Prayer and Bible Study with your SO

[Markus6]

This is something I've been thinking about recently. Most of my previous relationships have been with Christians but often the only difference with a secular relationship is that we don't have sex. I've really appreciated just saying grace with my girlfriend and I like recognising that God is a part of our relationship. As a result I've recently started talking to her about praying or reading the bible together. What do you all think? Have any of your tried this before? Any good ideas? One things I've heard a couple of times is that it can create too much intimacy - your thoughts?

 

[mustang333]

lol, I don't have too much experience. Too be honest, I think reading the bible/prayer with your SO is going to do much more good than harm.


Matt

 

[Mrs. Luther073082]

We say grace together pretty often (even in McDonald's) and sometimes we look at the Bible together. I wouldn't mind looking at the Bible together more often. We are in a long distance relationship so we go to seperate Bible studies and churches, but attend church together when one of us is visiting the other.

 

[Bootstrap]

I think Christians sometimes speak out of both sides of their mouth on this one.

They say that a relationship should be built on Christ, but then say that a couple should not pray together or study the Bible together because it might build too much intimacy. Yes, it can build intimacy. An intimate relationship built on Christ is a good thing.

Of course, if people are feeling really close, that increases sexual temptation. But what are you supposed to do, not feel really close? I think sexual temptation is something we just have to deal with in dating relationships.

There's another issue, though: it's often difficult for couples to learn to pray or study the Bible together, for a variety of reasons. This is often easier to do in group settings. And the temptation is less in those settings too.

Jonathan

 

[Solo Man]

I'm glad you're asking advice about this. One thing that me and my girlfriend really enjoy doing is a bible study. They can be found almost anywhere, and we found that if we just "read the bible" it can be harder to find things to discuss. with a bible study it asks you questions that can begin interesting discussions. one bible study i would recommend is "lessons on assurance" from the "growing up in Christ series" if you want a link send me a message. Also make sure you both are striving to grow closer to God by yourselves. you'll find yourselves both growing closer in the process.

As for the creating to much intimacy part, nothing is wrong with the both of you growing together spiritually. But make sure that this doesn't lead to physical intimacy. physical affections of the sexual nature are not honoring to God, so you wont want to go down that road. You will probably be finding yourselves growing closer emotionally though and as long as you honor God with your actions and your thoughts, this is normal and means that God is working in your relationship.

 

[mattwc09]

Well, at the very least, I would highly recommend that you are both encouraging and even challenging each other to deepen your relationship via the study of God's Word.

Should the study be done together? Not 100% sure. That might be a personal call for you to both make. But I do believe that regular conversations with each other regarding what you are studying and how it is influencing your personal relationship with God, is very important in any intimate relationship.

Heck, I would even encourage couples to do memory verses together!