The Prayer Life Of Jesus:
Pray for Your Spouse’s Work
John 12:20-33
“Prayer is a mighty instrument, not for getting man’s will done in heaven, but for getting God’s will done on earth” – Robert Law.
This is the last week of Jesus on earth – 12:1 states that Jesus was anointed by Mary six days before Passover, when Jesus was crucified.
THE HOUR HAS COME – 12:20-23:
So, here the “hour has come” for Jesus to complete the work that He had come to do (see 1 John 3:8).
If you read Proverbs 31, you see that the perfect woman works hard. But if a man is Christ-like, he also works hard. He is the head of his family, he works so they can eat, he provides for his own. He loves his family and his wife as Christ loves the church.
Just as we need to appreciate the work that Jesus came to do, we also need to appreciate the work our spouse does. For any woman who is married, she has a job simply taking care of her husband and the home; if you have children, you have a full-time job just taking care of them. But a lot of women also work outside the home. You might need to help financially with your family. You might work simply because you enjoy serving in whatever way you do. You might (probably) work because you have a skill that contributes meaning to the lives of other people.
We need to pray for our spouse, that their work will be fulfilling and that they can accomplish through their work what God wants them to accomplish.
HE WHO HATES HIS LIFE – 12:24-26:
Don’t hesitate to pray for your spouse to be all he or she can be in their work. Just because your spouse is successful, doesn’t mean he or she doesn’t need you. You are a part of their success and so are your prayers. Your wife will not be so successful that she says she doesn’t need you. She will say that she is successful because she has you. You will never feel intimidated by your wife or husband’s success if you are praying for them because their success is bathed in your prayers!
“FATHER, GLORIFY YOUR NAME” – 12:27-30:
The Father was interested in glorifying the Son. The Son was interested in glorifying the Father. That’s why they had such unity.
If you, as a married couple, can see the success of your spouse as God’s blessing on both of you, your marriage will be stronger and more fulfilling. Don’t limit your spouse’s potential because of envy or jealousy. Pray for your spouse’s success and your marriage can be stronger for it.
Even if your wife is a stay-at-home mom or a stay-at-home wife. She needs to know that you are praying for her success and her accomplishments. Your spouse needs your prayers, your affirmation, your encouragement, God’s blessings and His guidance.
JESUS IS LIFTED UP FROM THE EARTH – 12:31-33:
What can you pray for, relative to your spouse’s work?
Pray that he/she will glorify Jesus in their work.
Pray that he/she will do their work well.
Pray that he/she will be respected for the work they do.
Pray that he/she will be compensated fairly for the work they do.
Pray that he/she will have the strength to accomplish what they need to do.
You will approve his or her work.
Pray that he/she will find fulfillment in their work.
Pray that Jesus will bless your spouse’s work and, in turn, bless your marriage.
Paul Holland
