Couple Prayers Guide: How to Build Spiritual Intimacy Through Daily Prayer
Please note that this article may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn on qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. You can read more at the bottom of this page or read my full disclosure on my Affiliate Disclosure Page
You love your spouse, but sometimes life gets noisy. Between schedules, stress, and the unspoken things, it’s easy to feel disconnected. Even with good intentions, spiritual intimacy can slowly fade. That’s where couple prayers come in. When a couple prays together—really stops to connect with God and each other—something shifts. Hearts soften. Walls crumble. Peace returns.
This couple prayer guide will walk you through how to start, why it matters, and what Scripture says about it. You’ll find a 30-day couple prayer challenge, simple prayers for every season, and encouragement to make prayer a lasting part of your relationship.
Why Couple Prayer Matters in a Christian Marriage
Scripture paints a beautiful picture of unity. Ecclesiastes 4:12 reminds us that a cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart. Prayer is one of the ways we wrap that third strand, God, into the heart of our marriage.
And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.
Ecclesiastes 4:12
Prayer isn’t just for fixing problems. It’s for building something stronger. Praying as a couple can:
- Increase emotional connection
- Strengthen trust and forgiveness
- Invite God’s peace and wisdom into your decisions
- Keep your hearts aligned with biblical truth
- Guard your marriage from bitterness and division
What Is Couple Prayer?
Couple prayer simply means praying together with your spouse. That can be a short prayer before bed, a whispered plea in the car, or a daily rhythm of Scripture and intercession. It doesn’t have to be long or fancy. It just needs to be real.
It’s different from praying individually. When a couple prays, there is mutual vulnerability. You hear each other’s hopes, fears, and needs. You unite your hearts before God. It’s one of the most intimate spiritual acts a couple can share.
The Beautiful Benefits of Praying Together
Praying as a couple is more than a good habit. It’s a lifeline. In the sacred stillness of prayer, you’ll find connection, healing, peace, and purpose blooming in places you didn’t even realize were dry. Whether you’re whispering gratitude, wrestling through a hard day, or simply inviting God into your routine, prayer builds something stronger than just emotional intimacy, it builds spiritual resilience. Let’s explore the emotional, spiritual, psychological, and relational benefits of this simple but powerful practice.
Emotional Benefits: Connection, Forgiveness, Gratitude
You share your hearts openly.
Bedtime prayer invites honesty. It’s a quiet space where you can set aside distractions, lower your guard, and let your spouse see what’s really going on in your heart. It might be a whisper of anxiety you carried all day or a quiet joy you didn’t have time to share. This kind of vulnerability breeds deeper intimacy.
You let go of grudges.
Let’s be real. Sometimes we end the day with tension. A snapped tone. A misunderstanding. A moment of silence that lasted too long. But when you come to God together, it’s hard to hold onto bitterness. Prayer humbles both hearts. It softens pride and makes room for grace, even if the issue isn’t fully resolved. You’re saying, “Lord, we need You more than we need to be right.”
You thank God for the good in your day.
Gratitude shifts the atmosphere. When you take a moment to name the good, even just one thing, you remind each other that God has been faithful. That’s powerful. It can be something big like answered prayer, or something small like a shared laugh or warm coffee. Together, you practice recognizing God’s hand in your everyday life.
Just as physical intimacy reaffirms your oneness, so does praying together. When you pray as a couple, you are not only communicating with God but also with each other. You can learn so much about one another by sharing prayer requests and listening to each other pray.
Stormie Omartian originally posted on focus on the family
Spiritual Benefits: Unity, Peace, and Trust in God
Bedtime prayer isn’t just about calming your mind. It’s about centering your spirit. When you and your spouse come before the Lord together, you’re building your marriage on something far stronger than shared goals or good intentions. You’re anchoring yourselves in God’s presence and purpose.
You align with God’s will, not just your own.
It’s so easy in marriage to drift into “me versus you” thinking. Two different perspectives, two different plans. But prayer invites both of you to surrender your agendas and seek His. Instead of pushing for control, you’re saying together, “Lord, not our will, but Yours.” That kind of spiritual alignment brings unity you can’t manufacture on your own.
You practice humility and trust.
Praying together strips away the ego. It’s not about impressing each other or getting the words right. It’s about showing up as you are and saying, “God, we need You.” That practice of humility builds trust, not just in God, but in each other. You learn to see your spouse as a fellow traveler on the faith journey, not your opponent or fixer.
You invite God into your marriage daily.
When you make prayer a habit, you’re opening the door for God to be involved in your everyday moments, not just the big crises. It becomes less about reacting to problems and more about proactively covering your relationship in grace. You’re saying, “Jesus, come sit with us tonight. Be in this space. Be in us.” And when God is invited daily, peace follows.
Psychological and Health Benefits of Praying Together at Night
God designed our minds and bodies to respond to connection, peace, and rhythm, and bedtime prayer as a couple taps into all of that in the most beautiful way.
Reduces stress before sleep.
The mind doesn’t just shut off when you lay your head on the pillow. It replays conversations, worries, to-do lists, and regrets. But when you pause to pray together, you’re giving your brain permission to let go. It’s a spiritual exhale. Studies even show that spiritual practices before bed can lower cortisol levels helping you rest deeper, wake more refreshed, and walk into the next day less reactive.
Creates routine and stability.
Life is full of chaos. Kids, work, bills, emotional ups and downs. But prayer creates a sacred rhythm that grounds you. It becomes a stabilizing anchor in the storm, a daily “we’re in this together” moment that your heart can count on. And research backs this up: consistent nighttime rituals are proven to improve sleep quality, emotional regulation, and relational security. Basically? A good prayer routine is holy and healthy.
Increases oxytocin and bonding when practiced consistently.
Praying together actually activates the same bonding hormone that shows up in hugs and emotional connection, oxytocin. It’s wild, right? God hardwired our biology to respond to intimacy, and prayer is one of the most spiritually intimate things you can do. When practiced regularly, it strengthens your emotional attachment and deepens trust in ways that go beyond words.
How to Start Praying as a Couple
Starting to pray together can feel intimidating, especially if it’s new territory or if one of you feels unsure of what to say. But it doesn’t have to be complicated or awkward. The goal isn’t perfect wording; it’s simply showing up with open hearts. Begin small and honest. Choose a consistent time (like bedtime or after dinner), hold hands, and invite God into your moment.
Even a short prayer, “Thank You, Lord, for getting us through today”, can open the door to deeper spiritual connection. Just like anything meaningful, it takes practice and grace, but it’s so worth it.
Tips for Making Prayer a Habit
Building a habit of prayer as a couple isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being present. God honors the effort, not the eloquence. Here are a few gentle, grace-filled ways to help make prayer part of your daily rhythm together:
Start small: a few minutes each day
Don’t overthink it. You don’t need a 30-minute intercession session to call it “real prayer.” Begin with two or three minutes. A whispered thank You, a short request, a moment of silence together. Let it be simple and sacred.
Pick a time: bedtime, after dinner, during morning coffee
Find a natural place in your day where prayer fits easily. Right before bed is a beautiful option because your hearts are tender and the world is quiet. But maybe for you, it’s after you clean up dinner or while sipping coffee before the chaos starts. Consistency beats intensity. Choose a time that works for you.
Be honest: God doesn’t need polished prayers
This isn’t performance. You don’t have to impress each other or God. He already knows your thoughts, your tone, your heart. Pray messy. Pray raw. Laugh in the middle of it if something awkward happens. Authenticity builds intimacy in prayer and in marriage.
Keep going: it might feel awkward at first
Y’all, let’s be real. It might feel weird at first, especially if this is new for you as a couple. That’s okay. Awkward doesn’t mean wrong; it means you’re learning something holy. The more you practice, the more natural it becomes. And before long, you’ll find that you actually miss it when you skip it.
Setting the Mood: Environment, Timing, Intentions
- Choose a quiet place
- Light a candle or play soft worship music
- Begin with gratitude
- Ask God to guide your hearts as one
What to Include in Your Couple’s Prayer Time
- Thank God for blessings
- Confess mistakes or miscommunication
- Pray for each other’s specific needs
- Speak Scripture aloud
- Ask for unity, wisdom, and joy
10 Daily Couple Prayers with Scripture
Day 1: Unity
Lord, bind us together in love that reflects Your own. Let nothing come between us.
(Ephesians 4:2-3)
Day 2: Patience
God, help us be patient with each other, slow to speak and quick to listen.
(James 1:19)
Day 3: Joy
Father, restore joy to our hearts and laughter to our home.
(Philippians 4:4)
Day 4: Trust
Jesus, teach us to trust each other and to trust You more than our fears.
(Proverbs 3:5-6)
Day 5: Forgiveness
Lord, help us release every offense and choose mercy.
(Colossians 3:13)
Day 6: Communication
Holy Spirit, give us clarity and compassion in our words.
(Proverbs 15:1)
Day 7: Intimacy
God, deepen our emotional and physical closeness with tenderness and grace.
(Song of Songs 2:16)
Bonus Days:
- Day 8: Finances
- Day 9: Parenting
- Day 10: Peace at Home
Prayers for Marriage Struggles
When things get hard, prayer is not a last resort. It’s your first line of defense.
Prayer for a Distant Spouse
God, soften our hearts. Draw us back to each other and into Your love.
Prayer During Conflict or Anger
Lord, calm our spirits. Help us listen before speaking and love before judging.
Prayer for a Struggling Marriage
Father, restore what’s broken. Heal our wounds and renew our joy.
Prayer for Restoration and Forgiveness
Jesus, let Your mercy rewrite our story. Teach us to forgive like You do.
Prayer for Spiritual Warfare in Marriage
Holy Spirit, protect our marriage from lies, fear, and temptation. Fill our home with truth.
Couple Prayers for Everyday Struggles
Prayer for Financial Stress
Lord, we lay our finances at Your feet. Calm our fears, provide what we need, and help us steward what You’ve given us with wisdom and unity. Remind us that You are our provider, not a paycheck or a number in the bank.
Prayer for Parenting Challenges
God, give us patience, discernment, and grace as we raise these kids You’ve entrusted to us. Help us lead with love and lean on each other instead of blame. Remind us that You are parenting us as we parent them.
Prayer for Health Issues
Jesus, we need Your healing and Your strength. Whether it’s pain in the body or heaviness in the heart, meet us in it. Help us care for each other tenderly and keep our eyes fixed on You, our true Healer.
Prayer for Spiritual Dryness
Lord, we’re feeling a little distant and dry. Stir up a fresh desire for Your presence in our hearts and home. Revive our faith and help us seek You, not just when we feel inspired, but because we know You’re worth it.
Prayer for Work Stress and Burnout
God, we’re weary. Work feels overwhelming, and it’s affecting how we show up at home. Help us rest well, work with purpose, and not let stress steal our peace or our connection.
Prayer for Extended Family Tensions
Lord, give us unity when family dynamics get complicated. Help us set boundaries with love and speak truth with grace. Let us be a team and handle conflict in a way that honors You.
Prayer for Loneliness in Marriage
Jesus, sometimes we feel like we’re just coexisting. Remind us how to truly see each other again. Restore emotional closeness, stir up curiosity, and show us how to reconnect, not out of duty, but desire.
Prayer for Big Decisions
God, we need Your wisdom. Help us hear Your voice above all others as we face this decision. Lead us with clarity and peace, and help us move forward together, trusting You more than our own understanding.
Prayer for Grief or Loss
Lord, we are hurting. Loss has touched our hearts, and we need Your comfort. Help us be gentle with each other, carry the weight together, and find hope in You, even when it’s hard to see it.
Prayer for Growing in Faith Together
Jesus, we don’t want to coast, we want to grow. Teach us how to seek You not just individually, but as a couple. Strengthen our spiritual foundation and show us how to make You the center of our home.
Prayers for Husbands to Pray for Wives
There is something incredibly powerful and sacred about a husband praying over his wife. It’s not just a sweet gesture or a spiritual checkbox. It’s warfare. It’s covering. It’s declaring God’s truth over the woman he’s vowed to love, protect, and cherish. These prayers don’t have to be long or poetic; they just need to be heartfelt and intentional.
“Lord, bless her with peace, strength, and joy today.”
She may carry more than she lets on. She juggles roles, emotions, responsibilities, and sometimes invisible burdens. Ask God to meet her right where she is to fill her with peace that calms her spirit, strength that sustains her, and joy that bubbles up even in hard places.
“Help me lead with love and humility.”
Spiritual leadership isn’t about control; it’s about servanthood. This prayer invites God to shape a husband’s heart to reflect Christ’s: patient, kind, sacrificial, and rooted in grace. It’s a prayer of surrender, saying, “Lord, help me see her the way You do, and love her accordingly.”
“Grow her gifts and let her know how cherished she is.”
Every woman has God-given gifts, whether she’s bold and visionary or quiet and nurturing. Praying this over her is a way of partnering with the Holy Spirit in her calling. And when a husband prays that she knows she’s cherished? Whew. That’s soul-deep. That’s healing. That’s the kind of love that mirrors the heart of Jesus.
Prayers for Wives to Pray for Husbands
When a wife prays over her husband, heaven listens. It’s not about fixing him or trying to control his path, it’s about releasing him into God’s hands and speaking life into who God’s called him to be. These prayers plant seeds of strength, healing, and purpose in a man’s heart, often in ways words alone cannot.
“God, give him wisdom and courage for today.”
Life pulls at him from every direction. Decisions to make, responsibilities to carry, doubts to silence. When you pray for wisdom, you’re asking God to guide his steps, calm his mind, and lead him with clarity. When you pray for courage, you’re calling forth the bravery to walk in obedience, face challenges, and lead with faith instead of fear.
“Remind him he’s not alone.”
Even the strongest men wrestle with loneliness, pressure, and self-doubt. Your prayer becomes a covering; an invitation for the Holy Spirit to whisper truth into his heart: “You are seen. You are supported. You are not doing this in your own strength.” And when those words come from the woman who knows him best? They carry a weight that breaks through the lies of isolation.
“Help me honor, support, and encourage him in love.”
This is a humble, powerful prayer. It says, “Lord, help me be part of his strength, not a source of stress.” It’s asking for the wisdom to speak life, the grace to hold space, and the patience to walk beside him with respect and tenderness. You’re not just asking God to change him, you’re asking Him to shape you into the kind of partner that builds him up.
The Meaning and Power of Praying Together at Night
Evening prayer with your spouse holds a kind of holy stillness that’s hard to find anywhere else. After the noise, the rushing, the endless to-do lists and distractions of the day. It becomes a sacred invitation to exhale. To reset your hearts. To return to each other and to God, not out of obligation, but out of love.
There’s something intimate about that moment when the world quiets down and it’s just the two of you and the Lord. The kids are asleep (hopefully), the dishes can wait, and you’re no longer performing, fixing, or striving. You’re simply present. Together. And in that stillness, prayer becomes a thread that ties your hearts back into one.
It says, “We end this day not as individuals, but as one.”
It says, “We may have disagreed or drifted today, but we’re choosing unity again.”
It says, “We don’t know what tomorrow holds, but we know Who holds us.”
That kind of connection doesn’t just build a better marriage; it builds a stronger foundation of faith, trust, and resilience. Because when you make space to pray together at night, you’re not just ending the day with intention… you’re beginning a legacy.
Why Couples Should Pray Before Bed
When you and your spouse come together in prayer at the end of the day, something sacred happens. It’s not just about “doing the right thing” or checking off a spiritual box. It’s about realignment. With God, and with each other.
All day long, life pulls you in different directions: jobs, responsibilities, parenting, stress, distractions. Even in a healthy marriage, it’s easy to feel like you’re running parallel rather than moving together. But prayer? Prayer brings you back to center. It’s that holy pause where you both lay down the day and turn toward God, and toward each other.
It’s intimate, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. In that quiet moment, you become more than teammates or co-parents. You become one flesh again, united not by effort, but by grace.
You’re saying:
“God, we’re still here.”
“God, You’re still good.”
“God, hold us together.”
This habit doesn’t require perfect words or perfect moods. It just requires willingness. And over time, those few minutes of prayer will do more for your marriage than any self-help book or romantic getaway ever could. Because when two people agree in prayer, heaven leans in (Matthew 18:19).
Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 18:19
7 Night Prayers for Couples Before Bed
- Thank You, Lord, for today. Let us rest in peace, together in You.
- Help us sleep without worry and wake with hope.
- Forgive us, God, for any words or actions that wounded each other.
- Bless our dreams and protect our home.
- Draw us closer as we rest, even in silence.
- Remind us we are loved, chosen, and united in You.
- Wrap our hearts in Your stillness and start tomorrow fresh.
How to Use These Prayers to Build a Habit
Making prayer a consistent part of your relationship doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In fact, the most powerful prayer routines often begin with just a few intentional steps woven quietly into your day until they become second nature. Here’s how to begin cultivating a rhythm of prayer that draws you closer to God and to each other:
Start with one prayer a night.
Choose just one simple prayer, whether it’s from this guide or one you whisper from the heart, and make it part of your nightly wind-down. No need for long speeches or the perfect mood. Just one intentional pause to say, “Let’s invite God in before we sleep.” That one small prayer can set a powerful foundation for peace and connection.
Write your own prayers in a shared journal.
Grab a notebook and take turns writing short prayers to each other and to the Lord. It’s a quiet, creative way to speak life, offer support, and reflect on what God is doing in your marriage. Over time, you’ll build a living testimony of faithfulness and growth, something you can look back on in seasons of joy or struggle.
Text each other a short prayer during the day.
Prayer doesn’t have to be reserved for bedtime. A short, thoughtful message like “Praying for your meeting. God’s got you!” or “Lord, give him strength today” can be a soul-boosting lifeline in the middle of a busy day. It shows that you’re spiritually present, even when physically apart.
Hold hands and pray out loud before sleep.
Yes, it might feel awkward at first. But holding hands while praying aloud builds connection on every level—emotional, spiritual, even physical. It’s a posture of unity and vulnerability. You’re not just praying next to each other; you’re praying with each other, as one flesh. Over time, this becomes a tender ritual that tucks peace and love into every night.
30-Day Couple Prayer Calendar (Free PDF)
This is a simple guide with daily Scriptures and prompts. Each day includes a focus (gratitude, unity, joy, etc.), one verse, and a short prayer to pray together.
Bonus: 7-Day Marriage Prayer Challenge
Each day you’ll:
- Read one verse
- Pray a 2-3 line prayer aloud
- End with a moment of silence or blessing
- Write a 1-sentence reflection in a journal
Testimonial 1: James & Keira, Married 7 Years
“We used to go to bed with so much unspoken tension. Not because we didn’t love each other, but because life just… wears you down. Starting a habit of praying together at night helped us slow down, reconnect, and stop letting small things fester. It’s like we remember we’re on the same team again. Even a 30-second prayer changes the whole vibe of our marriage.”
Testimonial 2: Luis & Mari, Newlyweds
“We were nervous at first, like, what if we sound weird? What if we don’t know what to say? But honestly, praying together has been one of the most bonding things we’ve done. It doesn’t feel forced anymore. It’s become this sweet, grounding part of our day, and I love hearing him pray for me out loud. That part? Makes me feel so seen.”
Testimonial 3: Travis & Monique, Married 18 Years
“We’ve weathered job loss, parenting chaos, health issues, you name it. And through it all, prayer has been our anchor. Praying together isn’t always fancy. Sometimes it’s a tired whisper or a hug with a ‘Jesus, help.’ But there’s a strength in knowing we’re bringing it to God together. That unity? It’s held us up more times than we can count.”
Recommended Devotionals for Couples
The Intentional Marriage: Devotional Journal for Couples | Strengthen Marriage through Scripture, Prayer & Love by Good Word Publishing
The Married Couple’s Devotional Journal: 52 Weeks of Prompts and Prayers to Strengthen Your Marriage in Faith by Bridgette Reed, Deon Reed
365 Days of Prayer for Couples: Daily Prayer Devotional by BroadStreet Publishing Group LLC
Final Encouragement for Couples
Spiritual intimacy is a choice; a sacred, daily decision to turn toward each other and toward God. It won’t always come easy. There will be nights you’re tired, annoyed, emotionally distant, or just not in the mood to be spiritual. But that’s when it matters most. Because intimacy isn’t built on grand moments; it’s built on small, faithful ones stacked over time.
Even a whispered “thank You, Lord,” said in unity, can soften hard hearts. Even a short, imperfect prayer can bridge the emotional gap after a tense day. Don’t underestimate the power of these tiny acts of faith. When a couple chooses to pray, they’re doing more than just talking to God; they’re inviting Him to take His rightful place at the center of the relationship.
And here’s the beautiful truth: God shows up.
He brings peace where there’s anxiety.
He brings unity where there’s division.
He brings healing where there’s hurt.
You don’t have to be perfect, polished, or even particularly spiritual to start this habit. You just have to be willing. Willing to show up, to invite God in, and to keep trying, even on the days when it feels awkward or quiet.
So take that step. Reach for your spouse’s hand. Say the prayer.
Because when two become one before the Lord, everything begins to shift.
Pray this couple’s prayer with your spouse tonight.
My Final Thoughts
I hope this couple prayer guide encourages you to take one small step tonight. Try one prayer. Hold hands. Whisper a few words together. Then come back tomorrow and do it again.
If you and your spouse are starting this new rhythm, I would love to hear from you. What spoke to your heart? What changed as you prayed together?
Leave a comment and let us know. And don’t forget to join our She Opens the Bible Study Community Group where you’ll find encouragement, community, and resources for your faith and marriage.
FAQs About Couple Prayer
-
How long should we pray together?
Even just 3 to 5 minutes a day can be powerful. It’s not about time but sincerity.
-
What if my spouse doesn’t want to pray?
Start by praying silently for them. Don’t pressure—invite gently, and let them see the fruit in your life.
-
Do we need to pray out loud?
Not always, but it helps with unity. Start by reading Scripture aloud or using written prayers.
-
What if we get distracted or forget?
Grace upon grace. Just start again the next night. It’s a rhythm, not a rule.
-
Can praying as a couple really help our marriage?
Yes. It builds trust, softens hearts, and invites God to shape your marriage from the inside out.
About our author…
Sue Nelson is a Christian author, Bible teacher, and conference speaker with a heart for helping women grow deeper in their walk with God. She has written several books on Christian marriage, Proverbs 31 living, verse mapping, and the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Her Bible studies and devotional tools are used by women’s ministries across the United States.
With years of experience teaching Scripture and leading small groups, Sue has spoken at numerous women’s conferences and retreats nationwide. She actively serves in multiple ministries at her home church—including Hospitality, Welcome PSG Corp, and Leaders of the Pack—and is known for her willingness to serve wherever there’s a need.
A wife, mom, grandmother, and proud dog/cat mom, Sue lives a life centered on Christ. She supports a wide range of Christian causes, including Bible distribution, scholarships for faith-based retreats, homeless outreach, food pantries, and clothing ministries.
You can connect with her through her women’s Bible study community, She Opens Her Bible
NASB – “Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation“