Marriage, Prayer, and the Daily Work of Love: Christian Wisdom for Stronger Relationships
life & godliness (5.8.26)
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In this semi-regular post, I will share what I enjoy in life that you might also appreciate (or at least get to know me and my quirks better). In addition, I will share things to stir godliness in your life.
This month our daughter Allison is getting married. This is the same daughter that I had the podcast Daughter, Dad and Doctrine 1 with a few years back. We are happy for her and are eager to have her fiancé Brad a part of our family. In light of this celebration of love I have a few recommendations for everyone to consider married or otherwise..
A Tool for Deepening Love (for Everyone)
To stir and stoke the fires of love, there must be a measure of what love looks like and evolves into. Paul David Tripp’s created a list of 24 Things Love Is And Does that is second to none.
It’s highly practical for all loving relationships including parent, child, grandparent, neighbors, friends, etc..
It fleshes out the actions and attitudes of love. I’m only sharing a few to whet your appetite but highly encourage you to click on the link and check them all out In fact I would encourage you to embrace them as prayer prompts.
Take one per day and pray it for your self and your spouse.
LOVE IS being more committed to unity and understanding than you are to winning, accusing, or being right.
LOVE IS the willingness to have less free time, less sleep, and a busier schedule in order to be faithful to what God has called you to be and to do as a spouse, parent, neighbor, etc.
LOVE IS refusing to be self-focused or demanding, but instead looking for specific ways to serve, support, and encourage, even when you are busy or tired.
LOVE IS making a daily commitment to resist the needless moments of conflict that come from pointing out and responding to minor offenses.
Full article and list is here.
“The Couple That Prays Together, Stays Together”
I love quippy quotes like this.
But this one really has stuck with me for over 30 plus years.
For all the years I earnestly prayed for a girlfriend and eventual wife, when the Lord brought Melanie into my life my prayer life shifted.
When our engagement hit I was already in the throws of educating myself with tapes, books and seminars on Christian marriage that were available at the time. I remembering hearing this quote above from a traveling evangelist that visited our church. Around that time I was reading James Dobson’s book Love for a Lifetime. From one of the outlines in a chapter, I realized I need to pray three things. I call them the 3C’s
Our marriage would be Christ-Centered.
We would have good and productive Communication
We would have a strong Commitment. to one another
I still pray these for Melanie and I. I began to add a 4th one after all these years. It’s more of a prayer for me but still good for a couple.
the 4th C is: Consideration: that i would be more thoughtful in her desires, needs and wants.
I pray that this list could inspire prayer in Christian couples.
Cinderella By Steven Curtis Chapman.
Finally I’m sharing the song below that my daughter wants to dance with me for the Father-Daughter dance.
I hold her request very dear to my heart when I consider,
They are not even having a dance - yet they are doing this along with a Mother- Son dance
As child, all Allison dreamed about for her wedding was dancing to this song with me.
I hadn’t really known that since before a recent conversation about the plans for the reception were being talked about.
I also hadn’t really heard the song lyrics before Allison and I had that conversation. I knew of the songs legendary emotional tug for fathers and daughters. But then I played the song in my car a few days later. Wow! What a tear jerker.
I’m highly honored that she wants to dance with me. Yet with a little sparkle in my eye and a chuckle, I think she want to get me to cry. It’s not the main goal. But maaan! My daddy feelings may crumble that afternoon.
I look forward to that moment no matter what the reaction is!!
Thanks For Reading!
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Someone could benefit from today’s encouragement. Who is that person? Share with others as the Holy Spirit leads.
Until next time, whatever you are doing, whoever you are loving, do it For 1Glory- do it for the glory of God.
Eric
Link for Daughter, Dad and Doctrine podcast is below. I attached our Valentine’s Day talk here. Enjoy.