Praying for Your Spouse: The Power of Prayer in Marriage

Praying for Your Spouse: The Power of Prayer in Marriage

I'll start by saying this. For the Christian marriage, prayer is vital. If you are in a "seasoned" marriage like mine, then you already know the challenges couples face every day. You have survived all the ups and downs and you know there will be more. If you are in a young or perhaps a brand new marriage, trust those of us who know - there will be ups and downs. There will be challenges. There will be tough times, but your marriage is worth the fight. Do your fighting on your knees. Taking time to pray for one another will deepen your marriage relationship and your walk with the Lord. Today, we're going to dig into the importance of praying for your spouse. We will look at Scripture passages that will inspire your prayers for one another, and provide practical tips to cultivate a habit of interceding for each other.

The Importance of Praying for Your Spouse

Prayer strengthens the bond between couples and it helps us understand our spouses on a deeper level. Praying for your spouse helps you to:

Love and respect your spouse:

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her. Ephesians 5:25

Ephesians 5:25 reminds husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church. Praying for your spouse helps you love him or her the way in this special way.

Support each other through challenges:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:6-7

Pray for guidance, resilience, and comfort during difficult times. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us not to be anxious but to present our requests to God.

Enhance spiritual growth:

Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor; for if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up!  Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

As a couple, praying together will deepen your faith and strengthen your relationship with God. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 highlights the importance of companionship and support in both spiritual and physical journeys.

The Power of Prayer to Change Your Marriage by Stormie Omartian is available here!

Scripture Passages for Praying for Your Spouse

Here are some powerful Scriptures to inspire your prayers:

The Lord bless you, and keep you;

The Lord cause His face to shine on you,
And be gracious to you.  Numbers 6:24-25

Pray for your spouse’s safety and strength to face daily challenges.

Having cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7

Ask God to relieve your spouse’s stress and fill them with His peace.

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18

Pray for your spouse to develop a deeper relationship with God.

Being diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:3

Pray for open communication and a spirit of cooperation between you and your spouse.

Pray Big for Your Marriage: The Power of Praying God's Promises for Your Relationship by Will Davis Jr. is available here!

Practical Tips for Praying for Your Spouse

Set a Regular Time for Prayer:

Carve out time each day to pray together. Make praying together as natural as breathing air into your lungs. Develop a culture of prayer in your marriage. As individual Christians, we should pray at various times throughout the day. As a couple, set aside time to pray together every day.

Use a Prayer Journal:

Write down specific prayer requests and praises for your spouse. This can help track answered prayers and encourage gratitude.

Incorporate Scripture:

Use Bible verses as a foundation for your prayers. This not only reinforces the importance of prayer but also keeps your focus on God’s promises.

Pray Aloud and/or Privately:

When new to prayer, especially praying together, some may feel more comfortable praying aloud, while others may prefer private prayers. Find a style that works best for both of you at first, but make it your goal to learn to pray aloud together.  There is something very special about listening to your spouse pray, especially when your spouse is praying for you.  Work towards gifting your spouse with hearing you pray for him or her.

Pray for Each Other’s Desires:

Take time to understand what your spouse desires in his or her personal life, work, or spiritual journey, and bring those requests before God.

Praying for your spouse is an invaluable practice that can transform your marriage. By intentionally lifting each other up in prayer, couples can grow closer, navigate life's challenges more effectively, and foster a loving and supportive environment. Remember, your prayers matter, and as you seek to connect with God, He will work wonders in your relationship.

Make the commitment today to start praying for your spouse. Let the power of prayer lead you towards a deeper bond that reflects God’s love in your lives.

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Praying for Your Spouse: The Power of Prayer in Marriage

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How to Comfort Kids After a School Tragedy

As I write this post tonight, four families are planning funerals, funerals for two teachers and two students.  On Tuesday of this week, our neighboring community suffered a school tragedy, an active shooter situation.  The Alapachee High School SRO officer and school staff acted quickly to stop the situation, but not before four people lost their lives.  This one hit home.  Until now, these situations were far away in other states.  This time, it was close to home.  The school is about 45 minutes from my house, but it is just down the road from where I grew up.  Communities here in Northeast Georgia are small and mostly close-knit, especially when bad things happen.  This tragedy affected all three of my grown children.  My son was involved in the investigation following the event.  My older daughter works with the sister of one of the students who died.  She also went to high school with someone who teaches at Alapachee High School.  My younger daughter, who works in an ABA clinic for kids with Autism, spent her Friday on lockdown due to copycat threats.  We've been dealing with copycat threats for the past several days.  Parents are scared.  Kids are scared.  Everyone is on edge, but life must go on.  I'm so glad it's Friday so our community can calm down, rest, and recover from the long, heartbreaking week we've just endured.  For the families of Alapachee High School, this school year will be forever marked by Tuesday's shooting.  Every milestone of the school year will be remembered as "that was the year of the shooting."  Homecoming, Prom, and every special day in between will now be remembered differently than intended.  Tuesday changed everything for those families.  Eventually, they'll find a way to move one, but not without scars.  Counselors are available, and even the Billy Graham Disaster Response Team is in the area to help students, staff, and their families cope.  Some parents might be asking the questions, "How do I talk to my child about what happened?  How can I help my kids cope with their fear?  How can I comfort my kids?"  Here are a few suggestions about how to comfort kids after a school tragedy.

How to Comfort Kids After a School Tragedy

In the wake of a school tragedy, it's important for parents to have open and honest conversations with their kids. Knowing where to start these conversations can be difficult as a parent, but Scripture offers valuable guidance on approaching these challenging discussions with compassion and wisdom.

First, creating a safe and nurturing environment for your children to express their feelings is important. Encourage them to share their thoughts and emotions without judgment and offer a listening ear as they process the heartbreaking events.

The book of Psalms reminds us that God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. Encouraging our children to turn to their faith for comfort and strength can give them hope and resilience in the face of tragedy.

God is our refuge and strength,
A very ready help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth shakes
And the mountains slip into the heart of the sea;
Though its waters roar and foam,
Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. 

There is a river whose streams make the city of God happy,
The holy dwelling places of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved.  

God will help her when morning dawns.  Psalm 46:1-5

Moreover, the book of Proverbs advises us to "train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it." When discussing difficult topics such as violence and loss, it's important to impart empathy, compassion, and understanding to our children, guiding them toward positive and constructive responses to adversity.

Train up a child in the way he should go,

Even when he grows older he will not abandon it.  Proverbs 22:6

It's also important to reassure our children of our unconditional love and support. The book of Matthew reminds us, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." We can help our children navigate their grief and find solace during tragedy by showing compassion and empathy.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.  Matthew 5:4

Ultimately, scripture teaches us that love, compassion, and faith can provide solace in times of darkness. By incorporating these values into our conversations with our children, we can help them process their emotions and find comfort in their faith as they cope with the aftermath of a school tragedy.

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How to Comfort Kids After a School Tragedy

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Finding Peace in the Midst of Back-to-School Chaos

Finding Peace in the Midst of Back-to-School Chaos

As the lazy days of summer come to an end, the anticipation of back-to-school chaos begins to loom over us. The thought of hectic mornings, jam-packed schedules, and constant juggling of various commitments can leave us feeling overwhelmed and anxious. However, as we gear up for the new school year, it's essential to remember that amidst the chaos, we can find peace in the comforting and reassuring words of the Bible.

One of the most powerful verses that can anchor us during back-to-school chaos is found in Philippians 4:6-7, which says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This verse reminds us that we do not need to carry the burden of anxiety and worry on our own. Instead, we can bring our concerns to God through prayer and experience the peace that comes from trusting in Him. His peace is a calming presence, soothing our anxieties and fears and relieving us from unnecessary stress.

This beautiful bracelet featuring Philippians 4:6 is available here.

In the midst of hectic mornings and overwhelming schedules, it is easy to become consumed by stress and lose sight of the bigger picture. However, Jesus offers us a different perspective in Matthew 6:25-27, where He says, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?" These verses serve as a gentle but powerful reminder that our worth and well-being are not dependent on our ability to control every aspect of our lives. Instead, we are encouraged to place our trust in God, knowing that He will provide for our needs and grant us peace in the midst of chaos. His provision is a source of security, relieving us from unnecessary worry about our needs and offering a sense of calm and confidence.

As we navigate the back-to-school season, let's remember to lean on the promises of the Bible and allow God's word to bring us comfort and peace. Whether we face overwhelming schedules, challenging decisions, or unexpected setbacks, we can take refuge in the assurance that God is with us, offering us His peace that surpasses all understanding. By anchoring ourselves in the truth of the Bible, we can embrace the back-to-school chaos with a profound sense of calm and confidence, knowing that we are never alone in our journey.

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Finding Peace in the Midst of Back-to-School Chaos

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How to Encourage a Child Who is Anxious About the First Day of School

How to Encourage a Child Who is Anxious About the First Day of School

As the new school year approaches, many children may experience anxiety and nervousness, especially when facing the first day of school. Parents and caregivers need to provide support and encouragement during this time. Here are some practical tips, along with relevant Scripture references, to help you encourage a child who is anxious about the first day of school.

1. Pray Together

Start by engaging in a powerful act of faith-praying together with your child. Recall the comforting words of Philippians 4:6-7, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Encourage your child to pray and share their feelings with God, knowing He cares for them.

This Christian canvas wall art featuring Philippians 4:6-7 is available here.

2. Offer Words of Assurance

Share comforting words of assurance from Scripture with your child. For example, in Joshua 1:9 it says, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Remind your child that they are not alone and that God is with them every step of the way, including the first day of school.

This wooden home decor piece featuring Joshua 1:9 is available here.

3. Share Personal Stories

Connect with your child by sharing personal stories of overcoming fear and anxiety from your own life, and how faith and trust in God helped you through challenging times. Let your child know that it's okay to feel anxious, but they can rely on God's strength and presence, just like you did.

4. Encourage Positive Thinking

Encourage your child to focus on the good things and trust God's plans. Remind them of Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Help them shift their perspective from fear to hope and anticipation of the good things to come. For example, you can encourage them to think about the new friends they will make or the exciting things they will learn at school.

This wooden home decor piece featuring Jeremiah 29:11 is available here.

5. Show Love and Support

Express your love and support to your child. Offer a listening ear, a comforting hug, and reassurance that you are there for them. Remind them of God's love as emphasized in 1 John 4:18, "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear." Let your child feel deeply loved by you and by God.

This throw pillow featuring 1 John 4:18 is available here.

As you prepare for the first day of school, remember to reinforce these principles and be a source of strength and encouragement for your child. With God's help and loving support, your child can face the new school year with confidence and peace.

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8 Ways to Keep Your Teens Involved in Church

8 Ways to Keep Your Teens Involved in Church

Keeping teenagers engaged in the church can be challenging in today’s darkened culture. Fostering a solid spiritual foundation is essential as they navigate a critical phase of their lives. Here are ten effective strategies to help keep your teens involved in church and nurture their faith, whether you’re a parent or a church leader.

Create a Welcoming Youth Group

A welcoming youth group is crucial for teenagers. For instance, at our church, we ensure our youth group is a space where teens feel welcome and included with opportunities to engage in discussion. Activities like game nights and service projects that resonate with their interests can make church participation more appealing.

This Bible Trivia game is available here.

Encourage Peer Connections

Friendships play a significant role in a teenager’s life. Encourage your teens to build connections with their peers within the church. Organize social events, retreats, and small group gatherings where they can bond and build meaningful relationships. Youth leaders within the church usually organize these events, but parents can step up and organize them as well.

Involve Them in Church Activities

Teenagers are more likely to stay engaged if they participate in church activities. Please encourage them to join the choir, play musical instruments, help with technology during services, or volunteer for community outreach programs. Feeling a sense of responsibility and ownership can keep them motivated.

Foster Family Participation

Your involvement as a family in church activities can significantly impact your teen’s engagement. Attend services together, participate in family-oriented events, and discuss sermons and biblical teachings at home. Your supportive family environment reinforces the importance of the church in your teen’s life and empowers you as parents in his or her faith journey.

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Provide Mentorship Opportunities

Mentorship can be incredibly beneficial for teenagers. Pair your teen with a trusted adult mentor from the church who can offer guidance, support, and encouragement. Mentorship programs help teens navigate their spiritual journey with someone they can admire.

Encourage Mission Trips and Service Projects

Mission trips and service projects offer teens a transformative experience, allowing them to see the impact of their faith in action. Whether a local community service project or an international mission trip, these experiences can be life-changing and deepen their commitment to the church, inspiring them to continue their faith journey.

Celebrate Their Achievements

Recognize and celebrate your teens’ achievements and milestones within the church community. Whether they’ve memorized a verse, participated in a play, or completed a mission project, acknowledging their efforts boosts their confidence and reinforces their sense of belonging.

Encourage Growth of Personal Faith

Support your teens’ personal growth of their faith. Encourage them to ask questions, read the Bible, and participate in church discussions. Providing resources such as a Bible, youth devotionals, Christian books, and access to online sermons can help them grow in their faith journey.

Involving your teen in church requires community, engagement, and personal connection. Creating a supportive and dynamic church environment can help your teen develop a lasting and meaningful relationship with their faith, but it all starts in the home. It’s important to make church a priority for the whole family. Parents who make church a priority usually raise adults who make church a priority. Remember, the goal is to make church not just a place to go but a vital part of their lives.

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Healing from a Broken Relationship: A Christian Perspective

Healing from a Broken Relationship: A Christian Perspective

Relationships are so crucial for a healthy lifestyle. Healthy relationships provide us with love, support, and companionship. Close friends walk with us through life's ups and downs, and they are an important source of truth when we need to hear it.  However, when a relationship breaks, it can leave us feeling heartbroken and lost. As Christians, we are called to navigate these heartbreaking times with faith and grace, leaning on the wisdom and comfort found in Scripture. Here are some biblical principles to help us deal with a broken relationship.

Trust in God's Plan

Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." It’s natural to feel your world is falling apart when a relationship ends. However, God assures us that He has a plan for our lives, even when we cannot see it. Trusting in His plan can provide peace and hope amidst the pain. For instance, you can start by praying for guidance and then actively seeking opportunities for personal growth and healing.

This home decor piece featuring the Bible verse Jeremiah 29:11 is available here.

Seek Comfort in Prayer

Prayer is a powerful tool for healing. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Pour out your heart to God, sharing your hurt and seeking His comfort. Prayer not only brings you closer to God but also helps in relieving the emotional burden you carry.

This home decor piece featuring the Bible verse, Philippians 4:6-7, is available here.

Embrace Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a cornerstone of Christian faith. Ephesians 4:32 instructs us, "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." Holding onto bitterness and resentment can hinder your healing process. While it may be challenging, strive to forgive those who have hurt you. This act of grace not only follows Christ’s example but also frees you from the chains of anger and pain.

These fabric bookmarks featuring Ephesians 4:32 are available here.

Surround Yourself with a Supportive Community

Proverbs 17:17 says, "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." Lean on your Christian community during this hurtful time. Whether it’s friends, family, or church members, having a supportive system of others who love and care for you can provide encouragement, strength, and a sense of belonging and value. Don’t hesitate to reach out and share your struggles; sometimes, talking about your feelings can be incredibly therapeutic.

This beautiful bracelet featuring Proverbs 17:17 is available here.

Reflect and Learn

Romans 8:28 assures us, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Reflect on your relationship and consider what lessons you can learn from it. This period of reflection can be an opportunity for significant personal growth and spiritual development. Trust that God can use even painful experiences to make you stronger, wiser, and more compassionate, filling your future with hope and promise.

This home decor piece featuring Romans 8:28 is available here.

Take Care of Yourself

Taking care of your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being is crucial during this time. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds us, "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies." Stay active in activities that help keep you emotionally and physically healthy, such as exercise, hobbies, or leisure time in nature. Maintaining a healthy routine can also provide a sense of normalcy and stability.

Look Forward with Hope

Psalm 34:18 offers comfort, stating, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." While it’s important to acknowledge and process your pain, it’s equally important to look forward with hope. God’s love and grace are always present, guiding you toward a future filled with new opportunities and blessings.

Dealing with a broken relationship is never easy. Still, as Christians, we can turn to our faith for strength and guidance. By trusting in God's plan, seeking comfort in prayer, embracing forgiveness, surrounding ourselves with a supportive community, reflecting and learning, taking care of ourselves, and looking forward with hope, we can get through this challenging time with grace and resilience. Remember, you are not alone—God is with you, now and always, providing comfort and reassurance in your journey.

May God’s peace and love be with you during this time of healing.

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How Should a Christian React When Falsely Accused?

False accusations can be one of the most challenging trials a Christian can face in their personal or professional lives. The sting of unjust blame can lead to a range of emotions, from anger and frustration to despair. However, the Bible offers not just guidance but also comfort for those enduring such trials.  How should a Christian react when falsely accused?  Let's dig into Scripture and find out.

How Should A Christian React When Falsely Accused?

Seek Refuge in God

When facing false accusations, the first step is to seek refuge in God. Psalm 46:1 reminds us, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." This powerful reminder assures us that God is always there, ready to provide the strength and peace we need to navigate the storm.

God is our refuge and strength, a very ready help in trouble.  Psalm 46:1 

This beautiful framed print featuring Psalm 46:1 is available here.

Maintain Integrity and Trust in God’s Justice

Maintaining integrity is not just important but crucial when falsely accused. It is tempting to retaliate or seek vengeance, but Romans 12:19 advises against it: "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'" Trusting in God's ultimate justice not only helps to preserve personal integrity but also brings peace in the midst of false accusations.

Never take your own regenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.  Romans 12:19

Follow the Example of Jesus

Jesus Christ, the epitome of innocence, faced false accusations numerous times throughout His ministry. In 1 Peter 2:23, we learn from His example: "When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly." Emulating Jesus’ response to false accusations—remaining calm, silent, and trusting in God—can be a powerful testimony of faith, inspiring and encouraging us in our own trials.

And while being absolutely insulted, he did not insult in return; while suffering, he did not threaten, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously.  1 Peter 2:23

Pray for Your Accusers

One of the most challenging commands for Christians is to pray for those who persecute them. Yet, Jesus instructs in Matthew 5:44, "But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Praying for accusers helps to soften one’s heart, foster forgiveness, and align with God’s will.

But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.  Matthew 5:44

This beautiful canvas featuring Matthew 5:44 is available here.

Rejoice in Trials

James 1:2-4 offers a radical perspective: "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." Seeing trials as opportunities for growth and spiritual maturity changes how we perceive and handle false accusations.

Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.  James 1:2-4

Seek Wise Counsel

When falsely accused, seeking wise counsel from trusted Christian friends, mentors, or church leaders can provide support and perspective. Proverbs 11:14 states, "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety."

Where there is no guidance, the people fall, But in an abundance of counselors, there is victory.  Proverbs 11:14

Facing false accusations is never easy, but Christians are called to respond with faith, integrity, and love. By seeking refuge in God, maintaining integrity, following Jesus’ example, praying for accusers, rejoicing in trials, and seeking wise counsel, Christians can navigate these challenges in a way that honors God and strengthens their faith.

In all things, remember that God sees and knows the truth. Lean on Him, trust in His justice, and allow these trials to draw you closer to His heart.

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How Should a Christian React When Falsely Accused?