How many of us actually believe that prayer works? And if we really do as we claim we do, how many of us actually get down on our knees and pray? In marriages, many discount prayer as vital and essential for longevity. I know I did. To me, praying together with my spouse seemed awkward and to be honest, quite ridiculous. It wasn't something we were used to. And so when I began initiating it in our family, I couldn't help but be uncomfortable. And my husband and children probably wondered what pill I took as I asked them to gather every night in prayer. Despite this, I was persistent, because prayer had a profound impact in my life, I wanted it to have the same effect in my family. I wanted my marriage to experience the kind of transformation I underwent in my life. I wanted my children to know the God who was faithful to me, loving to all His children and forgiving of all sinners. I longed for my husband to understand who Jesus was in my life and how He can be the same in his--to commune with Him that same way I do. My persistence bore fruit as each day became less awkward, more spontaneous and instinctive. My children saw how some prayers were answered and began being bold in their prayers. My husband and I began praying with each other more intentionally and found that putting God in all equations made a huge impact in our relationship. It aided in the healing of our marriage and fortified it against outside elements. The unity of minds, bodies, hearts, souls and spirits--these can be achieved when you both get down on your knees and open your hearts to Jesus.
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Lord, thank You that I have a direct line to You 24/7. While I already knew that since I was young, for the most part of my life I was just too proud to ask anything from You, always deciding in haste and relying too much on my own judgment. Many times too, I was just guilty to kneel in prayer and be in a relationship with You because I felt it was too much for a sinner like me to ask help from You. And because I belonged to a generation of frenzy--constantly grappling with much distraction and easily lured into temptation--prayer was something that was to be ticked-off last on my list, mostly done only on Sundays. But You are a patient and persistent God to wandering and fallen people like me. You were determined to have a relationship with me. You are a relentless God, pursuing me, telling me that I can easily connect with You, whether it be in a casual conversation or an emotionally-filled petition--that talking to You is never hard. You want me to tell You my pains, my joy, my concerns and fears. What a beautiful gift to be able to commune with my King! And because you truly love me, You did not only give me a man fit for my many quirks, You gave me a permanent praying partner for life! Indeed an awesome bonus! Thank You for the beautiful work You started in us--the habit of kneeling together in prayer daily. Thank You for pulling us into a center of harmony each and every night, as we humble ourselves and seek Your presence together with our children. Father, may I ask that You help us make this new habit of ours, be our default action both in our highest of highs and lowest of lows? In our differences and disputes, may prayer be the common thread bringing us back to a place of agreement. Lead our hearts to be always prayerful especially for each other because You made us one and we know it will be the bond that strengthens our connection further. Ultimately, we pray that this habit of praying be our legacy to our children and our children's children. Amen.
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
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Lord, thank You that I have a direct line to You 24/7. While I already knew that since I was young, for the most part of my life I was just too proud to ask anything from You, always deciding in haste and relying too much on my own judgment. Many times too, I was just guilty to kneel in prayer and be in a relationship with You because I felt it was too much for a sinner like me to ask help from You. And because I belonged to a generation of frenzy--constantly grappling with much distraction and easily lured into temptation--prayer was something that was to be ticked-off last on my list, mostly done only on Sundays. But You are a patient and persistent God to wandering and fallen people like me. You were determined to have a relationship with me. You are a relentless God, pursuing me, telling me that I can easily connect with You, whether it be in a casual conversation or an emotionally-filled petition--that talking to You is never hard. You want me to tell You my pains, my joy, my concerns and fears. What a beautiful gift to be able to commune with my King! And because you truly love me, You did not only give me a man fit for my many quirks, You gave me a permanent praying partner for life! Indeed an awesome bonus! Thank You for the beautiful work You started in us--the habit of kneeling together in prayer daily. Thank You for pulling us into a center of harmony each and every night, as we humble ourselves and seek Your presence together with our children. Father, may I ask that You help us make this new habit of ours, be our default action both in our highest of highs and lowest of lows? In our differences and disputes, may prayer be the common thread bringing us back to a place of agreement. Lead our hearts to be always prayerful especially for each other because You made us one and we know it will be the bond that strengthens our connection further. Ultimately, we pray that this habit of praying be our legacy to our children and our children's children. Amen.
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