Dudes! (i say dudes, b/c this particular blog of mine is specifically for my married male friends, so I want this to be a forum for us to discuss, grow, and develop as husbands). But anyways, dudes! Since the Men's conference last week, I've been thinking a lot about what it will take to fight for the things in my life that matter- particularly how to fight for my marriage and family. And the key area that I've been focusing on is how to fight- namely via prayer and taking obedient action. I've got to tell you, I'm starting to see some results!
It's been cool b/c as you all know, I'm a big book fan (I read a lot, whatever...). One of the books that I recently read was in the Pray Big series, Pray Big for your Marriage and Pray Big for your Children (if you haven't read either, I suggest you pick them up- really good books that teach you how to pray scriptural based prayers for specific issues w/marriage and families. Well anyways, after the conference I sat down w/ my boy C. Weaver and we talked about the specific areas where we wanted to make sure to actively engage in this warfare going on in our lives and marriages. After identifying the areas where I needed to start praying and taking action, I did just that.
For the past few days, specifically one area I identified to take action on (and have been doing so) is interceeding on behalf of my wife. I'm sure we probably all pray for our spouses to some degree, but how often do we make concerted efforts to really pray for our wives vision, pray that they hear from God, pray that they're a blessing to those around them, pray that they're maintaining positive self images, pray that God gives them the desires of their heart...there's so much more! And beyond that, how often do we stop and ask our wives- what would you like for me to pray for you today? I dare you to try that!
The point is- I agree wholeheartedly with Bishop Boone. As the heads of our homes, we'd better be leading the prayer charge in our household, setting the direction of where we're going as husbands and interceeding for anyone in our homes. You should be your wife's greatest cheerleader- but you can't support her if you don't know what her dreams, goals, challenges, and struggles are. Ok, here's a task that we can later discuss (perhaps at our next dudes bible study- Hosea want to organize that one?). Find out what your wife needs and wants prayer for over the next few days and come up with a plan for what, how, and when to pray. Then, watch as God begins to settle all the issues that you've been trying in futility to handle on your own. Bet!
SDW3
This is actually a great question. Intercession is something that has not come naturally for me. Truth be told, I have not thought about asking my wife what she wants me to pray for her. There are so many things she would say that I believe would come out, I would just have to say, "Through and by the blood of Jesus". Honestly, prayer has been an area that I have been struggling with personally. My faith to pray has just not been there as strong as I want it to be, due mostly of my lack of time in the Word. I will definitely have to say, make sure to speak the Word over your wife. Whether you know it or not, your wife is like the earth in the beginning, one Word can bring life to her. Just imagine what our prayers can do.......
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