Praying for My Husband

A friend emailed me and a few others about trying an experiment. She wants us to pray for each others husbands for the month of November.

I said yes.

Honestly it’s not so much because I think my husband (or theirs) needs it as much as I need to do it. I need to be reminded that this life I live is not all about me.  I need to know that where two or more are gathered we have an effectual plea before the throne of grace.  I need to be reminded I’m not alone. I need to remember my husband is, like me, made in the image of God. I need to love my husband better and what better way than to pray for him.

I know my husband will benefit too,in ways I can’t even imagine right now.

My friend suggested we start by confessing and repenting our own sins first. To God and to our husbands.  This is a little terrifying. I know full well my sins (though probably not well enough), but to actually confess them…

Psalm 51 came to mind.

Have mercy on me O God
according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
blot out my transgressions

For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is ever before me.
Against you,  you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,

Remembering my sin is first against God is sobering.

Create in me a clean heart , O God
and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and uphold me with a willing spirit.

James puts it this way

But he gives more grace.
Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God.
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. James 4

We should not turn away from God when sin abounds but just the opposite. Submit, draw near, confess, mourn then let God do his work and restore the joy. Let Him exalt you. Let Him purify. Let Him impart righteousness.

Ah what sweet salvation to be fully forgiven.

Then, with faith, pray because he gives more grace.

And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another that you may be healed. James 5

The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

Great Power, not to wield for our pleasures, but to affect change, impart blessings, bring healing, give hope, increase faith, and learn humility.

Each day this month I’ll pray for my husband and those of my friends I’ll try to be here every few days and encourage prayer and give glory to God. Join me and let me know How God’s great power is working through your prayers.