Praying for My HusbandExemplo

Celebrate Your Differences

Over the years, Heath and I have wasted a lot of time and a lot of words arguing about whose thoughts and ideas are better. We’ve had arguments including things as, “There’s no gas in the car,” “The dishes don’t go in the dishwasher that way,” and “Why didn’t you call and let me know they were coming over?” Our list of marital issues can sometimes seem endless, but even though we’ve been slow learners, we’ve found a better way. We begin with the principle that neither of us has thoughts, ideas, and plans that are best. The famed missionary George Mueller prayed this way: “Father, I have my thoughts about this issue, but I want your thoughts. I don’t want to have my own will about the matter—I want your will.” In our marriage, we strive to have God’s thoughts about any issue, not just our own. As Heath and I prayerfully approach the Lord in this way, He brings us together and causes His ways to prevail. As we’ve learned to approach the disagreements of our marriage in this way, we’ve not only enjoyed more harmony but we’ve also come to appreciate one another’s perspectives.  I would not have come to fully appreciate his strengths had we not spent time together seeking God’s thoughts, ideas, and plans.

PRAY: LISTEN TO JESUS 

Humble yourself, and I will lift you up. I love it when you acknowledge your dependence on me. I can’t wait to come to your aid. I am ready to teach you my ways and lead you in how to celebrate the differences between you and your spouse. Your humility is what moves me to action. I keep my distance from the proud. So talk freely about how you need me and how you are depending on me.

* Jesus, please show me your ways and your thoughts. Especially when I’m tempted to think that my ways are best, reveal your perspective. I need to specifically hear you concerning ________. 

* Lord, I pray for my husband and our marriage. We are depending on you to help us navigate our differences. We especially need your help concerning ________.

LIVE: DO THE BIBLE (Ephesians 2:10)

* God, I want to see my husband as your masterpiece. Show me the traits about him that make you particularly proud of your creation. Show me, Lord. I am celebrating these unique characteristics about my husband: ________. 

* God, in the same way, I pray for my husband. Help him to see me as a different but still a unique creation of God. Bring unity in our relationship, particularly in how we ________.

TAKE ACTION 

• Write down the improvements or changes that you could make that would help your marriage communication, especially in regard to the ways you are different from your husband. 

• Look for an opportunity to defer to your husband. Say something like, “We’re really different in this area and yet I want to give to you by ________.”