What if I told you that doing one thing for 30 second each day would cut your chances of divorce in half, help you walk in freedom, and significantly increase the intimacy in your relationship. I know the phrase if it sounds too good to be true it isn’t real… So much of our faith sounds too good to be true but it is very real. Before I share what that one 30 second thing is…
Have you ever looked into another persons romantic relationship and thought… “I want that.” My questions is what is that? For some it is picture that was seen on facebook or a movie they saw. We all know “that” isn’t real! Jerry Maguire’s “you complete me” line is a lie! The two have this very dysfunctional relationship that ends leading you to believe that they will live happily ever after, but you know this relationship is headed for disaster. Here is why: No person on the planet can fulfill you. I have seen so many marriages end in this pursuit. The husband is not link the fictional character in the Nicolas Sparks book. The wife with 3 kids is nothing like the model on tv that loves football.
My wife and I have massive miscommunications, painful misunderstandings, hurt each others feelings, and had intense conversations (that is preacher language for fights…). At the same time we have playful interactions, we dance in our kitchen or in a department store, we go on long walks and talk about life, and show genuine and sincere affection toward each other.
One of the major reasons we miss fulfillment in our romantic relationships is because they type of fulfillment is misplaced. Jesus was once asked what the greatest commandment is:
‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ Matthew 22:37
You see our significant other is not “the one” but “the two” God is our one and our spouse is our two. If you are not married let God be your one and don’t search for it in another person.
So how do we do that? Back to that one 30 second thing… This one thing will change everything in your fulfillment and bring intimacy in your marriage or future one. Here it is:
Pray with your spouse. Notice I did not say pray for your spouse, I said WITH. Before you go to work grab their hands and pray. If you do not have a spouse. Every day write a pray for your future spouse and put it in a shoebox. When you find your “two” give it to them.
So how do you pray for your spouse?
1. Keep it short.
Start with 30 seconds. You will never pray for an hour if you don’t start with 30 seconds.
2. Keep it consistent
Pick a time. Choose to do it before something. Before you go to work, before breakfast, or before the kids get up.
3. If you miss a day, don’t miss two
Perfection is not the goal, consistency is. It is about creating a habit to strengthen intimacy.
So now what to pray. Here is a sample prayer you can pray:
Dear God, Give us wisdom and clear direction in all we do today. Help us to show Your love to each other and to shine Your light into the world. Keep us close to You, away from temptation and always in Your will. In Jesus name, Amen.
Helping People Live a Better Story
Brandon Sereg
@brandonsereg
@yourvibrantchurch