Loving Father,

From the beginning of creation, You have planted in our hearts the desire for the love and intimacy that can only be found in marriage. Even if in our sinful ways we have damaged the beauty and reputation of marriage, deep in our spirits, we know that You have created us for the joining of body, heart, and spirit that can only come through the covenant of marriage.

I thank You this day for my spouse. I pray that You will nourish our bonds of love, commitment, and affection for one another. I pray that we will be graceful to each other, quick to forgive, slow to anger. I pray that You will help us to season our words with grace and kindness. I ask a special blessing on my spouse right now. I pray that they will feel Your presence in all they do today. I pray that they will feel peace and confidence in all conversations and endeavors, knowing they are loved by You and loved by me.  If there are particular challenges and difficulties that arise, I pray they would be strengthened from within, knowing You are with them every step of the way.

Forgive me for any ways that I have hurt my spouse and harmed my marriage. Help me to be the partner my spouse needs – and that You have created me to be.

In Your Faithful Name – Amen

 

Love the family! Defend and promote it as the basic cell of human society; nurture it as the prime sanctuary of life. – Pope John Paul II

 

From God’s Help by Mark Gilroy Published by Howard Books (Simon and Schuster) 2012