‘If a man has recently married, he must not be sent to war or have any other duty laid on him. For one year he is to be free to stay at home and bring happiness to the wife he has married.’
Comment
As it’s Valentine’s Day it seems appropriate to consider physical intimacy and in particular – sex. “It must be admitted that we English have sex on the brain, which is a very unfortunate place to have it …” so says Malcolm Muggerridge.
What does God say? ‘Bring happiness to the wife he has married’ does not mean ‘tell her amusing stories!’ God is pro sex. It’s the ultimate act of intimacy and union between husband and wife. It’s meant for pleasure and to be unselfishly enjoyed and so it is helpful if we know each other’s physical needs, likes and dislikes. A healthy sex life cements and protects a marriage.
Over the years our culture and in some cases the Church has marred God’s vision for sex. It’s good to get back to what God says.
Is sex something you talk about together? Have you taken some time to ask about what each of you likes and dislikes? Perhaps plan in some time this week.
Prayer (as a couple)
Father God, thank you for the gift of sex and thank you for ___ (spouse). Help me to know their physical needs likes and dislikes and to unselfishly meet his/her needs. May our physical intimacy and sex life please you, please ___ (spouse), please me, and cement and protect our marriage. Amen.
Prayer (for others)
Father God, thank you for the gift of sex and thank you for ___ and ___ . Help them to know each other’s physical needs, likes and dislikes and to unselfishly meet those needs. May their physical intimacy and sex life please you, please each other and cement and protect their marriage. Amen.
Final comment
Perhaps you feel a bit ‘stuck in a rut’ with your sex life just now. There are some brilliant books available to help you in this area. We recommend A Celebration of Sex. Or perhaps you would like to talk to some one professionally – get in touch with us for further details.
