Nurture Mortal Relationships to Nurture the Relationship with God

The apostle Peter wrote an open letter to the converts of Christ outside of the nation of Israel, many of whom had been gentiles. He offered counsel and teaching to these newly baptized members of Christ's church. Among his admonitions is this gem about the marriage relationship and its effect on prayer:

Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
--1 Peter 3:7

The quality and efficacy of my prayers are affected by my mortal relationships, and especially the relationship with my wife. If I am at odds with others, angry, resentful, or begrudging, the Holy Spirit cannot dwell with me, and without the aid of the Spirit, my prayers fall flat. My best prayers are inspired, and when they lack inspiration, they become vain repetition. I must therefore carefully nurture my relationships with those around me, and especially my family, if I can have any hope of nurturing a relationship with God.