You said “I do,” and your life changed in wonderful, chaotic ways. You now share a bed, a schedule, and a home. While this new life is a beautiful blessing, it’s easy for your personal relationship with God to take a backseat. The quiet time you once cherished seems to vanish, replaced by shared breakfasts, late-night conversations, and new responsibilities.
But prioritizing your relationship with God isn’t a selfish act; it’s the very foundation of a healthy, thriving marriage. A strong marriage is built on two people with strong, individual relationships with Jesus. Here are six practical ways to protect and prioritize your time with God after marriage.
1. Rise Early (The “Before the World Wakes” Rule)
This is one of the most classic and effective ways to ensure uninterrupted time with God. Before your spouse wakes up, before the emails start flooding in, and before the day’s demands take hold, set aside time for prayer and Scripture.
“And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.”
— Mark 1:35 (KJV)
This early morning habit sets the tone for your entire day, putting God first before anything else. It’s the time that Jesus himself prioritized.
2. Use Your Commute as a Sacred Space
If your mornings are too chaotic for a dedicated quiet time, consider your commute. Whether you’re driving, taking the bus, or walking, this can be a perfect time to connect with God. Instead of listening to music or a podcast, use this time to listen to a Bible app, pray, or simply be still.
This turns a mundane part of your day into a valuable opportunity for spiritual connection.
3. Find a Designated “Sacred Spot”
Having a specific place to meet with God can help you focus and signal to your mind that it’s time for devotion. It can be a comfy chair, a quiet corner of your living room, or even a local park bench. This is your personal prayer space.
“But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.”
— Matthew 6:6 (KJV)
To discover how to create a special place, read our article on 3 powerful places to pray in your home.
4. Schedule It Like a Non-Negotiable Appointment
We put important things on our calendars—work meetings, doctor appointments, and social events. Your time with God should be no different. Schedule it into your daily or weekly routine. This visible commitment shows both you and your spouse that this time is a priority.
It’s an act of faith to trust that God will honor your choice to prioritize Him, even when the schedule feels full.
5. Talk to Your Spouse About It
Your spouse is your partner in life, not a barrier to your faith. Have an open and honest conversation with them about your desire for personal time with God. Explain why it’s so important for your spiritual health and for the health of your marriage. They can support you by respecting that time and even helping you protect it.
A marriage is a spiritual battle, and every spiritual battle is an opportunity for growth.
6. Embrace the “Mini-Moments”
On days when a longer quiet time just isn’t possible, don’t give up entirely. Embrace the “mini-moments.” Take a few seconds to pray while waiting for a cup of coffee to brew, meditate on a single verse while in the shower, or offer a word of thanks for a moment of peace.
This mindset shift from all-or-nothing to “something is better than nothing” can help you maintain your connection to God even on the busiest days. You can find peace in this practice by remembering that Godliness with contentment is great gain.
Prioritizing your personal time with God after marriage isn’t always easy, but it’s one of the most rewarding things you can do for yourself, your spouse, and your family. A marriage built on two people with a fervent love for Jesus is truly a beacon of light to the world.
