Pray for Marriages (To Occur!)

Greetings Prayer Warriors,

During the World Meeting of Families this past weekend, Pope Francis in his address to the bishops commented on marriages or rather the lack thereof, in our young adults.

“We need to invest our energies [… ] in extending a sincere invitation to young people to be brave and to opt for marriage and the family.”

Pope Francis explained that youth “are paralyzed when they encounter the beautiful, noble and truly necessary challenges which faith sets before them,” and often put off marriage in order to wait for ideal conditions, “when everything can be perfect.” 

“Meanwhile, life goes on, without really being lived to the full. For knowledge of life’s true pleasures only comes as the fruit of a long-term, generous investment of our intelligence, enthusiasm and passion.” 

Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing. 

John 15:4-5

Lord, may our prayers serve as a silent invitation, a wedding gift to all the young adults contemplating marriage and family. You created marriage as a beautiful union between a man and woman, giving couples a foretaste of what union with You may be like one day. Help both the young and the young-at-heart to desire marriage, family, and the life-long commitment it demands and provides.  Fill their hearts with a life-giving love to be generously shared in this special sacrament. Bless them with the grace necessary to persevere through the inevitable hills and valleys, and may their joy overflow as they enjoy all the fruits discovered in both marriage and family life.  Heavenly Father, hear our prayers and answer them with wedding bells!

Peace, Joy, and Love,

Janet

Marriage is a beautiful thing. Be brave and take the leap! Pass it on!