Thursday, May 31, 2012

31 Days of Praying For Our Husbands - Day 31

Lord, I pray my husband will love righteousness and hate wickedness, especially the evils of our culture. I pray that he will recognize and avoid wickedness in his own life and if necessary, take a clear, strong stand against evil.

"A prudent man forsees evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished." Proverbs 27:12

"I pray not that you should take them out of the world, but that you should keep them from evil" John 17:15

"Wherefore let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.  There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man, but God is faithful who will not suffer you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation akso make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it." 1 Corinthians 10:12-13


Wednesday, May 30, 2012

31 Days of Praying For Our Husbands - Day 30



Lord, I pray my husband will grow in leadership skills in our relationship - protecting and providing for us.  I pray he will lead us wisely and love us sacrificially so that God will be glorified in our marriage.

"For husbands, this means love your wife just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her. To make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God's word. He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault.  In the same way, husbands ought to love wives as they love their own bodies.  For a man who loves his wife actually shows love for himself. No one hates his own body but feeds and cares for it just as Christ cares for the church." 
Ephesians 5:25-29


"Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly" Colossians 3:19

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Becoming A Proverbs 31 Woman

source

The book pictured above - The Proverbs 31 Woman One Virtue At A Time, is free.  All you have to do is subscribe here, you will receive daily emails and the link to download the book is at the bottom of the emails.  Additionally, you can participate or lead a group study based on this book.  You can download the study guide, reading plan and a leaders guide here.  I am excited to complete my reading of the book.  Many of us think becoming a Proverbs 31 woman is unattainable.  I know I did.  God is changing my heart about that.  It is only with His strength we are able to become who He wants us to be.

Taken from the Women Living Well website-

Here’s what the eBook includes:
Table of Contents
Is the Proverbs 31 Woman For Real?
How to be Treasure to Your Husband
Does Your Husband Trust You?
A Woman of Action
Working With Eager Hands
Shop to the Glory of God
The Proverbs 31 Woman Rises Very Early
Do You Have a Dream?
Vigorously Clean Your Home & Get a Bonus Workout
Burning the Midnight Oil
Mundane Tasks Are a Hidden Treasure
P.S. Your Hands Are Beautiful
Are You Prepared for the Weather Changes?
The Proverbs 31 Woman is Classy
Help Your Husband be a Man of Influence
Pursuing Excellence
Let Me Help You Pick Out Your Clothes
Putting Order on Your Tongue
Managing Our Time, Family and Home
What Do Your Children Think of You?
Be the Woman Your Man Needs
The Proverbs 31 Woman’s Beauty Secret
Pity or Praise the Proverbs 31 Woman?

Blessings!
Jenna

31 Days of Praying For Our Husbands - Day 29


source: etsy

Lord, I pray that my husband will recognize the lies of the enemy in his life.  I pray that his attitudes and actions will be guided by the truth as he brings his thoughts into captivity to the Word of God.

"For you are the children of your father the devil and you love to do that evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning.  He has always hated the truth because there is no truth in him. When he lies it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies." John 8:44

"We use God's mighty weapons, not the worlds weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:4-5







Monday, May 28, 2012

31 Days of Praying For Our Husband - Day 28



Lord, I pray that my husband will serve you and others with pure motives. I pray that he will obey You from his heart and glorify Him in everything.

"The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted He will show you a way  out so that you can endure." I Corinthians 10:13


"Anyone who wants to do that will of God will know whether my teaching is from God or is merely my own. Those who speak for themselves, want to glory only for themselves, but a person who seeks to honor the one who sent him speaks truth, not lies." John 7:17-18


"Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you are working for the Lord rather than people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward and that the Master you are serving is Christ." Colossians  3:23-24

31 Days of Praying For Our Husbands - Day 27



Lord, I pray that my husband will surrender his time and talents to you.  I pray that his spiritual gifts will be manifest i his career, at church and in our home.

"So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days." Ephesians 5:15-16


"There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all.  A spiritual gift is given to all of us so we can help each other" I Corinthians 12:4,7


Saturday, May 26, 2012

31 Days of Praying For Our Husbands - Day 26



Lord, I pray my  husband will be a man of prayer.  I pray he will seek and pursue You, God in purposeful quiet times.

"Never stop praying" I Thessalonians 5:12


" "Why are you sleeping?" He asked them.  "Get up and pray so that you will not give in to temptation" " Luke 22:46


"Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results." James 5:16


Friday, May 25, 2012

31 Days of Praying For Our Husbands - Day 25



Lord, I pray that my husband will understand the importance of taking care of his body - the temple of the Holy Spirit - for Your glory.  I pray that he will practice self-control by making wise food choices and get enough exercise to stay healthy.

"And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice - the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him." Romans 12:1-2


"Don't you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself for God bought you with a high price. So you much honor God with your body" I Corinthians 6:19-20


"I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after praching to others I myself might be disqualified" I Corinthians 9:27




Photo Credit

Thursday, May 24, 2012

31 Days of Praying For Our Husbands - Day 24



Lord, I pray that my husband will discover and live his God-given purpose.  I pray that he will offer all his dreams to the Lord and pursue on those goals that bring You glory and count for eternity.

"For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and hope" Jeremiah 29:11


""So whether you ear or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the Glory of God" I Corinthians 10:31

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

16 Ways To Show Your Husband Love and Respect



I came across this list a while back and have wanted to share with  you all.  There are some neat ideas to share.  I'm sure you could come up with even more to add to your list.  Have fun!

Blessings!
Jenna

31 Days of Praying For Our Husbands - Day 23


Lord, I pray my husband will be courageous in his stand against evil and injustice and that he will stand for truth.  I pray he will protect our family from Satan's attacks.

"So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord!" Proverbs 31:24


"Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil.  Then after the battle you will be standing firm" Ephesians 6:13


"Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous.  Yes, wait patiently for the Lord." Proverbs 27:14









Tuesday, May 22, 2012

31 Days of Praying For Our Husbands - Day 22



Lord, I pray my husband will have a balanced life - that he will balance work and play. I pray that he will fear you God, but also gain favor with people he knows at church and work.

"And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and men" Luke 2:52


"Good understanding produces favor, but the way of the treacherous is hard" Proverbs 13:15


Ladies - Thank you for your understanding this morning.  My internet went out yesterday and I ended up on the phone with technical support for over an hour this morning.  I'm sorry the post was late. Blessings!



Monday, May 21, 2012

31 Days of Praying For Our Husbands - Day 21


Lord, I pray my husband will be a good father - disciplining his children wisely and loving them unconditionally.  If he is not a father, I pray he will find a young man to mentor in things of the Lord.

"Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes form the Lord." Ephesians 6:4

"Fathers, do not aggravate your children or they will become discouraged" Colossians 3:21

"Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to opass them on to others." 2 Timothy 2:1-2

Sunday, May 20, 2012

31 Days of Praying For Our Husbands - Day 20



Lord, I pray my husband will practice forgiveness in our relationship and with others.  I pray he will recognize any roots of bitterness and yield any resentment and unforgiving attitudes to the Lord.


"Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." Ephesians 4:32

"Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many." Hebrews 12:15

Saturday, May 19, 2012

31 Days of Praying For Our Husbands - Day 19


Lord, I pray my husband will yield his mind and thoughts to you.  I pray he will not entertain immoral or impure thoughts and that he will resist the tempation to indulge in setting unholy images before his eyes.

"A prudent person forsees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and sufferes the consequesnces" Proverbs 27:12

"We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ" 2 Corinthians 10:5

Friday, May 18, 2012

31 Days of Praying For Our Husbands - Day 18


Lord, I pray my husband will be patient and a man of peace. I pray he will not give in to anger but will allow the Holy Spirit to control his responses.

"So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up" Romans 14:19

"Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace and work to maintain it" Psalm 34:14


Thursday, May 17, 2012

31 Days of Praying For Our Husbands - Day 17




Lord, I pray that my husband will have an eternal perspective - living in the light of eternity. I pray that he will reject materialism and temporal values and put God first in his life.

"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else and live righteously and He will give you everything you need" Matthew 6:33

"And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength." Deuteronomy 6:5

" Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days" Ephesians 5:16

"Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom" Psalm 90:12


Wednesday, May 16, 2012

31 Days of Praying For Our Husbands - Day 16


Lord, I pray my husband will enjoy his manliness as he patterns his life after Christ and strong men in the faith.  I pray for his physical, emotional, mental, social and spritiual strength.

"I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through His spirit."  Ephesians 3:16

"For God called you to do good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you. He is your example and you must follow His steps." 1 Peter 2:21

"These things happend to them as examples for us.  They were weritten down to warn us who live at the end of the age." 1 Corinthians 10:11

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

31 Days of Praying For Our Husbands - Day 15



Lord, I pray that my husband will choose healthy, God honoring activities.  I pray he will not live in bondage to any questionable habits or hobbies but that he will expereince freedom in holiness as he yields to your Spirit's control.

"You say "I am allowed to do anything", but not everything is good for you. And even though "I am allowed to do anything", I must not become a slave to anything."  I Corinthians 6:12

"Soldiers don't get tied up in the affairs of civillian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them." 2 Timothy 2:4

"Don't you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body" I Corinthians 6:19

Monday, May 14, 2012

31 Days of Praying For Our Husbands - Day 14



Lord I pray my husband will choose his friends wisely.  I ask You to bring men into his life that will encourage his accountability before God and won't lead him into sin.

"Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble" Proverbs 13:20


"As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend." Proverbs 27:17



Sunday, May 13, 2012

31 Days of Praying For Our Husbands - Day 13


Lord, I pray that my husband will speak words that build up our children and myself.  I pray his words will reflect a heart of love.  I pray that he will not use filthy language.

"The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences." Proverbs 18:21


"Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your wrods will be an encouragement to those who hear them." Ephesians 4:29

Saturday, May 12, 2012

31 Days of Praying For Our Husbands - Day 12



Lord I pray the my husband will use practical skills to build our family.  I pray he will make wise decisions for our well-being.  I pray that he will serve unselfishly.

"For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters, but don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve on another in love." Galations 5:13


"Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don't look our only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too." Phillipians 2:3-4



Friday, May 11, 2012

31 Days of Praying For Our Husbands - Day 11



Lord, I pray that my husband will yield his manly desires to You and practice self control.  I pray our intimacy together will be fresh, positive and a reflection of selfless love.

"Drink water from your own well - share your love only with your wife. Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you. Rejoice in the wife of your youth" Proverbs 5:15, 18


"I am my lover's and he claims me as his own." Song of Solomon 7:10


Today's tip: In the days of young children and stressful jobs- it is so important to slow down and make a date.  With 5 children we often are unable to actually go out on a date.  So, we have a home date (what I call it) I feed the kids earlier than usual, get the younger ones in bed and allow the older kids to be in their rooms until their bedtime.  I make a nice dinner for us to share.  Light some candles, play music...make it a stress free zone.  We have agreed certain topics are off limits - children, work, finances.  Sometimes we watch a movie, sometimes we just talk. It is nice to put aside time to just sit next to each other and even hold hands!  We both look forward to this time together!

Thursday, May 10, 2012

31 Days of Praying For Our Husbands - Day 10


Lord, I pray my husband will have a humble, teachable spirit and a servant's heart before you.  I pray he will listen to you, God and desire to do your will.

"The fear of the Lord teaches wisdom and humility precedes honor" Proverbs 15:33


"Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart:" Ephesians 6:6



Idea for today: Have a humble, teachable heart and spirit with your hubby. I can testify that this change in your own spirit will produce a wonderful dynamic within your relationship with your husband but also with Christ.  It is often hard to allow ourselves to be vulnerable.  I have learned that in that vulnerability - especially with my hubby- is one of the greatest places I can be and brings so many wonderful rewards.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

31 Days of Praying For Our Husbands - Day 9



Lord, I pray that my husband will cultivate strong integrity and not compromise his convictions.  I pray his testimony will be genuine, that he will be honest in his business dealings and will never do anything that he needs to hide from others.

"The just man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him" Proverbs 20:7


"Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart and of a good conscience and of faith unfeigned" I Timothy 1:5


"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armour of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6:10-12




Idea for today: Thank your husband for his positive character qualities.  Is he honest, compassionate, responsible?  Thank him for that!  If you have a husband who is lacking in positive character qualities pray extra hard for God to show you something you can thank your husband for.  Often our husbands have struggles we are unaware of and they don't want to share those.  I came across a blog post from Clayton King.  He is a very powerful pastor I heard speak at a Youth Conference.  The post tells us the 10 things our husbands want us to know...I think it is a good read.  After several years of marriage, I realized everything I  thought I knew...I didn't know.  One thing I do know - from personal experience - I need to be who God wants me to be, as a wife, mother, friend, daughter, etc... PERIOD!  End of story.  When I surrendered myself to that, things began to change.  I was guilty of often thinking others needed to change, when in fact, it was me.  Look inward, become who God calls you to be and see what a wonderful difference it makes in your marriage!  Sorry for the mini sermon.  Blessings to you all!

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

31 Days of Praying For Our Husbands - Day 8

Lord I pray the my husband will handle finances wisely, that he will have discernment concerning budgeting and investments and will be a good steward of his money in regard to giving to the Lord's work.  I pray that money will not become a source of discord in our family.

"Labor not to be rich: cease from your own wisdom. Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven." Proverbs 23:4-5


"Distributing to the necessity of the saints; given to hospitality" Romans 12:13


"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content in the things you have; for God has said, "I will never leave you or forsake you" ". Hebrews 13:5


Idea for today: Make meal planning a part of your life.  This planning not only helps you but it helps reduce the cost of groceries and that helps your husband be a good steward! :)

Monday, May 7, 2012

31 Days of Praying For Our Husbands - Day 7



Lord, I pray that my husband will work hard to provide for our family, to the best of his ability.  I pray the character qualities necessary for a successful career and ministry will be a growing part of his character - persistence, decisiveness, strength, an analytical mind, organizational skills, positive relationships with people determination, integrity, etc..

"Not slothfulness in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord" Romans 12:11


"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that the labour is not in vain in the Lord." I Corinthians 15:58


Sunday, May 6, 2012

31 Days of Praying for Our Husbands - Day 6



Lord, I pray my husband will safeguard his heart against inappropriate relationships with the opposite sex.  I pray his heart will be pure and undivided in his commitment to me, his wife.

"For their command is a lamp and their instruction a light; their corrective discipline is the way to life.  It will keep you from the immoral woman, from the smooth tongue of a promiscuous woman." Proverbs 6:23-24


"Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don't let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires." Romans 13:14




Idea for today -  Seeing that today is Sunday, you may want to use this another day if you hubby doesn't work today.  Greet your hubby at the door with a big kiss, hug and a glass of iced tea, lemonade or soda if he prefers.  Sometimes our guys have had a particularly stressful day and we may not know it but this could be just the thing to lift his spirits when he walks in the door.  Let him spend 15 minutes or so catching up with the kids while you get dinner on the table.  Then after dinner get the kids off to bed so you all can have time to catch up. I have found this helps the kids feel they have been able to share all they wanted to with daddy and go to bed easier.  Then we don't have to up and down as much.  

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Single Ladies - Please Join Us

A dear friend who is single asked me "Can I join you and pray for my future husband?"  What a great idea!  If God has not brought your mate into your life yet, join us in prayer and pray for your future husband.  Once you are married, you can continue to pray for him and I know God will do wonderful things for your marriage relationship.

Blessings to all you single ladies as you wait on God to bring the special man He has for you. I will be praying for each of you that God would prepare your future husband's and your hearts for a lifetime of love and dependence on God.



31 Days of Praying for Our Husbands - Day 5



Lord, I pray my husband will be faithful to his wedding vows.  God I pray that he will have a desire to cultivate your relationship as a sign of his loyalty and commitment to you and as a picture of Christ's love for the Church.

"Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly reliable?" Proverbs 20:6


"This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one" Genesis 2:24


Idea for today: Starting today and for the rest of this series, practice saying only uplifting things to your husband.  If something negative creeps up and you feel you are about to say it...walk away and take a breath.

**Just a little note - These ideas I offer are things I have done that have made a difference in my own marriage.  I have seen how positively they affect your relationship. I am praying for each of you as we go through this together.  I know God will bless each one of you in  your life and relationship.  This is a wonderful investment in our husbands.  It is amazing how much deeper you can love someone when you pray for them. 

Friday, May 4, 2012

31 Days of Praying for Our Husbands - Day 4



Lord, I pray my husband will be humble and quick to agree with God about his sin.  I pray that his heart will be tender toward your voice Lord.

"Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. Again you and you alone have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say and your judgment against me is just." Psalm 51:2-4



Idea for today:   Find something you can say or do that would build your husband up.  Maybe mowing the lawn for him so he didn't have to or taking the garbage out for him.  Do something that would remove a burden.  Just remember...  Don't be your husband's conscience.  It isn't our job to point out their faults and failures, they already know and have already kicked themselves for it enough.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

31 Days of Prayer for Our Husbands - Day 3





Lord, I pray that my husband will learn how to relax in you and in his greatest times of stress, find joy and peace in his relationship with you.  I pray that he will submit his schedule and finances to you.

"...Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!" Nehemiah 8:10


" A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a persons strength" Proverbs 17:22


"You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever" Psalm 16:11



Idea for today: Offer to do something he likes to do like watch a football game, go fishing, play golf...something fun! Better yet, just schedule it and ask him out on a date!

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

31 Days of Praying for Our Husbands - Day 2



Pray that your husband's relationship with God and His Word will bear fruit in his life. Pray that he will be a man of wisdom and understanding, fearing the Lord.

"Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil."  Proverbs 3:7


"Fear of the Lord is the foundation of Wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment." Proverbs 9:10


"Praise the Lord! How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying His commands" Psalm 112:1


"If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you asking." James 1:5


"May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord." 2Peter 1:2




Idea for today - Write your hubby a little note thanking him for all he does. Maybe he sacrifices a lot for you and your family, thank him for that.  Thank him for being the leader of your home, for being loving, helping around the house...anything you can think of.  Leave it on his pillow for him to find tonight.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

31 Days of Praying for Our Husbands - Day 1




Pray that our husbands will grow spiritually and consider his accountability before the Lord.  Pray that he will guard his heart by developing spiritual disciplines like Bible reading and study, prayer, meditation, scripture memorization, etc...

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen" 2 Peter 3:18

"Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life." Proverbs 4:23














This series is inspired by Revive Our Hearts article on Praying for Your Husband.