The Power of a Praying Wife Summary & Key Insights

Stormie Omartian's "The Power of a Praying Wife" isn't a novel with a plot in the traditional sense, but rather a devotional guide aimed at Christian wives. The "plot," if one can call it that, follows a loosely structured progression of encouraging wives to engage in consistent prayer for their husbands and marriages. The key character is the wife herself, though the husband is the primary subject of her prayers and the central figure in the relationship being addressed. Omartian, through her own anecdotal experiences and biblical references, acts as a guide and mentor.

The book's overarching theme centers on the transformative power of a wife's persistent, faith-filled prayer for her husband and marriage. Omartian argues that a wife's prayer is not merely a passive act but a potent force capable of impacting her husband's spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being, as well as the overall health of the marriage. She contends that prayer isn't about manipulating God but about aligning oneself with His will, trusting in His power to work in a husband's life and transforming the marriage relationship.

The book is structured around specific areas of prayer, encouraging wives to pray for their husband's:

• Spiritual Life: This includes praying for their salvation, spiritual growth, a deepened relationship with God, protection from temptation, and boldness in sharing their faith.
• Emotional and Mental Health: Omartian emphasizes praying for their husband's emotional well-being, addressing issues such as stress, anger, depression, and overcoming any addictions or harmful habits.
• Physical Health: The book encourages wives to pray for their husband's physical health, protection from accidents and illness, and for God's healing touch.
• Work and Finances: Praying for their husband's success in their career, financial stability, and wise decision-making in financial matters.
• Character and Relationships: Praying for the development of positive character traits such as honesty, integrity, patience, and kindness, and praying for healthy relationships with family and friends.

Beyond specific prayer requests, Omartian underscores the importance of:

• Submission and Respect: The book encourages wives to pray for submissive hearts and respectful attitudes towards their husbands, recognizing their God-given roles within the marriage.
• Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Omartian emphasizes the necessity of prayer for forgiveness and reconciliation within the marriage, addressing conflicts and hurt feelings.
• Unity and Intimacy: The book encourages wives to pray for unity, intimacy, and a deep, loving connection within the marriage.

Ultimately, "The Power of a Praying Wife" is a call to action, urging Christian wives to harness the power of prayer to positively impact their husbands and their marriages, strengthening their bonds and building a more godly union. It isn't a magic formula, but a guide to cultivating a life of prayer that empowers the wife and profoundly affects her relationship with her husband and God.