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The Power of a Praying Wife

Stormie Omartian (1997)

Genre

Spirituality

Reading Time

240 min

Key Themes

See below

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Learn how a wife's focused prayers can change her husband's spiritual life, emotions, and roles, bringing new life to their marriage through God's power.

Core Idea

Stormie Omartian's "The Power of a Praying Wife" says that a wife's steady, specific, and faithful prayers are the strongest way to make positive changes in her husband's life and their marriage. Using Bible teachings and personal stories, Omartian shows how prayer can touch every part of a husband's life—spiritual, emotional, physical, work, and relationships—leading to changes that human effort cannot match. The main point is that when a wife submits to God through prayer, she can influence her husband in ways that normal methods cannot, helping to build a stronger, God-centered marriage.
Reading time
240 min
Difficulty
Easy
✓ Read this if...
You are a wife seeking to deepen your spiritual impact on your husband and marriage, believe in the power of intercessory prayer, and are looking for practical guidance and inspiration to pray for specific areas of your husband's life.
✗ Skip this if...
You are not religious, do not believe in the efficacy of prayer, or are looking for secular marriage counseling or psychological approaches to marital improvement.

Core idea

The central argument and framework that powers the entire book.

Stormie Omartian's "The Power of a Praying Wife" says that a wife's steady, specific, and faithful prayers are the strongest way to make positive changes in her husband's life and their marriage. Using Bible teachings and personal stories, Omartian shows how prayer can touch every part of a husband's life—spiritual, emotional, physical, work, and relationships—leading to changes that human effort cannot match. The main point is that when a wife submits to God through prayer, she can influence her husband in ways that normal methods cannot, helping to build a stronger, God-centered marriage.

At a glance

Reading time

240 min

Difficulty

Easy

Read this if...

You are a wife seeking to deepen your spiritual impact on your husband and marriage, believe in the power of intercessory prayer, and are looking for practical guidance and inspiration to pray for specific areas of your husband's life.

Skip this if...

You are not religious, do not believe in the efficacy of prayer, or are looking for secular marriage counseling or psychological approaches to marital improvement.

Key Takeaways

1

Prayer as the Ultimate Marital Tool

Worrying changes nothing; prayer changes everything.

Quote

Worrying about your marriage changes nothing... Praying about it can change everything.

Omartian says that prayer is not just a last option but the most effective way a wife can improve her marriage. She believes that worrying, being anxious, and trying to control a spouse do not work and often cause problems. Instead, by giving these worries to God through prayer, a wife brings about divine help. This view moves the responsibility from the wife to God, bringing peace and trust. The book stresses that prayer connects directly to God's power, which can change hearts, situations, and the very nature of the marriage in ways...

Supporting evidence

Omartian shares her own testimony, detailing how her marriage was strengthened and transformed after she committed to praying for her husband in specific areas, rather than trying to change him herself. She provides numerous real-life illustrations of wives who saw significant positive shifts in their husbands and marriages through persistent prayer.

Apply this

Instead of dwelling on marital problems or complaining to friends, commit to daily, intentional prayer for your husband. Identify specific areas of concern and formulate prayers based on biblical principles and God's promises, trusting Him to work in ways you may not immediately see.

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2

Praying for His Spiritual Walk

A husband's spiritual health is foundational to the marriage.

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When you pray for your husband's spiritual walk, you are praying for the very foundation of your marriage.

The book focuses on praying for a husband's spiritual growth and his relationship with God. Omartian says that a man's spiritual strength directly affects his character, decisions, and his ability to lead his family with honesty and love. When a husband is close to God, he is more likely to show qualities like patience, kindness, and self-control, which are important for a healthy marriage. On the other hand, a husband who is spiritually lost might struggle with anger, selfishness, or a lack of purpose, causing problems in the relatio...

Supporting evidence

Omartian recounts her prayers for her husband's salvation and continued spiritual maturity, highlighting how these prayers led to visible changes in his life and a deeper connection between them. She includes sample prayers specifically for a husband's desire for God, understanding of His Word, and resistance to temptation.

Apply this

Regularly pray for your husband to draw closer to God, to hear His voice, and to be protected from spiritual deception. Ask God to give him a hunger for His Word and a desire to live according to His will, trusting that these spiritual shifts will positively impact his role as a husband.

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3

Praying for His Emotions and Identity

A man's emotional well-being impacts his entire being.

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Pray for your husband to be emotionally whole, secure in his identity in Christ, and free from destructive emotions.

Omartian includes a chapter on praying for a husband's emotional health. She knows that men often find it hard to show or even recognize their emotions. She suggests praying for him to be free from anger, fear, sadness, and anxiety, and instead to feel joy, peace, and emotional stability. She connects emotional health to a man's identity in Christ, highlighting that he should know his worth and purpose through God's eyes, not from worldly success or outside approval. This prayer focus aims to break down emotional barriers that can hur...

Supporting evidence

Omartian shares how praying for her husband's emotional peace and freedom from stress brought about noticeable changes in his demeanor and their interactions. She provides scriptural 'power tools' that speak to God's desire for emotional healing and inner peace, such as Philippians 4:7.

Apply this

Pray specifically for your husband's emotional stability, asking God to heal past wounds, remove burdens of stress or anxiety, and fill him with peace and joy. Pray for him to find his true identity and security in his relationship with God, rather than in his job or achievements.

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4

Supporting His Roles as Leader and Father

Empowering him through prayer to fulfill his God-given roles.

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When you pray for your husband as a leader and father, you are helping him step into the fullness of God's calling for his life.

The book tells wives to pray for their husbands in their important roles as family leaders and fathers. Omartian understands that these duties can be overwhelming and need God's wisdom. She suggests praying for his ability to make smart decisions, to lead with honesty and humility, and to be a loving, present, and godly father to their children. This is not about telling him how to lead but empowering him through prayer to seek God's guidance and show the qualities of a servant leader. These prayers are important for the well-being of...

Supporting evidence

Omartian illustrates how her prayers for her husband's leadership and fatherhood roles brought about greater confidence and wisdom in his decision-making and a more engaged relationship with their children. She includes biblical examples of wise leaders and fathers to inspire prayer points.

Apply this

Regularly pray for your husband's wisdom in making family decisions, for his ability to lead with grace and truth, and for him to be a strong, loving, and spiritual example for your children. Ask God to equip him for these vital roles.

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5

Praying for His Security in Work and Finances

Releasing financial anxiety through intercession.

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Praying for your husband's work and finances brings peace and security, knowing God is in control.

Money stress is a common cause of marital tension. Omartian addresses this directly by encouraging prayer for a husband's work, career, and financial support. She tells wives to pray for his success, hard work, honesty in his job, and for God to open opportunities. More importantly, she stresses praying for his contentment and trust in God's provision, freeing him from feeling solely responsible for the family's finances. This approach changes the focus from worry to faith, believing that God cares deeply about their practical needs a...

Supporting evidence

Omartian shares instances where financial burdens were lifted or new opportunities arose after consistent prayer for her husband's work and finances. She references scriptures like Matthew 6:33, reminding readers to seek God's kingdom first, and all other things will be added.

Apply this

Pray for your husband's career path, for wisdom in financial decisions, and for God's provision and blessing over his work. Release any personal financial anxieties to God and pray for your husband to trust in God's faithfulness.

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6

Interceding for His Health and Protection

Safeguarding his physical and mental well-being.

Quote

Your prayers for his health and protection are a powerful shield against harm.

Omartian points out the importance of praying for a husband's physical health, mental well-being, and safety. This includes praying for specific illnesses, for strength and energy, and for safety in his daily activities. She emphasizes that life is uncertain, and a wife's prayers can serve as a spiritual protection for her husband, asking for God's protecting hand. This also includes mental health, praying for clear thinking, freedom from stress, and emotional strength. This part of prayer shows the full care God offers, even for the ...

Supporting evidence

While specific medical cases are not detailed, Omartian generally speaks to the peace and assurance gained from praying for health, and the belief that God protects and heals. She includes scriptures that speak to God's healing power and protection, such as Psalm 91.

Apply this

Consistently pray for your husband's physical health, strength, and energy. Ask for God's protection over him daily, whether at work, traveling, or engaging in activities. Pray for his mental sharpness and freedom from any debilitating thoughts.

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7

Praying for His Faith and Future

Guiding his path and destiny through intercession.

Quote

Pray for your husband's faith to grow stronger and for God to direct his future.

The book tells wives to pray for their husband's strong faith and for God's clear direction for his future. This means praying for him to have a deep trust in God, especially during hard times, and for spiritual understanding about his calling, purpose, and long-term goals. Omartian believes that a wife's prayers can help her husband align his desires with God's will, leading to a more satisfying life and a marriage based on a shared divine purpose. This forward-looking prayer for his future brings hope and trust that God has a good p...

Supporting evidence

Omartian discusses how praying for her husband's spiritual discernment helped him navigate career changes and life decisions, leading to outcomes that brought peace and alignment with God's will. She cites Jeremiah 29:11 as a promise for a hopeful future.

Apply this

Pray for your husband to have unshakeable faith, even in trials. Ask God to reveal His specific plans and purposes for your husband's life and to give him the courage and wisdom to follow that path, trusting in God's guidance for his future.

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8

The Power of a Wife's Submission and Respect

Prayer empowers respectful submission, not passive obedience.

Quote

True submission is not weakness, but a powerful act of faith, trusting God to work through your husband.

While often a debated topic, Omartian presents biblical submission not as blind obedience, but as a wife's respectful attitude and trust in God's plan for marriage, where the husband is the spiritual head. She says that a wife's prayers for her husband help her genuinely respect and honor him, even when they disagree. This respect, coming from prayer, is a strong force that can soften a husband's heart, encourage his leadership, and lead to a more peaceful relationship. It is about empowering him through prayer to be the man God wants...

Supporting evidence

Omartian references Ephesians 5:22-33, which outlines the roles of husbands and wives in marriage, and explains how prayer helps a wife embody this biblical principle in a way that is empowering and loving, rather than diminishing. She shares how her own shift in attitude (through prayer) transformed their marital dynamics.

Apply this

Pray for God to give you a spirit of respect and honor towards your husband. Ask for wisdom to know when to speak and when to be silent, and for the grace to support his leadership in ways that are pleasing to God, trusting God to work through him.

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9

Overcoming Obstacles with Persistent Prayer

Consistency in prayer breaks down strongholds.

Quote

Don't give up praying for your husband, even when you don't see immediate results. God hears every prayer.

Omartian strongly highlights the need for persistence and faith in prayer, even when the desired changes in a husband or marriage do not happen right away. She acknowledges that marriage problems can be deep-seated and that spiritual challenges are real. Therefore, consistent, steady prayer is important for breaking down barriers, overcoming resistance, and seeing God's timing unfold. This idea encourages wives not to be discouraged by delays or problems but to keep trusting in God's faithfulness and His power to work in His perfect t...

Supporting evidence

Omartian shares her own experiences of praying for years before seeing significant breakthroughs in certain areas of her husband's life and their marriage. She uses the parable of the persistent widow (Luke 18:1-8) as an example of not giving up in prayer.

Apply this

Commit to a consistent prayer routine for your husband, even if it's just a few minutes daily. Keep a prayer journal to track your prayers and God's answers, and remind yourself that God's timing is perfect, even when it's not yours.

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10

The Wife's Heart Transformed Through Prayer

As she prays for him, God transforms her.

Quote

As you pour out your heart for your husband, God pours His grace into your heart.

A deep, often unexpected result of a wife consistently praying for her husband is the change that happens within her own heart. Omartian points out that as a wife focuses on her husband's needs and gives her worries to God, she experiences a change in her own outlook, attitude, and emotional state. Bitterness, resentment, and anger start to fade, replaced by love, patience, and a deeper understanding. This inner change makes her a more loving and supportive partner, which further helps the marriage. It is a back-and-forth process wher...

Supporting evidence

Omartian frequently alludes to her own journey, where her initial frustration and desire to change her husband eventually gave way to a heart of compassion and patience as she committed to praying for him. She implies that the act of prayer itself cultivated these virtues within her.

Apply this

Be open to the personal growth and transformation that will occur in your own heart as you faithfully pray for your husband. Reflect on how your attitude and emotions shift, and embrace the peace and grace God provides through this practice.

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Critical analysis

Notable Quotes

The power of a praying wife is not a means of gaining control over your husband, but a way of releasing control of your husband, yourself, and your circumstances into the hands of God.

Introduction, emphasizing the book's core message about surrender and trust in God.

Prayer is the ultimate love language. It communicates to God that you are trusting Him for the things you can't handle on your own.

Chapter on love and communication in marriage, linking prayer to expressing trust.

When you pray for your husband, you are inviting God's presence into his life and into your marriage.

General encouragement for wives to pray consistently for their husbands.

A praying wife does not have to be perfect; she just has to be willing to let God work through her prayers.

Addressing common insecurities about being a 'good enough' wife or pray-er.

Your husband is God's son first, and your husband second. Pray for him as God's beloved child.

Reminder to view one's husband through a spiritual lens, fostering compassion.

Prayer changes things because it changes us. It aligns our hearts with God's will.

Discussion on the transformative power of prayer on the pray-er.

Don't wait for your husband to change before you start praying. Pray first, and watch God work.

Encouragement to take initiative in prayer rather than reacting to circumstances.

The most powerful thing you can do for your marriage is to pray for your husband's relationship with God.

Highlighting spiritual priorities over practical or relational issues.

When you pray, you are not alone. You are partnering with the Creator of the universe on behalf of your husband.

Motivational passage to combat feelings of isolation or helplessness.

Prayer softens hearts—yours and his. It replaces anger with understanding and resentment with grace.

Addressing emotional challenges in marriage and the healing role of prayer.

Your prayers are a covering of protection over your husband's life, his work, and his decisions.

Describing prayer as a spiritual safeguard in daily life.

Trust God to answer your prayers in His way and His time. His plans are always better than ours.

Advice on dealing with unanswered prayers or unexpected outcomes.

A wife's prayers can be the bridge that leads her husband back to God when he has strayed.

Offering hope for wives in difficult marital situations, such as spiritual distance.

Prayer is not about getting what you want, but about becoming who God wants you to be.

Correcting misconceptions about prayer as merely a request list.

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Key Questions (FAQ)

The book is a Christian guide for wives on using prayer to strengthen their marriages. It shares Stormie Omartian's personal experiences, sample prayers, and Bible verses to help women pray for key areas of their husband's life like spiritual growth, emotions, leadership, work, health, and faith.

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