This article is adapted from Season 7, Episode 17 of the Marriage After God podcast. Subscribe and listen today.
In the gift and bond of marriage, God has given us a unique and powerful opportunity to grow closer not only to our spouse but also to God. As wives, we have the gift, privilege, and calling to pray for our husbands.
This act of love is more than just reciting words; it's a profound spiritual practice that can transform our relationships and deepen our faith. As we read in Philippians 4:6-7,
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
This Scripture beautifully illustrates the power of prayer and the calling of God in our lives and relationship.
Prayer is a divine gift and an extraordinary tool given to us by God. It allows us to communicate with Him directly and express our concerns, hopes, and desires as we seek his guidance and will in our lives and marriages.
When we pray for our husbands, we are boldly entering into God's throne room on behalf of him and our marriages. This act of intercession is a testament to our love and commitment to our spouses.
As we pray, we align our hearts with God's will, allowing Him to work in us and through us for the benefit of our husbands.
However, sometimes knowing how to pray for your husband may not always be clear. You may find yourself wondering what to pray for or how to articulate your prayers. This is where Scripture and the Holy Spirit can guide us.
The Bible is filled with wisdom and examples of prayer that can inspire and guide our own. Furthermore, as a comfort and encouragement, we can remember that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us — praying for us and helping us to pray according to God's will (Romans 8:26-27).
In this article, we will explore various ways to pray for your husband, drawing from Scripture and our own experiences.
Whether you're new to prayer or looking to enrich your prayer life, this guide is designed to equip you with practical ways to pray for your husband effectively and fervently.
Here are eight ways you can pray for your husband:
1. Pray for His Relationship with God
The first and foremost thing to pray for is your husband's relationship with God. Amid the stresses and distractions of life, pray that his faith would grow and his desire for God's Word would increase.
Pray that he would experience God in new and powerful ways and know how much God loves him. If he is not yet a believer, pray that His eyes and heart would be open and receptive to the gospel and that he would turn his heart to the Lord.
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you (James 4:8).
2. Pray for His Confidence
Pray for your husband's confidence in his roles at home, at work, and in his relationships. Pray that he would have the confidence of Christ within him, knowing that every opportunity is an opportunity to share God's Word. And that he chooses daily to walk in the power and fruit of the Holy Spirit.
For the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught(Proverbs 3:26).
3. Pray for His Job
Pray for your husband's job, that it would be so much more than just a means to pay the bills, but that he would see it as a place of ministry and influence.
Pray that he would be a good example to his coworkers and work hard unto the Lord. Pray that he would desire to grow in his position and skills.
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men (Colossians 3:23).
4. Pray for His Health
Pray for your husband's health, that he would be mindful of his body and how to take care of it. Pray for protection from sickness and for overall well-being.
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own (1 Corinthians 6:19).
5. Pray for His Discernment
Pray for your husband's discernment, that he would mature and grow in his ability to distinguish between good from evil and between what is and isn’t God’s will for your life and marriage.
But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil (Hebrews 5:14).
6. Pray for His Friendships
Pray for your husband's friendships, that he would be a good and faithful friend who speaks truth in love. Pray that he would be looked up to as a leader amongst his friends.
Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another (Proverbs 27:17).
7. Pray for His Time
Pray that your husband would use his time wisely, seeing it as valuable and important. Pray that he would use his time for his family to serve and bless his church and friends.
Pray that he would not waste his time on things that do not benefit him or your marriage. Pray that he would be wise when it comes to the time he spends on hobbies and worthless pursuits.
"So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12).
8. Pray for His Leadership
Pray that your husband would see himself as a spiritual leader in his home, friendships, church, and work. Pray that he would grow in his leadership skills and abilities and desire to grow in the qualifications given in 1 Timothy for an elder in the church.
The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task (1 Timothy 3:1).
This short guide on how to pray for your husband is intended to inspire and encourage and also remind you that your prayers are powerful and effective.
A lifestyle and habit of prayer bring change, provide comfort, and, most importantly, align your heart with God's will.
So, make prayer a priority in your marriages. Commit to praying for your husband daily, trusting that God hears your prayers and works in ways you may not always see but can trust are for your good and His glory.
We'd love to hear from you. How has prayer impacted your marriage? What specific prayers have you found most impactful for your husband and marriage?
We're all on this journey together, and your story could be the encouragement someone else needs to start or deepen their prayer life.
If you're looking for more resources to enrich your prayer life, check out our collection of prayer books here. These books are designed to guide you in praying for your spouse and cultivate a habit of prayer in your life.
Start your journey of praying for your husband today and witness the transformative power of prayer in your marriage.
Remember, prayer is not just a calling; it's a privilege and a powerful gift given to us by God. So, let's use it to bless our husbands and our marriages today!
For further reading:
How Can I Pray for My Husband?
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/katleho Seisa
Aaron and Jennifer Smith recognize the beauty and power of how God designed every marriage unique. We are passionate about encouraging couples to set their eyes on God while boldly asking the question, “God, what can our marriage do for you?” In our books, we share personal stories of failure and victory from our own marriage while pointing to the wisdom in God’s Holy Word. We have been married for over 16 years and are currently raising five young children, and we are no strangers to the enemy’s attack on marriage. We hope to equip you to be prepared, inspired, and encouraged to live boldly, chasing after God’s purposes together. Ever since we got married, we have purposed to serve God and build His kingdom together. We blog, write books, and host a weekly podcast urging couples to say yes to God and to be used by God for His extraordinary purposes.