A Marriage After God's Own Heart

by CLARKE, DAVID

• ISBN13: 9781576737552
• ISBN10: 1576737551
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-02-05
• Publisher: Multnomah

Summary

Isn't sexual -- or emotional -- intimacy enough? "No," says Christian psychologist Dr. David Clarke. "Spiritual bonding is the process by which a couple cultivates the presence of God in their relationship," he says, "and it's the only 'glue' that sustains relationships long-term." Working with hundreds of couples, Clarke observes that when we take specific steps to keep God at the center of our relationships, every area of intimacy is energized. This book teaches men and women in a committed relationship how to pray together, create "spiritual conversations," read and study Scripture together, hold private worship sessions, and allow the Holy Spirit to guide them. It's extremely practical counsel all couples need today.

Author Biography

David Clarke, Ph.D. is a Christian psychologist in private practice in the Tampa, Florida, area. He holds a master's degree in biblical studies from Dallas Seminary and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Western Seminary. Clarke is a popular speaker and the author of Men Are Clams, Women Are Crowbars and Winning the Parenting War. He lives with his wife and four children.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	7	(11)
Part One Spiritual Intimacy in Marriage
Marriage: The Impossible Dream?	11	(10)
No Two People Can Make Marriage Work by Themselves
A Flimsy Foundation	21	(6)
Physical Intimacy Is Not Enough
``I Don't Love You Anymore''	27	(6)
Emotional Intimacy Is Not Enough
The Secret to Genuine Intimacy	33	(10)
The Glue That Bonds Couples Together for a Lifetime
Part Two The Benfits of Spiritual Intimacy
Take the Ride of Your Lives!	43	(6)
The First Benefit: Exhilarating Closeness
Physical Love As You've Never Known It	49	(6)
The Second Benefit: Great Sex
Whatever Happened to Conversation?	55	(6)
The Third Benefit: Deep, Personal Communication
Stay Out of the Marriage Graveyard	61	(10)
The Fourth Benefit: Protection from Relationship Killers
Don't Let Your Marriage Run Out of Gas	71	(8)
The Fifth Benefit: Fuel to Go the Distance
Part Three How to Spiritually Bond with Your Spouse
The Greatest Adventure	79	(6)
The Thrill of Ongoing Spiritual Growth
Prayer Partners	85	(8)
The Heart of Spiritual Bonding
Setting a Course	93	(12)
How to Pray As a Couple
Go for the Gold	105	(10)
Don't Settle for Second Best in Your Prayer Life
Plugged into the Power	115	(8)
Reading God's Word Together
Spiritual Conversations	123	(10)
Making God Part of Your Daily Dialogue
Give God the Glory	133	(8)
The Wonders of Worshiping Together
Discipleship in Marriage	141	(10)
Keeping Each Other Accountable
Teamwork for the Kingdom	151	(8)
Serving Side by Side
Building Intimacy through Adversity	159	(14)
Tough Times Can Strengthen Your Marriage
Part Four Overcoming the Barriers to Spiritual Intimacy
``My Spouse Could Care Less!''	173	(10)
The Top Ten Ways to Motivate Your Mate to Spiritually Bond
Breaking through the Roadblocks	183	(8)
Let Nothing Stand in Your Way
Appendix A: A Spiritual Intimacy Checklist	191	(2)
Appendix B: Suggested Plans for Spiritual Bonding	193