The revised edition of the bestselling Christian guide to a
happy marriage

For more than fifteen years, Scott Stanley's A Lasting
Promise has offered solutions to common problems--facing
conflicts, problem solving, improving communication, and dealing
with core issues--within a Christian framework. Thoroughly
revised and updated, this new edition is filled with sacred
teachings of scripture, the latest research on marriage, and clear
examples from the lives of couples. The book's strategies are
designed to help couples improve communication, understand
commitment, bring more fun into their relationship, and enhance
their sex lives.

* Lead author Scott Stanley is co-director of the Center for
Marital and Family Studies at the University of Denver and coauthor
of Fighting for Your Marriage, which has sold more than a million
copies.

* Offers reflections on how to enhance anyone's marriage over the
long term and avoid divorce

* Covers recent cultural shifts, such as dealing with the endless
technological distraction and issues with social
networking

* New themes include the chemistry of love, the life-long
implications of having bodies, and how to support one another
emotionally

* Uses illustrative examples from couples' lives and rich
integration of insights from scripture

This important book offers an invaluable resource for all
couples who want to honor and preserve the holy sacrament of their
union.

PRAISE FOR A Lasting Promise

I've long prayed for people to discover from sound research how to help couples thrive. I truly believe that Scott Stanley and his colleagues are an answer to that prayer. I not only give this book 'two thumbs up,' but I lift up both my hands in thanksgiving to God for the work they are doing.
Gary Smalley, author, The DNA of Relationships

This is much more than a second editionin many ways it's a new book. The research is cutting edge and the theological integration is deeper, yet it's somehow even more practical. A Lasting Promise will free you to enjoy the deep levels of intimacy that God designed for marriage.
Gary J. Oliver, Th.M., Ph.D., professor, John Brown University; author, Mad About Us

What a fantastic book! Few marriage resources can stand on as much solid research as A Lasting Promise. Its practical strategies and applications have made it a favorite among couples. The Christian underpinnings make this new edition ideal for couples who prize their faith.
Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott, authors, Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts

The first edition of this book was so helpful to our marriage that it's become required reading for every newlywed in our church. This has produced many couples wise beyond their years. We're excited to introduce this new edition to our congregation, as well as to replace our personal copy that is falling apart due to heavy usea fate this new edition will also suffer.
John and Pam McGee, Watermark Community Church, Dallas, Texas

For more than fifteen years, Scott Stanley's A Lasting Promise has offered solutions to common problemsfacing conflicts, problem solving, improving communication, and dealing with core issueswithin a Christian framework. Thoroughly revised and updated, this new edition is filled with sacred teachings of scripture, the latest research on marriage, and clear examples from the lives of couples. The book's strategies are designed to help couples improve communication, understand commitment, bring more fun into their relationship, and enhance their sex lives.

• Lead author Scott Stanley is co-director of the Center for Marital and Family Studies at the University of Denver and coauthor of Fighting for Your Marriage, which has sold more than a million copies.

• Offers reflections on how to enhance anyone's marriage over the long term and avoid divorce

• Covers recent cultural shifts, such as dealing with the endless technological distraction and issues with social networking

• New themes include the chemistry of love, the life-long implications of having bodies, and how to support one another emotionally

• Uses illustrative examples from couples' lives and rich integration of insights from scripture

This important book offers an invaluable resource for all couples who want to honor and preserve the holy sacrament of their union.

Acknowledgments vii

Introduction xi

Part 1 Foundations 1

1 Naked and Unashamed 3

2 Communication Danger Signs 16

3 Asking God: Praying for Your Marriage 34

4 We Found Your Keys 51

5 Talking Without Fighting 69

6 Finding Solutions to Problems 86

Part 2 Complexity 107

7 Jars of Clay: Why Bodies Matter 109

8 Handling Events, Understanding Issues 131

9 Unraveling the Mysteries of Expectations 150

10 Protecting Us in iWorld: Marriage and Technology 170

Part 3 Deeper Connection 189

11 Positive Bonding: Keeping Fun and Friendship Alive 191

12 Touch and Sexual Oneness 207

13 Got Your Back: Carrying Each Other's Burdens 220

Part 4 The Promise Is Lasting 241

14 The Power of Commitment 243

15 Forgiveness and Restoration 264

16 Spiritual Blessings and Intimacy 283

17 Onward 297

Appendices 301

Appendix A Getting More Help with Serious Problems 303

Appendix B Resources from PREP ® 309

Appendix C Research and Scholarly References 313

Notes 319

About the Authors 321

Index 323

Scripture Index 335