Asking the Holy Spirit to Intercede for My Marriage - Crosswalk Couples Devotional - December 23

Asking the Holy Spirit to Intercede for My Marriage

By: Jennifer Waddle

“Likewise, the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” (Romans 8:26 NKJV)

As a mentor for middle-aged women, I often hear the words, “I don’t know what to pray anymore.” Whether it has to do with their prodigal children, their health, or their marriage, even longtime Christians sometimes run out of things to pray for. And I get it. I’ve been there myself.

When our prayers run dry, there’s no need to worry. God isn’t displeased with us for not knowing what to say. In fact, He steps in for us by His Spirit to help us in those weak moments with intercessions we cannot utter ourselves. 

You can trust Him, my friend. You can boldly ask the Holy Spirit to intercede for your marriage and trust Him to do it. Here are a few things to pray:

“Draw Us Closer”

Above all else, oneness with God and each other is foundational to a healthy marriage. Whether your spouse is believing or unbelieving, ask the Holy Spirit to pray for unity and solidarity. The closeness you have with the Lord is what carries you moment by moment, and as you abide in Him, He abides in you. (John 15:4)

Remember James 4:8, which says, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” By asking the Holy Spirit to intercede, you are drawing near in faith, looking first to God for the help you need. Carve out time each day to be still in God’s presence and know the Holy Spirit is crying out on behalf of your marriage.

“Give Us Wisdom”

I’ve been spending extra time in the book of Proverbs lately, and though I’ve read it many times, I’m reminded of the priceless value of wisdom. 

Proverbs 3:13-18 says, “Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed.”

Asking the Holy Spirit to pray for increased wisdom in your marriage will yield a better return than gold. And with God’s wisdom, you can expect your marriage to follow paths of pleasantness and peace with favor and blessing.

“Do Only What You Can Do”

There are issues in marriage that sometimes seem insurmountable, and we are at a loss for words. The “fixer” in us wants to smooth things over and make things better, but deep in our hearts, we know there’s only One who can move mountains.

Let go of the controls and ask the Holy Spirit to take over. Let Him do what only He can do, trusting that every utterance is in perfect alignment with the Father’s will. Comfort and peace come from relying solely on God for the miracles you need. And believe me, God still works miracles today!

Please don’t feel bad when you run out of prayers to speak. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus! (Romans 8:1) The Holy Spirit is your Counselor, Helper, and Guide, and you can trust Him to intercede at all times, in every way.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Spirit to dwell within us, interceding with groanings we cannot express. Please pray for our marriages in ways that supersede our feeble prayers. Draw us close to You, Lord, into oneness and unity. Enrich our bond through the priceless treasure of wisdom - Your wisdom. Take control of our marriages and do what only You can do. Truly, You are the Way Maker and we trust You to perform the miracles needed for restoration and transformation. We release all doubt, worry, and fear, trusting You to bless us in our weakness with powerful intercessions of faith, hope, and love. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Photo credit: ©Getty/pcess609

Jennifer Waddle is the author of several books, including Prayer WORRIER: Turning Every Worry into Powerful Prayer, and is a regular contributor for LifeWay, Crosswalk, Abide, and Christians Care International. Jennifer’s online ministry is EncouragementMama.com where you can find her books and sign up for her weekly post, Discouragement Doesn’t Win. She resides with her family near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains—her favorite place on earth. 

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