Reaching Ahead

Husband Prayers: Day 20

2012-01-26T15:26:00.000-05:00

Day 20: Praying for His Attitude

Lord, you care about every aspect of my husband, even his attitude,which is a reflection of his heart. Yousay, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” (Matt 5:8) And “out of the overflow of his heart hismouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45b) You aren’tlooking for a superficial attitude change, but a heart change that comes fromfaith in you.

Teach my husband to becontent in all circumstances (Phil 4:11) and to be filled with your love, whichbears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures allthings. (I Cor 13:7) Help him not to be worried or anxious aboutanything in his life. Instead, cause himto bring it to You in prayer, thanking You for Your faithfulness.

Then, Lord, fill him with Your peace that isbeyond comprehension, that guards his heart and mind in Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:6-7). Even today, may he enter your gates with thanksgiving and Your courtswith praise, giving you thanks and praising your name!

A cheerful heart is good medicine,
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Proverbs 17:22

All the days of the afflicted are bad, but one with a cheerfulheart has a continual feast.

Proverbs 15:15

Praise the LORD. Give thanks tothe LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Psalm 106:1

The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart,and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. Forout of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.

Luke 6:45

Husband Prayers: Day 19

2012-01-25T10:33:00.002-05:00

Day 19: Praying for His Past

Lord, there are times when I wish we had a rewind/erase button forour lives. But what has been done cannotbe undone. There are things in myhusband’s past that he regrets and wishes he could change. There are things that happened to him thatleft scars that affect who he is today. There are habits he has formed that are difficult to break.

Lord, you provide so much hope! You say that when we are in You, we are new creations - the old hasgone, and the new has come! You’vecreated all things new! (2 Cor5:17) Release him from any bondage andthat comes from his old way of life and renew his mind with Your Spirit. I pray my husband would be a new man whowalks in true righteousness and holiness. (Eph 4:22-24) Help my husbandforget all the things that are behind him, and instead, reach out for thethings ahead of him. Specifically, givehim a focus of his future goal, things yet to come, rather than the past. Help him fix his mind on You, Jesus, and Your return. (Phil 3:13-14)

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have attained this.Instead I am single-minded: Forgetting the things that are behind and reachingout for the things that are ahead, with this goal in mind, I strive toward theprize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Phil 3:13-14

Husband Prayers: Day 18

2012-01-24T09:35:00.000-05:00

Not all of us have children, but we can pray for the fatherswe know, our own father, or even the father we want our husband to be!

Day 18: Praying for His Fatherhood

Dear Lord, I pray for my husband as a father. Help him to grow close to you, his HeavenlyFather, so that you are his example of how a father should be. May the fruits of Your Spirit be evident inhis life, especially by his children: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness,Goodness, Gentleness, Faithfulness, and Self-Control.

Give him wisdom in disciplining our children correctly. I pray that he doesn’t avoid discipline whenit’s needed, but instead is diligent in disciplining. Please keep him from the other extreme,constantly provoking his children to anger. Please guide him in raising them up in the discipline and instruction ofyou.

Help him balance his life between work and family time, not goingto either extreme. Show me where I canhelp in both areas, not demanding or nagging, but by prayerfully coming to you in prayer.

If there is division or anger between the kids and him, pleasebring healing. Give my husband a humbleheart to admit when he has been wrong and a strong Spirit to stand firm withwhat he knows is right. I specificallypray for this situation _________.

Thank you, again, for being our perfect example of a father. You are merciful, loving, just, true… show usthe way to follow in your steps.

Eph 6:4 Fathers, do not provokeyour children to anger, but raise them up in the discipline and instruction ofthe Lord.

Proverbs 3:12 For the Lorddisciplines those he loves, just as a father disciplines the son in whom hedelights.

Proverbs 23:24 The father of arighteous person will rejoice greatly; whoever fathers a wise child will havejoy in him.

2 Cor 8:18 “and I will be afather to you, and you will be my sons and daughters,” says the All-PowerfulLord.

Husband Prayers: Day 30

2012-01-23T17:23:00.001-05:00

Day 30: Praying for His Future

Dear Lord, when my husband looks ahead and considers his future,may he see it through Your eternal eyes. By Your great mercy, You gave him new birth into a living hope throughthe resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, that is, into an inheritanceimperishable, undefiled, and unfading. It is reserved in Heaven for him, who by God’s power is protectedthrough faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. I pray that this brings him great joy,although he may have to suffer for a short time in various trials. These trials show the proven character of hisfaith, which is much more valuable than gold – gold that is tested by fire,even though it is passing away – and will bring him praise and glory and honorwhen Jesus Christ is revealed.

He has not seen You, but he loves you. He doesn’t see You now, but he believes inyou, and so I ask that he would rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joyand attain the goal of his faith – the salvation of his soul.

So I pray that my husband would get his mind ready for action bybeing sober, and set his hope completely on the grace that will be brought tohim when Jesus Christ is revealed. Ipray that he is like an obedient child, not complying with the evil urges thathe used to follow in his ignorance, but, like You, the Holy One who called him,instead he would become holy himself in all of his conduct, just as You areHoly. I pray that he remembers toaddress You as Father, the one who impartially judges according to each one’swork, and then live out the time of his temporary residence here inreverence.

He was ransomed by the precious blood of an unblemished andspotless lamb, namely Christ, who was foreknown before the foundation of theworld but was evident in these last times for our sake. Through Christ we now trust in You, whoraised him from the dead and gave him glory. May his hope and faith be in You!

I pray that he purifies his soul by obeying the truth in order toshow sincere mutual love. I ask thathe’d love others earnestly from a pure heart. Remind him that he has been born anew, not from perishable, but fromimperishable seed, through Your living and enduring word. Everything else will fade away, but Your Wordwill endure forever. Thank you! (I Peter1)

But just as it is written, “Things that no eye has seen, or ear heard,or mind imagined, are the things God has prepared for those who love him.”

I Cor 2:9

For I know what I have planned for you,’ says the Lord. ‘I have plansto prosper you, not to harm you. I have plans to give you a future filled withhope. When you call out to me and come to me in prayer, I will hear yourprayers. When you seek me in prayer and worship, you will find me available toyou. If you seek me with all your heart and soul, I will make myself availableto you,’ says the Lord.

Jer 29:11-13

For this reason we also, from the day we heard about you, have notceased praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will in allspiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may live worthily of the Lord and please him in allrespects – bearing fruit in every good deed, growing in the knowledge ofGod, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might for thedisplay of all patience and steadfastness, joyfully giving thanks to the Father who has qualifiedyou to share in the saints’ inheritance in the light. He delivered usfrom the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of the Son heloves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Col 1:9-14

Do you not know that all the runners in a stadium compete, but only onereceives the prize? So run to win. Each competitor must exercise self-controlin everything. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishableone. So I do not run uncertainly or box like one who hits only air. Instead Isubdue my body and make it my slave, so that after preaching to others I myselfwill not be disqualified.

I Cor 9:24-27

Husband Prayers: Day 29

2012-01-23T17:22:00.000-05:00

Day 29: Praying for His Faith

Lord, you have said in your Word that all things are possible forthe one who believes. My husbandbelieves – but please help his unbelief! (Mark 9:23-24) I pray that myhusband has faith in You and your promises so that he can please You. In order to approach you, I pray that hebelieves that You exist and that You reward those who seek You. (Hebrews 11:6) Faith comes by hearing Your Word, so I askthat my husband’s life be saturated by Your Word (Rom 10:17).

He has been crucified with Christ, so it is no longer he who lives,but Christ lives in him. The life whichhe now lives in the flesh, he lives by faith in Your Son, who loved him andgave Himself for him. (Gal 2:20). Jesus was given over because of our sins andwas raised for the sake of our justification. Therefore, having been justified by faith, I pray that he would havepeace with You through our Lord Jesus Christ (Rom 4:25-5:1).

Matthew 17:14-20

When they came to the crowd, a man came to him, knelt before him, andsaid, “Lord, have mercy on my son, because he has seizures and suffersterribly, for he often falls into the fire and into the water. I brought him toyour disciples, but they were not able to heal him.” Jesus answered, “Youunbelieving and perverse generation! How much longer must I be with you? Howmuch longer must I endure you? Bring himhere to me.”

Then Jesus rebuked the demon and it came out of him, and the boy washealed from that moment. Then thedisciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why couldn’t we cast it out?”He told them, “It was because of your little faith. I tell you the truth, ifyou have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Movefrom here to there,’ and it will move; nothing will be impossible for you.”

Hebrews 11:6

Now without faith it is impossible to please him, for the one whoapproaches God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seekhim.

Husband Prayers: Day 28

2012-01-23T17:20:00.004-05:00

Day 28: Praying for His Self Image

Lord, I pray for my husband’s self image - not in the way the worldsees it, but from Your eyes. David was aman after your heart, and he pleased You. I pray that my husband would have that same heart and find favor in youreyes. Without faith, it is impossible toplease You. I pray that his faith isstrengthened, that he believes that You are the King of Kings, and that Youreward those who diligently seek You. (Heb11:6) God, wake up his heart so that he doesindeed diligently seek You.

God, You desire integrity in the inner man, and You want him topossess wisdom. Sprinkle him with waterthat he will be pure, and wash him so he will be whiter than snow. Grant him the ultimate joy of beingforgiven. May the bones You might havecrushed rejoice. Hide your face from hissins, and wipe away all his guilt. Create for him a pure heart, O God. Renew a resolute spirit within him. Do not reject him, and do not take Your Holy Spirit away from him. Let him again experience the joy of yourdeliverance. Sustain him by giving himthe desire to obey. Then he will teachrebels your merciful ways, and sinners will turn to You. (Ps 51:6-13)

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law ofChrist. If anyone thinks he is somethingwhen he is nothing, he deceives himself.

Romans 15:1-2

May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you.

Psalm 25:21

I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.

Acts 24:16

Husband Prayers: Day 27

2012-01-23T17:19:00.008-05:00

Day 27: Praying for His Obedience

Dear Lord, our actions matter to you. You say that if a person is walking indisobedience, his prayers will be an abomination (Prov 28:9). I have to stop and ask for forgiveness forthe wrong I’ve done in my own life. (Take a moment and confess your own sins before God. If you need to make something right, do itnow!)

You’ve told us extremely clearly that not everyone who merely says“Lord, Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does Your will (Matt7:21). You also say that You wantobedience before our sacrifice. (I Sam15:22) Please change his heart in anyarea that needs it so he walks in obedience to You. I pray that he does not harbor any sin in hisheart, but instead confesses it to You. (Ps 66:18-19) Make him understandyour ways, O Lord! Teach him Your paths. Guide him into Your truth and teach Him, forYou are the God who will deliver him, and I pray that he relies on You all daylong. (Ps 25:4-5)

Remind him to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient,and to be ready for every good work. Please remind him not to slander others, but be peaceable, gentle,showing courtesy to all people. (Titus3:1-2) I pray that he would walk worthyof the calling he has received, with all humility and gentleness, withpatience, bearing with others in love, making every effort to keep the unity ofthe Spirit in the bond of peace. (Eph4:1-3)

“Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient,to be ready for every good work. They must not slander anyone, but bepeaceable, gentle, showing complete courtesy to all people.”

Titus 3:1-2

“If I had harbored sin in my heart,

the Lord would not have listened.

However, God heard;

he listened to my prayer.”

Ps 66:18-19

“Make me understand your ways, O Lord!

Teach me your paths!

Guide me into your truth and teach me.

For you are the God who delivers me;

on you I rely all day long.”

Ps 25:4-5

“I, therefore, the prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live worthily ofthe calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness,with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keepthe unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

Eph 4:1-3

“Then Samuel said, “Does the Lord take pleasure in burnt offerings andsacrifices as much as he does in obedience? Certainly, obedience is better thansacrifice; paying attention is better than the fat of rams.”

I Sam 15:22

“The one who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayeris an abomination.”

Prov 28:9

Husband Prayers: Day 26

2012-01-23T17:19:00.003-05:00

Day 26: Praying for His Deliverance

Dear Lord, when you prayed, You taught us to ask You to deliver usfrom the evil one (Matt 6:13). Ourstruggle isn’t against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against thepowers, against the world rulers of the darkness, against the spiritual forcesof evil in the heavens. Lord, I praythat my husband puts on Your armor so that he can stand his ground on the evilday.

I pray that he puts on the belt oftruth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the good news of peace,the shield of faith that can extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one, thehelmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word ofGod. I pray to this end, Lord, so thathe is alert and perseveres. (Eph 6:12-18)

Please deliver him from any sin in which he is enslaved. (2 Peter 2:19) I particularly pray for _____________. Protect him from wicked and violent men. (Ps 140:1) Camp your angels around him (Ps 34:7). I pray that my husband cries out to you so that you will save him fromhis troubles (Ps 34:7) As we continuallylook to you for help, please set us free from our enemy’s net (Ps 25:15), andin the end Lord, I pray that together we will honor you for our deliverance (Ps50:15).

For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not besubject again to the yoke of slavery.

Gal 5:1

For I am sure of this very thing, that the one who began a good work inyou will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

Phil 1:6

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against therulers, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, againstthe spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. For this reason, take up the fullarmor of God so that you may be able to stand your ground on the evil day, andhaving done everything, to stand. Stand firm therefore, by fastening the beltof truth around your waist, by putting on the breastplate of righteousness, byfitting your feet with the preparation that comes from the good news of peace,and in all of this, by taking up the shield of faith with which you canextinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet ofsalvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With everyprayer and petition, pray at all times in the Spirit, and to this end be alert,with all perseverance and requests for all the saints.”

Eph 6:12-18

Pray to me when you are in trouble!

I will deliver you, and you will honor me!”

Ps 50:15

Husband Prayers: Day 25

2012-01-23T17:18:00.004-05:00

Day 25: Praying for His Repentance

Dear Lord, You tell us that the one who covers his transgressionswill not prosper, (Prov 28:13) and when King David kept silent about his sins,his body wasted away and he was in pain all day. I know that eventually everything that isseemingly hidden now or kept in secret will be revealed and made known – pleaseopen my husband’s eyes now to the sins he needs to repent of, and give him a humbleheart before you (Matt 10:26).

I praythat he does not have a proud heart that rationalizes his sin away, but insteadthat he would look to You to examine his thoughts and know all of his concerns. Show him if there is any idolatrous tendencyin him (Ps 139:23-24). Then I pray thathe confesses his sins to you and forsakes them, knowing that You will bemerciful (Prov 28:13).

You are faithfuland righteous, forgiving our sins and cleansing us from all unrighteousness, aslong as we are confessing them to you. Thank You for your patience, Lord, and Your forgiveness.

“But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous, forgiving usour sins and cleansing us from all unrighteousness.”

I John 1:9

“The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some regard slowness,but is being patient toward you, because he does not wish for any toperish but for all to come to repentance.”

2 Peter 3:9

“Do not be afraid of them, for nothing is hidden that will not berevealed, and nothing is secret that will not be made known.”

Matt 10:26

“Who can know all his errors? Please do not punish me for sins I amunaware of.”

Ps 19:12

“The fear of the Lord provides wise instruction, and before honor comeshumility.”

Prov 15:33

“The one who covers his transgressions will not prosper, but whoeverconfesses them and forsakes them will find mercy.”

Prov 28:13

“Examine me, and probe my thoughts!

Test me, and know my concerns!

See if there is any idolatrous tendency in me,

and lead me in the reliable ancient path!”

Ps 139:23, 24

“When I refused to confess my sin,

my whole body wasted away,

while I groaned in pain all day long.

For day and night you tormented me;

you tried to destroy me in the intense heat ofsummer. (Selah)

Then I confessed my sin;

I no longer covered up my wrongdoing.

I said, ‘I will confess my rebellious acts to the Lord.’

And then you forgave my sins. (Selah)”

Ps 32:3-5

Husband Prayers: Day 24

2012-01-23T17:17:00.003-05:00

Day 24: Praying for “His Talk”

Lord, You tell us a lot in Your Word about our words, and so Ibring my husband’s speech to you today. On the day of judgment, he willgive an account for every worthless word he speaks (Matt 12:36). I praythat nothing that comes out of his mouth would defile him (Matt 15:18) May his words be wise and win favor rather than foolish and self-destructive(Ecc 10:12). I pray that he is not foolishly hasty in his speech (Prov29:20), or perverse, breaking the spirit of others, but instead help him bewise and healing like a life-giving tree (Prov 15:4). Ultimately, may hiswords and thoughts be acceptable in Your sight, Oh Lord, our sheltering rockand our redeemer (Ps 19:14).

Eph 4:29

You must let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but only whatis beneficial for the building up of the one in need, that it may give grace tothose who hear.

Ecc 10:12

The words of a wise person win him favor, but the words of a fool areself-destructive.

Matt 15:18

But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, andthese things defile a person.

Eph 4:21

You must put away every kind of bitterness, anger, wrath, quarreling,and evil, slanderous talk.

Phil 2:14-15

Doeverything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure,children of God without blemish though you live in a crooked and perversesociety, in which you shine as lights in the world.

Prov 29:20

Do you see someone who is hasty in his words? There is more hopefor a fool than for him.

Prov 15:4

Speech that heals is like a life-giving tree, but a perverse tonguebreaks the spirit.

Matt 12:34

Offspring of vipers! How are you able to say anything good, since you areevil? For the mouth speaks from what fills the heart.

Goodmorning! Repentance was one of theSpiritual Disciplines practiced regularly by Christians long ago thatunfortunately has been lost on our generation. It really needs to be continued now. I pray for all of us to be humble as God reveals areas that need to bechanged in our own lives.

Husband Prayers: Day 23

2012-01-23T17:16:00.006-05:00

Day 23: Praying for His Walk

Lord, you say that there is a way that seems right to a man, but inthe end it leads to death. (Prov14:12) I pray that my husband’s walk isguided by you as he trusts You with all his heart and doesn’t rely on his ownunderstanding. May he acknowledge you inall his ways so that You will make his path straight. (Prov 3:5-6) Galatians 5 says that we need to continually be living in and led byYour Spirit so that we will behave in accordance with Your Spirit. Please work in my husband’s life so he isabiding in Your Spirit.

Lord, I pray that he doesn’t follow the advice of the wicked, orfollow the lifestyles of sinners, and doesn’t identify himself with those wholove conflict and arrogantly reject wisdom and correction. Instead, may he find pleasure in studying andobeying Your commands. (Ps 1:1-2)

Please Lord, I pray that by the power of Your Spirit, my husbandwalks worthy of the calling he has received, with humility and gentleness, withpatience, bearing with others in love, and making every effort to keep theunity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Eph 4:1-3)

Thank You, God, for not giving us a spirit of fear, but of Power,Love, and Self-Control. (2 Tim 1:7)

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy ofthe calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient,bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of theSpirit through the bond of peace.

Ephesians 4:1-3

Gal 5:13-26

For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not useyour freedom as an opportunity to indulge your flesh, but through love serveone another. For the whole law can be summed up in a single commandment,namely, “You must love your neighbor as yourself.” However, if you continuallybite and devour one another, beware that you are not consumed by one another. ButI say, live by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh.For the flesh has desires that are opposed to the Spirit, and the Spirit hasdesires that are opposed to the flesh, for these are in opposition to eachother, so that you cannot do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit,you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexualimmorality, impurity, depravity, idolatry, sorcery, hostilities, strife,jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish rivalries, dissensions, factions,envying, murder, drunkenness, carousing, and similar things. I am warning you,as I had warned you before: Those who practice such things will not inherit thekingdom of God!

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things thereis no law. Now those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with itspassions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also behave in accordancewith the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, beingjealous of one another.

Prov 3:5-6

Trustin the Lord with all your heart,

and do not rely on your own understanding.

Acknowledge him in all your ways,

and he will make your paths straight.

Is 33:15-16

The one who lives uprightly

and speaks honestly;

the one who refuses to profit from oppressive measures

and rejects a bribe;

the one who does not plot violent crimes

and does not seek to harm others -

This is the person who will live in a secure place;

he will find safety in the rocky, mountain strongholds;

he will have food

and a constant supply of water.

Husband Prayers: Day 22

2012-01-23T17:16:00.002-05:00

Day 22: Praying for His Emotions

Dear Lord, I pray for my husband’s emotions. When life is full of troubles and he feelshelpless, anxious, worried, angry, jealous, or __________, I pray that he turnsto you for help. I know that You knowabout his pain and you are aware of how distressed he is… remind him of Your faithfulness so he will be happy andrejoice in You (Ps 31:7).

Be his helperand deliverer (Ps 40:7). Help him relycompletely on You, Lord. Turn towardhim, hear his cry. Lift him out of thewatery pit, out of the slimy mud, and set his feet on a rock with securefooting. Give him a reason to sing a newsong, praising You. Then I pray thatmany will see what You have done in his life and put their trust in You aswell. (Ps 40:1-3)

Do not make friends with an angry person,

and do not associate with a wrathful person,

lest you learn his ways

and entangle yourself in a snare.

Prov 22:24-25

I will be happy and rejoice in your faithfulness,

because you notice my pain and you are aware of how distressed I am

Ps 31:7

I am oppressed and needy! May the Lord pay attention to me!

You are my helper and my deliverer! O my God, do not delay!

Ps 40:17

I relied completely on the Lord, and he turned toward me and heard mycry for help.

He lifted me out of the watery pit, out of the slimy mud.

He placed my feet on a rock and gave me secure footing.

He gave me reason to sing a new song, praising our God.

May many see what God has done, so that they might swear allegiance tohim and trust in the Lord!

Ps 40:1-3

Husband Prayers: Day 21

2012-01-23T17:15:00.001-05:00

Day 21: Praying for His Marriage

Lord, your plan for marriage was for my husband and I to become oneflesh. Even Paul says this is a greatmystery! And also that You are the onewho joined us together, so we are never to separate in divorce. (Matt 19:5-6) Lord, where there have been thoughts to this end, please bringhealing. Help us to work out ourdifferences and not even hint at the sin of divorce. May that word never come out of our mouths inan argument. Take it away from ourminds, because I know that you hate divorce.

Your word gives four reasons why two people are better thanone. First, they reap more benefit fromtheir labor. Help me be on his side ofwhatever our labor is. Give me wisdom inregard to our money that we earn, give me patience if he’s working late, give meperseverance if we’re in a hard time, give me joy to share with him in theprocess, and give me strength when I’m working along side him.

Then you say that two are better than one because if they fall, onewill help the other one up! Help me havethat same attitude with my husband! Helpme to encourage and not condemn when he falls. If he falls in sin, friendship, attitude, business, or any other way,remind me to have my hand out there, waiting to pull him back up. I’m reminded Lord of when Peter walked onwater. He started to fall and cried outto You. You didn’t hesitate. It says, “Immediately” You reached out Yourhand and took a hold of him. Help me tohave that same attitude toward my husband.

Third, two can keep each other warm in bed. Give me a warm attitude toward my husband inbed. You have commanded us to keep themarriage bed pure. For my husband, Ipray for purity of his thoughts and actions.Keep him from sexual immorality. Protect us, Lord. If I have beenhurt by any unfaithfulness, God, please warm my heart to him again. Help my thoughts stay pure and loving, notresentful, hurtful, negative, prideful, ashamed… keep out whatever would hindera right relationship with You and my husband. I pray that I would never use this aspect of our marriage as a way topunish him in any way.

Finally, you say that an assailant may overpower one person, buttwo can withstand him. Our biggestadversary is the Devil, who seeks to destroy us and our marriage. Help us stand firm together against him inPrayer – because You are our third strand, “A three-stranded cord is notquickly broken.” Lord, only in You canwe accomplish all that You have planned for our marriage. Thank you for my husband and all thattogether we are becoming through You. (Ecc 6:9-12)

Two people are better than one,

because they can reap more benefit fromtheir labor.

For if they fall, one will help his companion up,

but pity the personwho falls down and has no one to help him up.

Furthermore, if two lie down together,

they can keep each other warm,but how can one person keep warm by himself?

Although an assailant may overpower one person, two can withstand him.

Moreover, a three-stranded cord is not quickly broken.

Ecc 4:9-12

Marriage must be honored among all and the marriage bed kept undefiled,for God will judge sexually immoral people and adulterers.

Heb 13:4

Nevertheless, each one of you must also love his own wife as he loveshimself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Eph 5:33

Husband Prayers: Day 17

2012-01-23T17:09:00.002-05:00

When I said, "Let's pray for 30 days," you didn't think I meant 30 days in a row, did you? ;)

For those following along, thanks for your patience! Life just keeps happening, and often blogging falls near the end of the list.

Day 17: Praying for His Relationships

Lord, your word warns us that a righteous man should choose hisfriends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray. (Prov 12:26) Please give my husband wisdom in choosing the men who are closest to himin his life. Make the rightrelationships grow, as iron sharpens iron. (Prov 27:17) You say that a goodfriend is good for the heart. (Prov27:9) I pray that his relationshipswould encourage him to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24).

And Lord, if there are relationships that are broken, if anyone hasanything against him, please bring it to his mind so he can go right away andbe reconciled to him. (Matt5:23-24) Please bring healing that canonly come from you. I pray that he wouldlove his enemies and pray for those that are persecuting him. (Mark 5:44)

Most of all, I pray for his relationship with You. God, create in Him a desire to love You withall his heart, soul, mind and strength. Once that relationship is in place, it will be so much more natural to lovehis neighbor as himself. (Mark12:30-31)

And let us take thought of how to spur one another on to love and goodworks, not abandoning our own meetings, as some are in the habit of doing, butencouraging each other, and even more so because you see the day drawing near.

Hebrews 10:24-25

So then, if you bring your gift to the altar and there remember thatyour brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of thealtar. First go and be reconciled to your brother and then come and presentyour gift.

Matthew 5:23-24

But if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we havefellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from allsin

I John 1:7

Husband Prayers: Day 16

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Day 16: Praying for His Priorities

Lord, You tell us very clearly what our priorities should be: We need to seek first Your Kingdom and Yourrighteousness. If his priorities do notline up with your will, please work on his heart to adjust themaccordingly. If he is putting anythingelse before his relationship with You - money, work, sleep, family, projects,hobbies, (fill in the blank) – please show Him.

You are very clear that He can not serve two things at once. He will love one and hate the other. Lord, I want my husband to be madly in lovewith You! I want Him to have a passionfor You and Your Kingdom. I want Him tobe storing up treasures in Heaven, rather than on earth. God, please continue to develop my husbandinto a man after Your heart, who worships You, Lord God, and serves Youonly. You promise that if he indeed seeksYour Kingdom first, then the You will take care of the rest. Open His eyes, Lord, and help him fall beforeYour throne daily and offer himself to You.

Seek first the kingdom of God and Hisrighteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33

No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and lovethe other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other.

Matthew 6:24

You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve.

Matthew 4:10

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Husband Prayers: Day 15

2012-01-17T14:22:00.004-05:00

We are half way through our 30-day journey of praying for our husbands! Today's is rather long, but I couldn't leave out any of the verses below. How has it been going? Feel free to tell us about it in the comments or on Facebook.

Day 15: Praying for His Reputation

Dear Lord, please protect my husband’s reputation. I understand from your word that a goodreputation is more desirable than great wealth and it’s better than fineperfume. (Prov 22:1, Ecc 7:1) I desirethat my husband “is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat amongthe elders of the land.” (Prov 31:23) Please forgive me if I have ever spoken badly about him to anyone. Help my words be helpful for building him upaccording to his needs (Eph 4:21). Helpme be a wise woman, building my house up, rather than a foolish woman, tearingit down with my hands (Psalm 14:1).

As for my husband, Lord, help him take refuge in you, and free himfrom any traps that might be set against him (Ps 71:1). Keep him from fear as he trusts in You. What can man do to him? (Ps 56:11) Work in his heart so that he is seeking you and not doing anything thatwould cause disgrace. Instead, let hislight and good deeds shine out for all to see that that everyone will praiseYou, our Heavenly Father (Matt 5:16).

Lord, people may mock him, persecute him, and lie about him, sayingall sorts of evil things because he is a follower of you. When this happens, fill us with Your joy sowe can still be glad. I know that thereis a great reward waiting for him in Heaven. I also know that the prophets were also persecuted in this way, so weare in good company. (Matt 5:11-12) Help us fix our eyes on you, the author andperfector of our faith, who, for the joy set before you, endured the cross,scorning it’s shame, and sat down at the right hand of our Father. You endured the same opposition from sinfulmen, so help us not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:2-3) Help us toremember, in all we do, that we have a future hope of joy awaiting us too!

A good name is more desirable than great riches;
to be esteemed is better than silver orgold.

Proverbs 22:1

A good name is better than fine perfume,
and the day of death better than the dayof birth.

Ecc 7:1

Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the eldersof the land.

Prov 31:23

Like a sparrow in its flitting, like a swallowin its flying,
So a curse without cause does not alight.

Prov 26:2

Deliver me from my enemies, O God;
protect me from those who rise up againstme.

Ps 59:1

Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me;
fight against those who fight against me.

Ps 35:1

In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame.

Ps 71:1

Free me from the trap that is set for me,
for you are my refuge.

Ps 31:4

May all who seek to take my life
       be put to shame and confusion;
       may all who desire my ruin
       be turned back in disgrace.

Ps 40:14

In God I trust; I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?

Ps 56:11

As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be putto shame."

Rom 10:11

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may seeyour good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Matt 5:16

Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for Godhimself has given us right standing with himself. Who then will condemn us?No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he issitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.

Rom 8:33-34

Don’t let me be disgraced, O Lord,
      for I call out to you for help.
   Let the wicked be disgraced;
      let them lie silent in the grave.
18 Silence their lying lips—
      those proud and arrogant lips that accusethe godly.

19 How great is the goodness
      you have stored up for those who fear you.
   You lavish it on those who come to you for protection,
      blessing them before the watching world.
20 You hide them in the shelter of your presence,
      safe from those who conspire against them.
   You shelter them in your presence,
      far from accusing tongues.

Ps 31:17-20

Husband Prayers: Day 14

2012-01-16T10:01:00.000-05:00

The Bible is full of verses about our integrity. Take a moment to pray these for all the men God has placed in your life.

14 Praying for His Integrity

Dear Lord, I pray that my husband would be a man of integrity. Honest, Trustworthy, Dependable,Faithful. Help him keep his commitmentsfirm and not renege on his promises (Psalm 15:4), following through on what hesays he will do, making his yes be yes and no be no. (Matt 5:37)

Please keep him from justifying his actions based on what other men sayor think. You know his heart. Just because others say it’s ok or the normdoesn’t mean you approve. (Luke16:15).

Please fill him with your Spiritand guide him into all truth (John 16:13). If he has sinned in this area, please show him so he can confess andrepent of any falsehood in his life. Thank you for your faithfulness to forgive even when he fails. (I John 1:8-9). And Lord, as he walks in integrity, relyingon you, please protect him, vindicate him, uphold him, and guide him. (Prov11:3, 26:1, 25:12)

Matthew 5:37 Let your word be ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no.’ More than this isfrom the evil one.

Luke 16:15 But Jesus said to them, “You are the ones who justifyyourselves in men’s eyes, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly prizedamong men is utterly detestable in God’s sight.

Ps 15:4 He despises a reprobate,but honors the Lord’s loyal followers. He makes firm commitments and does notrenege on his promise.

Proverbs 10:9 The one whoconducts himself in integrity will live securely, but the one who behavesperversely will be found out.

Psalm 41:12 As for me, youuphold me because of my integrity; you allow me permanent access to your presence.

Proverbs 20:7 The righteous person behaves in integrity; blessed arehis children after him.

John 16:13 But when he, theSpirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. For he will not speakon his own authority, but will speak whatever he hears, and will tell you whatis to come.

I John 1:8-9 If we say we do notbear the guilt of sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous, forgiving us our sinsand cleansing us from all unrighteousness.

Proverbs 3:3-8 Do not let truthand mercy leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet ofyour heart. Then you will find favor andgood understanding, in the sight of God and people. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and donot rely on your own understanding. Acknowledge him in all your ways, and he willmake your paths straight. Do not be wisein your own estimation; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. This will bring healing to your body, andrefreshment to your inner self

Proverbs 28:6 A poor person whowalks in his integrity is better than one who is perverse in his ways eventhough he is rich.

Proverbs 11:3 The integrity ofthe upright guides them, but the crookedness of the unfaithful destroys them.

Proverbs 26:1 Vindicate me, OLord, for I have integrity, and I trust in the Lord without wavering.

Proverbs 25:21 May integrity and godliness protect me, for I rely onyou!

Husband Prayers: Day 13

2012-01-15T06:57:00.002-05:00

Isn't it great that we can talk to our Creator about the one who we vowed to share our life with? Here's day 13, praying for the trials in our husband's life.

Day 13: Praying for His Trials

Lord, I trust you for all the circumstance in my husband’s life,even the trials. I understand in faiththat his trials are to prove the character of his faith. I know that his faith is ultimately morevaluable than gold and will bring praise and glory and honor when you, Jesus,return. Until that wonderful day,please continue to provide a way out whenever he is tempted. In the middle of hard times, I pray that myhusband will call to You all day long and depend on You, trusting that You willhear him. Please give him peace in themiddle of these battles. (Ps55:16-18) Thank you!

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am yourGod. I will strengthen you and help you;I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Joshua 1:9

Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

Psalm 27:14

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you passthrough the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will notbe burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; you are precious and honored in my sight.

Isaiah 43:2-4

Husband Prayers: Day 12

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For the month of January, we are praying scripture for our husbands each day. Join us now on day 12.

Day 12: Praying for His Protection

Lord, I pray that my husband will dwell in the secret place of the Most High, under Your shadow, our Almighty God. Be his refuge and fortress. I trust you for this. (Ps 91:1-2) Be his rock, his strength, his shield, and his stronghold. Save him from his enemies. (Ps 18:2,3)

Lord, there are so many ways that he is attacked throughout his day – his mind, his plans, his actions. In his time of trouble, cover him and protect him (Ps 27:5). Please show him your lovingkindness, Oh Lord, and save him from those rising up against him. Keep him as the apple of your eye, and hide him under the shadow of your wing. (Ps 17:7,8). Even when he is confronted with death, I know we have no need to fear because you are with us (Ps 23:4). Thank you for being the one we can turn to in our time of need.

Psalm 139:1-10

1 O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.

2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.

3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.

4 Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD.

5 You hem me in—behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.

7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?

8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,

10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.

The 4-Minute Marriage Habit

2012-01-13T09:51:00.000-05:00

I love Ann Voskamp's book, 1000 Gifts, which encourages us to be thankful in everything. Her writing style is refreshing and unconventional. If you're in the doldrums or even just looking for a cool drink that motivates, check out her book.

She recently blogged about:

The 4 Minute Marriage Habit: How to make 2012 the year you fall madly in love all over again

It's worth checking out, especially this month as we're praying for our husbands. Puts a little traction on our prayers.

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Husband Prayers: Day 11

2012-01-13T09:15:00.000-05:00

Day 11: Praying for His Health

Dear Lord, I pray for the health of my husband. You said you are the Lord who heals us (Ex15:26), and I understand that there is a time to heal (Ecc 3:3).

I specifically pray for (___________). Please restore him quickly, and cause yoursplendor to be a guard behind him. (Is58:8). Encourage him, Lord, to take careof his body, understanding that you’ve called it your temple (I Cor 3:16). Help him to present his body as a sacrifice –alive, holy, and pleasing to You. (Rom12:1).

Thank You for being our greathealer - you are the only One we can turn to. You forgive our sins and heal our diseases (Psalm 103:2,3). Thank you for your sovereignty and perfecttiming.

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Husband Prayers: Day 10

2012-01-12T11:45:00.000-05:00

We are 1/3 of the way through our 30-day journey to pray for our husbands each day. How is it going? Are you still with us?

Day 10: Praying for His Choices

Dear Lord, please forgive my husband for any bad choices he hasmade in the past. Give him the humilityto admit when he was wrong, rather than defending the decisions (Prov 21:1).

As he makes choices today, please don’t let him be wise in his owneyes. I pray that he fears you and turnsaway from evil. Lord, you caution usagainst foolishly trusting in our own hearts (Prov 28:26) and doing what seemsright to us at the time (Prov 21:1).Instead, may he seek wisdom from you, because you promise to give it toanyone who asks (James 1:5). I ask thatthen, instead of despising your wisdom and instruction, that he would fear you andseek out knowledge from you (Prov 1:7).

Give him the wisdom from You that brings success (Ecc 10:10) andhelps him learn from past experiences (Prov 15:31). Please help him hear you and your wisdom andthen increase in learning. If he comesto a situation where he doesn’t know what to do, give him enough humility toask and seek out wise counsel (Prov 1:5).

I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.

Acts 24:16

The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked pathswill be found out.

Proverbs 10:9

Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaksthe truth from his heart.

Psalm 15:1-2

He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom iskept safe.

Proverbs 28:26

Husband Prayers: Day 9

2012-01-10T07:09:00.000-05:00

We are in the middle of praying scriptures for our husbands all this month. If you missed any, you can catch up on the left, or just start off where we are!

Day 9: Praying for His Purpose

Lord, you have created my husband for a reason. I pray that you will give him a clear visionfor the purpose of his life. Pleaseflood his heart with light so that he can understand the confident hope Youhave called him to (Eph 1:18). I praythat You would enable him to live a life worthy of his call. Please give him the power to accomplish allthe good things his faith prompts him to do. (2 Thess 1:11) I especially askfor clarity in this area __________.

For we are God's workmanship, created inChrist Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:10

For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his goodpurpose.

Philippians 2:13

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;

6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD and shun evil.

8 This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones.

Proverbs 3:5-8

3 Trust in the LORD and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

4 Delight yourself in the LORD
and he will give you the desires of yourheart.

5 Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him and he will do this:

6 He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like the noondaysun.

7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when men succeed in theirways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Proverbs 37:3-7

Husband Prayers: Day 8

2012-01-07T20:43:00.003-05:00

We're into our second week of the new year, focusing on praying for our husbands and the men in our lives.

Day 8: Praying for His Fears

Lord, there are many things my husband might fear. Making enough money, losing me or the kids,failing in his work, losing respect, making a bad decision... You know what his biggest worries and fearsare today, Father, specifically _________, and I ask that you remind him thatyou did not give him a Spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control (2Tim 1:17). Remind him of this as he getsworried today. I pray that he isanxious for nothing, but with prayer and thanksgiving, that he would make hisrequests known to you. Then, allow yourpeace, which is beyond our comprehension, to guard his heart and mind throughChrist Jesus (Phil 4:6-7). You are thestrength of his life – who should he be afraid of? (Ps 27:1)

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never letthe righteous fall.

Ps 55:22

Look at the birds of the air. They do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenlyFather feeds them. Are you not much morevaluable than they?

Matthew 6:26

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is inhim. He will be like a tree planted bythe water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leavesare always green. It has no worries in ayear of drought and never fails to bear fruit.

Jeremiah 17:7-8

Husband Prayers: Day 7

2012-01-01T21:36:00.002-05:00

It's the end of week one in our 30-Day Challenge!

Day 7: Praying for His Mind

Lord, your Word is living and powerful, the discerner of thethoughts and intents of the heart (Heb 4:12). I’m thankful that you know what is in my husband’s head, even when Idon’t understand. Help me be patientand understanding, instead of critical and divisive.

Renew his mind so he has the mind of Christ (I Cor 2:16), thinkingabout whatever is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, havingvirtue, or anything else praiseworthy (Phil 4:8). Please lead him in loving you with all hisheart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30). Help him take every one of his thoughts captive and be obedient to youtoday (2 Cor 10:5).

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer andpetition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace ofGod, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your mindsin Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever isright, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anythingis excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learnedor received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the Godof peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:6-9

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, beacceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Psalm 19:14

Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they werethinking in their hearts, and he said to them, "Why are you thinking thesethings?

Mark 2:8

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Week one is over! How did it go? Did you tell your husband you were praying for him? If so, how did he respond? How has God been shaping your own heart through these times of prayer? Let us know!

Husband Prayers: Day 6

2012-01-01T21:33:00.004-05:00

It is day 6 of our Husband Prayers Challenge. How is it going?

Day 6: Praying for His Temptations

Dear God, please don’t lead my husband into temptation, and deliverhim from the evil one (Matt 6:13). Iknow that his temptations are common to all men, but Lord, you arefaithful. Please don’t let him betempted beyond what he can bare. When heis tempted, show him the way out so that he can stand up under it (I Cor 10:13).

Help my husband to walk properly, not in revelry, drunkenness,lewdness, lust, strife, and envy. Keephim from adultery, fornication, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions,jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, and the like. But I ask that you show him how to put onyou, Lord Jesus, so he will not fulfill his lusts and give into his flesh (Gal5:19-21, Rom 13:13-14). I know that myhusband is especially tempted in this area: _________. Please give himvictory over that today. As temptationsand trials come his way, help him persevere in the strength you provide (James1:12).

“I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.”

Acts 24:16

“For we are taking pains to do what is right not only in the eyes ofthe Lord, but also in the eyes of men.”

2 Corinthians 8:21

Husband Prayers: Day 5

2012-01-01T21:30:00.003-05:00

We are on day 5 of our 30 Day Husband Prayer Challenge. Jump on in!

Day 5: Praying for His Affection

Lord, you tell us that my husband and I shouldn’t be out for ourown well-being, but each other’s (I Cor 10:24). Will you help us in this area of affection? Forgive us for being too busy or apathetic topay attention to how we treat each other. Fill our hearts with warmth, fondness, friendliness, and care. Help me to show my affection to him in waysthat matter to him. Please work in hisheart as well. I pray that we alwaysgreet each other with a kiss of love (I Peter 5:14).

I know that only you can make these changes. Please help us be the example to everyonearound us of the beautiful picture of marriage you intended us to be. And help it start with me today.

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other andfor everyone else, just as ours does for you.

I Thessalonians 4:9

Live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for usas a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Ephesians 5:2

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Did you miss a day? Look to the sidebar on the left to see past posts.

Husband Prayers: Day 4

2012-01-01T21:28:00.000-05:00

We're in the first week of our 30 Day Husband Prayer Challenge. Want to join us?

Day 4: Praying for His Sexuality

Father, there is so much pressure today on my husband in this area. I pray that you would helphim to flee from sexual immorality. Every sin he would commit is outside the body, but if he commits sexualimmorality it is against his own body. Remind him that his body is the temple of Your Holy Spirit. I pray that he would glorify you with hisbody. (I Cor 6:18-20)

Lord, you command him to “drink water from his own cistern, andrunning water from his own well.” Please forgive me for my own bad attitudesand thoughts and actions that may have hindered him in this. Forgive us for our past mistakes and sins,and help us begin to love each other in our marriage as you have asked usto. I pray that I would not use our loveas a punishment or bribe, but would be instead as a loving deer and a gracefuldoe, satisfying him at all times and enrapturing him with my love. (Prov5:15-19)

Increase my love for him, Lord, and help me in this area of ourlife.

“Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according toyour word.” Psalm 119:37

“Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly beforeyou. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do notswerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.”

Proverbs 4:25-27

“A man’s ways are in full view of the Lord, and he examines all hispaths.”

Proverbs 5:21

Husband Prayers: Day 3

2012-01-01T21:25:00.001-05:00

We are in the beginning of a 30-Day Challenge to pray Biblically for our husbands. Come join us!

Day 3: Praying for His Finances

Lord, you know all the details of our financial situation, and Igive it over to you. Please help us begood stewards of everything you have given us. Forgive me for bad decisions I have made in the past, and help me walkwith wisdom according to your will.

Please give us neither poverty nor riches, but give us just enoughto satisfy our needs, because if we grow rich, we might deny you and say “Whois the Lord?” And if we are too poor, we might steel and insult Your Holy name.(Prov 30:8-9)

Help us have hearts that want to share with others, and remind usthat all we have comes from You (Prov 28:27). When I get worried about tomorrow and the day to day concerns of money,please remind me that you will supply all of my needs (Phil 4:19). I trust you for that today.

No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted tothe one and despise the other. Youcannot serve both God and Money.

Matthew 6:24

Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrivelike a green leaf.

Proverbs 11:28

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to haveplenty. I have learned the secret ofbeing content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whetherin plenty or in want.

Philippians 4:12

Then Jesus said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does notconsist in the abundance of his possessions.”

Luke 12:15

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Thanks for joining us on our 30-Day Husband Prayer Challenge!

Husband Prayers: Day 2

2012-01-01T21:21:00.003-05:00

We are on day 2 of the 30-Day challenge to pray for our husbands.

Day 2: Praying for His Work

Dear Lord, please bless the work of my husband’s hands and rewardhim for his efforts (Prov 12:14). Pleasemake his efforts successful! (Psalm 90:17) I pray that you give him wisdom and guidance and direct his steps. Show him the good works you have prepared inadvance for him to do, and then help him do them! (Eph 2:20) Whatever you have given him to do, I pray that he does it with all hismight (Ecc 9:10). Teach him when to workand when to rest. I ask that he woulddelight in your law, thinking on it day and night, so that he wouldn’t growweary, but would prosper in all that he does. (Ps 1:2-3)

Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own businessand to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life maywin the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

I Thessalonians 4:11-12

All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.

Proverbs 14:23

My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for allmy labor.

Ecclesiastes 2:20

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Are you taking the challenge? Let us know that you're all in!

Husband Prayers Day 1

2012-01-01T21:11:00.001-05:00

Have you ever wanted to begin praying for your husband but didn't know where to start? There are many books on the topic, and in order to avoid copyright infringement back in 2008, I wrote my own set of prayers based around Bible verses to distribute to a group of women.

For the next month, I'm going to post these prayers. Please consider joining me in prayer for our husbands or the men in our lives. Share this 30-day challenge with your friends. Together, we can lift up our men to God.

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Day One: Praying For His Wife

Dear Lord, You say that if I have sin in my heart, you will nothear me (Ps 66:18). Please search me,God. You know my heart. You know when Ihave been unloving, angry, unforgiving, and critical of my husband. Please forgive me specifically for_________. I’m sorry for these sins. Please lead me in your way forever. (Ps 139:23-24) Oh God, make my heart clean and renewmy spirit so I am right with you and with my husband. (Ps 51:10)

Replace my bitterness, anger, and hurts with your love, peace, andjoy (Gal 5:22-23). I need your helpdaily to be kind to him, tenderhearted, forgiving him just as you, throughChrist, forgave me (Eph 4:32).

Please help me not to get tired and weary from doing good, andremind me that at just the right time I will reap a harvest of blessing, if Idon’t give up (Gal 6:9).

Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.

See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 139:23-24

The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurityand debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage,selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I didbefore, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:19-23

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Are you joining me on this 30 days of prayer? Leave a comment here or on facebook and let me know!

My favorites of 2011

2011-12-29T22:30:00.000-05:00

These are a few of my favorite things of 2011...

Blog Entry
http://www.jonacuff.com/stuffchristianslike/2011/07/the-chase/#more-5357
"I am a works-based assassin trying to kill the me I don’t want to be in the city of my life."

I've been on a journey of grace this year as I re-learned what it means to be covered completely and only in the righteousness of Christ. That is why my favorite quote of the year is...

Quote
In Christ, “We have no penalty to pay for sin, including past, present, and future sins... we are not subject to any charge of guilt or condemnation.” (Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, 724-725)

I blogged about it here: Looking for Joy

Sermon
And that's why one of my favorite sermons of the year was "The Grace Greater Than Your Past" by Pastor Mark Vroegop, November 13th.

"Run, John, run, the law commands,

But gives us neither feet nor hands,

Far greater news the gospel brings,

It bids us fly and gives us wings."

Book
I have loved 1000 Gifts by Ann Voskamp.
Honestly, I haven't finished it yet, but I'm nearing the end. It's a great reminder to live our lives full of thankfulness to God. I love the fresh and unique writing style.

Song
Blessings by Laura Story

Store
Aldi! Really, I don't know how we'd feed our family with out this amazing store. Thank you, Aldi!

Online Store
Shutterfly. Just when I thought they couldn't get any better, they made their photo books even more customizable so that I no longer design my pages in Photoshop! Also this year, I took 6 of my 3" old fashioned photo books and converted them into 2 slim 12x12 albums that fit nicely on the shelf. I love Shutterfly! :)

Technology
This is a tie between two things: Lightroom, which is a software that has cut my photo editing time down considerably. Google Calendar, so that Lee & I are always synced.

Memory
Easter Sunday. It was my last day with my grandma. It was a rainy day, so we had the egg hunt inside at my parents' house. She sat on a chair and watched, and so we covered her with eggs and hid them all around her. She thought it was a riot! I have a video of me asking her what her favorite thing is, and she said, "All my family, and all the craziness." She was one special lady.

Person
That is why my favorite person of the year goes to Doris Stelzer, GG, my grandma. Jesus brought her home this year, and it is still hard to believe she's not here. Man, I miss her.

Home School Resource
Teaching Textbooks for Math. Abby just wasn't catching on with workbooks and Shiller, so I took a step back and ordered these. So far, so good!

Accomplishment
I finished my essays for becoming NANC certified, and now I'm on to the supervised counseling phase. They were a blast to write! If you're interested, I can send you a copy.

TV Show
Once Upon a Time looks promising. I like it so far.

I'll do another post about my favorite verses of the year. So for now, goodnight! :)

What's Noel?

2011-12-24T08:25:00.003-05:00

Sitting in church last week, my niece turned to me and asked, "What's Noel?" We'd just sung it about fifty times in the recent song, and yet I couldn't tell her. I immediately thought of this Animaniac song, though. (Here it is... my Christmas present to you!)

So, back to the church service, I typed it into my phone before the refrain was over and discovered that it means, "Christmas." Oh yeah, I think I learned that sometime, somewhere. She was satisfied with the answer.

It seemed a little funny then to think of singing the word Christmas over and over. "Christmas, Christmas, Christmas, Christmas, born is the King of Israel." It doesn't sound pretty and it doesn't rhyme either.

What's Noel?

That's a good question for everyone to be asking right now. Just about every parent I talk to is looking forward to January, when the business of the season is over. If we are truly celebrating the event that means, "born is the King of Israel," are we supposed to be doing it this way?

What are we reading that inspires us to love Jesus?
What music are we listening to that makes our hearts well up with praise?
What are we buying that shows we want to give our all to him?
How are we praying for others that shows that His love is in us?
What are we watching that motivates us to share His truth with the world?

It's Christmas Eve. Mary is full of the life of God, and yet experiencing all the discomforts that pregnancy brings. Joseph is in a protective mode, looking for how to care for this child and where they should stay. The shepherds are going about their daily jobs, taking the sheep out to pasture for the evening. The angels are staged and ready to burst forth with a loud cry. The wise men are on their way to Herod in Jerusalem, the city of David, to inquire about a star and a king who was born. And Jesus is about to bring His light into the world for all to see.

Let's pause tonight to the wonder of the birth of Christ. God became a man FOR us. As my pastor, Mark Vroegop, said last week:

"Jesus became a man in order to purchase our redemption. Who? Jesus. What? Redeems people. How? Through the humiliation of becoming human. Therefore, the call from this text today is behold the beauty of the incarnation and to celebrate this season not only on the basis of what he did – but to marvel and meditate on how he did it. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us!" (Sermon Here)

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Merry Christmas! And my the light of Christ shine in you this weekend and for eternity.

When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

John 8:12

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Unpacked Boxes

2011-12-16T08:16:00.002-05:00

Well, we've officially moved to our sweet little home on a sliver of country. Moving was as big of a chore as I expected it to be, having moved our stuff around seven times in our 13 years of marriage, (as my brother pointed out while carrying a large piece of furniture out our front door), but it's finally over. Or mostly over, as those of you who've moved can understand. There are always the nagging few boxes of stuff you didn't want to deal with at your old house, that you still don't want to deal with at your new house!

We made it with surprisingly few casualties. There are a couple of missing toys and a hard drive cable that hasn't appeared, but having things drop out of sight along the way or break into bits is par for the course.

This all started happening at the end of October, and since then, my life has been consumed with activity.

Planning, sorting, purging, purging some more, selling, making lists, donating, freecycling, planning some more, waiting...

And now~

Rest.

Ahh, a nice word. Rest.

I don't want to do this again for a long time! Whew! Time to make a cup of tea and sit back and enjoy the Christmas Season.

You wouldn't know it were Christmas around here. No lights. No tree. Occasionally I play some Christmas music on Pandora when I'm feeling festive. But the simplicity of the time is actually quite refreshing.

It's 8 AM. The house is quiet. Except for my my oldest who doesn't sleep in - ever - all is still.

I sit back and smile, knowing that one day we'll have eternity to rest. To rest from striving. The battle. The fight against sin. Sickness. They'll all be gone.

I sip my tea.

Rest.

Resting on His promises.

Come quickly, Lord Jesus! And as I wait, help me to rest in You.

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What is modesty?

2011-11-29T15:53:00.001-05:00

(Note: This is just the beginning of an ongoing conversation I hope to have as I wade through what the Bible says about modesty.)

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The word "modest" is only found in the Bible once. Are you surprised? People make such a big deal about it, it's as though it's the number one sin. Maybe even the 11th commandment.

Here is the one occurrence:

"Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works." (I Timothy 5:9-10)

The word for modesty there is kosmios: well arranged, seemly, modest.

That Greek word is only found one other time in the New Testament, and in that instance, it is talking about men, and it's translated instead "above reproach."

"Thereforean overseermust be above reproach, the husband of one wife,sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable,hospitable,able to teach." (I timothy 3:2)

A simple word study, then, does not shed any light, really, on this touchy topic.

So what is modesty?

I do believe that the Bible contains everything we need for life and godliness (II Peter 1:3), but it's going to take a little more digging for me to see for myself God's plan for our wardrobes. I'm up for the challenge. Want to join me?

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How do you feel about sheep?

2011-11-29T07:43:00.001-05:00

On the way to church, my 8 YO daughter was studying her memory verse.

Isaiah 53:6

We all, like sheep, have gone astray,

each of us has turned to his own way;

and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

After a few moments, she said, "I think this is a really funny verse."

Of course I asked her why. I didn't see the humor in it. In fact, it's pretty serious.

"Because," she explained, "it says that everyone likes sheep, but I don't think I like sheep."

You can imagine the laughter from my husband and I as we explained the importance of the commas in that verse!

Have you ever read a Bible passage and done a double-take? This morning I read:

"Those who were musicians, heads of Levite families, stayed in the rooms of the temple and were exempt from other duties because they were responsible for the work day and night."

I Chronicles 9:32

It brought back memories of my grandpa at our family reunions. He and the other older men would always be crooning out the lovely parts on an old song. My favorite story is when we found them in the bathroom -- because the acoustics were better! I wish people sang all the time like that now.

The Matthew Henry Commentary says that the older men sang all the time, symbolizing the praise that goes on at the throne of God day and night, always singing, "Holy, holy, holy!"

So maybe in eternity singing will be back in style. In fact, I can picture my grandpa now, standing before the throne, singing the harmony to Amazing Grace. It will be fun when we join him, praising the true lamb of God who took the iniquity of us all.

So if Jesus is the lamb of God, and knowing that one day we all will bow, I suppose it is true that we all do indeed like sheep.

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Because you prayed

2011-11-16T09:29:00.001-05:00

My heart is full. I read II Kings 18-20 this morning, the life of Hezekiah, a man who was praised above all others. "There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him." Before or after? Really? Even David?

Read what it says about him:

⁵ Hezekiah trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel.

There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him.

⁶ He held fast to the LORD and did not stop following him;

he kept the commands the LORD had given Moses.

⁷ And the LORD was with him;

he was successful in whatever he undertook. (Chapter 18)

I looked up the word "held fast." The NASB uses the word "clung." It also means "abide." It reminded me of what Jesus said in John 15:4, "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me."

Hezekiah's life was marked by prayer and trust in God. When he received word that an army was about to attack, he prayed. When he was told he was about to die, he prayed, and God gave him fifteen more years of life.

Oh, to have that be my first response!

The phrase that made me look twice was God's response to his prayer.

"Because you have prayed to Me about Sennacherib king of Assyria, I have heard you."

Because you have prayed.

I was recently challenged, "What if God only gave you today what you prayed for?"

Because you have prayed.

That's enough to chew on for the day, don't you think?

Wow, God!

2011-11-08T08:17:00.002-05:00

Three stooges. Three muskateers. Three amigos. Three Blind Mice. Many things come in groups of three.

It's true for my life as well, as three separate areas are currently pointing in the same direction, leading me to declare, "Wow, God!"

1.) I & II Kings

In reading through I & II Kings, I see that over and over, God promises to do something great, people doubt, and He does it above and beyond all they'd asked or thought was even possible. (And an important note: Those who doubted usually met with a hard end! Just read II Kings 6 and 7.)

In these books, laws of physics are defied, nations are rerouted, and even bears are sent to do His will! It leads me to ask, "Is anything impossible with God?" And of course the resounding answer that shouts loudly from these pages is, "No!" I am consistently inspired to say, "Wow, God! You are amazing!"

2.) True Woman

I attended the True Woman conference this weekend here in Indianapolis. I came away with pages of notes, but there was one single lesson that settled on my heart for me to grasp and take a hold of:

I need to pray.

Oh, I pray. I pray for my kids. I pray for my day. I pray through my quiet time and for my own issues of sanctification. I pray before meals and I pray here and there. All of this is good!

But it was more: my prayers need to be less self-focused, and I was inspired to be an intercessor for others and God's work here and around the world.

I was also encouraged to not rely on my natural giftedness but on the super natural power of God. I should be praying that God would never let me get to the place where I can do it without Him. I should be asking for a ministry that can only be explained by God, rather than relying on tools, resources, and programs. Then I can step back, look at the work He's accomplished, and say, "Wow, God!"

3.) One Cry.

Have you heard about One Cry? I was exposed to it at the conference this weekend. The message: A call for Spiritual Revival through prayer.

The aim? To gather 50,000 prayer warriors to band together, seeking the face of God for revival.

Their goals?

to engage in earnest, intercessory prayer for revival
to walk in brokenness, humbly repenting of every sin God reveals to us
to seek the manifest presence of God, believing that a revived church will advance the gospel of Christ throughout the world
to unite with others who share this revival vision

"If my people, who are called by my name,

will humble themselves and pray and seek my face

and turn from their wicked ways,

then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin

and will heal their land." II Chronicles 7:14

I asked myself: Why wouldn't I get involved in something like this? Why wouldn't I sign up and tell my friends? What do I make more important in my life than seeking God's face on behalf of others?

OneCry from Life Action Ministries on Vimeo.

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Combine these three elements and you have a recipe for praying in faith! What is this going to look like? My brain wants to immediately go to the details: When I should pray. How I should organize my prayer journal. What tools I need. But I'm trying to avoid letting all of that delay my obedience. I'm just going to pray. Do you want to join me?

We'll then be able to stand back together and say, "Wow, God!"

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