In today’s gospel Jesus speaks of the importance and indissolubility of marriage. In a culture where long term commitment is rare, many have given up on marriage. But Jesus has given us a path and a promise. “What God has joined together, let no one tear asunder.” There is no stronger bond between husband and wife than the grace of the Sacrament of Matrimony. But grace needs to be refreshed on a daily basis. Daily couple prayer is the best way to keep the grace of the Sacrament fresh in your marriage.
A Spiritual Boost for Your Marriage In Five Minutes a Day
Opening Prayer (Say this prayer together)
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name.
Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
Scripture Reading
A Scripture reading for the day can be found on the US Catholic Bishop’s website www.usccb.org.
Extemporaneous Prayer
Pray for your children. In-laws. Grandchildren.
Pray for each other. Share prayer needs concerning:
Decisions
Health
Work
Home
Finances
Challenges
Individual Needs
Closing Prayer (Say this prayer together)
O God, our Heavenly Father, protect and bless us. Deepen and strengthen our love for each other today and every day. Grant that by your mercy neither of us ever say one unkind word to the other. Forgive and correct our faults and make us instantly to forgive one another should one of us unconsciously hurt the other. Make us and keep us sound and well in body, alert in mind, tender in heart, devout in spirit. O Lord, grant us each to rise to the other’s best. Then we pray you would add to our common life such virtues as only you can give. And so, O Father, consecrate our life and our love completely to your worship, and to the service of all about us, especially those whom you have appointed us to serve, that we may always stand before you in happiness and peace; through our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.