Making Prayer Part of Our Daily Care

Teaching lesson

As they prepared for bed, he remembered the meeting his wife had been worrying about. He had asked about the arrangements earlier, but now he asked a different question: 'What would you like me to pray about for you?'

Her answer helped him understand something he had missed. She was prepared for the meeting. What troubled her was the possibility of being misunderstood.

Prayer can become a tender part of the way we care for each other when we take time to hear the need behind the request.

In his letter to the Philippians, Paul prays that their love will grow in knowledge and discernment. His prayer is concerned with a love that becomes wiser as it deepens. That is a meaningful prayer to bring into marriage too.

We can ask God to help us understand our spouse more clearly and respond with greater care.

Sometimes we pray about what we want our spouse to change before we ask what they are carrying. Listening first may turn our attention towards a fear, a responsibility or a disappointment that needs compassion.

Try asking, 'What feels heavy today?' Let your spouse decide how much to share. Then bring that concern to God simply, without turning the prayer into advice or a correction directed at them.

You do not need impressive words. A brief, sincere prayer can express that you are standing beside each other and depending on God's help.

If praying aloud together feels unfamiliar, begin gently. One spouse can pray a few sentences with the other's agreement. You can also pray privately for what has been shared, without making participation a test of faith or affection.

Remember the concern afterwards. Asking how the meeting went or how your spouse is feeling allows your practical care to accompany your prayer.

As we begin this second week, invite God into the details of your life together. Ask Him to help your love grow in understanding, and let that understanding shape the way you pray today.