Sexy Prayers

My husband and I have been practicing a change in the way we say our mealtime prayers. Often we are only together for one or two meals each day. After reviewing some of the recent research into gratitude, we’ve expanded our thankfulness. Of course, we thank God for the food before us, but there is more. We take turns offering the prayer and add three new things for which we are thankful each day. (By the way, three prayers of gratitude offered or written each day can help rewire the brain into more positive thought patterns.)

In the past several prayers offered by my husband, he has included something about me for which he is thankful. And I must admit that has helped create a sensation in my heart similar to butter melting on a baked potato. Hearing my spouse be thankful for me is probably one of the sexiest comments he has uttered. Perhaps it’s the direct opposite of the old joke from a fictional husband: “I told you once I loved you, and I’ll let you know if I change my mind.”

Thankful Prayers

So it’s not just having him thank me for something that I cooked or the way I cut his hair—although that is appreciated. Hearing out loud that he is thankful for some aspect of my character or practice, makes him seem stronger and I feel stronger. I wish we had included more of this kind of prayer when our children were still in the home. We still can pray this way during family gatherings.

This morning I was reading Colossians 4:2: “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful” (NIV). “Pray diligently. Stay alert, with your eyes wide open in gratitude” (MSG). I can only wonder how God responds to my gratitude since He is the original lover.

I think I will notice more, waiting for little love signs from God. The outcome may result in a greater sense of God’s presence and less dwelling on all the ways that life doesn’t satisfy. Becoming rewired for love.

Questions for personal journaling or group discussion:

1. Do you have mealtime prayers, and what are your practices?

2. If you live with someone else, how could you bless them in prayer today?

If you liked this, you might also like Gratitude Brought Us Here 

Karen Spruill writes from Florida.

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