Marriage is a lifelong process of earning your learning. Nobody comes into a marriage completely prepared. We will always need to open ourselves up to Godly ideas and principles that may be seen from a different perspective.
While books are not everything to a marriage and it's true that knowledge without application negates the purpose of it all, we read and learn not because we want to add information, but to clarify, simplify and objectify our practices.
I personally enjoy reading Christian books, but my wife doesn't. That's not to say that I am a better spouse than her, but what I do learn I pass on to her, and it seems that she is better than me in applying it right away. (Because women are better than men. Right, ladies?)
If you're the type who loves to drown themselves in literature, here are a few books by Christian authors that will help you strengthen your marriage.
The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman
According to Chapman, a majority of couples fall under a certain category of needs -- quality time, words of affirmation, gifts, acts of service and physical touch. "The Five Love Languages" has helped millions of couples communicate and understand each other better.
Marriage Anchors by Jim and Barbara Grunseth
Campus Crusade staff Jim and his wife Barbara put together a great illustration of a marriage that is anchored in Christ, which helps marriages be firmly planted so they can withstand great currents and waves.
The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy Keller
Keller is known for the wide variety of topics he covers, but he never fails to include depth and strong biblical roots in every book he writes. "The Meaning of Marriage" does just that as Keller brings insights from the Word of God and his 39-year marriage to Kathy.
The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian
"The Power of a Praying Wife" is a behemoth of Christian literature and -- along with the whole "Power of Praying" series -- has already sold over 13 million copies in print. Omartian has also authored other books that supplement this one such as "The Power of a Praying Parent" and "The Power of a Praying Husband."
Sacred Marriage by Gary L. Thomas
Your marriage is not just about being together. It is about being sacred and holy in a union between two people and one God. Thomas compellingly shares the importance of spiritual disciplines and a balanced view of the holiness of God and the role that plays in a marriage.
