Lord, you call me to respect my husband. Your Word tells me to honor him in the same way I honor you! But Lord, he’s only human. He makes mistakes like everybody else. He struggles with the same fears, insecurities, and temptations as any other man. My pride wants to “fix” him and call out every shortcoming. I’m stubborn, wanting my husband to earn my respect before I give it away.

I need you to transform my mind and heart so I can obey your Word. Let me see him like you do, since “the Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7) Show me the strengths of his character, the wisdom in his thinking, and the faithfulness of his love so I appreciate him more fully.

Elevate my view of my husband. You declare him to be your child, redeemed not with silver or gold but the precious blood of Christ. (1 Peter 1:18-19) He’s your creation, made in the very image and likeness of God. (Genesis 1:26) He’s chosen to be yours. Gifted by the Spirit for kingdom-worthy work. Saved and sealed for eternity with you.

Humble my view of myself. Teach me to serve my husband as the helper you created me to be. (Genesis 2:18) As his sister in Christ, may I do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility may I value him above myself, not looking to my own interests but to the interests of my husband. (Philippians 2:3-4) Remind my heart of my own need for mercy and forgiveness.

Make me a gift to my husband. Use me to bless his reputation wherever he goes. As I value his leadership, may I set an example of respect to our family and friends. Guard my mouth from rudeness and my heart from a critical spirit. Teach me to be quiet and consider his point of view instead of demanding my own way. Let me take every opportunity to affirm him, lighten his load, and encourage him on the path you’ve marked for his life.

Saturate my life with grace so I love and honor my husband unconditionally. Move through me to show him your kindness and favor. Raise my eyes to you so all I do as a wife is an offering of worship to Jesus. Accomplish in me what I can’t do on my own.

Amen.

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children
and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us
and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother
and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”
This is a profound mystery—
but I am talking about Christ and the church.

However, each one of you also
must love his wife as he loves himself,
and the wife must respect her husband.
(Ephesians 5:1-2, 31-33)