I love to get up early in the morning when the world is quiet and still. A cup of coffee in hand, I head to our small front porch to sit in solitude, watch the sun peek over the horizon, and behold the glory of God’s creation. Chirping birds welcome the day, and the gentle breeze and rustling of leaves remind me that God’s presence is the very air I breathe. Morning’s whisper before the noise of the day.
After I spend a few minutes outside, or on some mornings, more than a few minutes, I head to my chair in the hearth room. This chair holds special memories because it is where I’ve sat most mornings over the past nine years we’ve called this house our home. The first thing I do is journal some thoughts from the previous day. I struggled for many years to journal, but a mentor gave me a 5-year journal called “A Few Lines a Day,” and I’m now in my sixth year of this journey. It’s an incredible keepsake that reminds me daily of God's faithfulness and goodness.
Next, I pick up my Bible and read and meditate on God’s Word. I love my Bible and this daily time with Him. I’ve been doing a one-year Bible devotion for years. I find it great to get a Psalm, a Proverb, some Old Testament, and some New Testament each day. God’s Word encourages me, inspires me, challenges me, teaches me, and also corrects me. This time, in the quiet and stillness of the early morning, is often the best part of my day—I can tell you that if this time is compromised or missed, my day is not the same!
There’s something else that sits in our hearth room that I notice almost every day. It doesn’t belong to me, but to my bride, Karla. It’s a well-worn and frayed book titled “Praying for Your Husband from Head to Toe: A Daily Guide to Scripture-Based Prayer.” Occasionally, I pick up the book and thumb through the pages. There’s rarely a page in this book that is not filled with notes, circles, underlines, or highlights.
I don’t know how many years Karla’s been praying through this book. The well-worn pages suggest many years of consistent use. (Stay tuned to the next blog post for more details from her.) This is what I do know: very few things have been as impactful in maintaining a thriving marriage as her daily commitment to praying for me and our marriage.
“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.”
Colossians 4:2
I remember filling out my application to be licensed as a pastor many years ago. There were several questions about my spouse’s involvement in ministry. One question specifically asked about what she saw as her role in supporting me in ministry. She responded that her greatest support was in praying and interceding for me daily—my personal prayer warrior. This was not a new role for her. She’s been fervently praying for me for most days of our almost 30 years of marriage.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Philippians 4:6
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
Romans 12:12
This is Karla. These words are a model for her life and lifeblood for our marriage. Our marriage is far from perfect. We’ve shared many ups and downs over these almost 30 years of marriage. Thanks be to God, there are far more ups than downs. And I attribute much of that to Karla’s unending commitment to pray for me and our marriage, to speak truth into our lives, to call on the power of God, and to trust in His faithfulness.
I’m so grateful for her faithfulness in praying!
