Healthy Relationships: The Seven ConnectionsSample

Connection Two – Spouse/Close Friend

In our journey of faith, Connection Two focuses on our relationships with spouses or close friends. Just as prayer is essential in our connection with God, it's equally vital in our relationships with loved ones. Praying together strengthens our bond and deepens our collective spiritual life, fostering unity and intimacy as we share our joys and concerns with God.

Listening, akin to studying the Bible together, is crucial in these relationships. Just as God speaks to us through His Word, studying Scripture with loved ones allows us to hear God's voice together. These shared moments of reflection help us grow spiritually and gain insight into God's will for our lives and relationships, guiding us with love and wisdom.

Establishing regular times for marriage or friendship devotions — prayer, Bible study, and spiritual discussions — nurtures ongoing growth in our relationships with loved ones and with God. These practices strengthen our foundation, enhancing communication, trust, and mutual support. Through these shared experiences of prayer and Scripture, we are inspired to share God's love with others, demonstrating His transformative power in our lives and relationships.

In Summary:

Developing a strong marriage through repeated spiritual care together.

Talking = Prayer with spouse.

Listening = Bible study with spouse.

Repeatedly = The habit of marriage or friendship devotion.

Reproducible Walk Leading to Evangelism = sharing what you do in your marriage that helps you connect with each other and God.

Discussion/ Reflection Questions

1. Habitual Devotions: What practices or routines do you currently have in place to nurture your spiritual connection with your spouse or close friends? How do these devotions help you grow individually and as a unit in your faith journey?
2. Sharing Spiritual Practices: In what ways can you encourage and support others by sharing what you do in your marriage or friendships to deepen your spiritual connection with God? Discuss practical ways to incorporate these practices into your relationships with others.

Real Word Application

• Engage in Bible Study Together: Initiate regular Bible study sessions with your spouse or close friends. Choose a passage or topic to study together, discuss its meaning, and apply its principles to your lives. This not only deepens your understanding of Scripture but also strengthens your relationship bonds.

Closing Prayer

• Heavenly Father, Thank you for the gift of relationships, both with You and with our spouses and friends. Help us to deepen these connections through prayer and studying Your Word together. Guide us in applying what we learn to strengthen our bonds and glorify You in our relationships. May our time together be filled with Your presence and wisdom. Equip us to share our faith and love with others through our marriages and friendships. Bless us with unity and joy as we walk in Your ways. In Jesus' name, Amen.