The Power of a Praying CoupleSample

The Bible talks a great deal about unity in the way we speak. This is extremely important to God, especially for a married couple. Jesus said He wants us to be unified just as God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are one because if we do that, we will be perfect (see John 17:20-23). And surely we realize there is no way we can be perfect on our own. We can only pray that God will work His perfection in us. Initially, we have to believe it is possible. Then we have to want it enough to pray consistently about it.

The first thing we must do is limit our complaints. The Bible says we shouldn’t “complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer” (1 Corinthians 10:10). Obviously, the consequences can be very steep when we complain.

In a marriage, complaining not only destroys the complainer, but it also destroys the other person and possibly the marriage. That’s because it is a heavy burden to carry every day. No matter who the complainer is, it is exhausting. It’s good to share your complaint with your spouse for the purpose of praying about it, but not to be finger-pointing and blaming one another. After you have prayed about it, at some point you must believe God has heard your request and you leave the matter in His hands. So cease complaining and thank God that He has the ability to change things.

Being married gives you the perfect practice ground of opportunities for watching what you say. This is the best place to cultivate that attitude of oneness and unity. That doesn’t mean you always have to agree on everything, but you have to want to find that important common ground of what you do agree on. Search for the most important issues, such as who God is and what He requires of you. Also, what Jesus has done for you and all He has given to you. Agree that the Bible is the inspired Word of God, and it can change your heart and mind for the better every time you read it or hear it.

The Bible says, “May the God of patience and comfort, grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God” (Romans 15:5-7). “To receive one another” is a way of life that glorifies God. It pleases God, and that is always good for a marriage.

These words in Romans 15 are for the entire Christian community, but this passage of Scripture is often used as a wedding text because it describes what a marriage should be like—the way a marriage should operate. We are to mercifully receive our spouse the way Jesus receives us. Jesus is our role model. And the words in these verses above describe how a husband and wife should be toward one another. When Jesus received us, He accepted us. We should ask God to help us accept each other. We are on the same team. We are not in competition with each other. We don’t have to fight with one another.

What you have in your heart will come out of your mouth (see Matthew 12:34). That is why it is important to make sure your heart is filled with God’s love, peace, and joy before you speak.

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We hope this plan was helpful to you. You can read more from Stormie Omartian in her book, The Power of a Praying Couple, available here .