The Love Dare: Day 37

DAY #37:  Love Agrees In Prayer

"If two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father."  Matthew 18:19

 

TODAY'S DARE:
Ask your spouse if you can begin praying together.  Talk about the best time to do this, whether it's in the morning, your lunch hour, or before bedtime.  Use this time to commit your concerns, disagreements, and needs before the Lord.  Don't forget to thank Him for His provision and blessing.  Even if your spouse refuses to do this, resolve to spend this daily time in prayer yourself.

MY REFLECTION:

My husband and I pray every night with our kids but we didn't always.  We went away for a weekend in the fall of last year.  It was the first time since our honeymoon, seven years ago, that we have gone away to be alone together.  We went to a Christian retreat cabin where we had limited amenities, no running water and no electronic devices like out phones or computers.  (Wouldn't have mattered anyway, we didn't have service:)  Anyway, this weekend away was to spend time with God individually and as a couple.  We needed some answers and needed to "unplug" from the everyday life with no distractions.  One thing that God spoke to both of us was that we weren't lifting each other or our kids up in prayer.  The only time that we prayed together was at meal time.  So, upon our return from that weekend, my hubby and I began spending quality time with one another when he came home from work.  It wasn't much time, maybe even only 10-15 minutes on some days, but it was more than what we had been doing and gave us the time to unload stuff from our day, get on the same page as a couple, and even pray together.  Then we would go in and gather the girls and pray together as a family.  This simple act of coming together for 30-45 minutes a day has changed our family.  It's amazing what God can do through the unity that comes from humbling ourselves to lay our weaknesses, our hearts, our desires for all (in the family) to see.  What was once being prayed for alone, or not even being prayed for at all, was now being exposed to 3 other people.  There is power in prayer in numbers.  We were all coming together for common needs.  This has become a tradition in our family and not one night goes missed.  Even if one of us is missing, we wait for all to come together or we pray for the member not there.  Our family now has a unity and closeness that is immeasurable and we now are not fearful of mentioning what we need prayer for.  POWERFUL!!  It was awkward and uncomfortable in the beginning, especially because it was something new, different, and unexpected.... but most definitely worth it!  If you are not praying for your family or praying together, don't hesitate another day.  Start now!!

"In the morning my prayer comes before You."  Psalm 88:13

 To read today's full dare from the book "The Love Dare" by Stephen & Alex Kendrick please copy and paste to your address bar the link posted below.

http://www.klove.com/blog/post/2010/02/11/Love-Dare-Day-37.aspx