Prayer is Powerful

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
~Philippians 4:6-7

Dear Molly,

One of the most sacred and precious possessions given to man on this side of heaven is the gift of prayer. Our faith-filled words touch the heart of God and ignite His power! I encourage you to put prayer into practice very early in your marriage so you may begin to reap the benefits with joy. As you present your requests to God concerning Ryan, the Creator of his heart willingly moves and molds his character.

Prayer will also enable you to maintain the much desired gentle and quiet spirit of a wife. Instead of pointing out all of Ryan’s “flaws” with a judgmental spirit, quietly take these issues to the One who can groom and grow your husband into a mighty man of God. This approach will keep you from nagging him, which only causes your husband to turn away, not towards you (believe me, I am still learning – nagging doesn’t get you anywhere). But always believe and know, God’s hand is much more able to change a man’s heart and mind than a wife’s contentious words. Again, take these requests to the One who is able to perform powerfully!

I thought I would share with you ways I have brought Mac before the Lord over the years. I have prayed for him in other specific ways, but these are the broader areas of prayer listed which may be helpful as you pray for Ryan:

I pray for my husband …

1. to have a deep love for God, His Word, and for others
2. to be able to understand me – my thoughts, my personality, my fears, my dreams
3. to be the spiritual leader of this family as a husband and a father
4. to surround himself with godly friends who will encourage him and keep him accountable to God’s Word and ways.

Over time, I have seen the Lord’s hand at work in the heart of my husband, and I have been able to rejoice in His beautiful answers! God is for me; He is for my husband; and He is for our marriage. The same is true for you, Molly. Take advantage of the awesome privilege of prayer, and watch God work powerfully in Ryan’s life, and in your marriage.

Love, Chris

… the prayer of the upright is His delight.
~Proverbs 15:8

The (husband’s) heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes.
~Proverbs 21:1