Greetings Prayer Warriors,
In today’s readings one word kept jumping out: Mercy! The Lord tells us over and over that he is merciful to anyone who humbly comes before him and confesses his sin. In theory, that seems simple enough. What is difficult though, is looking deeper into our soul to the root cause of our sin. We spend so much time looking at the faults of others and how their faults (ie spouse) affect us. If only THEY would change!! How little time we look at how our faults impact them and contemplate why we don’t change!!
Lord, great and awesome God, you who keep your covenant and show mercy toward those who love you and keep your commandments and your precepts! We have sinned, been wicked and done evil. Daniel 9:4-5
Let us first pray for eyes to see into the depth of our soul. May we see how our unhealed wounds ooze out in negative ways, causing us to judge others. When we judge others (ie spouse) and lack mercy, we are hindering our ability to love them as Christ loves us.
Be merciful, just as [also] your Father is merciful. “Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Luke 6:36-37
Lord, hear our prayers, that we might first seek healing for our own woundedness, beginning with a humble confession of our sins. Give us the grace to let go of old hurts and wounds, so that we may see our spouse as you see them, Lord. Help us to not judge, but to grow in love and mercy. May we gaze upon the crucifix and meditate on your image of love and your example of mercy. Next Lord, we implore your grace for our spouse, that they too might seek healing of their soul. Gift them with the restorative graces needed to grow in love and mercy.
May your ears be attentive, and your eyes open, to hear the prayer that I, your servant, now offer in your presence day and night [...], confessing the sins we have committed against you. Nehemiah 1:6
Humility, mercy, and love: Stepping stones to spiritual growth when fueled by prayer. Pray for one another’s marriage!
Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet
Prayer is the power behind our spiritual growth. Pass it on!
