Day 28 of 30: Prayer Challenge for Wives

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.

Criticism

When we receive any type of criticism, it is important how we respond. Whether the criticism is constructive and for our benefit or someone is seeking to tear us down, we should respond in a Christ-like manner. That is not an easy thing to accomplish, especially if the criticism is from our husbands. First, I want to remind you that our husbands are not the enemy. While we cannot control anyone else's behavior, we can control our own.

When our husbands come to us with criticism, we need to truly determine if it is something we need to work on. How do we respond to him? The Word of God says,

The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise.

Proverbs 15:31

If your husband is a Christian, it is his responsibility to come to you when he sees you erring from truth in some way. How can we keep from acting out of emotion when this happens? I would like to point you to James 1:19-20 and Proverbs for instruction on this.

1. Be quick to hear what your husband has to say.

2. Be slow to speak Proverbs 10:19 says, "When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise." We would do well to guard our mouths and tongues when our husbands try to communicate with us. Remember, it is his responsibility to help us grow in Christ. If we don't listen and are not respectful, why would he want to lead or communicate with you?

3. Be slow to anger. When you feel yourself getting worked up or angry, take a deep breath, a few if you need to! Proverbs 21:9 says, "It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife." I don't know about you, but I feel that when I read it, the conviction that is. It doesn't matter if I am being quarrelsome or not, I take pause to re-evaluate my behavior every single time I read or hear this verse.

4. Approach his concerns with humility. Proverbs 11:2 says, "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom." Remember that it is not easy for him to come to you. How would you want your husband to respond if you were coming to him?

5. Be grateful. I know that seems crazy, right? Proverbs 15:32 says, "Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence." Be thankful your husband wants to push you closer to being Christ-like! If he is not in Christ, find something to be grateful for in your marriage!

6. Be prayerful. Before you react, take what your husband is telling you to God in prayer. Once you have done this, you will know if the criticism is fair or not. Regardless, prayer is your ally in every situation. When I get upset with my husband, I have a tough time staying that way after praying for him.
   

Scripture

 Today, I want you to pick one-two of the Scriptures mentioned above!

Meditating on the Word

Think about the Scriptures today. Ask the Lord to help you be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger when your husband comes to you with a concern. Write this verse 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. In evaluating your communication with your husband, do you believe you are wise with your reactions when he comes to you?

2. Which one of numbers 1-6 that I mentioned is most difficult for you when communicating with your husband?

3. What practical steps can you take to improve the flaw you mentioned in the previous question?
   

Prayer for My Husband Today

(For those whose husbands proclaims Christ)

Dear Heavenly Father,

Today I want to lift my husband up to You Lord. I ask You to help guide him and give him wisdom when he is faced with criticism. Lord, I pray that You teach us how to accept constructive criticism as well. I pray that You give us the ability to see our own faults, flaws, and work in a direction to heal and correct ourselves so that we may better serve You and point those around us to Christ. Thank You and I love You.

In Jesus' name I pray, amen. 

Day 28 of 30: Prayer Challenge for Wives

Prayer, Option #2

(For those whose husbands are not in Christ)

Dear Heavenly Father,

Today I want to lift my husband up to You Lord. I ask You to help guide him and give him wisdom when he is faced with criticism. Lord, I pray that You teach us how to accept constructive criticism as well. I pray that You give me the ability to see my own faults, flaws, and work in a direction to heal and correct myself so that I can continue to point my husband to Christ. Thank You and I love You.

In Jesus' name I pray, amen. 

Day 28 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!)