Praying for My Marriage...

The word bold is defined by Oxford Dictionary as a willingness to take risk or step into the unknown.  This definition is similar to the definition of Faith which means a belief that is hoped for but not seen.  However, both of these definitions require one for element for them to be effectual.  That element is belief in something or a vision to follow.  In regards to faith, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe that faith is connected to the Savior.  The Church’s fourth article of Faith states:  We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.”  We defining Christ as our view point for faith.  With the word bold, we also need a vision.  Bold steps seldom happen without an acknowledgment towards a direction or a belief.  Take for instance Columbus, who made a bold move in feeling he could reach India by a different path.  He had a vision.  Had he not had a vision, he would never have taken the first bold step. 

So what does this have to do with marriage?  Today I take a bold step in proclaiming my vision of faith in the institution of marriage.  I believe “that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children” (The Family Proclamation).  Using this as my vision for marriage I am able to take bold steps in my marriage.  One bold step that I use in my marriage is to pray, in faith, for my marriage on a regular basis.  I pray for it as if it were a living, breathing entity.  I learned from a wise religious leader that from all of the couples he counseled on marriage, he would first ask them if they prayed together as a couple and for their marriage.  Nearly 100% of the time the couples answered no, they did not pray as a couple or for their marriage. 

I have composed a list of three reasons any couple should pray for their marriage and about their marriage.

1.     Marriage as a whole is under attack

·      Many intuitions including our government, has redefined marriage as any contract between two consenting adults.  However, for the record, only 5 of the 4 court justices wanted define marriage this way.  And Justices Thomas and Scalia both said, “The Court’s decision today is at odds not only with the Constitution, but with the principles upon which our Nation was built.”  Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said, “Because of the importance of the family to the eternal plan of happiness, Satan makes a major effort to destroy the sanctity of the family, demean the importance of the role of men and women, encourage moral uncleanliness and violations of the sacred law of chastity, and to discourage parents from placing the bearing and rearing of children as one of their highest priorities.” By understanding how the definition and sanctity of marriage is changing, couples can pray to know how to proceed. 

2.     As a married couple you should be a defender of the intuition of which you are now a part of

·      By praying for marriage a couple can become defenders of marriage.  Pres. Russell M. Nelson said, “Disciples of the Lord are defenders of marriage.”  He also said, “The greatest guardians of any and all virtues are marriage and family. This is particularly the case with the virtues of chastity and fidelity in marriage, both of which are required to create enduring and fully rewarding marriage partnerships and family relationships. Male and female are created for what they can do and become, together. It takes a man and a woman to bring a child into the world. Mothers and fathers are not interchangeable. Men and women are distinct and complementary. Children deserve a chance to grow up with both a mom and a dad.”  By praying as a couple, your vision will change and allow you to take bold steps towards defending marriage. 

3.     Good examples

·      My husband and I pray regularly to be a good example of what a good marriage should be.  I deeply want this for my children.  With divorce, cohabitation, and out of wedlock parenting becoming the norm, many children do not have a good example of what a marriage should look like.  By praying for this, you can become that good example.  The Gospel of Matthew, chapter 21:22 reads, “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.”  God does hear and answer prayers.  Pray for your marriage, especially as a couple, and your prayers will be answered. 

Social media is full of examples of divorce.  Please leave a comment about good marriage examples your have seen in your life.