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An amazing secret to marriage success

3/26/2019

 
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By Lavern Nissley

If I were to tell you that there is a simple, 5 minute daily habit that has been shown to increase the chances of marriage success to over 99%, would you want to know what it is? Would you be interested in trying it out?

Ronda and I came across this secret during a marriage workshop in March, 1990. It changed the trajectory of our own marriage, likely saving it. And we love to share this potent secret with others.

Only 11% of couples pray together on a daily basis. By praying together we mean more than offering thanks at meals or crying out for help during major decisions or crises. A daily habit of coming together regularly and humbly as a couple and seeking resources, wisdom and protection decreases the chances of marriage failure to less than 1%.

A 1997 Gallup Poll done by the National Association of Marriage Enhancement (nameonline.net) showed the divorce rate among couples who pray together regularly is 1 out of 1,152. That's way less then 1%.

A more recent study published in Journal of Marriage and Family, August, 2010 reached similar compelling conclusions about the effectiveness of couples engaging in faith practices together. (See The Couple That Prays Together: Race and Ethnicity, Religion, and Relationship Quality Among Working-Age Adults by Ellison, Burdette and Wilcox).

Even Redbook, in an article Ronda read, had this to say from a University of Chicago survey: "75 percent of the Americans who pray with their spouses reported that their marriages are 'very happy' (compared to 57 percent of those who don't). Those who pray together are also more likely to say they respect each other, discuss their marriage together, and — stop the presses — rate their spouses as skilled lovers." Well there you go!

The marriage workshop we attended in March, 1990 inspired Ronda and me to begin praying together daily. It changed our lives and likely saved our marriage. No, it didn't remove all conflicts and frustrations we have with each other. But it has helped us navigate a whole host of varied challenges through the years following. Not sure where we would be without that daily habit of praying together.

In 2007 while compiling The RINGS Experience for couples we added a daily communication tool known as the RINGS Chat, an acrostic for daily connection in 5 areas: REAL, INFORMATION/INTENTIONS, NEEDS, GRATEFUL and SOMEDAY.
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Very recently, in February, 2019, we developed a RINGS Chat style tool that couples can use in praying together. It uses the same 5 acrostic letters to guide couples in communicating together with God. Below are the front and back of this newly developed card.
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A common concern/question we hear from couples: "Isn't it awkward or scary to pray together?" It IS intimate and personal, but it's become as natural as breathing for us. And just as necessary. 

But don't just take our word on this topic. The website https://www.coupleprayer.com/ is filled with testimonials and videos from other couples who have woven daily prayer into their relationship. At over a 99% of marriage success, wouldn't it be worth a try?
Lisa Garvin
3/26/2019 10:44:21 am

Could I get one of those cards please? Thanks!

Lavern Nissley
3/26/2019 08:10:26 pm

Yes, will bring to church Wed eve, Lisa.

Andre Ryder
8/19/2021 04:12:04 pm

I am taking this time out to spread the work of Dr. Odunga on this website. My name is Andre Ryder from Kissemme, Florida. I have just given birth to twin girls with the help of Dr. Odunga who I met on this website published by a woman who he also helped with fertility issues who was trying to conceive (TTC). With help from Dr. Odunga, my husband who had lost hope of me ever giving birth was dumbfounded when my test results showed I was pregnant and waited patiently for my delivery. I am so happy to have met Dr. Odunga and would recommend him out here to others looking for a way to get pregnant. Contact him on Whats-App +2348167159012 and Email at odungaspelltemple@gmail.com

Leon Zimmerman
9/18/2021 06:14:28 pm

Hello, Lavern! I put in a google search related to divorce and first or second site - - Yours! Thanks for it

Hailey Miller link
11/10/2021 08:59:54 pm

Thanks for pointing out that praying together daily can help save a marriage since it can help couples face challenges together. This is helpful because my husband and I want to strengthen our relationship. With this, we are also hoping to find a Cuban restaurant on Monday where we can dance, eat, and spend quality time together.

Jan
9/9/2022 03:14:48 am

Correlation does not imply causation. Just because praying together correlates with low divorce rate, does not mean that by choosing to pray together you lower the probability of your own divorce. It may be that there are other factors that affect both these observable phenomena, like for example emotional intimacy and trust.
It's like this with many things, e.g. consumption of expensive alcohol correlates positively with general health, but it does not mean that just by drinking expensive wine you get healthier. It's more like if you can afford expensive alcohol, it means you also can afford better and healthier food, better healthcare etc.


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    Lavern & Ronda Nissley are co-directors of Encompass. Married since 1978, both enjoy coffee, riding their tandem bicycle and working together to build strong relationships.

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  • Home
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