Day 37: During Deployment “Love Agrees in Prayer”

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

What if we told you that there was one thing that you could do which would assure an improvement in your marriage? And if we added that the one thing would be a key ingredient in longevity and intimacy in your marriage? What if we said that one thing would produce harmony, unity, forgiveness . . . and humility? Would you be interested in knowing what that one thing was? Praying together. “The unity that grows between a man and woman who regularly pray together forms an intense and powerful connection. Within the sanctuary of your marriage, praying together can work wonders on every level of your relationship.” (p. 181 of The Love Dare)

Have you ever thought of your spouse as a life-time prayer partner? When the two of you go to the Lord in adoration of Him, in humble confession of sin, in thanksgiving for His many blessings, in need of strength and help in the midst of decisions, loneliness, fear, and conflict . . . and in intercession for others, there is a beautiful bond God will bless. If you’re new at this, just remember God wants to hear from you whether your prayers are short, awkward, or uncomfortable at first. He loves you—and he loves your family. Never forget that.

How do you pray together when you are separated by deployment? Can you email or phone your spouse and ask them how you can pray for them this week? Then would you be willing to write out a prayer, or to pray over the phone for that exact thing which your spouse asked for prayer about? Would you consider keeping a journal of the prayers that you have prayed for each other—and then record how God answered them? This practice will not only build your faith—it will build your marriage!

Another thing you can do is to agree to pray for each other at a specific time each day. Perhaps first thing in the morning, last thing at night . . . or at a specific hour when you both call out to the Lord in unison—even though separated by many miles. Perhaps you would consider telling your spouse, “Here’s how I prayed for you today . . . .”

What if your spouse is not interested in praying together, and you honestly don’t know how to pray for them? Try praying the blessing in Number 6:26 by inserting their name in the spaces: “May the LORD bless ____ and keep him/her. May the LORD make His face to shine upon ____ and be gracious unto him/her. May the LORD lift up His countenance upon _____ and give him/her peace.” There are other creative ways to pray for others found at Excellent or Praiseworthy on “Praying Scripture” and “Singing your Prayers.”

Here is today’s dare during deployment: Ask your spouse if you can pray together . . . then decide on a manner in which this will be do-able during deployment. If your spouse refuses, take this daily time to pray for them.

Here are Scriptures to encourage you in truth:

But I cry to you for help, O LORD; in the morning my prayer comes before you. — Psalm 88:13

The Jesus told His disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. — Luke 18:1

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. — Isaiah 41:10

Work cited:

Kendrick, Stephen and Alex, The Love Dare (Nashville: B & H Publishing Group, 2008)