My husband and I celebrate our 23rd anniversary on March 9th! One of our songs is, No Doubt About It by Neal McCoy. The words remind me how we are opposites who need each other to balance out our weaknesses: Like a hammer and a nail, socks and shoes, we go together like rhythm and blues.
When differences create conflict instead of unison, it’s so important to go before our Heavenly Father and pray.
I opened its tattered cover and found a handwritten note on the back addressed to my husband and I.
My Mother-In-Law’s words gripped my heart as if she was still alive or speaking to me from the splendor of Heaven down to my earth-worn soul.
She wrote:
This book is a beautiful guide to a strong and loving marriage. This scripture is dedicated to my precious son and his wife, may this bring hope and fulfillment; a cord of three strands is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12) In His Love, Your Loving Mother. 11-24-09
Seeing her words 8 years later felt like divine confirmation and assurance of not only starting my blog but its name and message.
I started my blog based on this verse in 2014 and named it Cord of 6. We are a family of 6 and it is God who holds us together.
Her use of the word strong is also woven into the tagline for my blog: Keeping Family Strong Through Christ.
Over the last 23 years of my marriage, Christ has helped keep my marriage strong when it felt like it was breaking apart.
And a huge part of that has been through the power of prayer.
I believe in the power of prayer to change my marriage. Share on X
What happens when wives pray?
When we pray, we invite God in!
Do you ever wallow in your hurt? When we are struggling in marriage it’s easy to build up a wall between ourselves and God. Prayer chisels that wall down. Prayer invites God into the messy places of our heart where confusion and bitterness often fester. Prayer helps us surrender our desire to take control and fix everything and places our trust in the God who is in control of everything.
When we pray, we invite the power of the Holy Spirit to lead us
God doesn’t force himself on us. He doesn’t make us turn to him. We need to seek him for answers. Praying is like turning on the light switch. Once the switch is on we can learn how to let the light of the Holy Spirit guide our thoughts, decisions, and actions.
When we pray we gain wisdom
God is the source of all wisdom. As we seek the Lord to work in our marriage we’ll begin to see our marriage through spiritual eyes instead of through our own limited perception.
When we pray, we learn to endure
Our flesh wants to give up when times get hard. Our human reaction is to harden our hearts and disengage from the relationship. But God teaches us how to love even when we don’t feel like it. This doesn’t mean that we don’t resolve issues or that we hide emotions. But it does mean that we do the hard work of working it out. Whatever it takes. Prayer helps us to endure.
When we pray, we are filled with peace.
Our circumstances may feel unsettling. Maybe we don’t know how to fix things. Maybe our future feels uncertain. Whatever it is, God can settle your soul. He can give you peace even when the problems aren’t solved.
Do you want to replant the hope you’ve lost for your marriage? Are there places in your marriage that need restoration? I’ve written 31 Days of Mending Marriage Prayers—each based upon a scripture verse to help you grow in learning to love your spouse with grace.
I would love for you to join this free email series!
Lord, Restore My Marriage
How Prayer Can Help Mend A Broken Marriage
When You Are Praying For Answers In Your Marriage
Hello there! I'm Valerie, a mom of four and wife of 27 years. My writing inspires others to cultivate courageous faith and find solace in trusting God, especially in moments of fear and uncertainty. Join me on this adventure as we explore the beauty of trusting God when we are afraid. 
Congrats on your anniversary, Valerie! That’s quite a milestone and what a beautiful reminder and note from your MIL! How cool that your blog reflects the verse she shared with you and your hubby!
I agree 100% with the power of prayer over our marriages. It, along with time in God’s word, are the single most important tool God has given me to navigate the challenges and messiness of marriage and life. I’ll be pinning this today and as often as I can!
Happy anniversary, Valerie! I, too, have an anniversary in March. Thank you for sharing the beautiful story of your godly mother-in-law. What a blessing she must have been to you both.
Love to you, friend.
Thank you Gleniece! Happy Anniversary to you too!
Hey Val, this is a great post! It challenged me and convicted me on many levels. It’s amazing how Gods word changes our lives. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Tiffiney! God is so faithful and hears our prayers!
What a blessing and inspiration that was.
Thank you Rebecca. Have a blessed day!
Miracles happen when wives pray and marriages are strengthened in the process too. My husband and I will celebrate 30 years of marriage this year, so I know what it takes to get to 23! Congratulations to you. I love the note your mother-in-law wrote to you.. but even more, I love how God used it to confirm your starting a blog and it’s theme. Blessings to you!
PS.: if you are looking for another place to link to on Thursday’s I would love if you would consider joining my linkup #TuneInThursday – it opens Thursday 3 am PST and runs through Sunday night. You can find it at debbiekitterman.com/blog
Congrats on 30 years Debbie! Thank you for inviting me to your link up. I’d love to participate. Have a blessed day!
We are celebrating a March anniversary too–Congratulations on your 23 years together! Thanks for the reminders of the powerful blessings waiting for our relationship when we pray.
Happy Anniversary Joanna! Have a blessed day!