Praying for My HusbandExemplo

An Attitude of Gratitude

Wonder and awe must have been at least part of what Mary felt when she made her joyful declaration to God, “My soul magnifies the Lord” (Luke 1:46 ESV). Mary’s exaltation and gratitude were not about possessions or position, but about relationship. As the most blessed of all women, Mary’s blessing came through a divinely provided relationship. Her exaltation and worship were responses to gifts from the Father. In a similar way, we who are married have been divinely blessed with the spouse God has uniquely provided. The apostle James reminds us that every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father above (James 1:17). The same God who blessed Mary with His announcement of Christ has given me as one of his most special gifts. More and more frequently, I’ve recognized a sense of deep gratitude for my life partner. He’s a partner who has seen my rough side and still accepts me; a partner whose strengths lovingly balance my weaknesses; and a partner who thinks of me, gives to me, cares about me. He’s the gift my God has given me. Because of this, my soul magnifies the Lord.

PRAY: LISTEN TO JESUS 

In case you’re unsure of how to connect with me, I’ve given you a hint. Thank me. I’ve given you everything you enjoy— every breath you breathe and every relationship you call dear. It’s my absolute joy to give, yet it hurts my heart when the ones I love forget to say thank you. I feel loved and honored when I hear your words of gratitude. My followers who have learned to acclaim me walk in my presence and find great blessing. Your gratitude keeps us close.

* Jesus, I don’t ever want you to feel disappointed because I forget to say thank you. When I imagine how much you have given to me and our family, and how you might experience hurt because of my lack of gratitude, I feel ________. 

* Lord, I don’t want to forget to say thank you for my husband. He is a gift from you. Remind me of all the ways he is a special blessing from you to me. Keep me from being critical. I’m grateful you found and provided him for me because ________.

LIVE: DO THE BIBLE (Psalm 69:30)

* God, I want to bring you honor with my gratitude. Remind me of some of the special ways you have loved me recently. Today, I am particularly grateful for these ten things: ________. 

* God, in the same way, I pray for my husband. Move his heart with gratefulness for how you have loved him well. I want him to enjoy the blessing of walking in your presence. I want him to receive the joy of special connection with you because ________.

TAKE ACTION 

• Tell your husband some of the ways that he is a blessing to you. Share the top ten reasons he is God’s gift. 

• Brag on your husband and how you’ve been blessed by him. Share a post on social media or find some other public way to demonstrate your gratitude. Brag in front of your kids, family members, or friends: “I’ve recently been reminded of some of the great qualities in my husband. I’m grateful God gave him to me because ________.”