Devotional: Praying Together
Presented by: Dana Henderson
Presented by: Dana Henderson
- April x, 2009
"Praying Together"
- Book about praying together brings husband and wife closer
Marketta Gregory • February 23, 2009 (D&C)
- Buzz up! When some people pray out loud, they make it seem effortless. Their words are fluid, and the sentences actually
make sense.
What I'm terrible at, is sharing a personal prayer in front of someone else. You know, the kind where you are crying out to
God asking for forgiveness or for guidance. I just like to keep those things between the two of us.
But Robin Taney of Rochester recently shared a book with me about praying with a partner, and I'll admit, I'm intrigued.
Taney and her husband, Dave, actually appear in the book, which is called, “Couples Who Pray: The Most Intimate Act
Between a Man and a Woman”. Her dad is one of the authors, along with her stepmother.
They cite research from Baylor University and Gallup that says when married couples pray together, they see an increase
in happiness, intimacy and confidence in the stability of their marriages. A few pages later, the authors issue a challenge
to pray with a partner for five minutes every day for 40 days.
The Taneys, who had a good marriage to start with, gave it a try and are still praying together two years later. "Our
arguments have dropped dramatically," says Robin Taney. "Our love for each other has reached a whole new level."
Why? Because when they pray, they have to give up the floor to each another and listen as their partner opens up to God.
Because when they pray, they put aside selfishness. And because when they pray, they are reminded that God loves each
of them.
"When you open yourself up that way, you really see a difference," she says, adding that the challenge applies to all kinds
of couples — mothers and daughters, friends and co-workers.
- Prayer – FAQ and Facts
Prayer is an awesome privilege. Hebrews 4:16, "So let us come boldly to the very throne of God and stay
there to receive His mercy and to find grace to help us in our times of need."
In whose name are we to pray? John 14:13-14, "You can ask for anything, using My name, and I will
do it, for this will bring praise to the Father because of what I, the Son, will do for you. Yes, ask anything, using My name, and I will
do it."
Don't forget to thank God for His answers to prayer. Philippians 4:6, "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about
everything; tell God your needs and don't forget to thank Him for His answers."
How often should we pray? Ephesians 6:18, "Pray all the time. Ask God for anything in line with the
Holy Spirit's wishes.” I Thessalonians 5:
17, "Pray continually." All the time and be specific.
Sometimes God says no to our prayer requests. II Corinthians 12:8-9, "Three different times I begged God to
make me well again. Each time He said, 'No. But I am with you; that is all you need. My power shows up best in weak people.'"
Sometimes God answers our prayer by saying, wait awhile. Psalm 37:7, "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for
Him."
Upon what condition does Christ say we shall receive the answers to our prayers? Mark 11:24,
"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."
Having trouble with what to say and ask for in Prayer? Matthew 6:8, "Your Father knows exactly what you need, even
before you ask Him!"