I’ve often heard the old saying, “the family that prays together stays together” and I’ve always believed that to be true. But my hubs, Gary, and I have found it to be something of a hard habit to keep in place within our marriage.

Sure, as a family we always pray before we chow down. We also prayed at bedtime with the kiddos when they were, well, “kiddos.” And as separate individuals, our prayer life has always been very active and meaningful too.

But when it came to Gary and I bowing even just momentarily as a couple to pray, we found it hard to make it the thing we do.

I think that Satan loves that. There’s nothing more threatening to him than seeing a husband and wife on their knees together. But I don’t want to give Satan the credit for our neglect of this practice. We have just let the hecticness of our lives invade in those moments that are meant for a sacred marital pause.

It hasn’t been until fairly recently that we’ve been able to get our acts together in this regard. And let me tell you, it has made a noticeable difference in our relationship. There’s just something that binds and bonds us together when we pray. Oh, wait a minute! I think I know . . . that “something” is God!

In many marriage ceremonies there’s the standard reading of the 13^th chapter of 1^st Corinthians, but another biblical statement that’s occasionally referred to is found in Ecclesiastes:

“… A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
4:12b (NIV)

This statement is often used to signify the strength of the man and the woman inviting Christ into their relationship. When Christ is that third strand, then the husband and wife can weather any storm life brings their way.

Now, I don’t know if you and your spouse pray together. Some of you may not have a believing spouse, so praying together is simply not done. And some of you may have a spouse that is uncomfortable with the practice. I must say, it is a very intimate thing to do together. I think Gary and I are never more vulnerable than when we are talking with our Maker and Savior together.

Thankfully, Gary and I have always wanted to pray together, so making it a priority has never been debated. But what if those of you who have a willing spouse committed to pray together with me and Gary for the next 30 days—till Memorial Day, let’s say. Then on that day, I will post about how Gary and I are being positively impacted by our prayers together.

And maybe you could come on back and tell us how praying has positively impacted you and your marriage too!  Just do it—pray together!