“As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” – Mark 10:7-8
Lord, Your Word tells us that by divine design, a man shall be joined to his wife and the two shall become one flesh. We receive that Lord, but there are times we really struggle. So today, Father, I lift every marriage up to You, and especially those who are currently going through very troubled waters.
First, I thank You for every couple united in marriage, for through it, we see the relationship—the “oneness”—Jesus has with the Church. Bless our marriages, Father, and bring us ever closer to one another. Draw close to us as we draw close to You. (James 4:8)
Lord, I know your plans for every marriage is one that has a future and a hope, to prosper in love and charity. (Jer. 29: 11) So, as problems arise in our relationships, impart wisdom and love to our hearts in order to quickly resolve them. Keep us from allowing bitterness to take root in our soul and spirit, thwarting opportunity for resolve. Do not allow us to let the sun go down until we resolve any anger between us. (Eph. 4:26)
Do not allow sin to reside for long in our lives, Father, but create enough discomfort and restlessness within our spirit that we quickly run to You in repentance. Keep us mindful that the plans of the enemy is to destroy, but You bring life to all things. (John 10:10) Thank You that You are faithful and just, God, and will cleanse us from all unrighteousness as we confess our sin to You. (1 John 1:9)
Father, while we understand that Your Love is unconditional, we also know of our stubbornness and our need to repent of our ways and turn to You for the healing and restoration that is lasting. Lord, help us! Help us to turn to You, our only Hope.
Spirit of God, remind us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. (James 1:19) Help us to preserve unity as husband and wife in the Spirit. (Eph. 4:3) May sweetness and kindness be a common characteristic in our marriage, that others may be drawn to You through what they see in us. May we be an example of Christian love. (1 Cor. 11:1)
Lord, Your Word instructs us in the way of humility and responsibility. May we be humble in spirit, Lord, (James 4:10, Ps. 51:17) accepting faults that belong to us, rather than cleverly turning them around on the other, committing to own our responsibilities, admit them, and then ask forgiveness for them. (Luke 11:4, James 5:16)
Lord, Your Word comforts, heals, and encourages. As husband and wife, may we honor one another with our lips, whether in the presence of the other or not, careful always to love, protect, heal, and encourage with our words. Help us to choose our words carefully, for words are powerful, able to give life to our marriage, as well as destroy. May we always choose LIFE. (Deut. 30:19)
Bless us, we pray Lord, and make a way where there seems to be no way. (Is. 43:19) Open doors of restoration and close the doors of separation. And Father, as You and Your Son are One, and as Christ and the Church are one, may we also be as one in our marriage and in You. (John 17:21) Thank you that as we look to You, we see Your banner of love over our marriage. (Song of Solomon 2:4)
Bless us now we pray,
Amen and amen.
Thank You!!
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