Why Every Marriage Needs a Good Fighter

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Welcome! I’m glad you’re here.

Whether you’re an old friend or a new one, I pray that you’ll be blessed as you linger in this place where faith is spilled and souls are filled.

If you like what you find, I hope you’ll stop by often or find me on Facebook or Twitter.  Better yet, I’d love to connect with you in person. I’m scheduling speaking commitments for 2016 and I would be delighted to join you at a special ministry event this year.

Over at Encouragement for Today , I’m sharing about how God used a wise widow to turn this floundering wife into a warrior!

I hope you’ll hop over to P31’s website and be encouraged. But before you go, keep reading and don’t forget to sign up for my give-away at the end of this post….

They spent the lazy days of summer building a secret kingdom in the woods.

They chopped and hauled, created and imagined, and together they designed a refuge where their stories came to life beneath a canopy of emerald green.

They were were pioneers and explorers, artisans and travelers, and their extraordinary tales stretched across the canvas of an ordinary July.
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Sometimes when the melody of their laughter seeped through the open windows as I washed the dinner dishes, I found myself wishing I could  lasso time with those old frayed ropes that hung like dingy curtains from the gnarled branches beyond the trees. And, now and then, when the sky birthed the orange of sunset and the dish water morphed from blue to brown, I’d grab my shoes and follow that path into the woods where whimsy reigned queen and imagination ran free…

“Let’s pretend that these stones are really diamonds…”

“And these big boards are super strong walls for our house…”

“And let’s say that that big branch is our watch tower.”

“Yeah! We’ll take turns sitting up there and looking for bad guys…”

“‘Cause we have to work together to protect our treasure…”IMG_5596

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And so it went–creating and playing, dreaming and defending– until one fitful August day when those siblings who had worked together to build a dominion of delight decided to stage an epic battle between the trees.

They whittled slender swords from lifeless sticks and carved bulging bows from fallen branches.

They sculpted arrows and shaped shields, gathered pine cone grenades and collected acorn bullets.

They divided alliances and formed teams; devised combat plans and scripted strategies.

All except for one.

Little Sister ignored the hoopla and wandered to the edge of the woods to pick flowers while the warriors worked.IMG_5845

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It was when Brother burst through the trees that the screeching began.

He waved his fighting stick like a banner in the air and challenged the flower-picker to a duel.

Sister promptly dropped her basket and stomped her foot on the soft damp dirt in complete disgust.

Then she turned toward the house and raced out of the woods with an offended wail.

I was in the laundry room when she found me, angry tears spilling down her cheeks.

And brother was close behind, ready to defend himself.

The story spilled from frantic lips as I pulled beach towels from the dryer, and I tried to follow the tell-tales and the gripes.

Sister cried and brother sighed.

And, finally, my son flung his hands in the air and flashed his sister a befuddled gaze.

“What’s the big deal?” he asked, tapping the end of his stick on the ground.

My littlest girl swallowed her wails and jutted her pointy chin into the air with a huff of frustration. “We’re on the same team! Remember?”

She dropped her eyes to the floor and finished with a mournful murmur. “You’re supposed to be fighting FOR ME, not against me!”

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The laundry room grew quiet and my stick-warrior dropped his makeshift sword to the dirty floor.

Then, after a few moments, he reached cautiously for his sister’s hand.

“You’re right, Maggie,” he said, his voice husky with remorse. “I’m sorry.”

She lifted her eyes to meet his, and then she accepted his apology with a nod.

And together, they headed out the door and padded across the grass toward their fortress in the woods.

It’s been a while since the kids have lingered in their Secret Kingdom in our backyard. 

At the moment, their houses of twigs and twine are buried beneath a soft white blanket of snow.

But this morning, as I watched the first streaks of dawn dance across the tree tops, and I scribbled prayers for my husband in my faded  journal, I thought about the fiesty wisdom that spilled from the mouth of a six-year-old last summer.

And I wondered, as I prayed, what might happen if moment by moment we applied her  simple truth to our marriages.

What if–when the whimsy wanes and our patience fades– we simply choose to remember that we are on the same team.

What if–when our story feels ordinary and our love gets tested– we remember the vows that made us one.

What if–when our hearts are hurting and our expectations aren’t met–we remember that we’re fighting for the same thing…

For hope and wholeness, redemption and grace.

We may be broken and imperfect, floundering and flawed, but we are Kingdom dwellers called to protect the sacred treasure of covenant love.

And, sure enough, we are called to combat.

Every wife is a warrior. Every husband is a hero.

And every marriage is a glimpse into the very heart of Heaven.

But our warfare is not carried out with sticks and stones or swords and clubs; it’s not propelled by grumbles or grenades or garrisons.

Our battle is fought in prayer.

Our victories are won in faith.

Our weapons are wielded in forgiveness.

Our strategies are scripted by the Spirit.

We weren’t made to fight against one other. We were made to fight for each other. 

Our fight is not with people. It is against the leaders and the powers and the spirits of darkness in this world…

-Ephesians 6:12

And when we remember that, we’ll begin to build a love that will stand the test of time…
And we’ll bring the Kingdom of Heaven to earth one humble prayer at a time.

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praying wifeToday, I’m giving away the little book that taught me to battle for my husband rather than against him. For the last 15 years, I’ve begun most days with Stormie O’Martian’s The Power of a Praying Wife. And as I shared in my P31 devotion today, my marriage has grown stronger prayer by prayer.

I would love to equip you for battle today! Thanks to a dear sister-in-Christ who has graciously donated TEN books to give away today, I’ll be choosing a DOZEN women to receive this book that changed my marriage. Just leave me a comment and tell me the one thing you’re praying most on your husband’s behalf right now. I’ll join you in prayer, and I’ll enter your name in the give-away drawing.

 

Alicia

190 Comments

  1. Tracy Andrews says:

    I pray that God will show my husband what I need for us to strengthen our marriage. I feel we get lost in the everyday, we forget how it began!

  2. I thank God that I have a good Christian marriage, but I feel my husband and I are getting mundane and the spark is dying. I would like to get him to pray together with me

  3. Stacey Cunningham says:

    I’m praying for my husband and I to re-connect and strengthen our marriage. We have been through a lot and all the cares of life have been hard on us. I pray that we can find the joy in our marriage again.

  4. Thank you for the encouraging post! I feel the Lord has been leading me through different ways to realize that prayer is essential for all marriages (especially mine) and families, and that I need to be a real warrior that doesn’t give up!
    I am praying for my husband to return to his first love for the Lord and be the spiritual leader our family so needs these days. His heart has been growing more distant and resentful, angry and bitter and he struggles with depression. Only the Lord can truly help him and teach me how to be his helpmeet too! This is my prayer, in Jesus’ strong loving name, Amen.

  5. Miranda Watford says:

    I’m praying for strength and safety for my husband. And for God to keep his heart pure and only toward me and most of all, to seek Christ in all he does. (He travels a lot for work – active duty military)

  6. Kara Henton says:

    Dear Lord,

    I am praying that the man that is my loving soulmate may find a job that allows him to work where he isn’t threatened by others. By threatened, I mean physically threatened. I pray for his safety and for a job that is not so physically demanding on him as this causes him pain. I pray that he can find the guidance he needs to move forward woih his life into the next journey of his life. To realize that he is a man first, then a husband/soulmate, then a father. I pray that he realizes that he can enjoy our relationship without having feelings of guilt.

    In Jesus name, I pray.

    Amen

  7. My prayer for my husband is for him as he prepares to be a father in May. That he may always seek God and serve over his family.

  8. Cheryl Bloomdahl says:

    Your Proverbs 31 devo brought me here today… i decided to look around and see if i could find more info on praying for my husband. Your friend’s wisdom resonated in my heart… just this morning I listened to another message on tv – teaching about love – being the greatest commandment of all. it is you know… but so easy to forget.
    I need to pray for my husband – we’ve been married 3-1/2 years. His wife passed away – i was alone for 8 years [divorced] following a 16 yr marriage. When i married him – i thought he was a Christian. Now, I’m not sure. I’m not being judgmental – but I see no fruit. He has stopped going to church – everyone at church “has done something to him with few exceptions…” and same for my very devout family… he is hyper critical of everything and everyone… almost professorial in a condescending way… he wants to “fix everyone” and no one really wants to be around him. Which is so opposite of my personality – he said my personality is what drew him to me. I have friends who have told me I am very engaging – which is not a word i use myself.
    [My mother is bed bound and i’ve been here with daddy for right at 6-months – going home on Friday nights. I know this isn’t a great situation – but I was helping daddy take care of my mom when I met him – she has dementia and has for 10 years.] Her condition worsened late last summer – but she’s improving – but I am here until her pressure wound heals. I have a feeling this separation is meant to shine a light on our issues to help us grow – towards each other – but seems to be having opposite effect.
    He is so negative – he doesn’t have much of a relationship with his children/grandchildren – he has issues with everything they do. He was not negative when I met him – this all resurfaced about 6-months after we were married according to his daughter. Whenever we have a really bad argument – he tells me he’s not going to live this way and says he wants a divorce. I NEVER say that – this is not an option for me.
    I do pray for his negativity – I pray for his heart to soften – i pray for him to be teachable. I pray that he seeks God.
    I am going to start today to pray that the Holy Spirit teaches me how to be a warrior.
    I actually bought him the movie War Room for Christmas – but he hasn’t watched it. I am going to try to watch it this week.
    Thank you for being an instrument of the Holy Spirit and speaking to my heart!
    Cheryl

  9. The proverbs31 devotional led me here today and both writings touched my heart. I am praying for my husband to have wisdom to make the right decision as we stand on the threshold of a life-changing job decision regarding the ministry. I also pray for God to help us in our marriage because it often feels just like what was described in the devotional. We love each other but we often bicker and argue over mundane things, tired, and not taking the time to enjoy the things about one another that first brought us together. I so much want that to change – I want to love my husband with my whole heart, overlooking his faults and becoming his biggest cheerleader.

  10. I am praying for my attitude to be of Esther so that my requests to my husband will be honored and listened to. My husband will not discipline our 3 daughters. They are teens now and we are reaping the fruits of this. I have aways disciplined my daughters as the scriptures tell us to do but unfortunately my husband has not and doesn’t discipline with any consistency so they have a confused sense of God and obeying him and us. I desire for my husband to lead our household with love, honor, and obedience to the word of God. Our relationship is suffering because of this an I don’t want our children to make bad choices because of this.

  11. I read this and realized that I have “not” been praying for him nor us, at least not like I should. He left our bedroom a week after our baby was born 2 1/2 years ago to “get sleep” and has not returned except for a few nights. We need God and THIS post has shown me that I need to learn to learn to fight like warrior. “Making space” for God and my husband will be my learning lesson for Lent this year. Would a copy of the book.

  12. karen Vallelonga says:

    I’m praying that my husband will step into the fullness of the calling of God in his life.

  13. Bridgette says:

    Over the past year as I have questioned and reflected on my life and where God wants me to go, I began to realize why and how my marriage got to the place that it is today. There were days that I was ready to give up. There were days that were blessed beyond measure. And then there were all those in between days in which I was just getting through. Too many of those days I felt like my husband and I just occupied the same space. I pray that my husband will seek and find God’s will for his life, for our marriage and for our family. I pray that I don’t have to carry the burden of this life on my own and that he will recognize that we are one flesh. I pray that God will be my strength when I am broken, weak and weary, and that He will allow some of that strength to be shown through the love of my husband.

  14. I am praying that my husband will get baptized. He has been saved since 2001 but has never got baptized!

  15. Praying for my husband to be the spiritual leader in our family. He has started getting up and praying on his knees in the den before he goes to work. I grew up in a Christian home with a dad who was a pastor. When I got married, I just assumed that he would take that role. However, I’ve failed to pray for and encourage him as I should have. Many times I would just give up and not do my part to be an example to him. We started talking that our children are half grown and we haven’t taught and modeled God’s truth to them like we should have. Also, we have had some powerful messages at church encouraging us as a family. God is working! May I fight for myself to be so in tume with God, and my husband, likewise. To be what we need to be and LOVE God with all of our hearts and our family as ourselves!

  16. I’m praying for better communication. And mostly for God to help me in my marriage with my husband who believes but doesn’t live that life. Doesn’t go to church, won’t pray with his children. I feel like we live two different lives and fight all the time.

  17. My Fiancé & I will be entering into Holy Matrimony, June 18,2016! We’ve asked God to bless our marriage & will be meeting with our Pastor over the next few months!

    My prayer for Wayne is his continuing growth as a Christian! He is a babe in Christ but hungers for growth, wisdom & knowledge! Every morning, he calls me and together over the phone we have a devotional and prayer time!

    I am blessed, help me, Oh Lord to be a blessed help mate to Wayne.

  18. Praying for God’s grace and a true miracle. That my husband of 2.5 years would be saved from his own self destruction and realize just how precious our family is… and that our family would be saved by God’s healing hand.

    At nearly 6 months pregnant and with an 11month at home, my husband up and abandoned us after inly just having relocated our family to a new state for a job he wanted. Two weeks after he started his job, he was gone. Issues of his infidelity and power/control issues have plagued our life….but now things are in severe crisis…with my children and I on the verge of homelessness and my husband found lying, cheating and abandoning us.

    I have nothing left but my silent prayers. …only God’s will can save my husband, my marriage and my family. I pray for my husband’s heart to be softened, his mind to be renewed and his eyes to be opened to what matters in this life…..and for us to finally learn to love one another as one through God’s vision.

    Please hear my silent cries Lord, please heal and save my family and bring my children and I peace, protection and loving stability in this life….Amen

    1. Praying for you, Miranda. God Can do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think! DON’T give up faith in HIM.

  19. Carolyn Rogers says:

    That I would endeavor to follow his example and put him before me like he puts me before himself. That I would be the wife that he needs and holds him up. And may the Lord continue to grow him in wisdom and love of the Father to His glory. Beautiful P31 devotional, thank you.

  20. My prayer is for my husband to find peace and restoration after a really tough year and for him to regain confidence and belief in his abilities. Most of all I pray for a real conviction that it is only in God he will find these things and to pursue a deeper relationship with Him.

  21. Thank you for this post. It could not have come at a more perfect time for me…& for my marriage. I am praying that God will break down the walls of doubt surrounding my husband’s heart, so that he will see that God Does care about him and about Every detail of his life. I am also praying that my husband will believe that Jesus died for him and that He is the only way to Heaven.

  22. THIS IS WHAT IM LOOKING FOR, I WANT TO BE A WARRIOR!

  23. Catherine Seybold says:

    I’m praying for my husband and me to make a way as a retired couple using the gifts we’ve been given by God to serve Him. We’ve been so blessed in our 43 years together, and now we have the time to make a difference in the world. We both need wisdom, and to be on the same page, about what that service looks like.

  24. I pray that the power and filling of the Holy Spirit explode out of him and that he learns to go to The Lord for every detail of praise and need instead of worrying and not sleeping!! I pray for him to let Christ shine from his cynical self for all of his non- Christian buddies to see and that he speak Christ’s love instead of hatefulness and disappointment (little patience for stupidity – humanness). And I pray that my attitude be centered on fixing myself rather than him!!

  25. Stephanie says:

    I’m praying that my husband would see me through God’s eyes and with God’s heart as I’m trying to see him. Thanks so much for the encouraging and timely post!

  26. Lisa White says:

    I’m praying for a soft heart for my husband.

  27. Vicki Cook says:

    I am praying for my husband to be a.more godly husband and less of a wordly man.

  28. I’m praying that God gives him wisdom and guidance. That he discovers his passion and love and joy in the Lord. That God becomes his first priority in his life. He allows God to heal wounds and be the center of relationships.

  29. My husband and I just had our first baby. She was prayed for for many years. While she has played a huge part in making my husband more receptive to the Lord, I’m anxious to see all of the walls come down that he’s put up over the years. Losing his father and other peoples’ words and actions have hardened him. He’s a wonderful man, but can be so cynical. I would love to learn the best ways to pray over him and encourage him.

  30. Thank you so much for this devotional. It was exactly what I needed to hear. My biggest prayer would be for my husbands physical health so that he feels up to doing the things he wants to be able to do.

  31. Your post at P31 and the one here on your blog were exactly what I needed to read! Thank you! God has such perfect timing. I had reached a point of not knowing what to do last night when my husband of 18 years falsely accused me again of cheating. I honestly was ready to give up, it’s hard when you are not trusted, I don’t even have friends apart from him because I want him to feel confident I won’t cheat on him, but nothing I do matters. I pray for healing in my husband’s broken heart and that the trust that was broken by past relationships be healed so that it will no longer affect our marriage.

  32. First thank you for your devotional today. I have been praying for my big hearted husband for awhile now but after I read the devotional I knew this was the way to pray for him, He fights depression alot but he has such a heart for people and for me that I just want to help him so much. I think I have the answers to somethings but only God knows what he needs so please pray with me for my Gary, Thank you so much, Donna God bless you.

  33. Hello, thank you so much for this beautiful pathway leading to prayer through your family life. I am praying for my husband to be protected from his simple, nieve and sometimes gullableness in his choices and ability to weigh his limitations physically. To be driven by the Holy Spirit and not the things around him or by fear. He dearly loves our lord. He has a tendency to be a Lone Ranger in prayer and Our father is teaching me ways to interact specific to my husbands needs. We both take medication that have side effects on clarity of thought.

  34. Hello, thank you so much for this beautiful pathway leading to prayer through your family life. I am praying for my husband to be protected from his simple, nieve and sometimes gullableness in his choices and ability to weigh his limitations physically. To be driven by the Holy Spirit and not the things around him or by fear. He dearly loves our lord. He has a tendency to be a Lone Ranger in prayer and Our father is teaching me ways to interact specific to my husbands needs. We both take medication that have side effects on clarity of thought. Thank you

  35. For my husband, I am currently praying for wisdom and direction related to his job and our family’s future.
    I am also interceding on behalf of my brother and sister-in-law who are really struggling in their marriage. I am asking God to bring restoration and healing, as well as salvation.

  36. Prayer is the key ingredient in our lives as we go before our Lord to petition on behalf of our loved ones. I have prayed many years for my hubby but he is resistant to the Lord and feels I am just a bit too fanatical in my faith. I want to be on the same team and fight for him to come into the reality of a life in Christ. Throughout our 19 years, I have committed myself to pray for this marriage to become the reality of spiritual oneness. My hope lies in the mercy of our Lord and I can never give up on this precious person who continues to trust in his own strength. Prayer is my life line to keep me focusing on the Lord and persisting in my prayers. Thanks for the encouraging words.

  37. I am praying for my husband to be delivered from his greatest fears, and for God to grant him the guidance he’s been praying for.

  38. I’m praying for God’s direction for my husband at our new church

  39. I’m praying that my husband will completely give his life over to God and not worry so much about everything!

  40. I am praying for my husband to become the spiritual leader in our home. I believe he is a Christian, but he is not seeking the Lord. He’s a good man and I believe God brought him into my life 17 years ago for a reason. He has seen a difference in me in the last year as I am seeking to put God first, to tame my tongue, and to get a closer walk with our Lord. He is softening, as I am submitting to my husband and praying for him. Dear Lord, please soften his heart and quicken him to desire a relationship with you, and become the spiritual leader in our home.

  41. Dawn Parks says:

    I am praying for my husband to be the man God wants him to be, and for him to trust God to take care of everything.

  42. I just read your P31 devotional and it really hit home. I was literally pen in hand about to write down things that currently disappoint me in our marriage. Two kids under 2, full time jobs, and the craziness of life certainly make for a battlefield. So, after reading your post, I decided that my pen should be used instead to write down all the things I love about him. We are actually scheduled to go out to dinner for a date tonight so I hope to share my list with him there. I know that Satan uses our anxiety, stress and the chaos of life to whittle his way in. I’m praying that God will help me to see the signs early and fight like a warrior to protect and guard our marriage. Thank you for this reminder and redirection of my own thoughts and attitude. I may need to pull it out every morning for awhile!

    1. An update – wow! It was so amazing. I began writing the reasons why I loved my husband rather than the reasons why I was frustrated, angry, disappointed, etc. and I thought it would be very hard to come up with a thoughtful list. But I prayed and began writing. And as I wrote, my heart softened and my fingers flew. Pages of reasons were created. I was astonished and overwhelmed and my heart grew more with each line. I had been so focused on the negatives that I’d forgotten to look for positives. Not only was it good for me, but I was able to share it with my husband on Friday night and he was moved. Unlike him, he sat and read each line at our fancy dinner table and told me how many of the traits were actually mine, etc. etc. We laughed and cried a bit and it opened the door to even more and needed conversations. I pray that my heart continues to seek out reasons to find the good and the lovely rather than dwell in the chaotic and stressful parts. Thank you again for your words, as they were the warrior spirit kick in the butt I needed to change our path. God Bless you! Always Fighting!, Morgan

  43. Debbie Weimer says:

    My husband and I have been fighting and arguing so much for the past 6 months.We have been married 16 years, and have never argued or disagreed on anything. He is now disabled, so I am working and he is home every day, I have a really stressful job, so when I come home I expect him to have all the housework and laundry done, and supper on the table. It seems that if everything is not just the way I think it should be, I pick a fight with him. I love him dearly, and I want him to know that I do. I am praying for changes in my life as well as for him to have patience with me as I deal with all of the changes that have happened. I loved your post “How Every Wife Can Fight Like a Warrior”. When I read it, I broke down and asked God to help me not say hurtful things to him, and belittle him for the things that he proudly did for me while I was working. I want us to fight for each other instead of against each other, and find the love and passion for God and each other that we had before. Thank you for your post!!

  44. Hello! Thank you for your encouraging words. I’m fighting in prayer for my marriage … For my husband to experience the love of Christ through me!

  45. I pray for ideas of new employment for him. He’s been faithful at a job he dislikes for 15 years to provide for us and feels stuck that there’s nothing else out there for him.

  46. I pray for my husband to find Jesus most of all and that would fix most problems. But I pray for his depression, that he doesn’t see my words as an attack. That he would want to be with the kids and I and not spend all his time alone in his man cave. I pray that he would fall in love with me again and want t work with me in this marriage and as a parent. I pray for him to LOVE God and himself and then maybe he can handle all the rest. After almost 16 years we’ve just gotten in the rut and I pray for both of us to see the light in our marriage.

  47. I’m praying that my husband will hear my concerns and work as actively as I am willing to in order to strengthen our marriage. I need consistency, and he needs starting power – help us, Lord.

  48. I am praying that my husband will hear God’s words to Him. He struggles with this. But, I am also praying for myself as I know there are areas in my life that God wants to change in order to make our marriage better. I need a heart change.

  49. I am currently praying for my husband to know that I have good intentions for him and am full of goodwill towards him. I want him to know that I respect him and admire him and pray he is seeing that through my words and actions.

  50. I am praying for strength for my husband at this time. Right now, I am in my first trimester of pregnancy, and because of sickness, he literally has had to keep our house afloat. He has cooked meals, taken care of our child, and pretty much done everything. He does it all with a servants heart and is very positive. I am very blessed, but I know that he is weary. I pray for strength for him during his time. Also, he has really been pushing himself with learning about his faith and taking a leadership role in our family. I pray for his continued growth in his walk with Christ. Thank you for your words today. They were a blessing!

  51. I am praying for my husbands work situation. I also pray that he would get back into Gods word and that we would be able to dig deeper together.

  52. Praying that God will rekindle the fire in his soul that draws him back to the Father, that gives him (back) the fight he had a while back when he was on fire for God and spreading the gospel. Physical issues and memory troubles plague him and lend to a spirit of defeat & fear.

  53. Michelle Kelly says:

    After almost two years of marriage counseling we are still in crisis mode…but we love each other and so, every Wednesday while the kids are in school we make our meeting with a Christian counselor. We love God. I pray this book would teach me how to fight for our marriage instead of building emotional walls to protect myself. I pray my husband would sense my love for him every second of each day. I pray we come together like never before as a team, true partners and that our home would be filled with peace. And joy. That all who enter those rooms would find a place to be nurtured and respected.

    What wonderful devotions and wisdom. Thank you so much for sharing your stories. I want our family to fight for each other. All for one and one for all with Christ at the center of every word and action!

  54. Thank you for this inspiring post. I’m praying that my husband will grow to know LOVE God and desire to seek him with his whole heart.

  55. The P31 devotion was for me today! Because I need a new plan. My husband and I have been married almost 40 years and at times it seems as if we live in a war zone. We are constantly at each other’s throats. Constantly misunderstanding the other. As believers we know this is not how we are to live. I am committing to praying for my husband. I am not so much for journaling but I like the idea of recording my prayers for him. Thank you for the tools you offered. Please pray for us.

  56. Karen Gray says:

    I have recently been praying that my husband wouldn’t lose heart. Our youngest son hasn’t spoken to us or anyone in the family for over 5 yrs! It’s been very hurtful & hard for my husband to accept, he struggles with unanswered prayers & not understanding God’s will for his life!

  57. Jessica M says:

    I’m praying for my husband to want to know God more, to step up and lead.

  58. I’m praying that my husband receives a new call to a church to serve where they faithfully heed God’s Word and praise God faithfully!
    We are in a waiting season and I’m anxious to move on. But, praying that this time is used as strengthening for him. Blessings to you -!!

  59. I’m praying for my husband to open his heart to our children and to find a balance between family, serving, and self.

  60. Julie Tincher says:

    I pray that my husband draws closer to the Lord and we can communicate better.

  61. My husband and I have drifted far apart in the past few years, neither of us being able to find the words to communicate our hurt. During that time, I have stumbled and made choices that have deeply hurt my husband. Just before the new year, we have started to battle back from

    1. Just before the new year, we began to battle back from the painful place we found ourselves. I am praying daily for God’s grace to help my husband heal from the pain I have caused. I pray that Christ be present in every conversation we have so we may communicate and rebuild. I pray for forgiveness, peace and love

  62. Today my husband will be at an annual event that has been a challenge for him in the past. I pray that he will resist temptation today and stand strong as the man I am proud to be married to.

  63. Jane Chapman says:

    I pray everyday for God to heal my husband’s body and allow him to be joyful. He suffers with back pain every second of every day. He never complains but is rarely ever happy. I think this book would help me learn to be a better fighter for my husband. Thank you for the opportunity to win the book. Thank you also for today’s devotional.

  64. Honestly, I’m feeling overwhelmed right now. I’m praying for my husband to continue growing with me in our communication skills. I feel like I would almost be better off saying nothing for fear of another interrogation or confrontation. I fear the direction of our interactions sometimes and pray that we can both learn how to strengthen that ability.

  65. Praying for my husband to have wisdom and Godly discernment in the ministry/job he is considering. Life has thrown us some very hard knocks, praying that the horizon will be as bright as it appears to be now.

  66. Praying especially for wisdom and peace for my husband regarding his job. Love your daughters words about being on the same team – not fighting with but for. Yes!

  67. My Husband is battling depression along with a host of symptoms stemming from being a combat vet. We need a movement of God in our lives.

  68. Lea Hysom says:

    I want God rekindle the lavish love of our marriage.

  69. These days I mostly pray my husband will remember that God loves him and has a plan for his life.

  70. My husband and I have come along way in the years that we have been married, but still have moments where I have to really fight for our marriage. Would love to know how to pray over not only him, but our marriage.

  71. I need to pray and having a hard time doing it. So needed to hear this.

  72. Anonymous says:

    I am praying, have been for about 7 years, that my husband wouldn’t be so angry and controlling and would let go of a grudge he has been holding onto for years. The grudge is hurting me, my children and my husband. Sometimes, I cry and sometimes I admit I don’t want to pray because I don’t know what to say anymore and because my husbamds attitude is worse not better which I admit makes me ask why and struggle so much with this hurtful situation.. I am almost in tears now, because he just yelled at me very loudly, my heart hurts but I’m willing to try and save our marriage. Thank you for the devotional, God knows I need to pray more often and more specifically so HE sent me to read your post. ~Blessings~

  73. Wonderful and timely message! Praying that my husband will find security and affirmation in the Lord and His Word rather than in his job and coworkers’ opinions of him.

  74. Thank you! I needed every word. The conviction and challenge offered in love through this devotion is very powerful! It is so comforting to have this encouragement that lets me recognize that he can allow me to change as a wife. How he can allow me to battle FOR my husband for HIS glory. Mercy upon mercy upon mercy!

  75. I’m trying to learn where to start as a praying wife. I want to see my husband as the man i fell in love with again.

  76. Alane Grosz says:

    Lord, help me be a prayer warrior. Help me prayer without ceasing for my husband. I have disappointed him so many times he is so out of patience with me. I pray for strength to pray for my husband and my marriage.

  77. Hi,
    First I want to say thank you for this post. I already own a copy of this book, so you don’t have to add me to the drawing. However, you also mention that you will join us in prayer, and I sure could use another set. 🙂
    I pray for my husband to be the man that God has called him to be, a better man, husband, and father. I pray for God to create in him a clean heart and renew a right spirit in him so that he will be open and receptive to hearing, listening to, and doing God’s will. I pray for my husband to lean not on his own understanding but in all his ways to acknowledge God and allow God to direct his steps. I pray that he will put his priorities in proper order. I pray that he will remember and honor his vow of forsaking all others and putting me first (second only to God). I pray that he starts to understand and put into practice the “leave and cleave” principle. I pray for him to have wisdom, peace and understanding. I pray that he lets go of the past so we can move forward together in our future. I hope and pray that he “wakes up” and realizes he has sons who need him before it’s too late. I pray for him to be surrounded by good Godly male friends who will encourage him in God’s word and hold him accountable for his actions. I pray for my husband to say YES to God.
    Thank you!
    Have a wonderful weekend!

  78. Just when I’ve discovered some lies, I’m desperately struggling with grace and patience. My dearest friend is considering divorce. We both need to be warriors and I want to share this book with her as I get mine off the bookshelf and blow off the dust. Shame on me. Together we can fight for our marriages with prayer and support.

  79. I’m praying for my husband to rekindle his relationship with God so we can both go forward on our journeys with the Lord and grow our marriage and children in His name.

  80. I’m praying that his freak out level stays low as we prepare for the birth of our first child <3

  81. I am praying that God will draw my husband to himself and that his heart will respond. We have been separated for almost 2 yrs. He thought this was what he wanted. He is not happy, is conflicted, and doesn’t have the joy he was seeking. I still love him and know God loves him even more!

  82. Thank you for these wonderful truths and the encouragement for me to stay the course of battling for my marriage on my knees. I’m grateful for the changes that God has lovingly executed in my own heart, preparing me for the work I trust He is doing in our covenant marriage. Please pray for my husband’s soul and for the restoration of our marriage. I too have been using “Power of a Praying Wife” to pray over and for my husband.

  83. I would like prayer for myself that I can be a fighter for my marriage- and stand up for my husband. We have been married for over 33 years. I need to pray for him, not fight with him. Please pray.

  84. I am praying for my husband and ask your prayers as well. Where he works promotions are not given based on merit but rather on friendships/relationships. Most of those friendships are forged on ungodly activities. We recently found out that a neighbor that despises us and our extended family is connected to those in charge of promotions. My husband has always believed that merit would win out and that excelling at his job would be rewarded. Recently the last batch of promotions to be offered before his retirement were given out (this will also affect his retirement) and he did not receive one. Instead those that he has trained were promoted. This has been a very painful time for my husband. A lot of how he sees himself was tied to that promotion because the promotion would have validated the work he has done for more than 20 years. It would have indicated that he was respected for that work. Knowing that your quality of work does not matter does not ease the hurt. We can’t always see God for the forest of evil. Please pray that his hurt will be eased and that he will feel God’s presence through all of this. God may be carrying him but he isn’t in a place to feel that right now. Thank you for your prayers!

  85. Prayers for my husband:
    Trust that conquers doubt
    Wisdom that gives him direction
    Strength to endure
    Purpose to know God has a plan
    Confidence in Christ alone
    Encouragement from fellow believers
    Peace to drive away fear

  86. Praying for my husband to stop saying hurtful things to me and everyone that touches his pathway. His negativity is consuming his life. I want to be able to look at him like I did when we first met, but his negative actions are getting more spontaneous as we grow older. I pray for peace. Thank you for your words today.

  87. Thank you for your encouraging words and for sharing your heart with us today. My prayer for my husband is that he will grow in spiritual leadership and have a deeper sense of urgency to seize the days and moments while our kids our young to speak truth into their lives and mine. I love him with all my heart. Thank you for praying with me.

  88. Elizabeth Richardson says:

    Thank you for the reminder to pray for our husbands. I have read that book numerous times and I know that God blesses us when we pray for our husbands. I know that my husband hasn’t always changed into what I wanted, but my heart always changes from a whiny heart to a grateful heart when I pray for him.
    Blessings to you and your husband.

  89. After 31 years of marriage I am STILL praying for my husband to learn how to be honest with me. There is no trust in our marriage and every time I start feeling like I can trust him again, he breaks that trust. It feels broken beyond repair, yet I know the Lord can heal anything. That’s what keeps me married, nothing else right now unfortunately.

  90. Thank you for the timely devotion. Too much happening since Christmas that I broke down and we started fighting each other which isn’t normal. That’s when I realized my marriage was under spiritual attack and things needed to change. Not sure what to pray for my husband, pray God does the work He needs to in both of us.

  91. Thank you Alicia for your article!! It hit home for me! My husband and I have been struggling for the last year in our marriage. I feel like I don’t know what to do or how to “fix” it. I loved your comment – stopping fighting him and fight FOR him!!! I would love to read the book to learn how to pray for my husband.

  92. Sandy Mckeever says:

    Encouraging reading.

  93. Michelle Bills says:

    Thank you for this reminder, Alicia, that we are supposed to be fighting for each other not against each other! And I need to be praying and fighting on my knees for my husband. I hope you don’t mind, but i’m sharing your blog and P31 post on my social media. It is such a perfect reminder! Right now I am praying most for my husband’s heart. He’s not sure that he believes God believes him. Life has been too difficult and where it turned me more towards God, it’s turned him away.

  94. Peace…so he can be everything God meant him to be. Thank you for sharing…

  95. Michele Ewing says:

    I read your devotion today. I don’t want to admit it but I am the wife that can and does point out his faults instead of praising him. I tell him almost weekly that I am not happy because of how he treats me and dismisses me so easily. How he never has anything good to say to me or about me anymore. We have only been married for a couple of years both coming from very bad and long divorces, between us we have 5 children all whom I love. I have become their mom and they call me mom, but he is yet to be that close with my two children and I always feel I am on the defensive because of his actions towards them which then leads to fighting and me again telling him just how he disappoints me as the spiritual leader and continually telling him he is wrong or pointing out his wrong behavior or reaction. I am so in love with him and I know God brought us together just because of how we met, and there have been so many blessings and I just know we are to be together but I am now going to have to do battle on my knees instead of words. I was once told that as long as we hold on to those words we are the master of them but once we speak them they are surely the master of us and we can never take them back. Please include me those that you pray for, I need the strength to begin seeing my husband with fresh new eyes and remember what it was that I fell in love with. Thank you for all of your devotions and blogs they are wonderful and I just love Proverbs31 Ministries. I pray God blesses each and everyone of you and that your able to continue to help those of us that read your books, blogs and devotions.

  96. Praying for my husband to be content with me and see how he’s hurting his family. Praying that he won’t value work more than us.

  97. Debbie Herbst says:

    Thank you. Great reminder as I choose to battle the “empty nest” concept, as if we are empty. This devo refreshed me to pray effectively as well as for friend who has asked me to pray for her marriage. I read Stormie’s book long time ago, but need refreshment and new focus.

  98. I’m praying for my husband to take his rightful place as the Godly leader of our home, to be the husband he’s callled to be, and definitely the father he is called to be. I’m praying that he understands that he HAS to be a better example to our kids. We are definitely at a crossroads, but I know that God is faithful. I pray that my husband realizes just who the enemy is and that all pride and temptation be set aside. I also pray that at the end of the day he (and I ) give God all the glory! I need to continue to fight in my knees..

  99. I was a brand new Christian 16 years ago when I met and married my husband; one full of hurts and wounds. I thought a Christian man was without flaws and was so disillusioned when I discovered differently. It has been a no u left filled road, but God has planted flowers along the way. I have spent most of this time wishing I were somewhere else but God never gave me permission to leave. I want to fill joy where I am and not dwell in the land of regret any more. I would love to win Stormie’ s book. I am so grateful to my Father for leading me here to help me start a new journey of praying for my husband.

  100. Laura Brown says:

    I’m praying for my husband to find his passion, and seek after God with his whole heart.

  101. Kristy Yelle says:

    Stumbled across your blog from Proverbs 31 today, and I am SO grateful that I did!! I am praying for my husband’s salvation and for the strength of our marriage and family. It’s a daily struggle, but your post was so timely. I have a church full of prayer warriors lifting him up, as well as my family who has been praying with me for him the last 13 years. A wise woman told me she prayed for 22 years before her husband finally accepted Christ, so there is hope! I’m just trying to live by example, but those closest to us are the ones that are quickest to point out our flaws. Praying that he will come around before it’s eternally too late and be the husband and father that we need him to be. But in the meantime, I am going to pray to see his strengths more than his faults. My verse for the week will be Ephesians 6:12 because this is not the first time I have seen this verse this week, and I feel God is trying to tell me something. Thank you and bless you!!!

  102. Thank you for this timely devotional. The idea that we are on the same team is a reminder I need to hear loudly and constantly, and one which the enemy makes sure is muted among the mundaneness of life.
    My husband is currently a full-time student who lives away, at the university, during the week and comes home on weekends. I pray for discernment, for clarity of mind, for recall, and for productivity during his times of study during the week, so that on weekends he can stop, rest, and be the daddy and husband who will fill our love tanks for the week ahead without him.

  103. I am praying for my husband and his ministry….thank you for your devotion today. It brought encouragement and conviction all at the same time.

  104. Donna Rolfe-Huismans says:

    Hi Alicia
    I am praying for my husband and my relationship to be rekindled. He has a lot of deep hurts and has gone through a number of health issues over the past 10+ yrs which has lead him to drinking more. I don’t always handle this well and have become angry and frustrated…naggy and not as loving. I really want to love my husband more and have been praying, asking God to help me – to just stop reacting and simply, love him more again. I need to surrender all this to God and spend more quiet time with Him again.
    So thank you so much for your website and prayers.
    Donna :-0)

  105. Charlotte says:

    I’m praying for my husband to seek the Lord daily and be the man of God he is called to be.

  106. Sharon Vaupel says:

    I’m praying my husband will find a different job that will bring him joy instead of torment, enough income I could not work and raise a child ( neither of us have family living near), where his rare dedication to his job will be appreciated but mostly, I just want to see him happy again. Thank for your prayers. God Bless You ♡

  107. I don’t pray for my husband like I should, I know the Lord is telling me to do this. Your devotion truly hits home today.

  108. I’m praying that my husband’s priorities can be God’s priorities.
    Thank you so much for this reminder and encouragement!

  109. I am praying for peace and lovingness in my marriage. We are getting ready to have our first baby in 27 days (or less!) and it’s been a hard battle. We lost 2 babies in 2014 so this pregnancy has been a rollercoaster and with pregnancy has come thoughts of not being good enough or attractive enough for my husband and we need reconnection before the baby comes.

  110. I’m praying for peace and direction for my husband in making decisions about his career. He has taught school for 25 years. He is tired and he is consumed with all the aspects of teaching. Our marriage has suffered as it feels like I am not as important to him as his teaching is. I know that is not true but the enemy has used that in my mind. Thank you for your words of encouragement today.

  111. Praying that Joe finds joy. Thank you for joining me in this prayer.

  112. I will be married in July of this year for the 2nd time to an amazing man and we want desperately to keep God centered in our lives so as not to repeat the mistakes of our past.

  113. I LOVE this! We are supposed to be fighting for each other not against each other. A powerful truth to remember in the heat of the battle for our marriages.

  114. I am desperately praying for my husband right now who is caught up in the sin of adultery. I really could use the book.

  115. Joan Biancardi says:

    Thank you for that post. I have been married 28 years by God’s grace and mercy. . My husband has told me over and over. He is not the enemy. Your example has given me the how to …honor God and my husband in praying more for him , thankful to God for giving me him and our 3 sons. You have brought peace joy and thankfulness to me by showing me Gods heart for my husband and I and our grown children Thank you for your openness honesty and willingness to surrender to our God, in obedience to Him. Great example you are. You are God’s Masterpiece everyday!

  116. I’ve been praying that my husband would find lasting joy and peace in his work. He’s restless, but he does such an excellent job at his workplace, and it’s a good position for him. I’m praying that he can stick with it.

  117. I am praying most for my us and to get a job. It would be so encouraging to him right now nd we are both really discouraged.

  118. I’m praying for my husband to grow as the spiritual leader of our family!

  119. I’m praying that my husband will return to the church and join me in battle.

  120. I’m praying for strength and joy over my husband.
    Its amazing seeing God working in his life where not too long ago his walk with the Lord was swayed to the point where he wanted to be an atheist. My soul grieved but I know God is bigger than any problem and any cold heart. I had many opportunities to give up and leave, but God gave me hope and courage to keep fighting. Today his walk with the Lord is growing and he’s acting out of obedience to his calling into ministry.
    Wives don’t stop fighting on your knees. You’re not alone in this journey. God hears your cries and prayers and he’s doing something miraculous that you would not believe, even if you were told. We are rallying around you interceding on your behalf of your prayers. God is faithful <3

  121. Praying for healing from deep wounds that need to be released. Praying for continued delivery from addiction. Praying for a renewed desire for him physically in spite of menopause symptoms of mine. Great is He. Mighty. Powerful. Awesome Lord

  122. Allison G. says:

    Thank you for your encouraging words on the power of prayer. I pray that my husband will be a godly example to our children as he leads our home.

    1. Praying that both my husband and I would make the time to connect with God on a deeper level and that my husband would be less anxious.

  123. Hollie S. says:

    Praying that my husband would seek God with all his heart and be a man of integrity.

  124. Christine says:

    Praying for healing for my husband from past hurts. Praying that he will let go of bitterness and forgive so that he and our family will be blessed. I pray that he will finally surrender all to God and fully pursue his relationship with God. God, give him a hunger and thirst for you and your word.

  125. A year ago I had to face the fact that my husband and I have been on opposite sides of the fence for years. With a broken heart and a stiff upper lip I faced him and asked what has happened to us, he was not ready to tell me all but I was it had to come out. The night before I made a list, “Why I Fell In Love With You, and Why I Still Am!” I faced him and read that list. He assured me he still loved me and did not want a divorce but he wasn’t ready to open up and tell why he’s been distant. I knew the big reason! Life through a wrench at us 9 years ago with my fathers passing and my mother could not handle it and has moved in with us. We never knew just how much she depended on my father and how well it was all hidden. I let him know that I understood, that he did not sign up for this, but if the shoes were on the other foot I would open my arms and home wide! I can only pray that we become that couple we used to be! A short time later I started reading my Bible and anything else I could get my hands on. Somewhere we as a couple got lost and I’m not going to stop fighting for us!

  126. Praying for my husband’s purity and faith in God. Thank you for the gteat lesson. We are on the same team. Instead of allowing satan to tear our marriage down and joining his team, we need to put on our armor and fight together against him. We have so many dreams but often end up at odds with each other. There is so much we could accomplish if we worked together. Need to find our way back after years of bitterness, unhappiness, lack of love and respect, and depression. Remember that we are three strands with God that will not easily be broken if we stick together.

  127. Christina says:

    I’m praying that the forever internal search and emptiness my husband feels would be filled by the Spirit and a close, personal, loving relationship with Christ.

  128. I’m praying for my husband’s health to be restored, for the intimacy (all types) in our marriage to be redeemed and for him to rise up as our leader.

  129. I am holding my husband up in prayer that he become the best version of himself as God created him to be. That his reliance on drinking be lessened as his faith is strengthened.

  130. Thanks for a chance to win this book . I really need to start battling on my knees and the devotion today was awesome..

  131. I’m praying for my husband’s heart to be turned more toward home.

  132. April White says:

    I would like to have this book to pray over a newly heart given to God. I pray for him but sometimes with the struggles it is hard. God Bless

  133. I am praying that my husband would find joy again, and be open to admitting there is a problem and getting help.
    Thank you for your beautiful devotional today, God spoke to me through your words and I am convicted to put my energy into praying for my husband instead of worrying and stressing and getting upset. Praying for all the ladies who have commented and their marriages as well.

  134. I’m praying for my husband to know Gods truth and it will set him free. He’s saved but not free. We are walking through a tough season of testing, praying and waiting. My husband is an amazing man, husband and father but it’s hard to watch his strive in his own devices rather than trust that Gods a good good father and will battle for him. When I pray Gods promises and word over our family everyday sometimes I get weary because I don’t want to do it alone, he’s ohr leader and every decision he makes effects our marriage our family our son. Praying God opens his eyes to that and gives his bold faith to step into the position he’s calling him to. Saved AND free. I want to battle in life with my husband and have strength in that

  135. Thank you for such a timely post this morning. My husband had literally just walked out the door for work, with me spewing words of anger and frustration at him (over something as silly as dirty dishes), when I clicked over to P31 and read your devotion. God definitely intended those words for me today, for a specific purpose. I’m praying for my husband to know how much I love him, and more importantly, to remember how much God loves Him and is directing his every step. The joy my husband once had in his walk with The Lord has been lost, as mine has, in the chaos of life. Bills, work, infertility, the messy joy of kids after infertility… it has all worn us down and threatened our marriage on numerous occasions.

    I would love to have a copy of this book for guidance in becoming a prayer warrior for my husband. I’m also nagging him to be a stronger spiritual leader, when really, I need to be fighting for him, too!

    1. I read your post on the P31 site this morning. I couldn’t help but try to encourage you today. Pray for your husband daily! Use every moment to bring him before God…..while doing dishes, in the shower, running around in your car, even on the toilet (Ha!), etc. Talk out loud as though God was right next to you (He is). However, don’t just pray for all the changes YOU want to see in your husband. Pray for God’s will to be done in your husbands life. Also pray that God would “bridle” YOUR tongue and that God would reveal the things in YOUR life that need to be changed. It is so easy to see the negative in others that we become totally blinded to the negative in our own lives. You may be absolutely correct in saying your husband isn’t doing the “right” things but it comes so much easier when you let God tell him he isn’t doing the “right” things. Understand that when God reveals those things in our own lives that need to be changed and we begin to change those things, it is amazing what begins to happens in the lives of those around us. You will begin to see the long awaited changes take place in the lives of your family members. Changes that GOD wants, not what WE want. Remember, God knows best what we need and He can do much more than we could ever do ourselves. Besides, God is pretty “sneaky” at getting our attention and He doesn’t give up easily. :}} Also, when you begin to see those changes in yourself and your family……..just rejoice inside knowing God is at work. This whole “living life” thing becomes so much easier when we leave it to God. Praying Always, Kim D.

  136. I am praying to find the things that I fell in love with in my husband and for him to look at me like he’s in love with me again. We have been apart for 8 years with his work, I pray that he finds a job that he is challenged with and that offers us financial stability so the girls and I can have him at home again.

  137. Always praying. . .that nothing will happen today that GOD and I (us ) cannot handle, TOGETHER. We care for our elderly parents and two years ago our son had an accident and is a quadriplegic. There is courage and bravery for each day through faith and prayer. God is love. LOVE!

  138. Praying for a fuller realization of his purpose as a man created by the God Most High and continue growing in his role as head of our family.

  139. Well…I can’t really pick just one thing. My husband & I have been married 14 yrs but this past summer (after buying a new house) he decided to leave me & our three kids. We’ve both hurt each other in the past & he decided that he was “tired of trying” & that if we were supposed to be together things would be easier. He grew up in the church & went to church every week until he left. My prayers for him are that he would have a Damascus road experience, his heart would be softened & he would return home to us as a man on fire for Jesus! We are praying & claiming VICTORY for our family!

  140. I am praying for my husband who is a pastor to have wisdom and discernment to lead the church.

  141. I have been up since early this morning praying (desperately ) for my husband. You see last night I walked in on him doing something that could very well kill him. I have suspected something for months, but when I share my concerns with him he denies it everytime. Last night it came to light and there was no denying it. I felt really hurt….but the worst part is that he was not even embarrassed when I caught him. He acted like it was no big deal. But it is a big deal and I love him so much, and I don’t want to lose him to addictions. The first thing I wanted to do was call a friend last night and tell her what happened. But I kept thinking that I don’t want to cause anyone to see him as something he’s not. This addiction is not who he is as a person. It’s his struggle. So I have been talking to God about it. Then I decided to check my email this morning after devotions and there was this article. It confirms things that I have been feeling for months. Just the other day I was thinking that there was lost hope, because he hasn’t concerns seriously. I won’t leave him…it’s not an option for me. I love him so very much. This article has sparked some hope again and was very timely. Thank you

  142. My sincere desire for my husband of one year is that he find joy in the little things again. He is an extremely negative person which impacts so many all around him. He is in control of his business but he has no desire to even work anymore. His workers need to see the Lord through him as the 3 of them have no relationship with Christ. All they know is what they see through him…which is not good right now. Praying God will shine in and through him so that he will influence others. Our lives have been upside down since the day we married. His son got on meth and was in and out of jail and he burned our trailer to the ground. We lost everything. Then his mother fell and broke her wrist and hip and we had to move in with his parents. We lost them within another of each other and then 6 months later he lost a brother. Last week we found out his sister has terminal cancer. Two days after we buried his mom we lost our home in a tornado. We are still renting as we are going through contractor issues. He is not doing quality work and trying to charge for every little thing. The day we were forced to move, I found out my mother had stage 4 cancer. I’ve been taking care of her. These are only the major highlights of what we’ve been through in a year. Bits been rough bit I believe without a doubt that God has got this!

  143. I am praying my husband would desire to spend time in the word and would pray daily.

  144. I pray that my husband’s mind be filled with thoughts from God and truth and not the thoughts of Satan so he doesn’t believe lies. And that he have a desire to pray together for our family.

  145. Praying for understanding.

  146. Your message today was an answer to prayer as I was calling out for direction to escape my unhappy marriage. You helped me to see that God and his Word are the counselor that I need! Thanks for the inspiration!

  147. He’s been hurt deeply in ministry by those he trusted. I want to pray for deep emotional healing and a renewed spirit

  148. I’m not married, but I’m standing with a dear friend as she fights for her marriage. I believe that this book would give her a starting point on how to pray for her husband and her marriage.

  149. I’m praying that my husband would desire God above everything else and would desire to spend time with him daily.

  150. not enough time or space to get into specifics but praying for my husband that God, our marriage is close to the breaking point, but nothing that God cannot fix.

  151. I want to learn to pray for my husband. We’ve been married 39 years, our children are grown and I, sadly, can name his shortcomings and my disappointment faster than anything good about him.

  152. Thank you Alicia first of all for your devotion today! I love to read your writings! Although I am not married to my “significant other”, wr have been in a relationship for over 5 years. He has wounds from a very ugly first marriage of 28 years that has left him bitter and still with leftover anger. Certainly not towards me but you can just tell he has a wonder soul. I decided awhile back, especially after seeing the movie War Room that I would intentionally pray for him as well as my immediate family members! I know Gid answers prayers and I also know they happen On His timetable, not mine. I lost my 2nd husband (of only 4 and 1/2 years due to a massive heart attack) soon to be 7 years ago and I now regret that I didn’t REALLY pray for him and pray for our marriage! It was a good marriage (he was my soul mate and I was is) and a second for us both and unfortunately his ex-wife and daughter only wanted him for what they could get from him. So, due to some serious poor financial decisions on his part for his daughter, he had insurmountable stress and a broken heart that just contributed I believe to his heart attack! So the reason I tell you all this, is that I feel like I can pray for and over my significant other so that God can bring healing to him before it might be too late and I do hope we marry at some point but I care more about his healed heart first! This book one allow me to pray specifically for him! Thank you for letting me share a little bit of my story! You are certainly helping those of us who read your devotions! I have been a long time supporter of Proverbs 31 ministries and First5! You ladies are amazing and Gid certainly picked the best for getting His amazing grace and love to all of us the readers! Thank tou for your time! God bless! Your kiddos are so cute by the way !!! Thanks! Pat Cobb

  153. TrinaLynn Blair says:

    For him to come back to church

  154. Praying for wisdom, as he seeks God strength daily in difficult business climate. Thank you for the prayers and opportunity to win!

  155. I would love to use this to strengthen our marriage as we begin a new journey with our family.

  156. I read this book years ago, and this was a great reminder to take it off the shelf and use it once again! I would love to gift this book to several people, and it will make a great reference point for the couples Bible study we are doing. Thank you for the great reminder

  157. I read this book years ago, and this was a great reminder to take it off the shelf and use it once again! I would love to gift this book to several people, and it will make a great reference point for the couples Bible study we are doing.

  158. Praying for my husband, whose gifts are myriad, to feel contentment and joy.

  159. I pray that my husband’s mind be filled with thoughts from God and protected from thoughts from satan…so he doesn’t believe lies. And that he have a desire to pray together for our family.

  160. Thank you for the devotion. Without God’s healing touch, my marriage of 23 years will end. I pray that I can become a warrior for my husband instead of at him!

  161. Just last night, we found out of false accusations being brought against him at work. Praying for God’s peace throughout and that the truth will be made known and his name cleared. Also, that doors may be opened for a better job and workplace.

  162. I’m praying for a promotion for my husband to lessen the pressure he feels in providing for our family.

  163. I am praying that my husband Russell, will open his eyes and heart and believe in Jesus Christ.

  164. I’m praying for my husband to continue to step up and be the spiritual leader of our home. To continue to lean on God and be wise in decision making.

  165. I am praying that my husband find peace and restore his joy for our marriage.

  166. I pray that I remember everyday why I first fell in love with my husband and that I grow to love him more and more each day. I thank God for this wonderful, patient man he brought into my life at just the right time.

  167. What an encouraging devotional today! I am reminded that I am to fight my battles in prayer and to go forth in life in a spirit of love, joy, and peace. My prayer for my husband is that he will be strengthened with might in the inner man to face the challenges of his day and to love the Lord with all of his heart, mind, soul, and strength.

  168. wow! God is good all the time…been married almost 47 years…the good, the bad and the ugly. Your words have hit me to the core. “Help me, Lord..help me, Lord” has been uttered so many times over the last several years and even just this morning as I lay in bed with tears in my eyes. God is good to give me these words of encouragement through you. Bless you. I have a new perspective on how to deal with and for my husband. I look forward to finding new joy in my marriage.

  169. I’m praying for my husbands integrity. After over 31 years of struggles with addictions, truth isn’t a reality for him. I claim truth to set him free.

  170. My prayer is that my husband will understand that I love him and want to get us some needed help and counsel at this stage in our marriage. A period of separation request letter will be presented to him this weekend. I am praying that he chooses to pursue the counsel and help that is being offered. I so love him and desire after 40 years together to find the help and healing to end well TOGETHER!

  171. Dear Alicia, I came here after reading after reading your article at Proverbs 31 devotional. Thank you very much for the reminder that I am called to fight for my husband and for my marriage. Thank you for calling my attention to the truth that it starts with me. I need to focus more on the blessing and gift God made my husband to be to me and less on his shortcomings and my list of what I desire from him.
    I am praying that the Lord will help us to communicate better as a team not as two people against each other. I am praying that we will both be submitted to each other as unto the Lord. I know now more than ever before that we need to fight for each other and not against each other.
    Thank you for such an inspiring piece. I must also comment that your writing style is riveting and creates graphic pictures in the mind. May the Lord continue to bless your ministry.

  172. Michelle Dragalin says:

    I am praying for my marriage. I know I need to change and I am not ready to give up on my marriage.

    1. Dear Michelle, Thoughts of giving up are from the devil. Fighting that battle is one of the hardest. Remembering that my own sin and failures have been forgiven is a step we all CAN take towards forgiving our husband his and others. To grow old gracefully together is a battle. But with Christ all things are possible and has great rewards… being faithful is His victory. My marriage is far from perfect and l’m alone in faith, but in our 48 years Jesus has provided all I need, kept me in his love and I haven’t become just another statistic. Instead I am a child and servant of The King of kings.. God is in control.
      May our heavenly Father keep you safe and in forever love with your husband. Mary

  173. I am praying for my future husband’s (14 more days!!) career as he is having a hard time making money in his job and struggling with the thought/reality of providing for both of us in the future

  174. Tracy Mulcahy says:

    I am praying for my husband who is lost. Lord, let him feel you this very moment even though he doesnt really know you. Pull at his heart, open his blind eyes, move him how only You can. Show him his true purpose, his true place, who you made him to really be. Guide him home Lord…to you (through us) and to us (through you). You ARE enough Lord, we love and trust You God but we still want and need him to be the true leader of this family, to stand at the head of this family for you, not just sit at the head of the table for himself. He belongs to You (even though he doesnt know it) and to us and we will never stop fighting, never let go or give up even when though we feel like it at times. Thank you God for the work you are doing right now in him while he is out there somewhere and thank you for the work you do in us while we are here as always waiting, trusting, praying. In Jesus sweet name, Amen

    1. Amen! Tracy, I stand in agreement with every prayer you prayed for your husband. Father, thank You for Your promise that when You begin a work, You will be faithful to complete it. Thank You that you will complete this work in Tracy’s husband’s heart and bring him to a saving knowledge of You and Your Son Jesus and transform his heart, their marriage and their home! In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

      Blessings,

      Wendy

  175. Thank you Alicia. My marriage right now is in total chaos, not talking to each other any more. We are so distant that no one cares about the other anymore. Just yesterday I decided enough was enough, I needed to go back on my knees, I didnt know how, but I just needed to do it. I told God, I don’t even know how to pray let alone fast, yet I needed to do that just so my marriage could thrive. Then came the P31 devotion. Telling me I just had to pray about everything in any way I knew how. To me that was an answered prayer already. Then over here I’ve learned alot. I am now well equipped to start the fight. I have Lysa’s book and now I pray I get Stormie’s. I believe by the time I am through with them, my marriage will be different. My journey starts today. Pray for me. May the good Lord bless you abundantly and family. Thanks for sharing.

    1. Be encouraged my sister. God is faithful to hear you. Yes this book sheds light and His Word is life. Alicia and Stormie feed our hearts as witnesses to these seasons in a wife’s life and Praise God I too have sang this song (and hummed the words in times of extended silence.)But God…..Hold on soldier and fight in the spirit. Pray about everything and journal your prayers and watch God. Finally, if you need a visual…checkout the movie War Room. Praying for you my warrior sister!

      1. Thanks Mari, I’ll surely look out for the war room.

    2. Juanita, God is your Captain in battle and He is guiding you! He will equip you as you keep pressing forward in this battle for your marriage. God’s heart is smiling that you’re on the right path towards victory.
      Praying for you by name… I’m just a little further up the road you are currently traveling!

  176. Jacqueline scifres says:

    I am praying for my husbands heart to soften.

    1. I’m praying for my husband to live his life as the true man of God who he was created to be.

    2. Heavenly Father, I stand in agreement with Jacqueline and ask You to tender her husband’s heart to YOUR amazing love and to her love for him. I ask that You would speak into Jacqueline’s heart the words her husband needs to hear or the actions he needs to be shown to feel love … for her to recognize his love language. And even when it’s hard, through Your Holy Spirit equip her to love him. And as she loves him, even in the hard places, help him to recognize and feel that love in a fresh way down to the marrow of his bones. May that love bring healing to what is hurting and filling to what is empty. We ask this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

      Blessings,

      Wendy

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