The 1%

Statistics show that 50% of marriages overall end in divorce in the US. And 26% of couples who go to church together end in divorce. But only 1 in 1,500 of marriages where couples pray together ends in divorce. That’s less than 1%. So when you pray together, you stay together. What could be the reason for such a drastic and compelling finding? 

The very act of prayer addresses some core issues or values in one’s heart and life that when addressed produces beneficial and powerful results. For prayer to be genuine you need to be transparent, and to be transparent humility or getting out of your own way must be present. Prayer causes one to find the path of humility, for you are asking for help, seeking wisdom, provision or the answer from One greater than yourself. And these couples by praying out loud verbalize support for one another as each brings forth their personal prayer. This is the powerful act of agreement.

“I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather togetheras my followers, I am there among them.” Matt. 18,19,20

Here we see two wonderful and amazing graces given to two people agreeing together in prayer. First, the “ask” will be heard and the Father will be actively involved. And second, is that Jesus himself promises to be in their midst. His beauty, grace and personal presence will accompany them. And where Jesus hangs out, good things tend to happen like life, joy, healing, provision and forgiveness along with greater love and compassion, discernment and wisdom. 

Oh, so that’s why less than 1% break up. These marriages are enjoying a satisfying fullness of living in harmony under the canopy of his grace. It could be said that those who pray together, stay together, because Jesus is their guest.