7 Days of Prayer to Prepare for MarriageSample

One of my favorite verses in the whole Bible is today’s verse for the character trait of understanding: 1 Peter 3:7. While this verse is addressed to husbands, the principle applies to both husbands and wives. Peter said we are to “be considerate” of our spouse. The English Standard Version translates this phrase as to live with each other “in an understanding way.” The original Greek language takes it even further—­we’re to live with our spouse “according to knowledge.” This means we need to do some work to understand more about our spouse.

Practically, what does it mean to live with your future spouse in an understanding way? Here are a few suggestions:

You take time to learn more about your spouse. You ask them questions, and you listen to what they say. This starts when you date and get engaged and continues for all the days you have together as husband and wife. Don’t make assumptions. Seek clarity and ask questions.

You’re in tune with your spouse’s ongoing needs. You realize that these needs may change depending on how their day goes.

You pay attention to your spouse. You honor them above yourself, as Romans 12:10 says: “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”

You pursue your spouse all the days you have together. You go on dates, spend time together, and are attentive to their needs. My wife does this so well. She knows me intimately and can adjust how she cares for me based on my mood. When I have a bad day, she’ll mourn with me. When it’s a good day, she celebrates with me (v. 15).

Peter said if we don’t pay attention to our spouse’s needs, if we don’t live with them according to knowledge, then our prayers may be hindered. There’s a direct link between how you treat your spouse and how close you are with the Lord. God cares deeply about how you treat your spouse, and hopefully you do as well.

How are you and your significant other doing at seeking to understand each other? What can you do to understand each other more deeply, starting today?

God, we pray You’ll help us take our eyes off ourselves and look at each other’s needs. We pray that when we are married, we will live with each other according to knowledge in an understanding way, communicating that we care about each other. We confess we often care only about ourselves, so help us to care deeply about each other, knowing that how we love each other affects our relationship with You as well.

If you liked this YouVersion, check out the book The Ready or Knot Prayer Guide by Scott Kedersha to keep praying for your marriage and dive deeper into creating a sustainable habit of prayer with your significant other. This YouVersion plan was created using an excerpt from The Ready or Knot Prayer Guide.