Gentlemen, let me share with you a story from my life that truly surprised me and illuminated my understanding of prayer in relationships. You see, I grew up in a family of nine boys, and it was routine for each of us to take turns leading the family in prayer.
When I got married, I carried this practice into my new family. However, there were periods of uncertainty and inconsistency, and at one point when I wanted to reintroduce the practice of us praying together, I asked my wife if she wanted to lead the prayer. “No, thank you,” was her response.
At first, I thought she was just shy.
My wife can be somewhat reserved, but she later came to me with a revelation. She had thought about it and realized why she needed me to be the one who leads the prayer every time. I was intrigued and asked her the reason.
She told me, “It’s because your prayer acts like a North Star, a compass that indicates your direction, your goals, and your thoughts. It helps me to understand you better, to know where you are emotionally and spiritually so I can support and accompany you.”
Gentlemen, consider the possibility that prayer is not just a spiritual practice, but also a conduit for communication within your relationships. It’s an opportunity for your spouse to understand you better, to let you guide the spiritual direction of your family.
Before I go on, I want to highlight an important point about this kind of prayer.
One common mistake that many men, including myself, make is to pray for their partners in a selfish manner. They pray for their wives to overcome issues, not necessarily for their wives’ benefit, but for their own ease and comfort. It’s equivalent to giving your wife a chainsaw for Mother’s Day – a gift that is more for your benefit than hers.
What I would like you to consider doing, instead, is to express gratitude for your wife in your prayers.
Let her know how grateful you are for her presence in your life and all the blessings she brings.
As you pray for her, consider her needs, her desires, and the things she values most.
You see, sometimes a woman appreciates hearing her partner pray, not just for the spiritual connection, but also to understand his inner thoughts and feelings. And by offering this insight to your partner, you are not only creating a more robust spiritual bond but also a stronger emotional connection.
Remember, a prayer is not just a moment of spiritual intimacy but also an opportunity to express your love, gratitude, and admiration for your partner.
Let prayer be a compass for your relationships, a guide that brings understanding and intimacy to your lives. May your prayers be as much for your spouse as they are for you.
