayers you missed yesterday.

3 Simple Ways for Couples to Pray Together:

1. Finish a silent prayer out loud. Pray together silently and then end the prayer with a few simple words.
2. Pray as you talk. Ask God to join your ongoing conversation as if He were sitting right there with you (and actually, He is). As you talk, invite God to work in the situation you’re discussing. Ask the Lord for guidance and to help you carry out His will. (See Mt. 18:18-20)
3. Pray a verse as a blessing over your spouse. Select a Bible verse and paraphrase it by inserting appropriate names, pronouns, and words. See the prayer below, based on one of my favorite verses (these verses also paraphrase well:  Numbers 6:24-26,  Eph. 1:18-19). While praying a verse over your spouse is simple to do, it can be very moving.

A Prayer for Couples:

Dear Lord, You are the God of all hope. Please fill us with your joy and peace today as we trust in you. Let us overflow with hope and love in all we do and say, by the power of the Holy Spirit.” ( Rom. 15:13, my paraphrase) In Jesus’ name, amen.

Questions for Reflection:

1. Do you pray with your spouse regularly? Why or why not?
2. What things might prevent you from praying with your spouse? (Jobs, kids, awkwardness, etc.)
3. How could you push past these barriers to prayer?

May Patterson, author of the book, Seeking a Familiar Face, began writing over a decade ago in response to God’s grace. And by His grace, she now has a popular blog and has written many articles for various magazines, including Focus on the Family, Upper Room and iBelieve.com. She has also published a Bible study, A 40-Day Guide for Seeking God, and speaks at a variety of events, both nationally and internationally. Her desire is to encourage people to draw closer to God, like never before.

We hope you and your spouse are challenged and encouraged by today's devotional! For more of this premium marriage devotional, visit here.