Vertical Marriage Scavenger Hunt

This resource is intended to be used by couples attending the Vertical Marriage event on Friday, March 11 and Saturday, March 12. As such, the format below corresponds to specific times related to the Vertical Marriage event. This resource may also be helpful for married or engaged couples who cannot attend the marriage event. We know that Jesus wants to shape and bless marriages and we hope this resource helps you take a next step in your marriage as you follow Jesus.

Click here to download the Scavenger Hunt

Your story, my story, their story… but no perfect stories. Just a retreat full of couples who, like yourselves, have made it a point purpose to be here. Men and women who have made a commitment to this time, to their spouse. So… let’s have some fun!!

Join us in asking some great questions, sharing good stories, pointing out some important bits of truth, casting light on the beautiful places in your marriage, dreaming of possibilities, sharing newly spoken hope, and looking for the promises of Jesus for your marriage.

“Give us today our daily bread . . .”
Matthew 6:11

Before attending Vertical Marriage (consider the following)

Who loves Jesus and cares about you as a couple? This is who will have your back!

Ask another couple to pray for your marriage this weekend. If possible spend some time with them between now and the Vertical Marriage experience. If they’re attending too, consider meeting for dinner before the event, and have some fun with these conversation prompts:

Tell a story from the early days of your marriage that makes you both laugh now. (No embarrassing your spouse allowed!)
Do you have another couple whose marriage you look up to and try to learn from? If so, share what it is about them that encourages you. If not, what sort of things encourage your marriage?

Friday night

As a couple, find a quiet spot to read the verse below aloud and pray together just before the event starts. Feel free to pray aloud as you’re most comfortable, or use the prayer printed below.

Verse: “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Prayer: Jesus, we acknowledge your presence with us here, and for your promise of love, forgiveness, grace, and to pray for us. Please be with and bless those who will lead us here, giving them wisdom and energy for their task. Use their words to speak into our marriage as you shape and form us.

Give us open hearts for what you are inviting us into, ears to listen both to those who lead us and to one another, and cover this event with your grace and joy. Please renew our marriage and show us the next steps you’re asking us to take with you.

Jesus, we trust your promises to be with us and provide all that we need, so we entrust this time to you. Amen

Vertical Marriage Scavenger Hunt

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8

Congratulations! You made it! Sit back, relax, laugh and enjoy… with purpose! May God give you eyes to see exactly what He has prepared for your marriage this weekend!

During the Vertical Marriage event, be on the lookout for the following things. Use the space provided to jot down a few words to jog your memory for later discussion.

It made me laugh when…

I questioned my own patterns when the speaker said….

I loved…

I felt a real challenge to…

I hope my spouse heard…

It was really encouraging to hear…

A truth from Scripture that I really needed to hear this weekend was…

I wish for our marriage that…

I loved or appreciated my spouse even more when…

Looking Forward

“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you… For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:6-7 (NIV)

Thank you for spending this weekend with us! So, now what? We’ve laughed (some have cried!), we’ve been entertained, encouraged, and challenged. While each marriage holds it’s own unique story, we all share the invitation to walk forward with renewed purpose in marriage, and to look for the places where Jesus is shaping us through our marriage relationship.

Remember that trusted couple you asked to pray for you before the retreat?
When you are comfortable, work through the prompts below for your own clarity, then share your answers with those trusted friends so that you might encourage one another.