A prayer is an earnest hope, an expression of thanks, or a solemn request for help or instruction addressed to God our Father. Prayer is also one of the best ways to strengthen a new marriage.
Something extraordinary happens as a result of couples spending time together with God in prayer. The intention behind the things we lay before God through prayer and our commitment to them builds unity and lays the foundation upon which a healthy marriage will stand.
So let’s talk topics.
Here are the twenty that we should cover regularly in our prayer times with our spouse and God.
Love
It’s how we got our start. It is patient and kind. It keeps no record of wrong. Nor is it rude, self-seeking or easily angered.
But as humans, we are flawed in all of these ways.This is why we need scripture to testify to what love in action looks like and prayer to change us. So that the affectionate love that we started out with in our marriages evolves over time into more than just a few butterflies and some warm tension.
Trust
Whoever walks in integrity walks securely.
If this is an area of frailty, God’s strength is made perfect in weakness. If you ask God, he will give you his grace- the grace you need to walk upright and in integrity.
Communication
What we say to one another and how we say it matters to God.
In addition to that, being open, honest and vulnerable with one another is crucial to the marriage evolving and a true friendship and partnership being formed.
We can ask God for help in the area of communication.
Ephesians 4:29
Intimacy
Over time, we set into a routine, we learn one another and although the love is still there, the hustle and bustle of life can get in the way.
Don’t Let It!
Ask God to help you to be intentional and to stay consistent with your quality time with your spouse.
Our oneness pleases God.:)
Goals
Individually and as a couple we can set the loftiest goals, but we quickly come to realize that we can’t achieve them without God.
At the beginning of each new year, quarterly or monthly, pray. Ask God his will and to lay upon your heart how to achieve his will. Then after some time, set your goals.
Taking our goals to God in prayer is simply another way that we are acknowledging him in all our ways and leaning on him to direct our paths.
Proverbs 16:3
Finances
We are called to be good stewards of our resources and finances. To tithe and to help others according to our portion.
Part of being a good steward is budgeting and providing and the other part is saving and investing.
I know that financial literacy wasn’t taught for many. But through prayer, reading, mentorship or a financial adviser you can learn and meet financial goals.
Wisdom
James 1:5 “ If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
Proverbs 2:6 “ For the Lord gives wisdom from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
Proverbs 3:13 “ Blessed is the one who finds wisdom…
I think you get the picture. Wisdom is something that has to be gained. We can ask for it. We can seek it out. The source is the same .
Submission
Child… somebody prayed for me!
Kidding. Sort of. Going from single to partnered for life takes some getting used to.
As wives we are called to submit to our husbands. Submission depending on how you view it can either be considered a chink in your armor or a strength gained through marriage.
Whichever you choose to describe your newly assigned task, ask for help. Ask for the strength that you need and the mindset to do what the Bible clearly calls us to.
Do it because it is pleasing to God and because you love and are committed to your spouse.
Headship
The authority associated with being the head of a family should be dealt out with respect and with kindness.
Being a new husband, adjusting to the role of leading and it’s pressures can be a lot.
As men of God, ask him for wisdom and the mindfulness needed to lead with integrity.
As wives we should also go to God to ask for guidance and ways that we can help make the role of being our husband the easiest task of each day.
Friendship
Every couple needs friends. Married friends. Wise friends. Friends that love God and live daily striving to know him better and to honor him through their actions and interactions.
Praying for Godly friendships and wisdom before pursuing them is so necessary.
Sharing
Giving a portion of your heart, your free time, the closet or your last piece of hot hot Nashville chicken biscuit from The Biscuit Bar will take intention, but the reward will be a spouse that feels loved. So it’s worth it, yes even the small gestures.
If sharing is an obstacle of yours, you’re not alone. God can and will help us to show our love through the action of sharing big things and small things if we only ask.
Honoring Parents
Yes, husbands are called to leave their father’s and mother’s and to cling to their wives. And yes a wife is too. But that does not mean abandoning our first families entirely.
We are still called to honor our parents. And to be honest that may get a little hard especially when you are newly married, trying to find your groove, or you start having children and dedicate all of your attention to your growing family.
Pray and ask for balance. Set up intentional time to visit parents and to spend quality time gleaning wisdom and making new memories.
Old Hurts
It’s inevitable. If you are human and have lived any amount of time, you have been hurt. The hurt that we have experienced unintentionally seeps into or relationships with our spouse.
Careers
Our jobs outside of the home can weigh heavily on us mentally and physically. Ever changing demands, late meetings, work trips and big projects can and most certainly will take time away from your spouse. This is why it is important that we take our careers before God.
Colossians 3:23
Mental and Physical Health
Our mental health is crucial to us maintaining our physical health. So being aware of both and in tune with our spouses is of the uttermost importance.
Praying for God to maintain health or to heal from sickness is our go to,but also asking God to help us be mindful of how our actions may affect our spouses mental state( stress) is important.
Children
Children are a great gift and to whom much is given much is required. When babies are born there is no manual given out that clearly details the does and don’ts of parenting that specific child.So, praying for your children( even your unborn children) is wise.
The Future
I was reading the other day and came across a portion of a passage that said,” Living involves moving in the present and on into the future.”
Often we dwell on the past or get so caught up in our present circumstances, that we forget that God has a future for us. One that he thought about and planned for well before we were married.
Rest in that. And in the moments where you begin to obsess on the what ifs or what if nots because of the past. Breathe. Then pray.
Self- Explanatory Topics
- Family
- Our Home
- Protection
- Peace
In addition to asking God for these things, we should also thank him for our current portion and a heart and mind to want his will.
My hope is that you found this list helpful and that you establish a prayer life individually and with your spouse.
What topics would you add?
Xoxo,