Yes, a husband and wife can absolutely pray together. In fact, praying together as a couple is highly encouraged in Christianity. Prayer is an important part of the Christian faith and sanctifies the marriage union. When done properly and consistently, the habit of praying together deepens intimacy and understanding between spouses. There are many benefits that come from a husband and wife joining together in prayer.
Biblical Basis for Praying Together
The Bible provides a solid foundation for the practice of a married couple praying together. Here are some key biblical principles that endorse the idea of spouses praying together:
– In Matthew 18:19-20, Jesus says “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” When a husband and wife come together in prayer, they exemplify this scripture.
– Ephesians 5 instructs spouses to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Praying together is a way for husbands and wives to demonstrate mutual submission.
– 1 Peter 3:7 commands husbands to treat their wives with respect so prayers will not be hindered. Praying together is a way for husbands to honor their wives.
– According to Genesis 2:24, husband and wife are to be one flesh. Praying together helps achieve spiritual oneness in a marriage.
– 1 Corinthians 7:5 says to not deprive each other of marital intimacy except for a season of prayer. This implies praying together can strengthen intimacy.
So the Bible clearly supports and encourages the idea of a husband and wife praying together. It is a way for the couple to grow closer to God and to one another.
Benefits of Praying Together
Praying together regularly with your spouse can lead to many positive results. Here are some of the key benefits:
Improves Spiritual Intimacy
Praying side by side allows a husband and wife to be spiritually intimate. They get to share beliefs, thoughts, and desires with the Lord together. It fosters a joint spiritual life.
Increases Marital Intimacy
The experience of praying together helps a couple feel more emotionally close and connected. It gives them shared time focused on their relationship with the divine.
Encourages Communication
Praying together provides a safe space for spouses to communicate openly and honestly. It helps foster transparency and vulnerability in marriage.
Unites Marriage
Joint prayer is a powerful way for a husband and wife to feel united. It brings them together around a shared belief and practice. This unity can enhance the marriage.
Resolves Conflict
Bringing issues and disagreements before God in prayer can help resolve conflicts between spouses. It facilitates forgiveness, compromise, and reconciliation.
Deepens Understanding
Praying together allows spouses to better understand each other’s needs, hopes, fears, and desires. This leads to greater compassion and support.
Strengthens Marriage
Couples who regularly pray together report higher levels of marital satisfaction. Shared prayer provides a solid foundation for an intimate, lasting marriage.
How to Pray Together
If you want to start praying as a couple, here are some tips to make the experience meaningful:
Schedule a Regular Time
Pick a time such as morning or evening and make joint prayer an established part of your routine. Consistency is key.
Take Turns Leading
Trade off who leads prayer to keep it balanced. However, don’t force your spouse to pray aloud if uncomfortable.
Pray in Different Ways
Vary your prayer method. You can pray conversationally, read scripture, use written prayers, or create prayer lists.
Listen Without Judgement
When your spouse is praying, listen attentively without criticizing the way they pray. Focus on connecting.
Pray For Each Other
Ask how you can pray for one another and boldly bring each other’s needs before God.
Find Privacy
Find a quiet, private space in your home without distractions to pray alone as a couple.
Be Honest
Be honest and vulnerable, share your heartfelt thoughts, fears, and feelings as you pray.
Resolve Issues First
If you are angry at your spouse, talk it through before praying. Don’t let the anger fester.
Prayer Topics for Couples
What exactly should you pray about together as a married couple? Here are some meaningful prayer topics to cover in your joint prayer time:
Each Other
Pray for your spouse – their health, faith, joy, safety, and personal growth. Ask God to bless them.
Your Marriage
Pray for unity, intimacy, forgiveness, partnership, and restoration in your marriage relationship.
Children
If you have kids, pray for their well-being, development, faith, and major decisions. Cover them in prayer.
Extended Family
Pray together for the health and needs of parents, siblings, grandparents and other family.
Friends
Share prayer requests for close friends. Ask God to encourage and support those in your social circle.
Finances
Pray together for financial security, stewardship, provision, and alignment on financial priorities.
Careers
Pray about job stresses, decisions, purpose in work, ethics, and satisfaction in your careers.
Health Concerns
Bring any health problems or diagnoses before God. Ask for healing and comfort.
Intimacy
Pray for your physical and emotional intimacy as a couple. Ask God to unite you.
Home and Possessions
Ask God to bless and protect your home, vehicles, and other major possessions.
Overcoming Obstacles to Praying Together
While consistency in joint prayer is the goal, you may face some obstacles as you seek to pray together as a couple. Here are some potential roadblocks and how to handle them:
Busyness and Forgetting
Life gets hectic. Make praying together a priority. Add it to your calendar and set phone reminders to help you follow through.
Tension and Unresolved Issues
Address and resolve sources of tension between you before praying. Don’t avoid issues.
Differences in Beliefs About Prayer
Discuss your beliefs and expectations about prayer. Compromise on approaches that work for both.
Lack of Privacy
Find creative places to pray, like your bedroom, the back porch, in the car or on a walk together.
Fatigue
Try praying together in the morning when you are both fresh. Keep it short if needed.
Feeling Vulnerable
Start by praying for low-risk topics to build trust and intimacy. Slowly increase vulnerability.
Distractions
Minimize distractions like TV and phones when you pray. Give each other full focus.
Differing Prayer Styles
Accept and appreciate each other’s prayer habits. Work together to blend styles.
With some intentionality and teamwork, you can overcome these hurdles as a couple and make joint prayer a fruitful part of your marriage.
Concerns About Praying Together
Some couples may have concerns when it comes to praying together regularly. Here are some common worries:
My spouse will think my prayers are stupid
Pray from the heart. If your spouse criticizes, gently talk about it later when you aren’t praying. Ask them to be supportive.
It will feel awkward and forced at first
Routine and repetition help get past awkwardness. Focus on connecting and it will start to feel natural.
I don’t know how to pray eloquently
God doesn’t expect fancy, verbose prayers. Have a genuine, transparent conversation with God.
We’ve never prayed together; I don’t know how to start
Just start! Open your hearts and mouths and let the prayers flow. It gets easier with practice.
One spouse is not on board
If your spouse is resistant, pray for their heart to soften. Avoid forcing it. Lead by steady example.
It takes too much time
Even 5-10 minutes of prayer can be powerful. Don’t let busyness be an excuse. Schedule it.
My spouse’s theological beliefs differ from mine
Focus on shared beliefs during prayer time. Discuss differing beliefs at other times.
With humor, grace and flexibility, you can move past these common concerns that hold couples back from meaningful shared prayer.
Conclusion
Praying together consistently strengthens the spiritual, emotional and relational dimensions of marriage. It deepens intimacy with God and between spouses while equipping couples to face life’s challenges in unity. The Bible offers much support for the practice of husbands and wives praying together. While it may require some effort to overcome obstacles, the rewards of shared prayer time are certainly worth it. Prioritizing regular prayer together can enrich a marriage in beautiful ways.