It's "Marriage Prayer Friday!"

As we are celebrating the Memorial Day weekend, we are also remembering loved ones and giving thanks for those who serve on behalf of our country and freedom. We are also launching a summer season that can bring a mixed bag of changes, fun, chaos, stress and opportunities for families to spend more time together. This is a good week to ask the Lord to use the change of seasons to stretch and strengthen our marriages and the marriages of those we care about.

A prayer for your own marriage—

GRACIOUS LORD, thank You for holidays, vacations and breaks from routine! You know these are busy days for me and my family, God, yet You ask me to take time to rest and assure me that You will provide what we need even when we do rest. This weekend marks the beginning of a new season for us, Lord, and I want to make the most of it. Yet there is a tension. I wrestle between appreciating the things a new season brings while recognizing that change is also stressful. Help me to embrace this season for the good gift that it can be. Please use it to bring fresh perspectives and energy to my marriage and family. Help me and my husband/wife to have priorities and goals that align with Your ways this summer. Even before the season begins, show us (as individuals and as a couple) if there are things that need to be pruned from our plans. Give me a heart that craves You and Your Words in this season. Despite new routines, help me to stay consistent in seeking after You so that this season ends, most of all, with more depth and maturity in my relationship with You and with my husband/wife. Thank you, Jesus. I pray in Your name. AMEN

Something to pray for a friend's marriage—

GRACIOUS LORD, thank You for holidays, vacations and breaks from routine! You know these are busy days for families, God, yet You ask us to take time to rest and assure us that You will provide what we need even when we do rest. This weekend marks the beginning of a new season, Lord. Please help my married friends to make the most of it. I know that for many of my friends, changes and the summer season create tension and stress. Help my friends to embrace this season for the good gift that it can be. Would you especially use it to bring fresh perspectives and energy to their marriages and families? Help my married friends to have priorities and goals (as individuals and couples) that align with Your ways this summer. Even before the season begins, show them where there are things that need to be pruned from their plans. Give them hearts that crave You and Your Words in this season. Despite new routines, help them to stay consistent in seeking after You so that this season ends, most of all, with more depth and maturity in their relationships with You and each other. Thank you, Jesus, that marriage is so close to your heart and that you care deeply about my friends. I pray for them in Your name. AMEN