O Holy God, it was You who established the covenant of marriage. When Daddy and Mummy have any conflicts in their marriage, God, please help them to remember and honour their marriage vows; and choose to support each other in love.
When they cannot control their anger or their words, and thus hurt each other, Lord, have mercy on them. Help them to control their anger and hold their tongues. Please heal the wounds of their hearts and help them to confess their faults, to choose to forgive each other, and to make peace with each other.
I pray especially for my dad, that You would help him to understand his role as the husband. As Daddy receives love and wisdom from You, may he know how to love and honor my mother, to be sensitive to her needs, to communicate with her patiently in all matters, big and small, to be quick to listen and slow to speak.
May Your love fill the marriage of my parents, that they may love each other more and more.
May they enjoy a mutual trust, to be there for each other, that they may share the joys and sorrows of life together.
In the name of Jesus. Amen!
Scripture Reading: Mark 10:6-9; Ephesians 5:22-33; James 1:19-20; 1 Peter 3:7
Helpful Love
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.
At the end of my mother’s earthly journey, she and Dad were still very much in love and shared a strong faith in Christ. My mother had developed dementia and began to lose memories of even her family. Yet Dad would regularly visit her at the assisted living home and find ways to accommodate her diminished capacities.
For instance, he would take her some saltwater taffy, unwrap a piece, and place it in her mouth—something she could not do for herself. Then as she slowly chewed the candy, Dad would quietly sit with her and hold her hand. When their time together was over, Dad, beaming with a wide smile, would say, “I feel such peace and joy spending time with her.”
Though touched by Dad’s great joy in helping Mom, I was more affected by the reality that he was depicting God’s grace. Jesus was willing to humble Himself to connect with us in our weaknesses. In reflecting on Christ’s incarnation, John wrote, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (1:14). Taking on human limitations, He did countless acts of compassion to accommodate us in our weakness.
Do you know anyone who might benefit from Jesus’ helpful, accommodating love that could flow through you to them today?
Reflect & Pray
How can you bring the love of Christ to your parents? How will you pray for them?
Love is giving for the world’s needs, Love is sharing as the Spirit leads, Love is caring when the world cries, Love is compassion with Christlike eyes. —Brandt
To be a channel of blessing, let Christ’s love flow through you.
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