Day 24 of 30: Prayer Challenge for Wives

If you are going through a difficult season in your Christian marriage, today's devotional and digging deeper section is for you.

In case you are new here, below you will find:

1. Scripture - this is the Scripture assigned for the day

2. Meditating on the Word section 

3. Digging Deeper section with some reflection (optional)

4. A Prayer for our husbands: one for those whose husbands proclaims Christ and one for those whose husbands do not.

5. A Challenge to help you with your marriage and prayer life in some manner.

The Purpose of Marriage

Most people in our culture don't fully grasp the significance of Christian marriage. It is a picture of how God portrays His covenantal relationship with His people. It demonstrates the relationship between God and believers, through Christ's finished work on the cross. It requires commitment and understanding that Christian marriage is to glorify God, and draw others to Him for the sake of the Gospel.

It’s really important to understand this concept when facing the amount of struggle that can occur in your marriage. It comes up against three forces: the enemy's tactics, the world's ways, and our own fleshly desires. understanding this is also pivotal to aid you in being content even if you feel as though your marriage is a daily battle. Sister, it is! It is a spiritual one!

I’d like to offer some encouragement to the woman who might be in a long season of difficulties in their marriage. Remember your WHY. How you view your marriage and your trials is key to overcoming these battles in your marriage. Enduring the difficult times in a Christian marriage is one of the things that puts God on display to the world. We must lay our own worldly expectations aside and be grateful and content even in the difficult times. Take it to the foot of the cross. Lay the burdens down and give it to God.

Scripture

Ephesians 5:25-27

Meditating on the Word

Think about the Scriptures today. Ask the Lord to help you identify worldly expectations and get rid of them so that You may glorify Him in your marriage. Write these verses on an index card if this will help to remind you or set an alarm on your phone to reflect and pray on these things throughout the day.

Digging Deeper

If you are inclined to dig deeper, here are some application questions based on the Scripture for today.

1. How does Paul's analogy of marriage and Christ's relationship with the church impact your understanding of marriage?

2. According to verse 25, husband is to love his wife and be willing to give his life for her as Christ did. How does that compare in the command for wives to respect and submit to their own husband?

3. Think about the expectations you have for your marriage. Now, read Ephesians 5:22-33. List God's expectations for marriage. How do yours compare to God's? What can you do to let go of the worldly expectations and be content in your marriage?

Prayer for My Husband Today

(For those whose husbands proclaims Christ)

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You so much for blessing me with a husband who has been a positive influence in my life. Today, I want to lift my husband up to You, Father and ask that You help him find contentment in everything he does, being thankful and grateful. I pray today that You can help us teach our children the benefits of positivity and how it can greatly impact our lives. Lord help us be a positive light to others around us so that they may see You in us. Thank You and I love You.

In Jesus' Name I pray, amen

Day 24 of 30 Prayer Challenge for Wives

Prayer, Option #2

(For those whose husbands are not in Christ)

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You so much for blessing me with a husband who has been a positive influence in my life. Today, I want to lift my husband up to You, Father and ask that You help him find contentment in everything he does. I ask that You help me model that contentment and gratitude so that He may come to know You through me. I pray today that You can help us teach our children the benefits of positivity and how it can greatly impact our lives. Thank You and I love You.

In Your heavenly name I pray, amen.

Day 24 of 30 Prayer Challenge for Wives

Challenge

Ask your husband to pray with you today, whether together or separately. I want to encourage you to ask him at some point. It is important that your husband knows you are praying for him. It really helps your husband to see the words that you are praying for him. (Firsthand experience!)