7 Prayers to Grow Your MarriageExemplo

Marriage is an amazing tool for sanctification; the process of becoming more and more like Jesus. It happens slowly, as Paul said in 2 Corinthians 3, “from one degree of glory to another.” God invites our growth, but He does not force it. When we decide to pursue Christlikeness, we will find that opportunities to love, serve, and sacrifice are all around.

Since marriage is as close as two people can be on earth, it offers plenty of opportunities to lay down our selfishness, pride and preferences for the good of our spouse, marriage, and family. There are times I want nothing more than to lay on the couch undisturbed, but my spouse asks for help with something. Then there are the times we just can’t agree on where to go for dinner or what movie to watch, and the occasions when they forget something that was important to me.

These are the moments when the sanctification of marriage feels most real to me. The unheroic, unsung small daily sacrifices that no one else will ever know about.

This is one of the benefits of such a close relationship. We are sharpened by one another, “as iron sharpens iron.” When we desire to grow closer to Jesus and invite God to work on our sanctification in marriage, we will certainly have moments when our sharp edges can be refined.

It takes humility to allow God to work on our sanctification. You have the choice to look out for yourself and your desires, or to prioritize your spouse and their needs just as you do your own. You can insist you’re right, or you can invite their feedback, and use their perspective to help you grow. Which will you choose today?

Prayer: God, we are so thankful that you have given us the gift of marriage. We pray that we will have the wisdom and humility to submit to your pruning and teaching, and that we would be refined and sharpened through our relationship. Grow us closer to you, Lord, as we grow closer to one another. Amen