Dear Lord, you give us such a gift when marriage goes according to your plan. Our lives bless each other. But our marriages can become such a source of pain and hurt. For the couple where both are in agony because the hurts are deep and have become patterned, we pray your special presence and protection. Give them the courage to withstand making the conflict worse. Keep them from the temptation to let the tongue set a whole forest ablaze like in says in James. Instead Lord, please fan into a warm flame the pleasant memories they share about the beginning of their relationship. Give them assurance of brighter days ahead so that they will have the support to look at the deeper causes beneath the conflict. Please, dear Lord, grant your tender mercy and love to bring healing in the deep hurt places, so that they can live together as husband and wife according to your plan, a relationship, a love, that gives life rather than diminishes it.
Dear Lord, we lift this one who is struggling into the light of your love. Please dissolve the pull that is so strong. Please break his isolation and restore him again to freedom in your presence. Be protection and comfort, at the same time. Bring clear guidance so that he can be led out of despair into life again. Send angels of mercy to break the grip of the isolation and withdrawal. Give him courage to reach out. Break open the way Lord God; bring deliverance. May he know enough of your love to allow the suppressed emotions to flow and find peace. Amen.
