52 PRAY TOGETHER TO HEAR FROM GOD

Prayer is the language of spiritual intimacy. In prayer, we open our hearts to God and each other. Self-defense is abandoned and vulnerability is embraced when couples pray together. When couples pray together they come into agreement, often in areas which previously divided them and created conflict between them. How is such agreement and unity in prayer accomplished?

First we agree to surrender our thoughts to God’s thoughts. We release our ways and surrender to His ways. We stop pushing to implement our purposes and begin to wait patiently in His presence.

Next we pray together, not to persuade God to our perspective but rather to receive His wisdom and guidance. As couples pray together they stop seeking to get God on “my side.” Praying together doesn’t ask, “God, are you on my side and against my mate?” Rather we pray together so that both of us may join Him.

Finally praying together brings us into a posture of receiving and listening instead of telling God what we want or need. In other words, when couples pray together they want to hear from God instead of preach to each other.

Try this: Instead of coming to God with a list, try this time to come to God with open hearts and minds to receive whatever He wants for your marriage. Use your time praying together in order to hear from God for your marriage.

They raised their voices together in prayer to God.

Acts 4:24 NIV