Now to that "most important part" of marriage. I'm thankful I recognized it the day Norma and I said "I do" on June 10, 1960. That's over 50 years ago! Sexual intimacy? That was passionate from the start. Financial oneness of heart and mind? That would be learned through trial, error and adjustment. Forbearance over faults, and forgiveness for stupid or mean-spirited offenses caused each other? That's an ongoing process of dying to self. Faithfulness so that when the newness wears down, one's love doesn't wear out? The list could go on and on.

All the above points, and many others, are so important. But they are only spokes in the wheel of a "God blessed" and "God filled" marriage. The hub of the wheel is a daily time arranged by a couple to read the Scriptures together and pray with and for each other. Many Christian couples do this on occasion. Few make it a life-habit.

God says that a husband and wife who love Jesus are "heirs together of the grace of life" and their prayers constitute a powerful force (1 Peter 3:7). The adversary knows this-and will do anything to prevent a couple from daily prayer together and discussing and applying truths discovered in their brief but powerful daily scripture reading.

My wife and I have our morning quiet times in separate places. But each day (for us it's the evening) we urge couples to have a few minutes together with God (the Psalms are a great place to begin). Hearts are unified and strengthened. Walls are broken down. Differences melt away. And spiritual intimacy encourages a deeper and more intimate physical intimacy. The Lord becomes the "first love" of that godly marriage-the top point of a triangle with husband and wife joined with Him.

Since Jesus guarantees His presence in the midst of two or more who love Him, husband and wife are assured of His companionship. And since our Lord says that when two or more agree in prayer He is there to answer, a couple can pray big prayers and expect awesome answers.