Faith is personal, and sometimes, navigating that with your partner can feel like walking a tightrope. You love them, you love Jesus, and you want those two loves to vibe. But how do you encourage their faith journey without coming across as pushy or preachy? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into how you can support your partner’s spiritual growth while growing closer as a couple.
Start with Empathy: Understanding Their Spiritual Path
First things first: take a deep breath and remind yourself that everyone’s faith journey is unique. Maybe your partner is solid in their beliefs but struggles to prioritize their spiritual life. Or maybe they’re still figuring out what faith even means to them.
Instead of assuming where they should be, have an honest, judgment-free conversation. Ask questions like:
“What has your experience with faith been like so far?”
“Are there things you struggle with or want to learn more about?”
“How can I support you in this part of your life?”
Remember, James 1:19 tells us to “be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” This is about listening, not fixing.
Create a Vibe That Feels Safe and Encouraging
Nobody wants to feel like their faith journey is a performance review. If you want to encourage your partner, start by creating an environment where they feel safe to explore without judgment.
Practical Ways to Foster a Supportive Environment:
Share without pressure. Mention something you’ve learned from a sermon or devotional, but don’t make it a “you should do this too” moment.
Find community together. Whether it’s a small group at church or a low-key Bible study over coffee, invite them to join you—but make it clear there’s no pressure.
Celebrate the small wins. Did they open up about something they’re wrestling with? Did they agree to pray together for the first time? Let them know how much that means to you.
Make It a Team Effort: Participate Together
Growing in faith together isn’t just good for them—it’s great for your relationship. Shared spiritual activities can deepen your bond and help you both grow closer to God.
Ideas for Spiritual Activities You Can Do as a Couple:
Pray together. Start small—maybe a quick prayer before meals or bedtime. Over time, it’ll feel more natural.
Read scripture together. Choose a short Bible passage or devotional to reflect on each week. Bonus: You’ll both gain fresh perspectives.
Serve together. Volunteer at church or a local charity. Acts of service can make faith come alive in a really tangible way.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” By inviting God into your relationship, you’re building something strong and unshakable.
Lead by Example (Without the Holier-Than-Thou Vibes)
The best way to encourage your partner? Live out your faith authentically. If they see you prioritizing your spiritual growth—whether it’s through prayer, worship, or loving others well—they’re more likely to feel inspired, not pressured.
But let’s be clear: this isn’t about being perfect or pretending to have it all together. It’s about being real. Struggling with something? Share it. Found something that strengthens your faith? Share that too.
Patience Is Key
If your partner’s faith journey isn’t moving as fast as you’d like, take a step back and remember that God works on His own timeline. Your role isn’t to rush them—it’s to walk alongside them with love and patience.
Galatians 6:9 reminds us, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Trust that your support will bear fruit, even if it takes time.
Final Thoughts: Growing Together in Faith
Encouraging your partner’s faith journey is about love, grace, and teamwork. It’s not about fixing them or being their spiritual coach—it’s about walking together, hand in hand, as you both grow closer to God.
So be patient, stay prayerful, and keep showing up for your partner in big and small ways. After all, a faith journey isn’t a destination; it’s a lifelong adventure—and it’s even better when you’re not walking it alone.
Hey there! If you’re reading this, you’re probably wondering if praying together can actually make a difference in your relationship. Spoiler: It absolutely can. Let’s break down why praying together as a couple isn’t just a “churchy” thing, but something that can genuinely deepen your connection. We’ll cover everything from picking the right moment to finding prayers that resonate with both of you. So grab a coffee, sit with your partner (or shoot them a link!), and let’s talk about inviting God into your relationship, as you pray —together.
Why Praying Together Builds an Unbreakable Bond
Praying as a couple? It’s basically relationship glue. When you pray together, you’re not just ticking off a “spiritual” checkbox. You’re letting each other in on your deepest hopes, fears, and dreams, which opens the door to some seriously amazing conversations. Suddenly, what used to be “small talk” or day-to-day chatter turns into heartfelt moments where you both feel heard and valued.
Here’s what prayer can do for your relationship:
Strengthen Communication: Sharing prayers is like opening up a direct line to each other’s hearts.
Create Shared Values: When you’re on the same spiritual page, you’re building a foundation that keeps you grounded through all of life’s ups and downs.
Offer Support and Security: Knowing you’ve got someone praying for you (and with you) creates a beautiful sense of safety and trust.
Find Your Vibe: Choosing the Best Time and Place for Prayer
Alright, so you’ve decided to try praying together. Now let’s talk logistics. Finding the right time and place can make a huge difference! Here’s a quick checklist to help make your prayer time something you actually look forward to:
Pick a Routine: Try setting aside a few specific times each week (or daily, if that works) for prayer. This could be right before bed or in the morning with coffee.
Create a Chill Environment: A cozy spot in your home, a quiet park, or even a corner by the window can become “your spot.” Add a Bible or a little art that feels meaningful.
Eliminate Distractions: This one’s key—put your phones on silent, and let roommates or family know not to disturb. It’s your sacred time together!
Types of Prayers to Bring You Closer
Not all prayers are the same, and that’s actually awesome. Different kinds of prayer let you connect in different ways. Here’s a mini-guide to some prayers that’ll help you build a strong, spiritual bond:
Gratitude Prayers: Taking a few moments to thank God for each other and the blessings in your lives can shift your focus from any frustrations to the good things you share. (Pro tip: this one works wonders on bad days.)
Intercessory Prayers: Here’s where you pray for each other’s needs, big or small. Maybe one of you has a job interview or a big exam—praying for each other builds that emotional and spiritual support.
Personal Growth Prayers: These are about you as individuals, not just as a couple. Each of you shares a bit about your personal growth goals and then prays for each other to succeed. It’s like being your partner’s biggest spiritual cheerleader!
Try This: Create a Couple’s Prayer List
A joint prayer list? Yes, it’s as simple as it sounds. Take a few minutes each week to jot down the things you’re praying for, both individually and as a couple. You might be surprised at how it encourages open conversations.
Set a Time for It: Maybe once a week on a chill Friday night or Sunday afternoon, list what you’re each praying for.
Update Regularly: Make a point of checking in on those items. Not only does this keep things relevant, but it also gives you a chance to celebrate when prayers are answered.
Incorporate into Daily Prayers: If it’s a regular list, bring it into your daily or weekly prayer sessions, even if just for a few minutes.
Mix It Up: Adding Scripture to Your Prayers
Scripture isn’t just for Sunday mornings; it can add depth and inspiration to your prayer time together. Here’s how to make it feel natural and meaningful:
Choose a Theme: Pick scriptures that reflect what’s happening in your life. If you’re focused on patience, for example, try passages that speak to that (like 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 on love).
Take Turns Reading: Let each person read a passage, then share what it means to you. This can be especially powerful if you’re navigating something tough and need perspective.
Reflect and Discuss: Don’t rush through this part. Talking about how a passage relates to your life as a couple can help you grow individually and together.
Retreats or Time Away: Getting Serious About Spiritual Recharge
Life can get hectic, and sometimes you just need a break. A couple’s prayer retreat (or even a mini staycation) can be a game-changer for your relationship.
Look for Prayer Retreats: These retreats often include guided devotionals and quiet time, allowing you to focus on your relationship with each other and with God.
DIY Your Own Getaway: Can’t make it to a formal retreat? Create your own! Grab an Airbnb in a quiet place or just turn your phones off for a weekend at home, devoting that time to reconnect.
Real Talk: Overcoming Common Challenges in Couple’s Prayer
Praying together isn’t always easy. Different schedules, comfort levels, and prayer styles can make it tricky, but these are all workable challenges.
Time Crunch: If finding time is the problem, try starting small. Even five minutes a day can build a habit without feeling overwhelmed.
Different Prayer Styles: If one of you loves freestyle prayers and the other prefers something structured, find a mix that works. Trade off each time so both styles are respected!
Emotional Vulnerability: Prayer can feel deeply personal, and it’s natural to feel awkward at first. Build trust by starting with gratitude prayers, and work up to more vulnerable topics.
Encouraging Spiritual Growth Together (and Separately)
Just because you’re praying as a couple doesn’t mean you stop growing individually. In fact, sharing personal spiritual growth is a huge part of making a relationship strong.
Reflect and Share: Spend time talking about how each of you is growing spiritually. Maybe one of you is reading a new devotional or working on a character trait.
Support Each Other’s Growth: Pray specifically for each other’s goals and challenges. Knowing your partner supports you on your personal journey can be incredibly encouraging.
Celebrate Progress (Because Why Not?)
Celebrate the milestones in your prayer life together! Whether it’s the anniversary of when you started praying together or just a tough time you got through, take moments to reflect and be grateful.
Prayer Journals: Start a journal where you both write down answered prayers and spiritual milestones. It’s so rewarding to look back and see all that’s happened.
Make It a Tradition: Set a monthly or yearly date to reflect on how far you’ve come. Maybe make it a “date night” tradition where you look back at the big moments in your spiritual journey as a couple.
Praying together doesn’t have to be complicated or formal. Think of it as creating intentional moments to talk, reflect, and grow together. It’s not about getting it “right”; it’s about showing up for each other and for God, inviting Him to walk with you through everything life throws your way. So give it a try—who knows, it might just become one of your favorite parts of your relationship!
