Marriage from a ‘Christ Perspective’ - Part 4
(Matt. 18: 19) – “Again, amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father.”
How wonderful it is when we, as a couple, come to realize the power of our unified prayer. This passage in Matthew speaks to this invitation by Christ for us to unify in our love for others through our prayer for another’s wellbeing. My wife and I have seen the fruits of many of the novenas we have prayed over the years for others in need, and even in a perpetual prayer that we offer up for children in three areas of each of their lives.
Our Domestic Church (Our home) is, not only, a beautiful place for us to grow closer together through shared experiences, emotional support, and good discussion and learning about life, but it is also a place for us to turn to God together for the good of each other and the world around us. Sadly, too many people don’t pray together as a family or even as a couple. God longs to help us, supply us the grace that we need to overcome difficulties, and to ultimately guide us to peace and joy, but often we leave Him out of the family equation. We either feel uncomfortable praying together or we just don’t see it as important. Maybe we feel judged in our prayer. Whatever the reason, we are missing out on a vital ‘lifeline’ for our family unity and outreach assistance.
Prayer doesn’t have to be wordy, well-spoken, or eloquent. It just needs to be heartfelt and sincere. Christ tells us to ‘ask and to seek’ help from Him, and to ‘knock’ on the door of heaven through our prayers. He is a loving Father who wants the best for us and will never let our prayers go unanswered. However, His answers may not always be what we want, but ultimately what we need. I believe it to be true, that a family that prays together, stays together.
ACTION STEP: This week, build more unified prayer into your marriage and family life, and encourage every member to add in their petitions for those they see in need.