A prayer for marriage

Repentance to bring blessing...

"Take words with you and return to the Lord. Say to him: 'Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips. Assyria cannot save us; we will not mount warhorses. We will never again say "Our gods" to what our own hands have made, for in you the fatherless find compassion." (Father, I pray that the hearts of the married will return to you. That you would forgive us our sins towards you and to each other. That you would look upon our fatherlessness and administer compassion).

I will heal their waywardness and love them freely, for my anger has turned away from them. I will be like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like a lily. Like a cedar of Lebanon he will send down his roots; his young shoots will grow. His splendor will be like an olive tree, his fragrance like a cedar of Lebanon. (Father, love us freely. Unshroud us in our pain, shame, self-pity, and self-hatred. Bring us life that will blossom and shoot up! Grow our roots that we will be centered and grounded deep in you).

People will dwell again in his shade; they will flourish like the grain, they will blossom like the vine-Israel's fame will be like the wine of Lebanon.

Ephraim, what more have I to do with idols? I will answer him and care for him. I am like a flourishing juniper; your fruitfulness comes from me." (God, that we may cast away our idols, and cling to only you. That through your cross we may taste our fruit, and experience the sweetness and joy of it!)

Who is wise? Let them realize these things. Who is discerning? Let them understand. The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them. (God, grant us depth of understanding and insight into your word, that it may guard our hearts, our marriages and our lives. In Jesus name! Cover us!!!)

Hosea 14