Praying Together

The heart of it

Jesus assumes prayer will be plain, private, and honest. Not many words. Not performance. Just a child talking to a Father who already knows. That is freeing for couples who feel awkward praying out loud, and most do at first.

Peter says something remarkable to husbands: dwell with your wife with understanding, giving her honor, that your prayers be not hindered. How you treat her affects your prayer life. God does not separate your spiritual life from your marriage. They are the same life.

Then Jesus adds that where two agree and ask, the Father hears. Two is the smallest church there is. The two of you praying in your kitchen is not a lesser form of worship than a Sunday service. It is the church of God at work in your home.

What to notice

• The prayer Jesus gave includes daily needs, forgiveness, and protection. All three belong in a marriage.
• Forgive us as we forgive is the only line Jesus circles back to explain. Prayer and forgiveness are linked.
• 1 Peter 3:7 makes a husband's honor toward his wife a condition of unhindered prayer.
• 'Where two are gathered' means your living room qualifies.

Talk together

1. 1When have we prayed together and seen God answer? Tell the story again.
2. 2What makes praying out loud together awkward for you? Say it honestly.
3. 3What are the three biggest things we should be praying about as a couple right now?
4. 4Husband: is there anything in how you treat your wife that you sense is hindering your prayers?
5. 5What time of day could realistically become our prayer time, every day, for the rest of this study?

Pray together

Pray the Lord's Prayer together out loud, slowly, and then each add one sentence of your own.