We often talk about spiritual intimacy and how to grow closer to your spouse through shared spiritual practices. But what if you haven’t yet established the building blocks of spiritual intimacy? If you’re seeking spiritual significance in your marriage, how do you find and nurture it?
There are many ways that you can go about connecting spiritually, both individually and as a couple. In fact, establishing greater spiritual health as individuals may help you establish a stronger relationship with one another. Either way, there are quite a few habits the two of you can build to bring a stronger sense of spiritual intimacy into your marriage.
1. Establish a daily reflective practice.
Starting a prayer or reflection routine can help the two of you grow spiritually–and closer to each other. Daily reflection doesn’t look the same for every couple–or every individual, for that matter. The important thing is finding a routine that works well for the two of you.
The two of you might feel more comfortable beginning this practice on your own, and then sharing the experience together later. On the other hand, you may want to practice the habit together from the very beginning. It’s really up to you.
Here are some questions to consider before you begin:
- Will your prayer or reflection time be silent or spoken?
- Will either (or both) of you make journaling a part of your routine?
- If you pray or reflect together, when will you aim to do that (i.e., at mealtimes, before bed, etc.)?
- If you practice separately, will you be planning to discuss the time you spend in reflection or prayer?
Remember that you can make adjustments to your routine as you discover what works best for you.
2. Communicate about spiritual things.
As you seek spiritual significance in your marriage, talk about your spiritual questions and share your thoughts with each other. Communication is one of the major keys to a happy marriage. If you’re working to build spiritual intimacy as a couple, then discussing the journey can keep the two of you grounded in this shared experience.
Share your spiritual questions with one another. Study together. Connect with trusted, spiritual friends who may be able to help mentor you and point you in the direction of resources that will help answer your questions.
Spiritual growth is an open dialogue. You may come to different conclusions on certain topics at times. Recognize that the two of you are on a profound journey together, and that you’re working toward the same goal.
3. Consider finding a church to attend.
Worshiping together is one of the ways that couples can find (and stay connected with) spirituality in their marriages. If you don’t already attend church together, consider searching for a home church where you can build relationships and continue to grow spiritually. Take your time as you explore your options, and share your experiences and impressions with one another as you go.
4. Learn how Jesus loved.
We can learn quite a lot about God by studying the ways Jesus loved, and then putting them into practice. Les’ book, Love Like That, dives deeper into Jesus’ love and shows you how to put His approach into practice in your daily life. If you’re ready to learn more, you can get your copy here.
How do you and your spouse stay spiritually connected in your marriage? How do you maintain your spiritual intimacy as a couple? Leave us a comment below to share your experiences.
We worship together in a local church and regularly discuss the experience on our way home or at lunch. We have our own personal daily reflection times, then sometimes share what we have learnt or what God has said to us during that time. This is where we need to build more of a routine.
Wishing my husband were more open about his spiritual journey, but he’s very closed mouth about it. I try bringing up things to discuss regarding God and the like, but get very little response. You are truly blessed that you can share with each other. We do attend church together weekly, but often it feels as though he’s just “checking the box”. 🙁