50 Days of Prayer
Day 12 – Strengthening Marriages
April 7, 2016
Genesis 2:18 And the LORD God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.”… (24) Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
Eph 5:21-22 submitting to one another in the fear of God. (22) Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord…(25) Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her…(32) This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. (33) Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
Genesis 2:18-25; Ephesians 5:21-33
PRAYER: Lord God, You created marriage in the beginning. You said it is not good for man to be alone, so You made a helper suitable for him. As You fashioned the woman from the rib You took from his side and brought her to the man, he said, “She shall be called Woman because she was taken out of man.” And You said, “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.” –a unity, whole, oneness, harmony, peace. Father, forgive us when have made marriage anything other than what You ordained. We have adulterated Your perfect plan, and anything “other than” is “less than” and falls short. Forgive us. Please strengthen existing marriages to be more like You designed them to be. Help us live according to the roles and expectations that You demonstrated for us in Christ and the Church. May we learn mutual submission as to You. May men lead with Christlike, sacrificial love. May women respond with submission and respect as to You. Lord, may our marriages be strengthened, overcoming obstacles and difficulties with steadfast love that increases unity and encourages husbands and wives to seek You and find Your saving grace abounding for their lives and marriages.
*And now, I thank You for _______ (spouse). Thank you for the wonderful characteristics you have placed in ________. (Thank Him for the traits He has placed in Your spouse that you are thankful for). Father, what can I do today, to bless my spouse? (spend some time listening and obeying). In the name of Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.