Reducing Transitional Stress In MarriageSýnishorn

The final techniques we want you to apply as you go through transitional stress is, firstly, to remember to always encourage each other in the Lord. Philippians 4:13 tells us, “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.” Remind yourself of this. Remind your spouse of this. Rehearse it in your thoughts and words, if need be, knowing that the result on the other side of the change you currently face is intended by God to bring you both good in your relationship, and not harm (Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 8:28). 

When you decide to embrace the transitional stress rather than fight it, being open to change – letting go of what is in the past and anticipating the new – you will, like an athlete committed to strength-training, enjoy the results the right response to stress can produce.

The last technique (but not the least) is to pray. Always pray. We've written a few guided prayers to get you going but commit yourself to praying throughout the entire transition for your marriage. 

Praise God First

“Heavenly Father, You are a God who changes not. Despite the transitions around me, You are the One who remains constant. You are ever-present and always reliable. Thank You for Your consistency in a life that fluctuates, often like the wind. 

I praise You for the ability You have given to me and to us in our marriage to rely on You. Your character is solid. Your Word true. Your presence steadfast and never lost. Thank You that You offer this to us like a lighthouse in a storm of stress, a beacon in the battling gusts of life’s many unknowns. In Christ's name, amen.”

Present Your Situation to God

Use this time of prayer to acknowledge any transitional stress which may have become a part of your marriage or home. It could be work-change, a change in your financial situation, a move or a change in family dynamics such as a new baby or graduation of a child. Whatever the change or changes may be, your awareness of them and how they impact your emotional, spiritual and physical capacity and make-up will help to reduce any negative impact they bring into your marriage. Write out any specific transitions or failures to respond positively to transitions that you would like to see the Lord intervene in and work out for good.

Pray for God's Intervention

“Gracious Lord, help our marriage relationship to grow more deeper and stronger as a result of any transitional stress we experience. Give us a greater respect for each other through the process of going through changes together. Show us how to accommodate each other’s lower energy levels, rather than to feel neglected or rejected by them. 

Teach us how to truly encourage one another whether it’s through words, patience, a gentle touch, gifts or whatever it may be. Open our hearts and our eyes toward each other’s needs during this season so that we can be more mindful to seek to meet them. 

And help us also to show ourselves grace by allowing rest when we need it too. Let us not lose any humor, joy or mutual attraction but rather increase it as we pursue the positive results of transitional stress together through knowing that Your intended outcome is for our good. In Christ’s name, amen.”

Want to discover more ways to pray for your marriage? You will in  Prayers of Blessing Over My Marriage. It comes with helpful insights and guided prayers on over twenty topics. You can also find daily prayer posts on InstaGram: @capandbuttercup