Greetings Prayer Warriors,
A good marriage certainly requires many virtues. While we must diligently work to attain the Cardinal Virtues (prudence, fortitude, temperance, and justice), the Theological Virtues, are gifts from God. You know them as faith, hope, and charity (aka love). It’s no wonder they are the constant focus of our prayers, as we need an increase in these gifts, for one can’t persevere in a marriage without them!
Perhaps God bestows these gifts upon us as children, since we have such whole-hearted trust and they so easily express and exude unconditional love.
It [love] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 1 Corinthians 13:7
Yet, over time, one’s experiences can do much to dampen or mute these virtues. As child-like innocence is lost, faith can slowly weaken, hope can be dashed, and love can become very challenging.
This week, let us ask the Lord for a renewal of child-like faith, hope, and charity, in one’s own marriage and in those they pray for.
Lord, send your Spirit upon us and awaken us from our lethargy in practicing the virtues you’ve so generously bestowed on us. Turn up the flame in our hearts to reflect the love we have for You. Increase our faith from a dormant mustard seed, to a bountiful tree filled with blossoms of virtue. And when the storms move in and the heat rises, may our hope be made so unwavering, that we never doubt our ability to persevere until blue skies return.
Although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:6-7
The Lord delights in your voice and loves giving you gifts! Don't hesitate to ask for greater virtue!
Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet
Ask and you shall receive! Pass it on!
