Four Power Principles
- Intercessory Prayer (Genesis 18:16-33; Exodus 32:7-14; Colossians 1:9-12; 1 Samuel 12:23; Romans 8:26)
- What is “intercession”?
- How can intercessory prayers energize a marriage?
- Simple acts of intercessory prayer:
- Ask God to bless your spouse with good or improved health
- Ask God to give your spouse safety on their way to/from work
- Plead with God to help your unsaved spouse see the way of truth
- Petition the Lord’s favor on a project your spouse is doing
- Ask God to give your spouse the courage and wisdom to face life’s problems
- Time (2 Peter 3:8; Deuteronomy 24:5; James 4:13-17)
- How does sharing your time with your spouse energize the marriage relationship?
- How does a failure to spend time with your spouse destroy the marriage relationship?
- Simple acts of giving your time:
- Go to church together
- Read your Bible together
- Arrange periodic “date nights” for the two of you
- Turn off the TV to talk, walk, play, or just sit together
- When kids are young, put them to bed early
- Leave off that project you’re working on till tomorrow, next week, etc.
- Affirmation (Proverbs 18:21; 12:25; 31:28-29; 25:11)
- How do words of affirmation energize the marriage relationship?
- How do words of criticism destroy the marriage relationship?
- Simple words of affirmation:
- Saying, “You look sharp today ”
- Saying, “That meal was delicious ”
- Saying, “You do such a good job with the kids ”
- Saying, “Wow! You look really nice in that dress ”
- Saying, “Have you lost weight? ”
- Saying, “Thanks, the yard really looks nice all mowed ”
- Forgiveness (Proverbs 19:11; Matthew 6:11-15; 18:21-22; Colossians 3:12-13)
- How does the principle of forgiveness energize the marriage relationship?
- How does grudge-holding and pride destroy the marriage relationship?
- Simple words and acts of forgiveness:
- Saying, “I’m sorry, will you forgive me? ”
- Saying, “Yes, I forgive you.”
- Remember your own shortcomings
- Remember the high value God places on marriage
- Remember the kids and others affected by grudge-holding
- Pray and ask God to keep your conscience tender
