For those planning to marry and for their preparation

Lord Jesus, who feasted at the marriage of your friends, we ask you to be near to those preparing now for marriage. May these couples grow together in love and understanding sustained by the vision of an enduring, life-giving relationship. Breathe your spirit into those who offer marriage preparation courses. May their commitment inspire, enrich and sustain those they share with just as your sharing of your self brought richness and joy to the marriage feast at Cana.

For a purer understanding of marriage

Heavenly Creator, who blessed mankind with intimate love, we pray for a purer understanding of marriage. Help us to open our minds to what is truly your teaching and free us from all misconceived and prejudiced views. May we listen to the opinions of others with patience and love. Give us a generous heart when we find the relationships of others difficult to accept. Keep us faithful to your teaching in the witness we ourselves offer, in all the signs we give. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

For those experiencing separation and divorce

Lord Jesus, who quieted the storm around and within your disciples, draw near to those going through separation and divorce. Cleanse their hearts of all bitterness and resentment. Guide them as they plan their future lives. Grant them strength and courage to overcome the fears and anxieties of their new situation. We pray for their children, that they may experience your comfort, peace and healing. We pray for their parents and relatives, that they may have the strength to offer unconditional love even in their own sadness.

For those without a marriage partner...

Lord Jesus, we ask your blessing upon those whose longing for marriage is unfulfilled. Grant them your peace and channel their gift of love into enriching their lives and the lives of those around them. We pray for those who have lost their partner. Comfort them and uphold them in their loneliness. Be close to those who have recently been bereaved. Help them through each day until the pain diminishes and the sun shines once more.

For our own marriage…

Thank you God for my beloved. Help me to know and love him/her more each day, just as you know and love us both. Thank you for all the deep joy we have shared, in both ordinary and extraordinary times. Thank you for those moments when we have been especially close to you in our love. Help us to be kind, thoughtful and attentive to one another even when we are tired, upset and self absorbed. Strengthen in us a spirit of hospitality, that we may offer welcome and encouragement to others in the way of love. When we face adversity help us to remain at peace, growing in awareness of your presence with us still.

For parish commitment

Abba Father, we treasure marriage as a sustaining and empowering relationship. It symbolises for us your covenant of commitment to us. Help us to always strive towards this ideal in all our relationships, growing in love, giving and receiving freely, every minute of our life.

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