1 Peter 3:7 7 Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.

The husband is to have a special place to honor his wife. showing her worth and distinction, that she is highly prized, esteemed and loved. The Bible calls husbands to treat their wives as the weaker vessel. Regardless of cultural differences, the weaker partner requires attention and protection. They are special equal heirs of the gift of life.    

The Bible uses the term weaker vessel. There isn't much debate that men are physically stronger than women. However, it is much debated in the arena of free rights and privileges. Weaker is a comparative term.  Weaker implies one is weak and the other is weaker. We are all weak that is why we both must be dependent upon God.    

Friend if you are a leader then the other one is the follower. Husbands, where are you leading your wife? Closer to the Lord or further away? As a father and husband, you have responsibility to God to bring your family under the admonishment of Jesus. There are many women who must become the spiritual leaders in their home because the husband will not be or does not walk with Christ. The position is a weaker one, not the person. An employee is a weaker vessel and a private in the army is a weaker vessel. Within marriage, it is the wife that holds the weaker position. It is the woman who is a helper, adviser, prayer, giver. She is an advisor with unique insights but is to voluntarily leaves the final decisions to their husbands. It is a sin to think of her as inferior. That is not honoring her.    

There is another reason you are equal when it comes to your inheritances given by God. You are both heirs of the gracious gift of life. You are each a child of God. There is no distinction. Both have equal spiritual rights; both are saved by the blood of Jesus Christ; both rejoice in the relationship of the Holy Spirit that dwells within. God is as delighted in the prayers and honor of women as He is in men; of Jews as He is of Gentiles; as children as He is in adults. He will protect, care for, and reward wives for their faithfulness.  God will avenge injustices as much for the slave as the citizen. If you are not treating your spouse right, you will be judged.    .

The husband and wife have equal spiritual rights since we are joint heirs of the grace of life. We are co-heirs with equality based on spiritual possession. We may not have the same role but are equal in the personal standing before God. His promises are just as much for the wives as for husbands. She has eternal life by faith in Jesus just as much as he has. She possesses all that Jesus Christ has provided equally.  

Also, domestic harmony is important for prayer in order that your prayers may not be hindered. A man's relationship with God cannot be right, if his relationship with his wife is wrong. If husband and wife do not have good communion with each other, their prayers will be thwarted.  

What does that mean, “prayers would not be hindered”? It is a matter of a good devotional life that makes a strong marriage. If you are out of fellowship with your wife, you are out of fellowship with God. Think about that, men. If you verbally abuse your wife,  God will not answer your prayers. You will suffer in your own spiritual relationship, she won't. If you disrespect her and put her down, you will weaken your own relationship, she won't. Men. God holds you responsible.