A Marriage After God's Own Heart [Paperback]

David Clarke (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 5, 2001

Isn't sexual -- or emotional -- intimacy enough? "No," says Christian psychologist Dr. David Clarke. "Spiritual bonding is the process by which a couple cultivates the presence of God in their relationship," he says, "and it's the only 'glue' that sustains relationships long-term." Working with hundreds of couples, Clarke observes that when we take specific steps to keep God at the center of our relationships, every area of intimacy is energized. This book teaches men and women in a committed relationship how to pray together, create "spiritual conversations," read and study Scripture together, hold private worship sessions, and allow the Holy Spirit to guide them. It's extremely practical counsel all couples need today.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

David Clarke, Ph.D. is a Christian psychologist in private practice in the Tampa, Florida, area. He holds a master's degree in biblical studies from Dallas Seminary and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Western Seminary. Clarke is a popular speaker and the author of Men Are Clams, Women Are Crowbars and Winning the Parenting War. He lives with his wife and four children.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Multnomah Books (February 5, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1576737551
• ISBN-13: 978-1576737552
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #414,328 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars SOME practical advice, February 23, 2004

By 

Josh Daniels "jd83" (Maple Grove, MN United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Marriage After God's Own Heart (Paperback)

The basic premise of this book is that the spiritual bond between a man and wife is very important, and Clarke ends up giving some very practical tips that will help you build this bond. He also intersperses some helpful examples from his experience as a marriage counselor.

I am rating the book a three, but it could very well be a four for me. I down-graded the book because it took a long time to get to the meat. Examples are great for supporting a case, but sometimes they dilute the content when there are too many, and I felt like there was some dilution in this case. If I had rated the book after three chapters, it would have been a two, but I really thought that the advice and insight in the later parts of the book were helpful.

One of the helpful things that Clarke talks about are how to build a good prayer life together, and he addresses four different stages of spiritual vitality that a couple may be at. He does not presume that you are either an on-fire Christian or an outright spiritual rebel, and he strives to give advice for wherever you might be.

Clarke also spends chapters on sex and communication that I found helpful because he spoke from both the perspective of the wife and the husband, and addressed key issues for each. The advice most helpful to me, as a guy, was to be pro-active in developing communication with my wife. This is something that does not always come naturally to me, so I appreciated his insight.

The chapters are very short, which I think is a good thing because you can soak in smaller chunks of information at a time. I would recommend this book to Christian couples, with my advice being to skim the first few chapters and to take good notes throughout the rest of the book.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars very practical, November 6, 2001

By 

James W. Taylor (Katy, TX United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Marriage After God's Own Heart (Paperback)

This is one of the best marriage books available. I highly recommend it. It is very practical. The book doesn't just tell you problems but shows you how to have a great marriage.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic way to complete the cord of three, July 21, 2002

By 

Patricia J Burkett (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Marriage After God's Own Heart (Paperback)

As christians we know that a marraige built around God is the key to building lasting true happiness with our spouse. This book is practical, and explanatory on how to achieve this ever so important goal. Highly recommended for all who desire to reach new peaks in marrital and personal intimacy with christ.