Chapter 5 "Good marriage fosters good prayer"
1. Read I Peter 3:7-9. Notice in this passage we are commanded to "give honor", and treat with understanding." We're also told to be sympathetic, loving, tender-hearted, and humble. Ephesians 5:32 says our marriage is a living illustration of Christ's relationship with His bride, all believers. What ways has Jesus given you, as His bride, honor, treated you with understanding, been sympathetic, loving, tender- hearted, and humble?
2. By following Jesus' example how can we do the same with our brides?
3. Read the quotes on prayer on pgs. 74-75 by Newman, Ryle, Luther. Glaspey states," Prayer is a work to which we must commit ourselves if we are to make sense of our lives in the light of eternity." And yet, our prayers can be hindered depending on our relationship with our bride. Do you believe, as Thomas, that marriage is the "tool" to refine our prayer life, or that prayer is the "tool" to refine our marriage? Explain.
4. Stop and ponder the story of Bill McCartney of the National Champion Colorado Buffaloes and Promise Keepers. Would you be willing to lay aside all that success and recognition, as he did, for your bride? Right now, are you so "wrapped up" in your pursuits, whether it be ministry, vocational, or otherwise, to even notice it's effect on your bride? (Take your time with this one!! Pray about it!!)
5. The subject of sex is taboo. The church speaks too little and the world has totally perverted it. Yet it is a part of marriage for which we are all thankful. Thomas states that prayer and sex compliment each other and are mutually supportive. Do you agree? Explain.
6. Prayer is affected (hinderd) by dissension. Read Matt 5:23-24, Romans 12:18, Proverbs 6:16-19, James 4:1-2. Is ther any unresolved disputes in your marriage now? If so, deal with them this week. If you want you can share the result of this on Wed.
7. Finally, I want you to think back to your courting of your bride. Think of how consumed you were with thoughts of ALWAYS being with her. Think of how creative you were in sharing your love with her. Try to remember how you knew you would do ANYTHING for her...just because you love her! Now, think of your love affair with Christ. Don't you think that we should "date" Jesus again? What would happen if we pursued Him like we did our brides. Do you believe this would enhance our prayer lives along with every aspect of our relationship with Him? Be ready to share Wed!!