Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Greetings Prayer Warriors,
Life is filled with crosses, and throughout the course of marriage, we are sometimes given individual or shared crosses. Ideally, spouses would support one another in the carrying of their crosses, but what happens when you feel like your spouse is the cross?
While crosses are difficult they are often the means of our sanctification. Yet, we never are meant to carry them alone, for Jesus is right there with us. He knows that only through the cross can we bear fruit. So He challenges us to pick up our cross(es) and follow Him. Perhaps there’s a certain virtue he is hoping to build in you. Could your relationship benefit from showing more patience, kindness, compassion, mercy, gentleness, faithfulness, and so on? You will have the opportunity to be so challenged.
Whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me. Matthew 10:38
Lord, graciously grant each one of us the grace in marriage to carry our crosses. Help us to grow in virtue where we are lacking. But also grant the wisdom to know the difference between a cross ordained by you, versus a cross of abuse. For the former, make us worthy. For the latter, grant them the light to discern, to act, and to seek help. May they feel the comfort of your presence, and the guidance and protection of the angels. Hear our prayer petitions, that you may grant each person exactly what they need to grow in faith, hope, and charity, bearing fruit in their marriage while bearing a witness of love in the world.
But may I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which* the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Galatian 6:14
Pray that all may learn to embrace their cross, especially those in marriage.
Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet
Persevere in prayer and pass it on!
