Prayer when your spouse doesn’t want to go to church
By Vivian Bricker
Bible Reading: “And let us consider how we spur each other towards love and good deeds. We are approaching.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
Read or listen to the following:
A certain woman I met through a college friend many years ago was married to an atheist. He was not simply a man who didn’t believe in God. He was an active dislike of Christianity. My new friend was married to this guy when she was still a teenager. But now, as an adult, she saw the consequences of marrying someone who didn’t believe in the Lord.
My friend did his best to send him to church, but he refused to go multiple times. He didn’t go with her, but she still went every Sunday. During this time, my friend shared her prayer demands and her desire to know the Lord, not only did her husband want to go to church with her. I prayed for my friend’s husband, and I prayed for her own comfort. Fast forward to today, my friend was able to get her husband to come to church with her many times. And although he has not publicly declared his faith in Jesus, he is more open to hearing his teachings about him.
Sometimes your spouse doesn’t want to go to church. If this happens, turn to God in prayer, ask for his help, and lean against the other followers. Just like with my friend’s husband, it may take a little time, energy and a lot of prayer before your spouse finally decides to go to church. Try not to say anything negative or hurtful to them, as there is probably a reason they don’t want to go.
If your spouse is a Christian and you don’t want to go to church, talk to them. Listen to their answers without making a judgment and make sure they are open and honest with you. As their spouse, you should be a safe space for them, and even if you may oppose the subject, you should treat them with respect, kindness and love.
Over time, your spouse may want to rejoin you at church or go with you for the first time. Give all the problems to the Lord and trust him with the outcome. The Lord can be fully trusted, and He will never fail you.
Let’s pray:
Dear Jesus, my spouse doesn’t want to go to church, and it breaks my heart. Help them open to me and share with me why they don’t want to go to church. They share their feelings so please help me have a kind spirit. Lord, help my spouse return to the church and become open to reunion with the body of our followers when they are ready. Even if I have to go alone, please help me continue to meet other followers. All this, in your name, ask Jesus, Amen.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Hispanolistic
Vivian Bricker received his Bachelor of Mission and a Master of Arts with a focus on theology. She loves theology, mission work, and everything that helps others learn about Jesus. Find more of her content on Cultivate: https://cultivatechristianity.wordpress.com/.
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