Beginning Silently

prayer - Beginning Silently

If two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. Matthew 18:19, NASB

Many of the couples we visit with desire a closer spiritual relationship with one another, and they often ask us how and where to start this journey. This seems to be a widespread concern among married people. One recent survey indicated fewer than 15 percent of churchgoing couples pray together. Couples give various reasons for this, such as: “I’m not exactly sure what to say,” “I would not pray as well as the minister,” or, “I’m afraid my spouse might correct me.”

We suggest that couples begin the journey of learning to pray with one another by starting with an occasional silent prayer together. We recommend that couples spend a few minutes talking about things that matter most—concerns, hopes, dreams, and fears concerning topics such as kids, work, money, or future events. This discussion can take place at the close of what we call “marriage staff meetings” or during the last minutes before sleep.

We suggest that at the close of this discussion, the couple reach over and take each other by the hand—the husband’s initiative seems appropriate—and pray together silently for two or three minutes. If one or both spouses is comfortable praying out loud, fine. If not, they can continue to pray silently.

Most of the time couples sense an important spiritual closeness when they pray together, and many report that physical closeness often follows.

Today’s Scripture passage makes reference to the Father’s response to “two agreeing” in prayer. In light of God’s plan for the marriage covenant, there may not be two agreeing any more powerfully than two God already views as one.

What specific steps will you take today to make praying with your spouse more comfortable and fruitful?