Spiritual Disciplines for Couples
Welcome, everyone!
Today, we’re going to explore something really important for both our individual growth and the strength of our marriages — spiritual disciplines.
You might be wondering, what exactly are spiritual disciplines?
They're like exercises, but instead of working out our bodies, we're training our spirits.
These practices help us grow closer to God and can bring us closer to each other too.
Now, we’ll look at several key spiritual disciplines such as prayer, reading the Bible, fasting, serving together, and worship.
We'll learn why they are vital and how we can do these activities together as couples.
Our goal is for you to leave today with practical ideas on how to weave these spiritual habits into your everyday life, strengthening your marriage and deepening your faith.
Let's start with a short prayer to ask for guidance and an open heart as we learn and share together.
Ready? Let’s dive in!
Understanding Spiritual Disciplines
What are Spiritual Disciplines?
Spiritual disciplines are practices that help us grow spiritually and become more like Jesus.
Think of them as exercises for your soul, just like how you might exercise your body to stay healthy.
These disciplines can include reading the Bible, praying, fasting, serving others, and more.
When we regularly practice these disciplines, we open our hearts to understand God better and strengthen our relationship with Him.
Why Are They Important for Couples?
For couples, spiritual disciplines do more than just help each individual grow; they also bring couples closer together.
When you share spiritual practices, you create a deeper connection based on shared faith and values.
This can lead to better communication, more understanding, and a stronger bond as you both face life's challenges together.
Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 4:7-8
Let’s read a passage from the Bible that talks about the importance of training ourselves in godliness:
"Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." (1 Timothy 4:7-8)
Original context
These verses were originally written in Koine Greek, which was the common dialect of the Greek language during the Hellenistic and Roman antiquity period.
The original Greek word used for "godly" in this context is "εὐσέβεια" (eusebeia), which can be translated as "godliness" or "piety."
It denotes a type of living that reflects a right relationship with God, characterized by a life of reverence, respect, and religious observance.
This term encompasses both an inward attitude of reverence towards God and an outward action of religious duty and ethical behavior.
I particularly like to define it simply as follows:
Godliness is being careful to learn and apply the principles defined by God through the Bible.
Discussion on Scripture
This scripture highlights that while physical training is good, spiritual training is even better because it benefits us in many ways, now and in the future. Let's discuss:
- What does "training yourself to be godly" mean to you and your spouse?
- How can practicing spiritual disciplines affect not just your personal life, but also your life as a couple?
These questions can help us start thinking about how we can implement spiritual disciplines in our daily lives and in our relationship.
By understanding the value and purpose of these practices, we can more effectively commit to them together.
Key Spiritual Disciplines for Couples
In this part, we will explore several key spiritual disciplines that can help deepen your relationship with God and with each other.
Let's look at each discipline, see how it can be practiced as a couple, and discuss the impact it can have on your marriage.
Bible Study
- Scripture: Psalm 119:105 - "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."
- Discussion: How can studying the Bible together guide and influence your decisions and relationship?
- Activity: Choose a book of the Bible to study together over the next month. Discuss what you read each day, sharing insights and questions with each other.
Prayer
- Scripture: Matthew 18:19-20 - "Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."
- Discussion: What are the benefits of praying together as a couple?
- Activity: Develop a daily prayer routine that includes time for both individual and joint prayer. Share personal prayer requests and spend time praying for each other’s needs and for your relationship.
Fasting
- Scripture: Matthew 6:16-18 - "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full."
- Discussion: Discuss the purpose of fasting and how it can be used as a spiritual tool in your marriage.
- Activity: Plan a specific day to fast together. Decide on the type of fast (e.g., food, media, etc.) and focus your prayers on a particular area where you seek guidance or strength.
Service
- Scripture: Galatians 5:13 - "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love."
- Discussion: How does serving together impact your relationship and your faith?
- Activity: Identify a service project or volunteer opportunity that you can engage in as a couple. This could be within your church, local community, or even a task you undertake to help a neighbor or friend.
Worship
- Scripture: Ephesians 5:19-20 - "Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
- Discussion: What role does worship play in your marriage? How can you incorporate more worship into your everyday life?
- Activity: Create a playlist of worship songs that both of you enjoy. Set aside time each week to listen and sing together, perhaps incorporating this into your prayer or Bible study sessions.
By engaging in these disciplines together, you not only grow spiritually as individuals but also strengthen the spiritual bond between you as a couple.
Each activity is designed to be a stepping stone to greater intimacy and understanding, fostering a marriage that is truly centered on Christ.
Integrating Spiritual Disciplines into Daily Life
In this final part, we'll focus on practical ways to integrate the spiritual disciplines we've discussed into your daily lives.
Making these practices a regular part of your routine can greatly enhance both your personal spiritual growth and the health of your marriage.
Setting a Routine
- Discussion: The importance of a consistent routine for spiritual disciplines. How can a regular schedule help you maintain these practices?
- Activity: Together, draft a weekly schedule that includes times for prayer, Bible study, and other disciplines. Consider moments that work best for both of you, such as mornings, evenings, or during shared meals.
Accountability
- Discussion: Discuss how holding each other accountable can be done lovingly and constructively, focusing on encouragement rather than criticism.
- Activity: Establish a gentle and respectful way to remind each other about your spiritual discipline commitments. Decide how often you will check in with each other about your progress.
Small Steps for Big Gains
- Discussion: Understand that growth happens step by step. It’s okay to start small and gradually increase the intensity and frequency of your practices.
- Activity: Choose one spiritual discipline to focus on intensively for the next week. It could be daily prayer together or studying a particular book of the Bible.
Incorporating Flexibility
- Discussion: Life can be unpredictable, and flexibility is key. Discuss how you can remain flexible in practicing these disciplines during unexpected situations or busy times.
- Activity: Develop a "Plan B" for days when your normal routine isn't possible, like a shorter prayer time or a Bible verse to meditate on during the day.
Use of Resources
- Discussion: Explore different resources that can help support your spiritual disciplines, such as devotional books, apps, or online Bible studies.
- Activity: Research and select at least one resource to try together in the next month. It could be a daily devotional app or an online Bible study group.
Celebrating Milestones
- Discussion: The importance of recognizing and celebrating progress in your spiritual journey together.
- Activity: Plan a special way to celebrate milestones in your spiritual disciplines, such as completing a book of the Bible or maintaining a month-long daily prayer routine.
Challenge: Commit to Consistency
- Final Challenge: Commit to practicing at least one discipline together daily for the next month. At the end of the month, review what has changed in your relationship and individual spiritual lives.
By integrating these spiritual disciplines into your daily lives, you create a strong foundation for your marriage that is deeply rooted in faith.
This commitment to spiritual growth together not only enriches your relationship with each other but also your relationship with God.
Commitment to Continue Growing Together
As we conclude today's study on integrating spiritual disciplines into your marriage, it's important to reflect deeply on the journey we've embarked upon together.
We've explored various practices like prayer, Bible study, fasting, service, and worship, discussing not only their significance but also practical ways to weave them into the fabric of your daily lives.
Reflecting on Our Journey
This exploration is more than just an academic exercise; it is a transformative process that invites God into every aspect of our lives and relationships.
By committing to these spiritual disciplines, you are not only seeking personal growth but are also nurturing the spiritual bond that holds your marriage together.
The Impact on Marriage
Think about how these disciplines can serve as the threads that strengthen the weave of your relationship.
Each prayer, each scripture studied together, each act of service strengthens these threads, building a tapestry of shared faith and love that can withstand the challenges of life.
Challenges and Growth
It's normal to face challenges as you try to integrate new spiritual habits. There might be days when you feel too busy or too tired.
Sometimes, one of you may feel more motivated than the other.
These moments are opportunities for growth.
They are chances to show grace to each other, to encourage one another, and to remember why you started this spiritual journey together.
Looking Ahead
As you move forward, keep in mind that this is a continuous journey.
There is no 'end point' in spiritual growth.
The goal is not to achieve perfection but to make consistent progress, drawing closer to God and to each other with each step.
Celebrate your successes, learn from your setbacks, and always strive to place God at the center of your marriage.
Final Thoughts
I encourage you to take a moment now to reflect silently on this session.
Think about the spiritual disciplines we discussed and identify one that particularly resonates with you and your spouse.
Commit to incorporating this discipline into your life for the next month.
Imagine how this practice could enrich your relationship and draw you closer together in love and faith.
Closing Prayer
Let's close with a prayer:
*"Lord, we thank You for guiding us through today's session.
We ask for Your continued presence in our lives as we strive to incorporate these spiritual disciplines into our marriage.
Help us to remain committed, to support one another, and to keep You at the center of our relationship.
We pray for wisdom, strength, and perseverance on this journey.
In Your name, we pray,
Amen."*
Remember, the true strength of your marriage lies not just in the love you share, but in the spiritual depth you cultivate together.
May your journey be richly blessed!