Prayer Time For Intimacy

In the marriage relationship it is important that we restore spirituality to sexuality. Focus needs to change from sexuality being exploitation to being affirmation and intimacy.

It is important to proceed slowly and sensitively. Also, whisper "I love you" generously and gently kiss throughout the exercises. If at any time there is emotion (i.e. crying or anger) allow it to be expressed and ask God to reveal its origin.

Step 1              Unifying your spirits:

Begin by holding each other and cuddling – no movement! Pray a prayer of thanksgiving for each other. Mention the special gifts and characteristics each has brought to the relationship.  (Song of Solomon)

Step 2              Laying on of hands:

Slowly guide your spouse's hands over each part of your body. At each body part allow time for your spouse to ask God's blessings and together ask God to break through any bonds or blockages that were created due to trauma. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill that part of the body and prepare it for the ecstasy God intended.   (Matthew 9:18 / Acts 9:12)

Head                 Lord we ask any memories that the enemy has been using as a foothold be bound up and broken on the authority of Jesus, the Son of God!

Chest                Lord we ask if there has been trauma that has caused any bondage that it be broken in the name of Jesus, so the breasts can receive touch as an act of care and love. Let these expressions of affection be without shame.

Arms                Lord we ask that these arms be released from feeling held against their will or from being bound. In Christ Jesus' name release them.

Legs                 Lord we ask that any feeling of being forced be removed. Return control and empowerment in the name of Jesus.

Pelvis                Lord we ask that anything the enemy is using to destroy healthy sexuality be bound and sent into God's presence by the authority that Christ gives us in His name.

Step 3              Protecting your intimacy:

Pray that a legion of angels surround you as a couple and do warfare in heavenly places on your behalf.

Step 4              Becoming Available:

Voluntarily choose to let go of whatever walls of protection each of you has used in the past to defend yourselves (as each feels ready).

Step 5              Re-Commit to your Marriage Oneness:

Ask the Lord to reconfirm His marriage blessing on you as a couple. Pray to experience His blessing of the two of you becoming one flesh. Acknowledge God's power over your marriage and your awareness that what God has joined together, let no one or thing separate.

Step 6              Revealing Truth:

Ask God to reveal any inner vows either has made or broken that have caused a division in the relationship.

Ask forgiveness from God and each other for the effect the vow has had on your marriage relationship.   (James 5:16)

Ask that God break any tension that was created as a result of the vow.

Bless each other to move in freedom and claim the release from bondage of that specific vow.

Step 7             Receiving the Holy Spirit:

Ask the Holy Spirit to flow through each of you like a waterfall. Allow Him to purify and restore every part of each of you that has been traumatized.

Step 8             Letting God Continue His Work of Healing:

Ask the Lord if there is anything else He wants to reveal to you. Wait 2 or 3 minutes for Him to bring it into your awareness. If something comes forward, deal with it in His presence.

Spiritually bind the enemy's actions and attempts to destroy your marriage relationship.

                        Commit anything emotional to God to be dealt with as He sees fit.

Ask for discernment of anything that is psychological. Ask your spouse if it should be bypassed at this time, released, or does it need to be dealt with now?

If there is any physical pain gently rub the area and anoint with oil. Ask the Lord what it represents.

Body memories = When the body reacts as if something is happening in the present that may have happened in the past, i.e. gagging or choking may be a body memory of being orally raped.

Ask God to continue to confirm this memory as He sees fit. Offer the spouse who is going through this pain a generous amount of loving support. Be sure to get his/her approval before continuing with any love-making. This is often a time when a victim needs to sense control to feel safe and experience only nonsexual touch.

Benediction:                Lord, seal Your work of healing, restoration, and love by giving us your blessing of spiritual and sexual intimacy in our committed marriage of ‘Oneness'.   Amen!