Dear Heavenly Father,
I bring my marriage before You and humbly
place it at the foot of Your throne. I know, Lord, that
You are able to do immeasurably more than I could
ever do on my own.
Please prepare my heart, teaching me to walk in
compassion and grace and to be patient and kind when
the going gets tough. Teach me to walk in humility,
giving up my right to be right.
Help me to look for the best and to hope for the
best in my husband, that I might appreciate him for
who he truly is.
Grant me the strength to step back while I allow
him to lead. And may this covenant we share be a
testimony to others that brings nothing less than glory
and honor to You.
Lord, I know that there will be days when we
fight; days when we are angry, frustrated, and hurt.
I ask that You teach us to handle our conflict wisely.
Please show us how to communicate with loving
respect and to read each other’s heart. Teach me to be
gentle and patient with him.
Equip me to be the wife my husband needs me
to be. A woman who is ready to stand beside him
in battle and pick him up if he should fall.
May You guide my steps and lead me according to Your will,
that I might live according to Your purpose.
Father, I ask that You guide us as we seek to
express our affection in ways that are pleasing to You.
That we won’t take each other for granted or lose sight
of our joy.
Gently remind us to seize the day and capture
the joy of each moment, giving thanks for the big and
the small.
Teach me how to be a good friend, and help each
of us build a strong friendship.
And finally, may I learn to be content with this
life that I’m given as I walk in virtue according to
wisdom.
In Jesus’ precious name I pray and will continue
to pray for my marriage.
Amen.
~Darlene Schacht, Messy Beautiful Love
I’m reading Darlene’s new book right now, and I can hardly put it down! A few months ago, I realized I was longing for some encouragement as a wife.
My husband and I have been married for over 16 years, and I really do love my husband more today than I did on our wedding day (and as a newlywed, I didn’t think that was possible!). We’ve been through so much together, and although so much of it has been hard, it has also brought us closer together, and for that I’m grateful.
But it’s so easy to let our focus get shifted from our husband to other things. There’s so much to keep us busy and preoccupied.
Just as I was looking for some new books to encourage me as a wife and keep the fire burning in our marriage, I came across Messy Beautiful Love.
I’ll be sharing more about this book soon, but for now I’m just enjoying Darlene’s story and the amazing hope she offers for marriages built on Christ.
If possible, spend some time loving on your husband this weekend!
♥I received a complimentary PDF copy of this book for review purposes.
Wow, this was a really encouraging prayer and focus in the right direction. At this time of life I cannot sit to read a book (too much going on) so I only put time aside for bible reading and then the day rushes off. I do listen to audio books as it is a lot easier for me but would like to look into this book sometime. Thanks for sharing the information.
Thanks for visiting, Naomi! Audio books are wonderful, I agree!
Love this Joy! Thank you! We're coming up on 5 years here at the end of the year and it's been great! We've gone through so much and are so much more in love then when we got married! I'll have to look up that book! I love reading book that encourage me in being a better wife (and mom)! <3
So far I really love Darlene's book. It's been so full of Biblical encouragement!
Of all the things in my life, my marriage has been the easiest and the steadiest. We have been married 22 years this past summer. We are in still "in love." I depend on my husband sooo much. We have been through some difficulties though. I have always struggled to be a good mom. Any good books on being a good mom?
In my arrogance at being a great wife, I am teaching my soon to be married daughter how to be a great wife. One thing that has really boosted my husband is encouraging him and showing him appreciation. My daughter is encouraging her fiancee in his job in the military even though he is far away.
That's such a beautiful testimony, Christy! That's great that you're able to encourage your daughter in that area. I agree, I find marriage to be easier than mothering.
My favorite mothering books are Sally Clarkson's (all of them). She always encourages me to have love and invest in friendship with my children. Have you read any of her books?
I have read her books and have really enjoyed them. Friendship and just real relationships in general with our children are soooo important. My daughter and I are soo close. Recently, I have stepped down from youth ministry to be more available to my extended family, but I can say that after my experience in youth group that what really makes a difference in teens lives in real relationship. It takes serious time and effort. Kids really need adults to pour into them and talking….constant talking WITH them. My husband isn't as "needy" and my teens can be, so that makes marriage easier, but the fruit of relationship is one of the sweetest I have ever tasted with my daughter. (okay I will get off my soap box now)
I totally agree with you about the importance of relationships! And yes, it does take serious time and effort. As they're getting older, I'm learning the value of just spending time together, especially talking! It takes a lot of time, but I know it's so worth it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!