Greetings Prayer Warriors,
Whether we admit it or not, at times we do enjoy looking at others and assessing... or perhaps judging. We know we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover” nor “judge a man until you have walked (a mile) in his shoes”, but perhaps we do because it’s too painful to look at ourselves in the mirror!
So instead, we look at another’s marriage and say or think, “I don’t know why he(she) stays with her (him)!”
Note to self: Perhaps it is you who don’t have eyes to see. You may be witnessing a person who has an abundance of virtue; kindness, humility, fortitude, patience, and charity. They may be enduring quite a bit, even the disapproval of onlookers such as yourself, but with joy they offer up every trial as a sacrifice to God. And just maybe they are offering atonement for their own sins, as they realize that they haven’t been a perfect spouse either.
Since you have purified yourselves by obedience to the truth for sincere mutual love, love one another intensely from a [pure] heart. 1 Peter 1:22
Let us pray for those who persevere in marriage, especially when it’s most difficult. Let us pray for those who want to quit every day, but daily commit to just one more.
Lord, you continue to ask us to walk with you, but we fear the path you walk. Grant all marriages copious grace, especially those which are losing hope. When they find themselves in the valley, give them your companionship and the courage to summit. Be their stability and their joy as they waver in the winds of change. Bless them as they sacrifice their will and glorify yours. Give us a supportive and caring heart, as you ask us to walk with each other, reflecting your unconditional love which never fails to enkindles faith and hope. Jesus, we trust in You. Amen.
Thus all who dwell on the earth shall know, all who remain in the world shall understand, that nothing is better than the fear of the Lord, nothing sweeter than obeying the commandments of the Lord. Sirach 23-27
Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet
Accompany a marriage on a difficult journey! Pass it on!
