My wife, Robbi, and I sometimes are the gruesome twosome. We have come at things so differently over our 20 years of marriage that it would be in shambles if it weren't for two habits.
1) Our individual time with the Lord -- when we each get things quiet on the outside in order to be able to hear from Him on the inside (Luke 5:16). In this time of quietness, we read the Word for inspiration and direction and depend on the Holy Spirit to supernaturally reveal Himself to us.
In today's constant culture of noise, where we tend to exchange things of Him for busyness, every Christian needs this time of solitude (1 John 5:21). God rewards those who take time to draw closer to Him (Hebrews 11:6 and 1 Peter 4:8).
2) Our daily prayer together (Matthew 18:19-20). It often is short and sweet without any feeling of spirituality. On the other hand, it sometimes is lengthy and passionate when we cry out with tears to Him (Hebrews 5:7).
Upon the occasions when it is brief and to the point, as it has been much of this year in the newest challenge to our marital bliss (related to our being in the same work place together for the first time), our prayer goes something like: Lord God, have mercy on our marriage today and bless us. We're desperate for you.
These two habits are the two cornerstones of our successful marriage which I'd rate over the years at a seven or eight on a scale of 1-10. Not bad for two divorcees who brought together older kids from former marriages to live under one roof. Such marriages usually end up doomed. It just proves how God is faithful and merciful to everyone who will relinquish all to Him.
Read my 5/28/09 newsletter, By the Testicles or by God's Way, for a further perspective on quiet time and prayer together.
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