My daughter Sarah is getting married in October to Tony, a
wonderful man who obviously loves and respects her. I’m excited for them and I know they will
have a long and lasting love in the sight of God. I know they realize the great gift God has
given them in one another.
On Twitter today, I was sent the following prayer that I
thought is just beautiful. It reminded
me of the prayers of Tobiah and Sarah (Tobit 8: 5-8).
As I read it, I realized the words could be changed
slightly and be just as beautiful for married couples to pray.
Thanks to Ignatius Press for the “tweet”. It was quite appropriate for Valentine’s Day.
PRAYER OF ENGAGED COUPLES
Father, in my heart love has come
alive for a person you made, and whom you too know and love. It was you who
brought me to meet her (him) and come to know her (him), as once, in paradise,
you brought Eve and Adam together so that man should not remain alone. I thank
you for this gift. It fills me with profound joy. It makes me like you, who are
love itself, and brings me to understand the value of the life you have given
me.
Help me not to squander the riches
you have stored in my heart. Teach me that love is a gift that must not be
suffocated by selfishness; that love is pure and strong and must not be soiled
or corrupted; that love is fruitful and should, beginning even now, open up a
new life for myself and the person who has chosen me.
Loving Father, I pray for the person
who is thinking of me and waiting for me, and who has placed in me complete
trust for the future; I pray for this person who will walk along the path of
life with me; help us to be worthy of one another and to be an encouragement and
example to one another. Help us to prepare for marriage, for its grandeur and
for its responsibilities, so that the love which fills us body and spirit may
rule our lives for evermore.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Image: The Betrothal of Mary by Gulácsy
Lajos
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