I recently shared on social media that I have been trying to become more intentional about the way I pray. I believe prayer is powerful.  When we pray, things we can’t see shift. Miracles happen and hope rises.

I believe that prayer is an act of obedience. There are so many times the bible calls us to pray:

• “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12
• “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” Ephesians 6:18
• “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6
• “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Colossians 4:2
• “Pray continually” 1 Thessalonians 5:17
• “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone …” 1 Timothy 2:1

However, prayer is more than just something we do because we are “supposed to”. Prayer is about communicating with a living God. A God who calls us friend. (John 15:15). Without communication, relationships fall apart. Our relationship with God is no different. If we stop praying, our relationship with Him will suffer.

This year, Dan and I chose the word “confidence” as our word of the year. (Confidently Walking into 2019) I have been working to pray with more confidence (Hebrews 4:16). To me, praying confidently means not just generally asking God to do things. Praying confidently means I need to be specific with my prayers. So, I have spent the last few weeks trying to work on specific prayers I can pray for Dan this year.

There are several reasons why I feel it’s important to pray with confidence for Dan. First, it’s a privilege and an honor because no one else can pray for Dan like I can. As his wife, I know his heart, his fears, his worries…and his joy. Because I know him so deeply, I can storm the gates of heaven on his behalf like no one else can.

When I pray specific prayers for Dan, it creates unity and intimacy. In Genesis 11:1-9, the people came together to build a huge tower (the Tower of Babel) and make a name for themselves.  This is a story about people building a false idol, and putting God second. These actions caused God to come down and confuse their language so they could not continue to worship the idol and themselves. In Genesis 11:6, the bible tells us that when people have the same language “then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them”. Of course, in this story, the people where using their “same language” to build an idol, but the idea that when people communicate well nothing can stop them, has really stuck with me.  I believe good communication creates unity and intimacy in marriage. The enemy knows couples that communicate and are united can accomplish anything. So communication is the first thing the enemy attacks. As Dan’s wife, I get to stand against the enemy by pursuing Dan through prayer. Any pursuit of Dan, creates good things in our marriage.

These are the prayers I have began to pray over Dan:

Father, give my husband a discerning heart to know Your great love for him and the great plans You have for him and our family. Plans to prosper and not to harm, to give us hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Father, give my husband the mind of Christ, saturate it with godly wisdom. Help him to recognize when a thought is not from you. Help him to take every thought captive that is not in obedience to Your Word, and in so doing protect him from pride and temptation.  Keep his mind focused on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, excellent and praiseworthy. (1 Corinthians 2:16, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Philippians 4:8)

Father, You know every one of my weaknesses and how they are impacting my role as a helpmate. Lead me to recognize the ungodliness hiding in my will, my expectations, and how I express my emotions. Show me where I am investing my attention in things that will deteriorate my relationship with my husband. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Luke 12:2, 2 Corinthians 4:18)

Father, let the power of Your Word transform my motives. Coach me relentlessly to be a wife who respects her husband in word and deed. Cause Your tenderness, gentleness, kindness, and humility to become my own (Romans 12:2, Ephesians 5:22-24, Colossians 3:12).

Father, use me to create a peaceful home for my husband. Use me to encourage him, bear his burdens, and reflect Your extravagant love for him. (Philippians 4:11-12, 2 Thessalonians 3:16, Galatians 6:2, Ephesians 3:18-19).

Today, I want to encourage you to be intentional to pray for your spouse. I have included a print off with all of these scriptures to get you started, however I encourage you to dig into the word and find specific prayers for your marriage. If you take this challenge, I would love to hear what God does in your marriage!

prayers for my marriage