Books that promise to change your life are myriad. Books that actually help accomplish that task are few. Couples Who Pray may be one of the easiest to assume would really change a marriage. So while I’m normally very skeptical of such books that espouse a formulaic do-this-and-this-will-happen promise, I expect good results from taking the 40 Day Prayer Challenge with my wife.
The book is broken down into three sections. The first is convincing the reader (or readers, since this is meant for married couples) why praying daily together will change their marriage. They cite research data, anecdotes from famous couples like Denzel and Pauletta Washington and other “normal” people, as well as providing Scriptural support to bolster the claims made by the studies and stories. They make a bold claim: lovemaking will get better, communication will get better, and hearts will be softened. Lives will be changed.
The second sections explains the 40 Day Prayer Challenge, both in its scope and practical tips on what to expect during the challenge. It is, after all, a challenge to pray a minimum 5 minutes every day as husband and wife. This section ends with a chapter on the power of prayer, with stories bolstered by much Scripture as support.
Finally the authors end with explaining how such an initiative to change a marriage will be met with challenges from the Devil, the one who wants to “dis” everything in our lives: discontent, disgust, disfunction. They also describe many specific positive outcomes that will result such as better financial habits, more giving, and how joy will overtake marriage your in general.
Does this book “work”? I guess that depends on your expectations, but if there is anything formulaic about Christian principles, it’s very clear that when we open up and become vulnerable with God in the presence of our lover, we become closer. “Love covers a multitude of sins,” and if we’re all sinners, we need much love.
Whether you should buy this book is up to whether you think you need to be convinced that prayer will work in your marriage. If you already believe it, then skim through this book at the library or on Amazon.com’s previews. If you don’t, perhaps this book can help you overcome some strongholds in your life that keep you from wanting to pray with your spouse. But I recommend this book only if you intend to take the 40 Day Prayer Challenge. Otherwise it’s a waste of time and a few bucks.
Now… guess I better take that challenge, eh?!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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