Spiritual intimacy is a vital yet often overlooked aspect of marriage. As Ecclesiastes 4:12 states, “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Your bond grows stronger when God is at the center of your marriage.
Understanding Spiritual Intimacy
Spiritual intimacy involves sharing your faith journey with your spouse. It’s about growing together in your relationship with God and supporting each other’s spiritual growth.
Benefits of Spiritual Intimacy
Couples who pray together stay together. A study by the National Association of Marriage Enhancement found that less than 1% of couples who pray together daily end up divorced.
Shared Purpose
A common spiritual foundation provides a shared sense of purpose and direction in life.
Improved Communication
Discussing spiritual matters often leads to deeper, more meaningful conversations.
Practical Ways to Build Spiritual Intimacy
1. Pray Together Daily
Set aside time each day to pray as a couple. Share your concerns, hopes, and gratitude with God and each other.
2. Study the Bible Together
Choose a book of the Bible or a devotional to read and discuss together. Share your insights and questions.
3. Attend Church Regularly
Worshiping together can be a powerful bonding experience. Discuss the sermon afterward to deepen your understanding.
4. Serve Others as a Couple
Find ways to serve your community or church together. Shared acts of service can strengthen your spiritual connection.
5. Share Your Spiritual Journeys
Be open about your faith struggles and victories. Support each other through spiritual highs and lows.
Different Spiritual Levels
If one spouse is more spiritually mature, be patient and encouraging. Focus on growing together at a pace that’s comfortable for both.
Busy Schedules
Prioritize spiritual activities. Even short, consistent times of spiritual connection can make a big difference.
Feeling Awkward
If praying together feels uncomfortable at first, start small. Begin with reading a short devotional or sharing one thing you’re grateful for each day.
The Role of Forgiveness
Practicing forgiveness is crucial for spiritual intimacy. As Ephesians 4:32 teaches, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Creating a Spiritually Nurturing Home
Have Visible Reminders of Faith
Display scripture art or have a dedicated prayer corner in your home.
Celebrate Religious Holidays Meaningfully
Use holidays as opportunities to deepen your faith and create family traditions.
Limit Negative Influences
Be mindful of the media and activities that might hinder your spiritual growth as a couple.
Cultivating spiritual intimacy is a journey that requires intentionality and commitment. By prioritizing your shared faith, you can create a deeper, more fulfilling marriage that honors God and strengthens your bond.
Remember, spiritual growth is a lifelong process. Be patient with yourself and your spouse as you grow together in faith.
If you’re looking for guidance on how to deepen the spiritual connection in your marriage, we’re here to help. Our experienced coaches can provide faith-based strategies to enhance your spiritual intimacy.
Click below to book a call with us. Let’s work together to build a marriage that’s grounded in faith and rich in spiritual intimacy.
