10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A book for all marriages, April 18, 2007
This review is from: Loving Your Spouse Through Prayer: How to Pray God's Word Into Your Marriage (Paperback)
The first verse quoted in this powerful book is Hebrews 4:12 (NLT): "For the word of God is full of living power." We all want power in our lives. For our marriage relationship we want joy, happiness, fulfillment, intimacy, a sense of belonging--and that's just the beginning.
Yet often, though we are followers of Christ, we don't seem to have that. On the one hand we think our marriages should be an example to everyone of what a marriage can be like when centered on Christ. On the other hand as the years go on, we become painfully aware that what we hoped for, and what we have, are two very different things.
What Fuller shows is that often we fail to pray for each other. And when we do pray we often don't know how or what. Too often the prayers focus on changing the other person. Fuller points out that one of the most powerful things we can do is to pray God's thoughts after Him.
She suggests a new way to read the Bible. As we read, ask God to highlight verses that bring our spouse to mind--and to then turn that verse into a prayer. As an example, Psalm 1 starts, "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful." This becomes a prayer personalized for one's spouse. Lord, may my wife (or husband) be one who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly..., etc."
The basic point is to do what scripture suggests--get our minds off the problem, situation, spouse, etc. and get the focus on the One who can help, guide, and transform us. This is where the power to form and reform relationships comes from.
Fuller does a wonderful job of encouraging the reader through a series of specific examples that cover the breadth and depth of the marriage relationship--as well as other family relationships.
Armchair Interviews says: The book is easy to read, energizing, and practical. It's a must read for those who want their marriage to go from where it is to all God intended it to be.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great guide for couples, June 21, 2007
This review is from: Loving Your Spouse Through Prayer: How to Pray God's Word Into Your Marriage (Paperback)
This is a terrific book! I liked that it included many real life, inspiring stories as well as practical advice and excercises to help you pray for your spouse more lovingly and effectively. The questions for reflection at the end of each chapter are helpful and would be a wonderful tool for bible study groups. Though I've been married for decades, I learned a lot from this book. I also think it would make a wonderful gift for bridal showers or newly married couples.
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