Prayers for New Brides: Putting on God's Armor After the Wedding Dress

by Jennifer O. White

A new wife is seldom aware of the intense spiritual battle threatening her dreams of happily ever after. Often, she enters the marriage without the benefit of great examples, biblical knowledge, and mentors offering godly wisdom. The battle begins and she is unarmed. Can her faith survive? Will her marriage become another divorce statistic? Prayers for New Brides will empower her to protect her heart and marriage. Within these short chapters she

- Learn biblical truths about marriage, the spiritual battle, and prayer
- Pray in agreement with God’s will for her marriage
- Activate these truths in her life through study, journaling, and intentional conversations with her husband and other wives.

Marriage is God’s design. He has a battle plan, the power and the resources to win. When a wife knows who God is and what He can do, she can trust Him to sustain her and her marriage. Her joy will be complete as she allows Him to enable her to do more for her union than she can imagine.

Genres: Marriage

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 26, 2015

About the author

Jennifer O. White has a bachelor's degree in social work, with a minor in marketing, the spiritual gifts of mercy and shepherding, and a passion to help others know their worth despite their failings. She taught Sunday School classes, small groups, women's Bible studies in person and on-line, and currently teaches at JenniferOWhite.com about pursuing a relationship with God through prayer.

Reviews

[Jalynn Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

About the Book:
A new wife is seldom aware of the intense spiritual battle threatening her dreams of happily ever after. Often, she enters the marriage without the benefit of great examples, biblical knowledge, and mentors offering godly wisdom. The battle begins and she is unarmed. Can her faith survive? Will her marriage become another divorce statistic? Prayers for New Brides will empower her to protect her heart and marriage. Within these short chapters she will:

- Learn biblical truths about marriage, the spiritual battle, and prayer
- Pray in agreement with God’s will for her marriage
- Activate these truths in her life through study, journaling, and intentional conversations with her husband and other wives.

Marriage is God’s design. He has a battle plan, the power and the resources to win. When a wife knows who God is and what He can do, she can trust Him to sustain her and her marriage. Her joy will be complete as she allows Him to enable her to do more for her union than she can imagine.

My Review:
The war on your marriage, I believe begins before you ever find a mate in the womb or even at conception. The devils main goal is to steal kill and destroy and that means everything that would align you with God's perfect will for your life. We as woman and eventually wives are in a unique position, we are to be submissive to our husbands alone and when it comes to the enemy we are to fight to our very last breath for our families and until you have children that will include your husband as well.

The minute that you slide that ring on your finger your battle begins. You have to uphold God's values at all costs. And the author realized and learned this the hard way. she didn't learn it until well into her second marriage when it to was indeed in trouble. But armed with God and His army she defeated the hold that the devil had placed on her life. She came out victorious!

I myself have been married for almost 21 years and you can be so in love and never see the evil coming until it hits you right between the eyes. Let me tell you from experience it is hard to get down in that ditch and fight when everything in you tells you to run or give up. Jennifer gives you clear concise understanding in Prayers for New Brides that can help you start out on the right foot, right away. If you enjoy Bible studies this book would be perfect for a group! Each book includes a Wife's Call to Action and some simple prayers to help you make sure your marriages foundation is strong.

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Cross Focused Reviews.

[Traci Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually bought this book to give to my daughter-in-law, started leafing through it, and now can't put it down. I'll have to order another one for her. Although I have been married 30+ years, the prayers and reminders in this book are surprisingly on target even for me. The balance of anecdotes, powerful Scripture references, personalized prayers, and action points is perfect. Look forward to more from this author as she continues to arm wives for the battles they face.

[B · Rating 1 out of 5]

In her book Prayers for New Brides: Putting on the Armor After the Wedding Dress, Jennifer White states that her book is what she would share with the reader if they could sit together and talk about marriage (Kindle location 173). This book has 40 short chapters that conclude with prayer prompts and calls to action for the wife.

As Mrs. White looks back on her experiences with her first failed marriage and with the struggles in her current marriage, she realizes that the "union of marriage is God's design," (Kindle location 293). She wants the reader to "allow this book to expose you to what God says about you, your spouse, and your marriage," (Kindle location 433).

The author identifies areas of conflict within a marriage and looks at the biblical duties of wife including respect of and submission to her husband found in Ephesians 5. Her advice generally goes back to prayer and reading/studying God's Word.

While Mrs. White's general advice of prayer and Bible reading is good, I have concerns with her view of Satan. I agree with her view that "[s]piritual warfare is a reality," (Kindle location 285). Christians do wrestle against principalities, powers, and the rulers of darkness in this world," (Eph. 6:12). However, the author sets up a false dichotomy between God and Satan. Her writing portrays a dualistic philosophy that views good and evil as two equal forces. This is seen in her book when she writes: "He [Satan] is a spiritual force that is in direct competition with God," (Kindle location 410) and "God has been very aware of Satan's plan to keep you away from the great life and marriage He designed for you," (Kindle location 522).

From the article "God's Devil" at ligioner.org, we read:

"Though He [God] created the Devil, God is not in any way culpable for evil... Still, we know our Creator cannot be tempted with evil, nor can He ever tempt anyone (James 1:13). That Satan is a creature means he is subject to the Lord, who uses him to fulfill His good purposes (Rom. 8:28). In the final analysis, the Devil is God’s Devil (to summarize Martin Luther) and never operates outside the Lord’s decree."

Next, the author also presents a view of Open Theism (the unorthodox view that though God is omniscient, He does not know what man will freely do in the future). She writes: "The Holy Spirit resides within you and can act as a force field to the ideas that could result in your missing God's well-planned good life for you," (Kindle location 658) and "Let's acknowledge that her [Eve's] choice to lead was outside the will of God. It opened the door to a host of marital devastions that God did not intend for any of us," (Kindle location 1595). God is sovereign. He has declared the end from the beginning (Isa. 46:10-11) and His eternal purpose is unchangeable (Eph. 3:11). Therefore, nothing that man does can thwart the will of God.

Finally, Mrs. White gives a false sense of hope that a marriage will be prosperous and full if her advice is followed. She states:

* "That is the God of your marriage. Always victorious in the lives of those who show up, surrender, and salute Him as their authority," (Kindle location 603).
* "But God, the designer of your life, created you with great plans to protect you," (Kindle location 616).
* "He [God] will prepare you for every battle against division and divorce," (Kindle location 789).
* "Sovereign God who planned an abundant life for you is still there to help you enjoy it regardless of the evil around you. He promises that choosing His way will make you prosperous and successful (Deuteronomy 29:9, Joshua 1:8)," (Kindle location 1978).

So if Mrs. White had just surrendered authority to God and choose His way rather than her own, she would not be divorced from her first marriage right now. Obviously, that's not the case because providentially she's married to her second husband. Regardless of the difficulties that the author has encountered, everything has happened according to God's will. Even if she had 'surrendered to God as her authority' during her first marriage, she would still be divorced and remarried now because nothing that she might have done differently in the past would have changed the present reality that God ordained. The Apostle Peter tells Christians that they will suffer trials in their lives (1 Peter 1:7, 4:12). These trials may come even if the Christian prays, reads the Bible, and obeys God's commandments. Jesus Christ Himself tells us that Christians will have trouble in this world, but we should still be of good cheer because He has overcome the world (John 6:33).

Overall, I am not comfortable with the doctrinal errors in Prayers for New Brides. I am also disappointed with Mrs. White's endorsement of Beth Moore's Bible studies and Joyce Meyer's TV programs (Kindle location 1031), as well as books written by Gary Thomas (Kindle location 1521) and Mark Batterson (Kindle location 1538). While popular, these modern "Christian" writers do not convey sound, orthodox Christian doctrine. Therefore, I do not recommend Prayers for New Brides for any Christian, but I would recommend William Gouge's Domestical Duties for anyone who wants to study the biblical roles of husband and wife.

Full Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Emily Blonigen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cover is cheesy, but content is pretty solid. Took me forever to finish. I could only read 1-2 chapters a day. Used this book as a devotional. Author gives good biblically advice backed up by scripture.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though I am not a bride--new or old--I wanted to read this book and have it in my collection. As I was hoping, it has many helpful thoughts for me at this stage of life, when I am preparing for the possibility of someday getting married.

The books is separated into two large parts, five smaller parts, and 40 short chapters. I was glad for the small chapters and sections within chapters, making it easy to digest. Each chapter ends with a "prayer prompt" and "a wife's call to action." The whole book is chock full of Scripture, but especially the prayers. They are not always word-for-word quotes from Scripture, but the ideas are probably at least loosely found in the passages referenced. I was disappointed by one or two that I looked up and didn't find very helpful or fitting. I think most of them fit, however.

I liked the practical assignments ("a wife's call to action"), which included interviewing others who have years of experience in marriage, listing reasons why your husband is fun to love, memorizing Scripture, etc. Some of these will be more helpful to a married woman, but a few of them are possible to employ before marriage.

Here are a few quotes I like from the book:

"Your heart and mind toward your spouse and your marriage will be as healthy as the information you put into your mind and speak from your mouth."

"Your fight for your marriage is not something you can put on hold while you pursue some other honorable mission. Sitting down on this job is not an option."

"Remember, God is not sitting on the throne evaluating your ability to stand in hopes that you make it this time. He is actively involved in helping you stand. He has an unlimited supply of time, wisdom, strength, and love for you. He empowers you to stand."

"You cannot walk away from the job of holding up the mirror to your husband. Your thoughts about him, good or bad, are obvious to him and others. And they are contagious. Think about it. What you've communicated to your parents and friends about him is the foundation where their thoughts of him originate. Are you painting a picture that looks like God's image of this man?"

"There is no problem in you, your spouse, or your marriage that God cannot resolve. Nothing that comes against your marriage is stronger than God."

"She explained that talking negatively about your husband was a slap in the face to yourself because the two of you are one."

"Jesus pursues a present-tense love relationship with His Church. You said "I do" to the very same lifestyle of enduring, pursuing love and oneness."

I'm not sure if I quite agree with the interpretation of 1 Peter 3:1, something I've thought about quite a bit. If a husband is unsaved, is this passage saying that the wife should be totally silent? The verse says "they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives," but it doesn't say she can't say anything about the Lord to their husbands. I'm sure that's not what the verse means, as we are supposed to be evangelists. However, the book may be saying that in general Christian women are to be meek and not badgering their husband all the time regarding the faith, mostly just living it out, which is what I believe the verse means. It's hard to tell, but it seemed to be taken almost literally, since the book states "no more preaching."

There are a couple of other doctrinal fallacies, or so it seems, implying that God will always work marriages out if we follow Him, etc., but it was subtle, and I think with all the battle involved in marriage, the positives of God's victory and strength are needed encouragement. There may have been some Arminian doctrine, as well, but I tend to filter that out unless it's constant.

There are a couple of chapters that offer more to read online, extra stories of encouragement, that I want to look up.

There is a chapter focusing on physical intimacy, which is written tastefully.

The book ends with a brief addressing of abuse in marriage. I think she handles it well, speaking of separation if needed, yet believing that God can work things out.

My top takeaways from this book:

Marriage is hard, self-sacrificing work, more-so than I imagined (it goes far beyond the basics of cleaning and cooking), yet God is there to uphold and empower when we seek Him and obey Him.

We as women need to be confident in God's love, not seeking man's love to hold us up--God's love is perfect.

Spilling troubles and complaints about husbands with others is most often disastrous. We should lovingly work out differences one on one with our spouses.

~I happily received this book from CrossFocusedReviews.com for my review; I was not required to give a positive review.

[Dana Perkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is much about this book that I really like. Author Jennifer White rightly recognizes the priority of bible reading and study in preparing to fight the spiritual battles that come with being a Christian and particularly those related to Satan’s design to disrupt marriages. Each chapter rightly has plenty of theology in it and frequent reference to relevant scripture, some printed out and some referenced for reader lookup. The chapters are logically arranged, starting with God’s design for marriage, and then weapons given us by God to use to rout out our own sin and resist the attacks of the evil one. Each chapter has a short topic discussion, a prayer prompt section that has a sample prayer relevant to the subject at hand and “A Wife’s Call to Action” with a short passage to read and a sample prayer related to helping the new bride apply the principle of the chapter.

What I did not like about the book is her strange mixture of the doctrines of grace and her imprecise use of theological terms characteristic of contemporary evangelical errors. An example would be her statement considering Eve in the Garden of Eden on page 142 “Let’s acknowledge that her choice to lead was outside the will of God.” Well that is both true and not true. It is true in the sense that her actions were disobedient to God’s clear command, but it is not true because in God’s sovereignty and omniscience, nothing is really outside the will of God. It would have been more biblical to say that her actions were disobedience. That would avoid the implication that God was powerless to prevent Eve from straying from obedience.

I received this book from New Leaf Press in exchange for an honest review.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Jennifer, sometimes marriages die.” The advice came from a professional Christian counselor. The marriage that had started out hopeful and brimming with promise had fallen on hard times. With advice coming from all sides to end it, Jennifer felt like divorce was the right and only decision. What else could she do?

When new storms ravaged her second marriage, desperation drove her to seek our Father’s advice instead. His voice spoke words that brought healing and restoration. Prayers for New Brides: Putting on God's Armor After the Wedding Dress is a book of hope and redemption, a book of battles and victories. God spoke to Jennifer’s heart at a time when she was willing to listen. She learned who her enemy was and the strategy being used against her. Slowly she became equipped with the battle armor of a lasting love and a marriage secure in the Father’s truth.

This book is not only for new brides but will benefit any woman who feels defenseless in the midst of a raging battlefield. Jennifer is vulnerable and real about the war being fought and how it must be won. She shares from her personal experience and then she provides Scripture after Scripture to build you up and give you confidence. Each chapter is arranged with a Scripture-based prayer at the end followed by a call to action. It will challenge you and free you from many wrong ideas; and by the time you put it down, you will feel you have made a new friend.

Prayers for New Brides is published by New Leaf Publishing Group.

[Deon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Each chapter contains a short devotional, prayer (with blanks in order to fill in husband's name), & "call to action" (application/journal section). The chapter are about 3-5 minutes long, longer depending on the practical application.

Why should I read this book?
I thought that the book idea was great. Providing prayer prompts for brides to be able to pray for their husbands specifically. The prayers are specific to a need. "Help me desire to love" "Forgive me when I discourage my husband" "Give me eyes to see bitterness, anger, & jealousy" The devotionals covered topics like: fear, sacrifice, respect. But I would have enjoyed more focus on the prayer sections.

Who should read the book
The book is geared for new brides, helping prepare for the rough times that will come. But seasoned brides can benefit from the same reminders.

I received this book from the publisher through Cross Focused Reviews. No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own.

[Misty · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not enjoy reading this book I found the book outdated. It would have been a good book before women obtained their own freedom. This book gives the feel that the wife will never be perfect, but should do her best to serve her husband and keep him happy. The book cautions divorce only as a last resort even when in an abusive relationship. If you are in an abusive relationship do NOT wait for him to change get help and get out. I was really hoping that this book would have been uplifting and happy instead I found it rather depressing.
I was sent a complimentary copy of Prayers for New Brides: Putting on God's Armor After the Wedding Dress by Jennifer O. White for free in exchange only for my honest and unbiased review of the book.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so excited about this book and the nuggets of truth throughout. Not only is this book fantastic for new brides of brides to be, I think every wife should read it! Jennifer shares wisdom from her own story as well as biblical truths and principles. We wives can be warriors in our marriage! I pray this book finds its way into many, many wives hands! It is now the book I will give all premarried couples when we work with them! As well as sharing it on our online ministry and church ministry as well! Thank you Jennifer for following God's prompting and writing this book! Oh and I love the cover as well-just sayin!

[V Luttrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very uplifting book. This makes a good wedding gift. I am giving it to a bride to be .This is read all brides need. The battle is raging and we need all the help we can get!
This book is not only for new brides but will benefit any woman who feels defenseless in the midst of a raging battlefield. Jennifer is vulnerable and real about the war being fought and how it must be won. She shares from her personal experience and then she provides Scripture after Scripture to build you up and give you confidence.

It is well worth the read for any age. fathers might even consider giving it to their daughters before their wedding!

[Whitney O'Halek · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a fan. Many others have highly rated this book, but I found it to be more discouraging than encouraging, as well as reactive instead of proactive in its approach to problems that may or may not arise in a marriage. I would not recommend this book to new brides, but perhaps to people who have been married for a few years and are beginning to struggle.

[Ramona Russo · Rating 5 out of 5]

read it more than ones. I enjoyed it!