The Secret to Spiritual Intimacy in Marriage

The Real Foundation of a Strong Marriage

I’ve seen it time and time again: a couple comes to me, and there’s a disconnect. They might love each other, they might be good people, but there’s a subtle distance that’s causing frustration. More often than not, the root of this isn't what you might think. It’s not about finances or chores; it’s about a lack of true spiritual intimacy.

For those of us who are believers, this is the very bedrock of our marriages. We can have emotional intimacy and physical intimacy, but if we don't have that deep, spiritual connection, we're missing the most foundational piece of the puzzle.

It Starts with You and God

Before a husband and wife can truly connect on a spiritual level, each one must have their own vibrant, personal relationship with God. Think about the story of Adam and Eve. God created Adam first and had a relationship with him. Then, He created Eve and had a relationship with her. It was only after they each had this individual connection with their Creator that they could come together in a powerful and complete union.

This is a principle that holds true for us today. Your marriage will be strongest when your individual walk with God is strong. You have to cultivate that personal intimacy with Him first. When you do, you bring a spiritual depth to your marriage that enriches everything else.

The Power of Shared Devotion

Once you both have that individual foundation, the next step is to come together in shared spiritual practices. This isn't about just going to church together; it's about intentionally creating moments of spiritual connection in your daily lives. I’m talking about setting aside time for devotion together – to pray, to read the Word, and to just be in God's presence as a couple.

This doesn't have to be a long, elaborate ceremony. It can be as simple as taking a few minutes each day to pray together before you start your day. The key is to be intentional. When you schedule this time, you're making a statement that your spiritual connection is a priority. And when life gets tough, as it inevitably does, this shared spiritual foundation will be the anchor that holds you steady.

The Art of Spiritual Dialogue

One of the most powerful ways to build spiritual intimacy is through open and honest spiritual dialogue. This is where you talk about what God is doing in your lives, what you're learning from His Word, and what you’re hearing in the sermons you listen to.

This isn’t about debating theology or trying to prove a point. It’s about sharing your hearts, your dreams, and your spiritual journeys with each other. It’s about creating a safe space where you can be vulnerable and encourage one another in your faith. When you can have these kinds of conversations, you'll discover a depth of connection you never thought possible.

But a word of caution: this is not the time for arguments. The goal of spiritual dialogue is to build each other up, not to tear each other down. If a conversation starts to get heated, it’s okay to pause and come back to it later. The important thing is to keep the lines of communication open and to always approach these conversations with love and respect.

A Final Thought

Building a spiritually intimate marriage is a journey, not a destination. It takes time, effort, and a whole lot of grace. But I promise you, it's a journey worth taking. When you put God at the center of your marriage, when you prioritize your individual and shared spiritual lives, you will build a bond that is not only strong but also eternal. You'll find that your love for each other grows deeper, your connection stronger, and your life together more joyful than you could ever imagine.