Even though you love your spouse, there are days when you might want to walk out the door. In the hectic pace of everyday living, you can lose sight of each other, and sometimes it can feel like maintaining the relationship is just one more thing to do. But sharing your troubles and love for your spouse with God through prayer is one of the best ways to reflect upon your relationship.

God Is a Great Listener

In times when you and your spouse are having trouble connecting, it is helpful to remember that God is there, involved in the mundane and the everyday. God wants you to enjoy your life, and part of that enjoyment is having a relationship with your spouse.

When you find yourself boiling, slip away to a quite place, another room, and talk to God about your anger and frustration. God is a great listener. Sometimes this kind of conversation can help bring reason back into the situation.

Praying for Your Spouse 

Praying for your spouse will help you see things more clearly as you let God direct your thoughts and attitudes. Prayer can help loose the bonds of pride, which we all have, and soften your heart.

During your prayer time, pray for your spouse. Take a moment to envision his or her daily frustrations. Ask God to help you see what your spouse is going through — to see through his or her own eyes. Use this time to discuss with God your feelings towards your spouse. If you are angry or disillusioned in the relationship, ask God to help you see what is causing these feelings and help you get past these.

Praying with Your Spouse

In the movie Steel Magnolias, there is a scene involving Arnell, a born again Christian, and her fiancé Sammy. They are having an intense argument. Arnell stops and says, “I think we should pray.” Sammy replies, “I’d rather eat dirt” and walks out the door. Married people chuckle because they have been in this situation. However, Arnell’s intent is a good one.

It has been said, “The family that prays together stays together.” Have you ever wondered why this is true? When you come together to pray with other believers, it is difficult to open your heart to God if there is anger, discontent or unforgiveness. 

Yet not all couples set aside time to pray together. Couples pray with the group at church and individually and often overlook this opportunity to reconnect. If you would like to try praying regularly as a couple, discuss this with your spouse and talk about ways you can both set aside time to pray together. Begin with setting a goal to pray together once per week, and work your way up from there.

Suggestions to Help You Pray as a Couple:

– Ask your spouse if he or she has any prayer requests. The first step in the communication process when people are getting to know each other is to talk about other places and other things. Following this proven first step can help you be comfortable in the situation.
– Pray for your country and global situations. Ask God to soften the hearts of our leaders and help them to seek and use God’s wisdom in situations.
– If you have children, pray for them by name. As parents, you and your spouse have a common ground and a common goal. You can also pray for one another’s family members and friends.
– Pray for your community and the community of believers. Pray it Forward offers an opportunity to pray specifically for the community of believers. 

Praying for your spouse and praying together as a couple can increase and maintain the intimacy in your relationship. Grow closer as a couple by sharing this time together, with God.

In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. —Philippians 4:6-7