1 * Make him feel guilty about it with snarky comments - such as 'You know you're supposed to lead us in this right?' Guilt has never been and will never be a true motivator.
2 * Compare him to another man - such as sister So and So's husband who prays with her every night before bed. Comparison, which is the chief thief of joy, does not add to a man's ability to do something in his own terms.
3 * Pray in front of him so he can remember to pray - don't start your prayer before family dinner with "Father Lord God, Jesus said 'when you pray' because He knew we are ALL supposed to pray often."
4 * Spread convicting literature around the house - I've done this and it doesn't work. If you buy a book about prayer and put it where your husband can read it, chances are he won't.
5 * Invite him to long prayer meetings - If your man is new to prayer, do not take him to a long prayer meeting. I repeat: DO NOT take him to a long prayer meeting! The length of the gathering may deter him from ever wanting to try such thing again.
How to fix it
6 * Make prayer your lifestyle - your life example speaks louder than your manipulation. Live a life of prayer and he will most likely follow. He will certainly benefit from it!
7 * Pray for him (but don't tell him about it) - there is nothing wrong about praying for your husband. It is actually a great thing to do as long as you don't tell him with the purpose of making him feel guilty or ashamed for not joining you. Let your prayers be between you and God and enjoy God's blessings and care for you and your family.
8 * Educate yourself on Prayer - the spiritual discipline of Prayer will be misused where there is no knowledge that comes from God's Word. The best resource on Prayer is the Bible. There are also great books on Prayer out there. I'll be glad to give you my favorites if you want some suggestions.
9 * Read your Bible & Pray what you Read - The best Prayer material comes not from our circumstances but from the Word of God. For example, as you read your Bible, you can pray that your husband will be a man of prayer. Pray that he will seek and pursue God in purposeful quiet times. (1 Thess. 5:17; Luke 22:46; James 5:16)
10 * Pray with your Kids - It is wise to instill in your kids the habit of prayer. You can pray with your kids for each member of your family. As kids acquire this great habit, they will enjoy praying for your husband as well as for your whole family. Give it a try this week!
I pray that these ideas will help you with one of the most challenging things some of us experience: practicing our faith at home. As I was writing this post, I found a great resource called 31 Days of Praying for your Husband. Join me in January of 2014 and let's do this simple yet powerful challenge of praying God's Word for our family every day! I can't wait to see what God is going to do!
Well said!
When my husband became aware that I prayed for him, it moved him, humbled him, helped him, it opened his eyes...these were all good things. if your heart is right there's a blessing in sharing that you prayed for someone to them.
I'm so glad you like the post Catherine! I'm glad it worked for you and your husband Nylse. May God continue to bless you!
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