The older I get, the more I realize just how out of control I really am of my life. I plan, organize, and worry, but in the end, life has a way of throwing us curve balls anyway. Each passing day seems to bring with it a rate of passing time that is scary. It all flies by so quickly, and we just try to grasp on to anything that “feels” secure. Security is something we all want, and so we trust in the security of our jobs, homes, strength, money, etc. The truth is that there is no real security in any of those things. Jobs can end up as unemployment. Homes can be destroyed. Our strength can abandon us. Our money can be gone in an instant. There is one thing I have found that has stood the test of time providing the only security this life truly has to offer, and that is my relationship with Jesus Christ.

Marriage is no different than anything else in life in that it can throw us curve balls, challenge us, and leave us wondering where our security went. It is a day-to-day process that we have to constantly work at and commit to. What happens when it feels like it’s out of control? What happens when we  just can’t see eye to eye? What happens when we think we just can’t extend grace and love to our spouse? What happens when the unthinkable happens? What happens when we are struggling to forgive? Well, I can tell you what I do when I don’t know what else to do…pray.

Prayer is a 24/7 hot-line straight to our Creator who is the only one that is truly in control, that can change our circumstances, that can make a way when there is none, and that can bring hope & healing to any situation or relationship. The older I get the more I realize just how little control I really have and how much I really need Jesus. I know not all of you are Christians, but maybe you could just bear with me and give this whole thing a shot. It can’t hurt. This week, I want to propose a few specific prayers for all of us to try saying to God for ourselves and for our marriage. Join me as we tap into the power of prayer.

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Author : Ashley McIlwain

Ashley McIlwain, M.A., is a Marriage and Family Therapist, speaker, and writer. She is the founder and C.E.O. of the non-profit organization, Foundation Restoration, and blog LittleWifey.com, which are comprehensive resources committed to restoring the very foundation of society – marriage. She is committed to and passionate about helping relationships thrive. In the past Ashley worked with Moody Publishers and Dr. Gary Chapman as Managing Editor to launch and develop a website focused on premarital preparation. Ashley holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Palm Beach Atlantic University and a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy from Azusa Pacific University. Currently she and her husband, Steve, reside in Southern California.