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.

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.

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

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