5 Lies About Prayer and Your Marriage

Rushing through my morning, I passed by my “Prayers of My Heart” journal that laid on the floor.  At least 20 times…I dodged stepping on it as I did a load of wash, poured a second cup of coffee, and made my morning smoothie. Without realizing, I bought into five lies as I did everything but stop to pray for my husband and myself. 

Lie 1:  Prayer Isn’t That Important

We do the important things in our life.  We go to the bathroom when we sense the urge. We make time to eat when we’re hungry. So why do we not stop to pray when we sense temptation, apathy, anger, or lovelessness? 

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.  Luke 18:1 (NIV)

Lie 2:  Prayer Won’t Change Anything

Believing that nothing changes when we pray is a lie from hell. The fact that we talk to God creates a shift from negative thinking that we’re alone and our situation hopeless to acknowledging we have a Heavenly Father who loves us and that nothing is impossible with Him. 

For nothing will be impossible with God. Luke 1:37 (NAS)

Lie 3:  Prayer Takes Too Long

Sometimes we may believe the lie that we don’t have time to pray. A way I stand against that lie is by using the column format in Prayers of My Heart journal. I weekly record the names of the people and groups for whom I’m praying across the top of the page. As I read their name, I jot down my request for each one. For instance, under my husband’s name, I may write, “wisdom.” I may write, “Fill with Your Spirit,” under my name. Under a child’s name, I may write, “look to You.” I may record, “heal” under a sick friend’s name. Rather than think about how I don’t have time to pray, I pray for specific needs. .  

And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.  Matthew 6:7-8. (NIV)

Lie 4:  Prayer is for Holy People and I’m Sinful

Do you have any idea how much your Heavenly Father loves you? You are His child. None of us is perfect. Whether you pray or don’t pray, God sees you and longs for a relationship with you. Go to Him. Tell Him your sin. Ask Him to forgive you and to help you stand against temptation. Then pray for your marriage. 

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  1 John 1:9 (NIV)

Lie 5:   Prayer for God to Change My Husband is the Best Prayer

Praying for our husbands is one of the most important things we can do. They may not see the battles they are in – battles for patience, battles for purity, battles for financial integrity. However, praying that God fill us with His Spirit and teach us to walk by His Spirit is a prayer that will change us so we better model Christ to our husbands and pray more fervently for them. 

Be filled with the Spirit.  Ephesians 5:18 (NAS)

Wife Step: Which lie about prayer have you believed? Which of the above will you act on?

Find additional tips on prayer and prayer helps at debbietaylorwilliams.com. 

Debbie Taylor Williams, founder of Hill Country Ministries, a non-profit 501© 3 dedicated to spreading God’s Word and love, is a sought out national Christian speaker and author. Best known as a passionate Biblical expositor, Debbie uses humor and practical illustrations to communicate spiritual truths to women of all ages and walks of life. She has written 7 books and produced numerous video driven Bible studies, including The Plan A Mom In a Plan B World, The Plan A Woman In a Plan B World, Pray With Purpose, Live With Passion; Prayers of My Heart; If God Is In Control, Why Do I Have A Headache?; If God Is In Control, Why Am I A Basket Case, and Discovering His Passion.