If You Aren’t Doing Well Spiritually

Focus on the Family Strengthening Marriage Podcast11mApril 23, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

This episode of the Focus on the Family Strengthening Marriage Podcast addresses the critical issue of spiritual disconnection in marriages, emphasizing that spiritual intimacy is foundational to relational health. Host John Fuller, along with marriage experts Greg and Aaron Smalley, discuss how 50-70% of couples seeking help report feeling spiritually disconnected from God and each other. Drawing on both biblical truth and secular research, they highlight the profound impact of spiritual connection on marital stability and emotional closeness. The conversation centers on practical, grace-filled strategies for couples—especially those where one partner is more spiritually engaged than the other—such as self-assessment, leading by example, gentle invitation, and finding everyday moments to draw God into conversations and routines. The hosts stress that spiritual intimacy doesn’t require formal rituals; it can be cultivated through prayer in the moment, gratitude, and intentional presence. Key takeaways include the importance of personal spiritual health before seeking relational change, the power of one spouse modeling spiritual discipline without pressure, and the value of using ordinary moments—like date nights or bedtime chats—as opportunities for spiritual connection. The episode also promotes resources like Deborah Faleta’s book *Love in Every Season* and a free counseling consultation through Focus on the Family. Ultimately, the message is one of hope: even in seasons of spiritual dryness, couples can rekindle connection through faith, patience, and small, consistent acts of devotion.

Key Takeaways
1

Spiritual intimacy begins with personal spiritual health—assess your own walk with God before expecting change in your marriage.

2

Lead spiritually without nagging: model devotion, invite your spouse gently, and trust God to work in their heart.

3

Spiritual connection doesn’t require formal prayer or Bible reading—find moments in daily life (like conversations or meals) to invite God in.

4

Even if your spouse resists spiritual engagement, continue praying for them and staying connected emotionally and spiritually.

5

Use resources like conversation starters and books such as *Love in Every Season* to normalize and strengthen spiritual intimacy.

…and 1 more takeaway available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
2 min

Hope for Disconnected Marriages

Your marriage can be healed. A Hope Restored Marriage Intensive from Focus on the Family can transform you and your spouse's relationship in just a few days.

Highlight
1:54
2 min

The Prevalence of Spiritual Disconnection

Aaron Smalley shares research insights revealing that 50-70% of couples seeking help feel spiritually disconnected from God and each other, highlighting the deep impact this has on marital health and emotional intimacy.

4:00
3 min

Spiritual Intimacy as a Foundation

Spiritual intimacy doesn't just happen. It's the overflow of your heart for Christ.

Highlight
7:00
3 min

Leading with Love, Not Pressure

If you're at a good place, take advantage of that. Invite your husband into the process. And most of the time, eventually they will follow suit.

Highlight
9:30
2 min

Practical Ways to Stay Connected

The episode concludes with creative, low-pressure strategies for maintaining spiritual connection—praying silently during conversations, expressing gratitude in moments of togetherness, and using conversation starters to foster deeper connection.

High-Impact Quotes
Spiritual intimacy doesn't just happen. It's the overflow of your heart for Christ.
Aaron Smalley3:23
Viral: 85.0
If you're at a good place, take advantage of that. Invite your husband into the process. And most of the time, eventually they will follow suit.
Aaron Smalley5:27
Viral: 80.0
Even though we haven't formally run through a Devo or we haven't formally prayed or even if we're not going to church together, it's fighting the discouragement that Satan wants you to feel.
Greg Smalley9:09
Viral: 80.0
Speakers

Host

John Fuller

Guests

Greg SmalleyAaron SmalleyDeborah Faleta
Topics Discussed
spiritual intimacy in marriage95%leading spiritually in marriage90%marital disconnection85%everyday spiritual practices85%emotional and spiritual connection80%prayer in relationships80%couples counseling and support75%marital healing and restoration70%
People & Brands

Greg Smalley

person

12xPositive

Aaron Smalley

person

10xPositive

Focus on the Family

organization

8xPositive

John Fuller

person

5xPositive

Hope Restored Marriage Intensive

other

4xPositive

Deborah Faleta

person

3xPositive

Love in Every Season

book

2xPositive

Kate

person

2xNeutral

Satan

other

1xNegative

Jim Daly

person

1xPositive

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