The Marriage That Prays Together...

My apologies that yesterday's #effectiveSunday prayer got posted later in the day. The schedule of getting ready for church and things to get done before church got hijacked. As such,  it also meant that as I listened to the sermon, the back of my mind was trying not to lose the focus of the prayer that you should have been able to read by that time. Fortunately, in a powerful sermon on marriage, Pastor said something towards the end, that when He said it, I knew it would be the focus of today's prayer. Now, I just needed God's help in not crossing both prayers!

As we pray for Senior Pastors on Monday's, mine stated a change in schedule that they've had in their home, since they've adopted two, newborn babies (one at a time) in the past 4 yrs. In fact, it sounded like it's transpired after they adopted the second one, but the impact remains.

He shared how on Monday mornings, how he'd "race in" to church. Getting in first thing, if you will and get to work. However, he was able to recognize a shift, now in his marriage and the appearance of kids and balance in the home. He and his wife (who is also on staff) have always prayed together daily, but they now take an hour, specifically, on Monday morning, to pray over their home, marriage and the church. Interestingly enough, he went on to say the impact that has made; in the increased growth and overall health of the church as they have made this dedicated time on Monday mornings to come together in prayerful agreement.

Of course, my first thought was... how many pastors aren't doing this? And struggling, as a result. Perhaps the marriage is strong, but not strong enough. Perhaps it's in trouble and they just can't seem to come into agreement, either in prayer or on any other matter. Are they struggling to build a healthy church because they are having a hard time maintaining a healthy marriage? Is it noticeable to the congregation and thus, making a negative impact that hasn't been revealed in this light?

The spiritual health of the pastors' marriage speaks volumes to the spiritual health that can and should exist within the body of Christ. Else, where is the model that the church will look? I'm not saying my pastors' marriage, or any other pastor or my own for that matter is perfect. They aren't, nor is mine. But who seeks counsel in an area of life from a person who is also struggling in that area? I wouldn't go to someone who is in worse financial position than I and ask, how do I get in a better financial state?

We need strong pastors to have healthy homes, if for no other reason, they bring a balance and stability to the church that enables them to build and influence healthy homes and marriages within the community. Healthier communities, contribute to a healthier nation... which we all agree we need right now; in many areas and aspects of life. But if the spirit isn't healthy, how will the body fare? For out of the heart, the mouth speaks.

(funny... as I pause for a moment, to think about how to start writing the prayer, I look at my phone. On the Bible widget, is today's verse: Ps. 139:23,24
- Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my thoughts. And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting)

On that note, pray this #seniorPastorMonday, that God would indeed search our lives and that of our pastors. May the wickedness within be found and removed. May God lead pastors in the way everlasting, bringing insight into their own hearts and lives; whereby their faith continues to grow and mature. Pray their homes and marriages be strengthened; that they would be a testament to the greatness and faithfulness of God... a light to the body of Christ and the community-at-large of what a Godly home in faithful service to the Gospel should model. May the prayer time of pastors coming together with their spouse be fruitful; may their prayers and petitions be heard by God; that He would hear and respond... with insight, with revelation, with truth and wisdom, discernment and power. Pray the miraculous to be witnessed, in their home and in their church; that many lives within the community would see and know the handiwork of God; of His goodness and greatness... of what can happen when two people come together and stand in agreement on the Word of God through the avenue of prayer.

May today be a day of change.
Positive impact as the power of God is unleashed through prayer.
For His Glory and Honor, we pray these things.

- PNC

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