5 Ways to Pray as a CoupleEsimerkki

Pray for each other’s relationships

When my wife and I discovered we were going to be first-time parents of twins, we buckled down as an exclusive team to be the best parents ever and braced ourselves to defeat every challenge.

We never imagined my wife being diagnosed with preeclampsia, hospitalized for a month, delivering our girls at 30 weeks, and navigating a 3-month NICU journey as our intro to parenthood.

During such a fragile time in our lives, we were incredibly vulnerable to falling apart mentally. The heavy stress and emotional pressures of such a time couldn’t be held by our well-intentioned team of two. It was impossible.

But when we welcomed community more into our lives and struggles, I watched God make the impossible possible.

Co-workers we found friendship with came together and helped with work tasks, neighbors took care of our home in ways they could, and our church community lifted all four of us in relentless prayer with a willingness to make meals and even take care of our two energetic dogs.

Today, our family is healthy—the girls are getting ready to celebrate their first birthday, and though we recently moved, we’re looking forward to connecting with and serving others more.

Let’s embrace others into our lives and reach forward for friendship and connection. God has gifted us community and engagement with one another, rather than isolation. Together, we enhance each other’s lives and achieve a work of art on display for the world to experience Jesus. When our friends and family rallied around us to bear the weight of things we couldn’t, it was as if Jesus Himself held us up.

Whether it's work or school, near or far, home or church, relationships can be tough and sometimes awkward, especially because we all make mistakes and have imperfections. But when united with others in Christ, we experience the wonder of God, making impossible circumstances possible.

Ask: How can I pray for your relationships?

Consider This:

• Pray that God leads each of you to people in your neighborhood and church to build friendships.
• Pray that God helps remove barriers in your ability to engage with others for God’s glory.
• Pray that God repairs any broken relationships among family members and friends.

Truly make note of each other’s response to the question, and take it to the Lord in prayer.

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If you'd like to further develop the habit of praying together as a couple, visit http://familylife.com/500-hours-together where you can sign up for daily prayer prompts and learn even more ways to connect with God and each other.