prayer for spouses and 'spouses to be'

Lord, you taught us that husbands should love their wives the way that you loved the church, remembering that you gave your life for the church.  You have also taught us that wives should respect their husbands.  When a man is respected by his lady he will go to any length to keep that respect. Those two things are like premium gasoline for a car.  They are the best quality fuel that we can give to our spouses and it enables them to be at their best. Lord, your word also says, “Woman was made for man.” This is because man needs woman. Your word in Genesis says, “It is not good for man to be alone”.  Since your word is quick and alive, we stand on it for all the saints who are currently single and who are waiting for their spouse, and for those who are married. You have also said that You were “always at work to make us both willing and able to do that which you have called us to do”.  For this reason we thank you for enabling us to be the best spouses and potential spouses that we can be in You.  Father, you have told us what love is and so we ask that you would help us to recognize and to be love.  We know that loves helps to hold relationships together. Help us to be patient and kind.  Keep us from envy and boasting. Please don’t allow us to be arrogant or rude or self absorbed.  Help us not to be irritable or resentful and please keep us from rejoicing in things that are wrong.  You have reminded us that love never fails, and that means it always forgives.  Help us to be forgiving just as you are oh God. 

  Lord, please bless our relationships and keep the enemy of the people of God from destroying what you have joined together.  Thank you Father, in Jesus name. Amen.