7 Days of Prayer to Prepare for MarriageSample

One of the most consistent lessons I’ve learned in my years of ministry is the importance of being disciplined. Whether it’s daily time in God’s Word, a consistent exercise routine, or a habit of daily prayer (like I hope you’re cultivating through this book), it’s hard to overestimate the essential significance of discipline. A person who lacks self-­control will lose the battles of life. Proverbs 25:28 says they will become like a city under attack whose walls are destroyed.

Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist and professor at Wharton School of Business, once said, “The seeds of greatness are planted in the daily grind.” To become great at anything in life, we need to become experts in the disciplines of the daily grind. This principle holds true for individuals and for marriages. Every couple needs to be disciplined in daily planting seeds of greatness. This discipline allows couples to thrive.

The tough part about discipline is that most of us don’t want to be disciplined in our lifestyle. I know I’d rather watch TV and sleep than exercise or even pray with my wife. But it helps to remember that choices you and I make today can have an impact for years to come, especially if we consistently make the same healthy choices.

What does it look like for a couple to be disciplined? Here are a few examples. A disciplined couple will --

• make time every day to communicate with each other. Keep short accounts when conflict or disagreements arise.
• spend time with each other. Go on date nights on a consistent basis to help keep romance alive.
• make confession a regular practice in marriage. You and your spouse will have countless opportunities to ask for and grant forgiveness.
• look for ways to serve each other. Each spouse joyfully does chores and tasks around the house because they know it serves their spouse well.

In 1 Timothy 4:7, Paul said we are to “train [ourselves] to be godly.” When we train we must be disciplined—­it’s worth the work to become more like the Lord!

Heavenly Father, we pray we would be disciplined in life and in marriage. Help us to do the things that keep us close to You and to each other. We confess at times we don’t want to be disciplined—­we want to do what we want to do! Help us when we don’t feel like it, and thank You for grace whenever we fall short. Thank You that Your love for us is not contingent on how disciplined or undisciplined we are. May Your grace and love for us always amaze us.