The following sample from the book is especially timely in light of new research that reveals that having a husband creates more housework for women, while having a wife creates less housework for men (HT: the evangelical outpost):
Day 7: Service
Proverbs 31:14 "She is like trade ships; she brings her food from a great distance."
Explanation
What a great analogy to describe the excellent woman! In this verse she is compared to a fleet of merchant ships that have sailed a great distance to bring back supplies.In today's culture we could use the analogy of supply plane, a fleet of eighteen-wheelers, or even a freight train--all of which travel far and wide to carry supplies.
The woman is undaunted in her service of providing for her family. Whether the children are sick or the husband is at work, the woman goes to great lengths to bring them "her bread" (the literal translation). She delights to serve her family.
Regardless of the time or culture, the role of a servant has never been a popular title. Servants have dirty jobs. Servants get no rest. Yet this is how Christ Jesus continually referred to himself: "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ranson for many" (Mark 10:45). The whole drama of Christ's incarnation, death, and resurrection is a picture of God traveling a great distance to give us heavenly bread. The role of a servant, therefore, is a Christlike occupation. As a woman serves, she has the great opportunity to reflect the Savior.
Suggested Prayer
1. Lord, as my wife serves the family and me, enable her to see that it is a service rendered for you. Let her service be a sweet offering of praise to you.
2. Father, I know that I am not exempt from serving. On the contrary, as the head of this house it is my responsibility to set the example of service. Help me also to serve joyfully so as to reflect you.
3. As I see my wife "travel" to serve me, let me never take it for granted. Remind me to praise her for her selfless service.
[The book then gives the reader space to write his own prayers for his wife as well as a place to record answers to specific prayers.]
Some of my [Jimmy] suggested uses for the book:
1. You might try it yourself for a month first. Don't tell your
wife that you're doing this. See if she notices how your consistent prayer for her changes the way you love, serve, and honor her.
2. Get a small of group of men to commit together to using the prayer guide for a month. Get together weekly, once in the middle or at the end of the month to discuss what God has done in your heart and your relationship with your wife during the process.
3. Use this book to help disicple a younger man or newlywed in the ways of supporting his wife in prayer. (Pastors: require your pre-marital counselees to use this book during the counseling period before the wedding. Perhaps these soon-to-be-husbands will develop a pattern of persistent prayer for their new brides that will continue after the knot has been tied.)
