Prayer is an essential part of life as a Christian that connects you to directly to God. Incorporating regular prayer in your marriage is a powerful way to not only deepen your relationship with Him, but also with one another. It’s a tool to increase intimacy and grow spiritually.
Life is busy. We understand how difficult it can be to take time for daily prayer on your own–and how much more challenging it is to incorporate your equally-busy spouse into that routine. Luckily, there are several ways the two of you can make more time to pray together, and we’re going to show you how.
SHARE A MORNING DEVOTIONAL TIME
Morning devotionals are often recommended because the early morning is a quiet, peaceful time. For many married couples–especially parents–it’s a time of day when no one needs anything from you yet. So if you and your spouse are early risers, this could be a great time to pray together before you start your day.
Morning prayer time could include grabbing some coffee and reading a chapter in a devotional book, sitting down together scripture, or even just taking a few minutes to share things that are on your hearts. Whatever that may look like, prayer time at dawn could become your new favorite ritual.
MAKE USE OF TECH TOOLS
We have the ability to stay connected 24/7 through tech tools like smartphones and social media. If you and your spouse are able to text one another during the day, make use of that. You don’t have to both be in the same physical location in order to pray effectively for one another.
Having a hard day at work? Fire your spouse a text asking for prayer. Got something on your mind that you want to pray about together? Send a quick message before you forget. This could result in the two of you keeping an ongoing prayer dialogue throughout the week. Just make sure you draw proper boundaries around your tech communications when you’re at work (for example, only checking texts during designated break times).
PRAY TOGETHER BEFORE MEALS
Praying together before meals might seem like a no-brainer, but couples are doing well to eat dinner together regularly at all these days. Meal times can become a thoughtful place to discuss things you want to pray about, then incorporate them when you say grace.
If you have children, this can be a great chance to include them in your daily prayers. Ask them what they’d like to pray about, and take turns leading the family in prayer before you eat together. It will not only give you and your spouse more prayer time together; it will also help to instill those good habits in your children.
START PRAYER JOURNALS AND SHARE
Prayer journaling is another great way to stay in tune with the people, situations, opportunities, and provision you want to pray for. If you and your spouse are on the go, work opposite schedules, or have little time to sit down together, this is a way you can keep track of your prayers and share when you’re able.
MAKE PRAYER PART OF YOUR BEDTIME ROUTINE
Saying prayers before going to sleep at night is another routine that seems simplistic, but it’s a powerful way to close your day with your spouse. Bedtime is a quiet, intimate time you can incorporate prayer into together. And sometimes, at the end of the day, concerns weigh more heavily on you and it can be difficult to feel restful. Taking time together to unwind and pray could have a powerful impact on your nights–and your mornings, too.
START PRAYING MORE NOW
This coming week, talk with your spouse about how the two of you can create more time and opportunities to pray. Then, try incorporating one of these routines (or another that works for you!) into your routine.
