FIGHTING CONFLICT WITH PRAYER

FIGHTING CONFLICT WITH PRAYER

CAN YOU IMAGINE how the biblical record might be different if Isaac and Rebekah had learned to deal with their conflicts through prayer, rather than through deceit and manipulation (Gen.27:5-13)?

More to the point, would you like to do a better job of resolving conflict in your marriage?  If so, then we encourage you to discover the power of praying together.

Even though praying in the middle of a conflict is just as important as praying during calm seas, most of us don’t feel like praying with an opponent.  But inviting the Prince of Peace into your boat in the middle of the storm is truly the answer.

For some of the best advice on how to resolve conflict in marriage, you have only to turn to Eph.4:25-27, “Therefore, putting away lying, ‘Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,’ for we are members of one another.  ‘Be angry, and do not sin’: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.”

Note especially the phrase, “Do not let the sun go down on your wrath.”  If that single principle were observed, most marital conflicts would be resolved much sooner!  The next time you have a conflict, instead of turning away to be angry, find a way to turn toward one another and God and pray together as a couple.  Barbara and I have done this since 1972, and I can honestly say that this spiritual discipline of prayer has helped us resolve many conflicts.

NOTE:  Tomorrows post will have helpful marital comments to make your marriage healthier.

NOTE:  This article was taken from Family Life Marriage Bible by Dennis and Barbara Rainey.