Some of you who are on Facebook may have heard of the SHMILY (See How Much I Love You) challenge. Women are agreeing to read “The Power of a Praying Wife” by Stormie Omartian — one chapter a day. At the end of each chapter we are to follow the “prayer” for our husbands. If you want to join, it isn’t too late.
I just finished the first chapter and wow — I wish I could just pour every bit of the “meat” out on this blog for you. But since most people don’t stick with LONG posts — here are some highlights..
* You have the means to establish a hedge of protection around your marriage!
* You can pray for your husband to be released from whatever controls him: alcoholism, workaholism, laziness, depression, infirmity, abusiveness, anxiety, fear, or failure.
* We must confess all unforgiveness towards our husbands and have pure hearts as we lift them up in prayer.
* A wife’s prayers for her husband have a far greater effect on him than anyone else’s.
* When we pray, our hearts soften and we get a vision.
* Our prayer needs to be, “CHANGE ME LORD!”
* We must die to self, but it is the kind of death that leads to LIFE.
* When you pray for your husband, the love of God will grow in your heart for him. Not only that, you’ll find love growing in his heart for you, without him even knowing you are praying. (Prayer is the ultimate love language.)
* Nagging and criticism don’t work!
* Ask God to show us when to speak and when to be silent.
* We are the heart of the home and should make it a peaceful sanctuary.
* Wives should also keep themselves healthy and attractive for our husbands.
* Stormie believes we not only bring defeat into our marriages and our husbands when we don’t have respect for them, but she feels it shuts the door to new life in us as well.
* A wife must not humiliate her husband no matter how much she thinks he deserves it. The price is too high.
* Love is diminished if we dwell on the negatives. Love grows if we focus on the positive.
I could write a post on each bullet-point, trust me. By the grace of God, my husband and I will celebrate our 20th anniversary in November. I had to learn many of the lessons THE HARD WAY. I still need correction in areas and so far this chapter is very convicting.
I hope these points do a work in someone else’s heart as well. I recommend purchasing this little book.
If you are on facebook and want to find the group/event page, do a search for SHMILY. The creator of the group is Amy at Dandelion Seeds. Hop over to her blog and join in the challenge/discussion.
I gotta get that book! I would love to have Phillip read the power of a praying husband as well.
I love your blog look.
I love the inspirational and powerful prayers shared by Stormie Omartian! And I’m glad you shared it here and encourage us to pray for our husbands. That’s a cute picture of you and your hubby. God bless sister.
Sounds like a great challenge sweetie. That picture is so cute, love you my friend.
I’ve heard nothing but awesome things about this book!!! In fact, I think I have it!!! LOL! I have to look for it now! I do remember reading about that, that’s why! LOL
I love Stormie and her teachings..I even got a little book that went with the Power of a Praying Wife that had all the prayers written out…I LOVED that pic of you both. Too adorable….God is so awesome how He is sharpening His daughters in so many areas of their lives…YAHOOOO.
I’ve read that book and it is awesome! Did you change your header? I love it and the picture:) In today’s world, it is the unusual to make it even to ten years. Congrats on your victory:)
I think we all can strive to be a better wife and helpmate to our husbands. Have you read “The Excellent Wife” by Martha Peace? We did a Bible study on it several years ago and it opened my eyes to so much. I highly recommend it! Hope you have a fantastic day, Beth! Big hugs!
I love that book, I also have the one for parents. Very good ideas on how to pray and to this day I still use those prayers.
My challenge I ended up starting today, I wanted to start yesterday but Adrienne graduated from middle school last night and we had ice cream and well I blew it….so back on today. I love water, I drink 8 glasses naturally each day. I don’t drink much of anything else but maybe coffee once in a while or a diet coke when i need a boost. Let’s keep in touch, keep each other accountable.
I have that book and love it. Stormie Omartian is an awesome writer. I love her all her books. So easy to read with so much to take away and apply to your life. What a great challenge.
Six years ago..this book guided me to a better marriage and the understanding of surrender..I love that there’s a challege taking place what a wonderful way to share God’s purpose in our marriages!
Because I loved what it had to share I brought over 20 copies and shared them all as gifts.
I decided to share my journal while doing this too. I put all 3 days in one post, though, since I’m behind. http://theayscues.blogspot.com/
What a wonderful challenge! WE all need to be challenged in our daily walk. I’m going to check it out. 😀
I have the book and read it many years ago and we used it as a marriage study guide and it was awesome. All of her books are wonderful.
Good highlights!
Great photo!
Love ya.
Ok, I’ve not heard of this book before but you’ve convinced me that I have to find it and read it! I want to learn how to pray!
I’m in. I’m going to get my book off the shelf right now.
I've heard of this book. I am going to go pick it up this week and I'll get started then!!! I'll let you know when I start!
I have that book, and my husband has Power of a Praying Husband. (hope he's reading it)
I also have some little "Power of a Praying Wife" note cards by her. They are in a cute little box, and every day I pull one out and read the prayer request on it for my husband.
Hi Beth… thanks for your bullet points of reminders from this first chapter! I'm still learning the hard way too… but learning to give it God too. Looking forward to walking this journey through SHMILY with you & thanks to Amy greatly for bringing this all together!
~Hugs, HL
This is one of my all time favorite books. I reread it yearly because it's so rich in truths.
Enjoy your study!
Wow…lok slike a lot of work, but so well worth it!!
God bless!
Amanda