Marriage is a beautiful, messy and transformative journey, but it unfortunately doesn’t come with a manual. If you’re in the thick of juggling work, church commitments, and trying to keep your relationship strong, you’re not alone. The good news? Strengthening your marriage isn’t rocket science. It’s about intentionality and small, everyday decisions that add up.
Here are five practical ways to strengthen your marriage and set it up to last forever.
1. Make Date Night a Non-Negotiable
We get it—life is busy. But just because you’re married doesn’t mean you should stop dating each other. Carving out intentional, distraction-free time together (and no, sitting next to each other on the couch while you scroll through Instagram doesn’t count) is crucial. Whether it’s a monthly night out or a simple takeout dinner at home, prioritize one-on-one time. It keeps the romance alive and gives you space to reconnect.
When you actively schedule time to nurture your relationship, you’re showing your spouse they’re a priority. Plus, it’s a break from the day-to-day grind.
2. Pray Together—Seriously
Praying for each other is important, but praying together? That’s next-level intimacy. There’s something about coming before God as a couple that strengthens not only your relationship with Him but with each other too. You don’t have to make it a big production—keep it real, keep it honest. Even just a few minutes a day can make a huge difference in how you handle life’s ups and downs together.
Prayer invites God into your marriage, building a spiritual foundation that can withstand any storm. Plus, it fosters vulnerability and unity with your spouse.
3. Communicate Like You Mean It
You’ve heard this before, but it’s because it’s true: communication is key. But here’s the catch—real communication isn’t just about talking; it’s about listening. Take time to ask how your spouse is doing, what they’re struggling with, and actually hear their answers. And don’t forget to share how you’re doing too, even if it’s not always pretty. Be honest, be open, and be ready to work through the hard stuff.
Consistent, honest communication builds trust, deepens emotional intimacy, and helps you tackle issues before they become bigger problems.
4. Serve Each Other Daily
Marriage is about more than just what you get out of it—it’s about what you put into it. Take time each day to serve your spouse in small ways. Whether it’s making them coffee in the morning, picking up their favorite snack, or simply offering words of encouragement, these daily acts of service show love in tangible ways. It’s not about grand gestures but the little things that remind your partner you see them and care.
Serving each other keeps selfishness in check and fosters a mindset of love and generosity that can transform your marriage.
5. Laugh More—It’s Not That Serious
Finally, don’t take everything so seriously. Life is full of stressful moments, but sometimes the best way to handle them is to laugh. Whether it’s watching a goofy movie, reminiscing about awkward moments, or just finding the humor in everyday life, laughter is one of the best ways to stay connected. It breaks the tension and reminds you both that life is meant to be enjoyed together.
Laughter is an instant mood-lifter and a great way to bond. It helps keep your relationship lighthearted and joyful, even in tough times.
Marriage isn’t a one-size-fits-all. There are likely many, many others you can and should do to strengethen your relationship with your spouse. But as long as you are committed to working together on a common goal, you’re in a good spot.
