Scripture is very clear that we are to pray. We see the example of Jesus praying more than once, the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, God invites us to pray, we are told to cast all of our cares upon Him, and we are even taught about fasting along with prayer.
God makes a big deal of prayer. He tells us what and how to pray. Christ gives the model prayer, we are told not to pray in vain repetitions, to ask God for wisdom, to praise Him, to seek Him, and to give thanks in everything.
There is not a black and white command that says, “Thou shalt pray for thy spouse.” So, does that mean we don’t have to? Of course not! If God wants us to come to Him with everything, surely that includes the one person He has given you to spend your life with.
If you are not praying for your spouse, may I ask why not? Many of us would be hard pressed to give a decent answer. If you don’t want to pray for them for whatever reason, begin by asking God to help you with this, and then pray anyway. The more you do it, the easier it becomes. If there is tension in your marriage, you’ll find that it is harder to be angry at someone you are praying for.
Your spouse needs your prayers. Two verses to prove that: 1 Peter 5:8 and John 10:10. Satan wants to destroy your spouse’s testimony, get them off course spiritually, make them doubt God, become discontent, end your marriage, doubt their salvation, and the list goes on.
Do you love and value your spouse enough to come to God on their behalf? I would sure hope so. If for no other reason than you are one flesh and anything that comes into their life will affect you, too.
How to pray for your spouse: (this is not an all encompassing list, and the needs of your life may require more specificity, but this is a good start.)
- If your spouse is not saved, pray for their salvation. 2 Peter 3:9 and John 3:16
- If your spouse does not attend church, pray they will start. Hebrews 10:25
- Pray for protection from Satan. 1 Peter 5:8 and John 10:10
- Ask for God to give them wisdom. James 1:5 and Proverbs 3:7
- Pray for their faith in God to grow. Hebrews 11:6
- Ask God to give your spouse favor at work and church. Proverbs 31:23
- Pray for your spouse to have good, godly friends. Proverbs 13:20 and Proverbs 27:17
- Ask God to help your spouse stand for their beliefs and convictions. Proverbs 27:12 and John 17:15
- If you have children, ask for wisdom in your parenting. Proverbs 22:6
- Ask God to reveal and convict them over any sin in their life. Psalm 51:2-4
- Pray for their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. I don’t have specific Scripture for this one, but it doesn’t hurt to pray for this one.
- Pray for your spouse to grow spiritually. To stay in God’s Word and for them to have a prayer life. Matthew 6:33 and 2 Peter 3:18
- Pray your spouse will fear God. Proverbs 9:10
- Pray your spouse will be faithful to your wedding vows and for them to desire to cultivate your relationship. Proverbs 20:6 and Genesis 2:24
- Pray your spouse will be a good steward with finances and that your finances will not be a source of discord in your marriage, Proverbs 20:7, 1 Timothy 1:5 and 3:7, and Ephesians 6:10-12
I hope this helps you to become a praying spouse.
With Hope in His Service,
Heather
Proverbs_31Life 