The Power of a Praying Husband
Stormie Omartian’s The Power of a Praying Husband is a profoundly inspiring and practical guide that invites men to deepen their marriages through the transformative power of prayer. As part of her bestselling Power of a Praying series, which has sold over 28 million copies worldwide, this book stands out as a heartfelt and accessible resource for husbands seeking to nurture their relationships with their wives and God. With its blend of biblical wisdom, personal anecdotes, and actionable prayer strategies, it offers a roadmap for fostering spiritual intimacy, emotional connection, and enduring unity in marriage. Having explored this book, I can confidently say it is a must-read for any husband who desires to lead his family with faith, love, and intentionality.
From the outset, Omartian’s warm and relatable tone sets the stage for an engaging and encouraging read. She writes with refreshing honesty about her own marriage to Michael Omartian, a multi-Grammy-winning music producer who provides a thoughtful foreword. This personal touch makes the book feel like a conversation with a trusted mentor rather than a prescriptive manual. Stormie’s vulnerability in sharing her own struggles and triumphs creates a safe space for readers to reflect on their own relationships. Her emphasis on the importance of praying for one’s wife in every area of her life—her priorities, emotions, motherhood, fears, and sexuality—resonates deeply, offering husbands a comprehensive framework to support their spouses through prayer.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its structure. Each of the 20 concise chapters focuses on a specific aspect of a wife’s life, making it easy for readers to digest and apply the content. For example, Chapter 1, “Her Husband,” sets the tone by comparing marriage to a football game, where hope and faith in God’s transformative power can turn the tide even in challenging moments. This analogy, while simple, is effective in conveying the importance of perseverance and spiritual commitment in marriage. Omartian’s inclusion of practical prayers at the end of each chapter is a standout feature. These prayers are not only heartfelt but also specific, guiding husbands to intercede for their wives with intention and clarity. For instance, prayers for a wife’s spiritual walk or emotional well-being are crafted with such precision that they feel both personal and universal, making them accessible to men at any stage of their faith journey.
The book’s biblical foundation is another reason it shines. Omartian weaves scripture seamlessly into her guidance, grounding her advice in timeless truths. She emphasizes the concept of unity in marriage, drawing from the biblical principle that “two become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). Her insights on how prayer can counteract external forces that threaten marital peace are both convicting and empowering. For example, she writes, “Prayer serves as a powerful tool to reclaim that unity and thwart attempts by external forces to destroy the peace of marriage.” This perspective encourages husbands to see prayer not as a passive act but as a proactive, powerful way to strengthen their relationships. Contributions from well-known Christian men, such as Neil T. Anderson and Steven Curtis Chapman, add depth and credibility, offering male perspectives that complement Stormie’s voice and reassure readers that the principles are relatable to men.
What sets The Power of a Praying Husband apart from other marriage books is its focus on personal transformation through prayer. Omartian wisely notes that prayer doesn’t just change the person being prayed for—it changes the one praying. This insight is particularly impactful in chapters like “That Your Prayers May Not Be Hindered,” where she addresses how negative emotions like unforgiveness or resentment can block the effectiveness of prayer. By encouraging husbands to approach prayer with a clean heart and a spirit of understanding, she fosters a mindset of humility and self-reflection. One reviewer, Aaron W. Matthews, captures this beautifully: “Prayer to God doesn’t just change the situations we’re in, nor the people we’re praying for, but at its heart, it changes us.” This focus on personal growth makes the book not only a guide for praying for one’s wife but also a tool for becoming a better husband.
The book’s accessibility makes it suitable for husbands at any stage of marriage, from newlyweds to those celebrating decades together. Its practical advice, such as the “Five Ways to Be the Husband God Wants You to Be” (be of one mind, compassionate, loving, tenderhearted, and courteous), provides actionable steps that are both biblically grounded and easy to implement. These qualities, outlined in Chapter 1, serve as a blueprint for husbands to cultivate unity and empathy in their relationships. For example, the call to “be compassionate” encourages men to actively listen to their wives’ struggles, while “be tenderhearted” emphasizes patience and understanding toward their weaknesses. These principles are timeless and resonate with readers seeking to build a marriage rooted in mutual respect and love.
While the book is undeniably powerful, it’s worth noting that some readers, as mentioned in a Publishers Weekly review, may find certain analogies—like comparing marriage to a football game or a wife to a car—somewhat dated or overly masculine. Additionally, the book’s traditional views on gender roles, such as praying for a wife’s submission, may not resonate with all readers, particularly those with more egalitarian perspectives. However, these elements do not detract from the book’s core message of love, prayer, and spiritual growth. For its target audience—Christian husbands seeking to deepen their faith and marriages—the book is remarkably effective.
The impact of The Power of a Praying Husband is evident in its widespread acclaim and longevity. With a 4.9-star rating from over 3,700 reviews on Amazon and 4.26 stars from 1,868 reviews on Goodreads, it has clearly touched the lives of countless readers. Reviewers like Chris Bates highlight how the book shifted their perspective: “Helpful to see my wife’s needs: that I become the kind of husband that she needs versus hoping that she’ll change for me.” Others, like Blessed, note that reading the book alongside The Power of a Praying Wife strengthened their marriage: “It has helped us stay focused on the Lord as well as reflect on our own behavior and pray for our marriage.” These testimonials underscore the book’s ability to foster intimacy and spiritual connection in relationships.
In conclusion, The Power of a Praying Husband is a remarkable resource that combines practical wisdom, spiritual depth, and heartfelt encouragement. Stormie Omartian’s ability to blend personal stories, biblical principles, and actionable prayers makes this book a transformative tool for husbands who want to love their wives well and grow closer to God in the process. Its emphasis on unity, compassion, and intentional prayer offers a refreshing perspective on what it means to be a godly husband. Whether you’re navigating challenges in your marriage or simply seeking to deepen an already strong bond, this book is an invaluable guide that will inspire and equip you to lead with faith and love. I wholeheartedly recommend it to any husband who believes in the power of prayer to transform lives and relationships.
You can buy The Power of a Praying Husband by Stormie Omartian with my Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4mEJEdT
From the outset, Omartian’s warm and relatable tone sets the stage for an engaging and encouraging read. She writes with refreshing honesty about her own marriage to Michael Omartian, a multi-Grammy-winning music producer who provides a thoughtful foreword. This personal touch makes the book feel like a conversation with a trusted mentor rather than a prescriptive manual. Stormie’s vulnerability in sharing her own struggles and triumphs creates a safe space for readers to reflect on their own relationships. Her emphasis on the importance of praying for one’s wife in every area of her life—her priorities, emotions, motherhood, fears, and sexuality—resonates deeply, offering husbands a comprehensive framework to support their spouses through prayer.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its structure. Each of the 20 concise chapters focuses on a specific aspect of a wife’s life, making it easy for readers to digest and apply the content. For example, Chapter 1, “Her Husband,” sets the tone by comparing marriage to a football game, where hope and faith in God’s transformative power can turn the tide even in challenging moments. This analogy, while simple, is effective in conveying the importance of perseverance and spiritual commitment in marriage. Omartian’s inclusion of practical prayers at the end of each chapter is a standout feature. These prayers are not only heartfelt but also specific, guiding husbands to intercede for their wives with intention and clarity. For instance, prayers for a wife’s spiritual walk or emotional well-being are crafted with such precision that they feel both personal and universal, making them accessible to men at any stage of their faith journey.
The book’s biblical foundation is another reason it shines. Omartian weaves scripture seamlessly into her guidance, grounding her advice in timeless truths. She emphasizes the concept of unity in marriage, drawing from the biblical principle that “two become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). Her insights on how prayer can counteract external forces that threaten marital peace are both convicting and empowering. For example, she writes, “Prayer serves as a powerful tool to reclaim that unity and thwart attempts by external forces to destroy the peace of marriage.” This perspective encourages husbands to see prayer not as a passive act but as a proactive, powerful way to strengthen their relationships. Contributions from well-known Christian men, such as Neil T. Anderson and Steven Curtis Chapman, add depth and credibility, offering male perspectives that complement Stormie’s voice and reassure readers that the principles are relatable to men.
What sets The Power of a Praying Husband apart from other marriage books is its focus on personal transformation through prayer. Omartian wisely notes that prayer doesn’t just change the person being prayed for—it changes the one praying. This insight is particularly impactful in chapters like “That Your Prayers May Not Be Hindered,” where she addresses how negative emotions like unforgiveness or resentment can block the effectiveness of prayer. By encouraging husbands to approach prayer with a clean heart and a spirit of understanding, she fosters a mindset of humility and self-reflection. One reviewer, Aaron W. Matthews, captures this beautifully: “Prayer to God doesn’t just change the situations we’re in, nor the people we’re praying for, but at its heart, it changes us.” This focus on personal growth makes the book not only a guide for praying for one’s wife but also a tool for becoming a better husband.
The book’s accessibility makes it suitable for husbands at any stage of marriage, from newlyweds to those celebrating decades together. Its practical advice, such as the “Five Ways to Be the Husband God Wants You to Be” (be of one mind, compassionate, loving, tenderhearted, and courteous), provides actionable steps that are both biblically grounded and easy to implement. These qualities, outlined in Chapter 1, serve as a blueprint for husbands to cultivate unity and empathy in their relationships. For example, the call to “be compassionate” encourages men to actively listen to their wives’ struggles, while “be tenderhearted” emphasizes patience and understanding toward their weaknesses. These principles are timeless and resonate with readers seeking to build a marriage rooted in mutual respect and love.
While the book is undeniably powerful, it’s worth noting that some readers, as mentioned in a Publishers Weekly review, may find certain analogies—like comparing marriage to a football game or a wife to a car—somewhat dated or overly masculine. Additionally, the book’s traditional views on gender roles, such as praying for a wife’s submission, may not resonate with all readers, particularly those with more egalitarian perspectives. However, these elements do not detract from the book’s core message of love, prayer, and spiritual growth. For its target audience—Christian husbands seeking to deepen their faith and marriages—the book is remarkably effective.
The impact of The Power of a Praying Husband is evident in its widespread acclaim and longevity. With a 4.9-star rating from over 3,700 reviews on Amazon and 4.26 stars from 1,868 reviews on Goodreads, it has clearly touched the lives of countless readers. Reviewers like Chris Bates highlight how the book shifted their perspective: “Helpful to see my wife’s needs: that I become the kind of husband that she needs versus hoping that she’ll change for me.” Others, like Blessed, note that reading the book alongside The Power of a Praying Wife strengthened their marriage: “It has helped us stay focused on the Lord as well as reflect on our own behavior and pray for our marriage.” These testimonials underscore the book’s ability to foster intimacy and spiritual connection in relationships.
In conclusion, The Power of a Praying Husband is a remarkable resource that combines practical wisdom, spiritual depth, and heartfelt encouragement. Stormie Omartian’s ability to blend personal stories, biblical principles, and actionable prayers makes this book a transformative tool for husbands who want to love their wives well and grow closer to God in the process. Its emphasis on unity, compassion, and intentional prayer offers a refreshing perspective on what it means to be a godly husband. Whether you’re navigating challenges in your marriage or simply seeking to deepen an already strong bond, this book is an invaluable guide that will inspire and equip you to lead with faith and love. I wholeheartedly recommend it to any husband who believes in the power of prayer to transform lives and relationships.
You can buy The Power of a Praying Husband by Stormie Omartian with my Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4mEJEdT
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