In our busy lives as couples, it’s easy to forget to be in consistent prayer for our spouses. When a crisis hits (and it will to everyone at some point in time), we want to be able to look back on our lives of intercessory prayers and have confidence that God is working even through the difficult days.
#1) Pray they will grow closer to God.
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18).
When a spouse takes the first steps in growing closer to God, it may seem odd at first. However, the joy and benefits of watching your husband or wife grow spiritually is worth more than gold. Not only does the dynamic of your relationship change for the better, but also for your children, extended family, and friends. The fruit from spiritual growth will be felt throughout many generations.
#2) Pray that your love for each other will continue to grow.
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight” (Philippians 1:9).
Worldly love is short-lived and selfish; however, the love from God in a marriage is based on a attitude of unconditional and unselfish restraint. The focus changes from “what’s in it for me?” to “what’s in it for them?” The love of a married couple is meant to last throughout their lifetime. There’s great mystery in the deep profound affections of a love over time in the Lord.
#3) Pray for their gifts to be used in ministry.
“So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church” (1 Corinthians 14:12).
Many times spouses and families are the direct beneficiaries of each other’s gifts in the Spirit. However, these gifts are also meant for the building up of the body of Christ. It’s an opportunity to be used by God in order that the church will be healthy and strong enough to reach out to the world. God will use spouses to encourage each other in the workings of their spiritual gifts.
#4) Pray for them to know and follow God’s will for their life.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2).
Sometimes it’s difficult to know what God’s will is. There are times when God shows great clarity in the next steps to take and other times where it’s difficult to know what is next. However as you pray for each other and submit to the Lord’s leading—there can be a united step in faith towards God’s will for your lives. There’s great joy in the unveiling of God’s purpose and plan for your family.
#5) Pray for their emotional and physical health.
“Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well” (3 John 2).
Many times couples marry each other without insight into emotional and physical issues that may appear quite unexpectedly. The health of your spouse is important for your family to continue to grow; however, the Lord could use a season of emotional and physical trials to deepen your relationship with Him and each other. Stay alert to the tactics of the enemy and the flesh to cause your spouse or you to stumble in neglecting to take care of your health.
#6) Pray for insight in how God can use you to help them grow in their faith.
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24).
You are the best resource to help your husband or wife grow in their faith. Because of the intimacy and closeness of your relationship with each other—you will know them better than anyone else. Therefore it’s your responsibility to help each other grow in the faith in prayer, Bible study, and Christian fellowship. We must not be content with a status quo in our relationship with God, but be willing to be stretched and grow every step of the way.
#7) Pray for their joy and contentment to be complete in Christ.
“I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” (Philippians 4:12).
The world, the flesh, and the devil will constantly pull on your spouse to work towards earthly pleasures. However, this world isn’t your home and it’s the heavenly goal that must be the focus of your relationship. You can pray for wisdom in how to help your spouse become more concerned about what’s necessary in the spiritual realm than that of the natural one. Living out your own life with joy and contentment will be the first step in this process of discovering heavenly pursuits.
Power of a Praying Spouse
There’s amazing power in praying for your spouse. God listens and moves in the Spirit from the prayers of His people. The best books for both spouses to have throughout the duration of their marriage is by Stormie Omartian,The Power of a Praying Wife and The Power of a Praying Husband. Each of you can take a prayer every Sunday to pray over your spouse throughout the week. You will have many regrets in life, but you will never regret taking the time to pray for your spouse.
Article by Crystal McDowell
Crystal McDowell is a writer, speaker, and teacher with a passion to encourage believers to know and grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ through practical application of God’s word.
Crystal and her husband, Marshall, raise their five children in the Bloomington, IL. As a freelance writer and editor for over 13 years, Crystal has published numerous Christian curriculums for Sunday School and VBS as well as many articles dealing with marriage, motherhood, and relationships. She’s a weekly staff writer for www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com as well as writing her own blog at http://crystalmcdowellspeaks.blogspot.com.
