You Gotta Start Somewhere: A Growth Routine for Couples - Crosswalk PLUS Marriage Devotional

A weekly marriage devotion routine matters because it helps you and your spouse spend time with God together, which is how a marriage is supposed to be. It also helps you grow in your faith together each week by reading the same book of the Bible, discussing what you’re reading, and praying together.

Choosing the right day and time is important in deciding when to start a routine. My spouse goes to work early in the morning, so this time won't work for us. Instead, spending some time reading and praying at night before we turn in works better for us. Our goal is to spend at least three nights a week doing this to start and adjust from there.

Setting a peaceful tone is also important for your devotional routine. For us, it’s turning on some relaxing music, having only the light over the kitchen table on, and having a light snack available. This will help calm our minds and allow us to focus on what we will be reading. Turning down the noise will also help us hear the Lord’s voice more clearly.

Choosing devotional themes that strengthen your marriage can be tricky, given the many topics to choose from. Some of the most common topics that come to mind are love, unity, forgiveness, communication, trust, and gratitude, to name a few. Sit down together and ask, “What does our marriage need right now?” or “Where do we feel distant or discouraged?” or “What strength do we want to build together?” Asking specific questions will help you figure out which themes you want to study.

Reading scripture and reflecting as a couple is a great way to learn more about God and each other. As you read, let the text speak to you, and when it does, pause and let your spouse know. You can read aloud together if you think it will help you better absorb what you read, or read silently before discussing. After you’re done, reflect on what you just read. Ask questions like, “What stood out to you most?” and “How does this apply to our relationship right now?” and “How can we live out this truth together this week?”

Praying alone is good, but praying together is even better. Be honest with each other about your fears, hopes, and frustrations. Even if it’s with each other. Take some time and write a prayer list for the week. Thank God for all he has done, is doing, and will do in your lives, and then pray for others and then for yourselves. Praying together shows your unity in prayer and your relationship with the Lord.

Make space for conversation and listening in your devotional routine. Before you start, talk for five minutes about what you’re reading, prayers that need to be added to the list, or struggles you are facing. When you’re done, talk for another five minutes about what you just read and prayed about, and how it made you feel, and anything else that needs to be addressed before you go your separate ways.

A weekly devotional routine should be simple, sustainable, and flexible. If you need to adjust days one week, do it. Or if you need to move to a different part of the house to be more comfortable, do it. Not every week is going to be perfect; life happens. The most important part is that it stays consistent each week, even if it isn’t always on the same day.

Growing your devotional habit over time will take time. When you start, you may be in an extremely busy season of your life. For example, summer is usually a very hectic season, with vacations and kids out of school. If you can only devote two days/evenings/nights to your marriage devotion routine, it’s okay. The fall may be a better time to add one or two more times a week when routines are back to normal. As long as you start small, stay consistent, and focus on quality time over quantity, your routine and your relationship will grow.

Let’s Pray:

Lord, thank you for choosing my spouse to walk through life with me. Help us spend more time together with you as you speak to our hearts and guide us on this journey called life. Amen.

Application Question: Why is it important to have a marriage devotional routine with your spouse?

Challenge Question: What can you do to get started on a routine with your spouse this week?

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Carrie Lowrance is a freelance writer and author. She has had her work featured on Crosswalk, iBelieve, Huffington Post, and the Penny Hoarder. She is also the author of three children’s books, three clean romance books, one romance novella, three books of poetry, and one non-fiction book. When she’s not writing, she enjoys cooking and baking, reading, and hanging out with her husband, and sweet cat, Cupcake. You can find out more about Carrie and her writing at www.carrielowrance.com.

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