Reading: Spiritual Intimacy Inventory

Spiritual Intimacy Inventory

The following is a self-study, which may be used in several ways.

1. It can be used individually or as a couple and referred to every six months or so to check on your progress.

2. It can be shared with your partner and discussed on a regular basis.

3. It can be shared in a small group and referred to every few months.

Each question can be answered by a simple yes or no. Make a photocopy, so that each of you can answer separately. In the space provided, write out your answer to each question.

1.Do you have a regular time given to personal devotions each day? ___________

2.Is God real to you when you pray? ____________

3.Do you make it a point to speak to God every day - before you speak to anyone else? ___________

4.Are your last thoughts before going to sleep directed toward God? __________

5.Have you learned to pray frequently throughout the day? ___________

6.Have you learned to be still and listen to God's voice? ___________

7.Does God speak to your though the Bible as you read it? ____________

8.Are you entirely honest with God as you face your sins in his presence? ____________

9.Are you willing to let God show you the faults and weaknesses of your heart? ____________

10.Do you turn quickly to God when you are conscious of having sinned? ________

11.Can you pray with your spouse? __________

12.Are you interested in praying with your spouse? ___________

13.Does gratitude to God find frequent expression in your prayers? ___________

14.Can you pray with your spouse whenever one of you needs to? ___________

15.Do you ever fast? __________

16.Have you ever fasted at the same time as your spouse fasted? ___________

17.Do you understand the meaning of fasting? __________

18.Do you talk with your spouse about your tithes and offerings? __________

19.Are you able to pray for your enemies? ___________

20.Do you ever pray together for the conversion of someone who doesn't know Christ? ___________

21.Do the two of you ever read the Bible to each other? __________

22.Have the two of you ever read and discussed a book on prayer? ___________

23.Have the two of you ever read and discussed a book on fasting? ___________

24.Have you learned to meditate prayerfully on God's Word? ___________

25.Have you received a convincing answer to prayer during the last year? _______

26.Has God ever dramatically answered a prayer that you and your spouse have agreed upon? __________

27.Can you discuss openly with your spouse what you believe God wants you to do? __________

28.Do you pray for your spouse regularly throughout the day? _________

29.Does your spouse share your perspective on worship? ___________

30.Do you enjoy worshiping together? ___________

31.Do you ever have a private time of worship together? __________

32.Do you pray together for your pastor and your church? __________

33.Do you have friends who pray for you daily? _________

34.Are you working on being faithful in the little things? __________

35.Are you able to pray for and with others you disagree with? __________

36.Can you pray with your spouse when you disagree? __________

Number of yes answers: ___________

Number of no answers: ___________

When each of you has finished, compare the results and discuss the areas in which your responses are different from each other or areas one or both of you felt were weak.

This inventory gives you an idea of where your marriage is in terms of intimacy, spiritual and otherwise. You and your spouse can now discuss what you like to see improved. Each couple will have their own areas of need and priority. Depending on your life circumstances, your personalities, and the specific needs each of you is experiencing, some areas of intimacy will be more important than others. The goal is not that you accomplish items 1 through 36 all at once! Decide together which aspects of your life together you would like to see strengthened and developed.