In this episode, Brad and Heidi Mitchell share wisdom from over 40 years of marriage and ministry on what it looks like to build a marriage rooted in prayer.

We talk about why prayer is so impactful for both marriage and parenting, why it can feel intimidating to pray with your spouse, and simple, practical ways to begin.

Brad and Heidi also share encouragement for couples who feel spiritually mismatched and how small steps of faith can lead to lasting change.

Brad and Heidi are the founders of Build Your Marriage, a ministry dedicated to helping couples strengthen their marriages through Christ-centered resources, books, and conferences. Their book Build Your Marriage with Prayer is a fantastic resource to help you get started praying with your spouse!

(00:00) Introduction to Marriage and Prayer

(02:27) The Power of Prayer in Marriage

(08:08) Overcoming Barriers to Prayer

(11:59) Spiritual Mismatch in Marriage

(16:46) Spiritual Warfare and Family Dynamics

(19:29) Transformative Power of Prayer

(25:12) Practical Steps to Start Praying Together

(28:36) Resources for Strengthening Marriage through Prayer

Resources Mentioned

Build Your Marriage with Prayer book

Build Your Marriage website

Marriage articles by Brad and Heidi

Instagram

Facebook

Open a LearningRX center

Summer Reading Picks

Prefer video? Find this and other episodes on YouTube!

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

In this episode, Steven Curtis Chapman and Mary Beth Chapman share honestly about what 40 years of marriage has looked like through parenting, grief, counseling, career changes, and the constant transition of family life. We talk about how differences that once felt charming can become challenging over time, why repentance and humility have been essential in their marriage, and how they’ve learned to “bear with one another in love” through every season.

Steven and Mary Beth also share about the role counseling, mentors, and Christian community have played in helping them navigate hard seasons together. They offer encouragement for couples who feel weary, disconnected, or discouraged, reminding listeners that marriage is not about perfection but about continually turning back toward each other and toward the Lord.

Steven Curtis Chapman is a Grammy-winning Christian artist and songwriter, and together he and Mary Beth Chapman are authors, speakers, and longtime advocates for faith and family ministry.

(00:00) Introduction and Family Update

(03:09) Navigating Marriage Through Seasons

(06:04) The Importance of Humility and Repentance

(08:49) Seeking Help: Counseling and Mentorship

(12:06) The Journey of Parenting and Grandparenting

(15:07) Finding Joy in Long-Term Marriage

(18:01) Encouragement for Struggling Couples

Resources Mentioned

Still Here book

Steven Curtis Chapman website

Mary Beth Chapman website

Open a LearningRX center

Summer Reading Picks

Prefer video? Find this and other episodes on YouTube!

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

In this episode, Doug McKelvey shares how prayer and liturgy can become powerful tools for discipling kids through all of life’s stages, but specifically the transition to adulthood.

We talk about the value of written prayers alongside spontaneous prayer, how ancient rhythms can help reorient our hearts in a noisy world, and why giving our kids words for their faith matters more than we might realize. We also discuss the challenge of releasing control as parents and learning to trust God with our children’s stories in every season.

Doug is the author of the Every Moment Holy series, including his newest book, Rites of Passage, which offers liturgies designed to support young adults as they navigate life, identity, and faith.

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction to Doug McKelvey

(02:57) The Journey of Every Moment Holy

(06:07) The Relevance of Ancient Prayers

(08:55) The Shift in Prayer Practices

(12:11) The Impact of Written Prayers

(14:57) Supporting Young Adults in Transition

(18:04) The Role of Parents in Young Adult Faith

(21:06) Trusting God in Parenting

(23:54) Conclusion and Resources

Resources Mentioned

Rites of Passage book

Every Moment Holy books

Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide

Sign up for Morning Minute

Open a LearningRX center

Prefer video? Find this and other episodes on YouTube!

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org