By Greg Miller © 2018

James began each day with the same short, simple prayer.

Before he even got out of bed, James prayed, “Father, I praise and thank you for giving another day of precious life to me. Thank you for providing my food, clothing and shelter, for saving me through the blood Jesus Christ shed for me on the Cross of Calvary, and for filling me with you unsearchable peace and the power of the Holy Spirit!”

As she prepared breakfast, James’ wife, Joyce, prayed a similar prayer. “Thank you, Lord, for salvation through Jesus, and for giving life, health and strength to us. Thank you for James, my wonderful husband, and thank you for our jobs as local school teachers. Thank you for the opportunity to love and serve you today and every day!”

Before going to work, James and Joyce knelt, clasped hands and prayed Psalm 100 together. “’Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture; Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.’”

The couple then prayed what is known as “The Lord’s Prayer,” from Matthew chapter 6, “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.”

Worshipping together in prayer brought the couple closer together. James called Joyce on his lunch break, and Joyce reciprocated that action. Throughout each day, James and Joyce prayed silently for each other. James prayed, “Lord, bless Joyce, and let her feel my love.”

Joyce prayed, “Let James know how my love for him grows bigger every day.”

Before they went to bed each night, the couple once again held hands and prayed, “Thank you, Lord, for all your blessings of today. Help us to have a night of restful sleep. In Jesus’ name, Amen!”

God was extremely pleased with Joyce and James for their lives of mutual prayer and dedication. The Lord smiled, “This is a big aspect of what marriage is all about! A very big part indeed!”

 To contact the writer of this column about speaking engagements, including Christian Comedy Fundraising Outreaches, Christian Creativity Seminars and/or puppet ministry, please email [email protected], [email protected] or [email protected].

By Greg Miller  2018

 Greg is retired from the Elizabethton STAR Newspaper, after working there for almost 23 years. He now freelances for the paper. Contact email address is [email protected], also facebook.com/kidcool4jesus. Available for speaking engagements/other ministries. Jesus is Lord