Compassion in MarriageExemplo

When two people live as closely together as the marriage relationship entails, a natural crisscrossing of emotional needs occurs. When one spouse struggles, the other may feel and reflect that struggle internally. When one spouse lacks energy, the other may pick up on that and take it upon themselves. We aren’t always aware of the causes and effects that run through the gamut of our marital emotional cadence. But practicing an intention of compassionate mindfulness will heighten this awareness and create an increase in mutual care.

In the busy state in which our lives often reside, intentional awareness toward our internal fluctuations takes practice. It also takes prayer. It requires thinking outside of our own egos and beyond the next activity on our list. But it is possible when you commit yourselves to cherishing your spouse more greatly through the gift of compassion.

Use this guided prayer as a catalyst for your own prayer in seeking greater compassion and gentleness in your marriage, or feel free to pray it in its entirety.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, You ask us to let our gentleness and compassion be evident to all because You are near (Philippians 4:5). That tells me You enjoy environments where compassion is the dominant atmosphere because it reflects Your nature. 

I praise and honor You for having such a gentle Spirit in the face of so much rebellion, disobedience, and distraction by those You have created. You ask us to do the same. Colossians 3:12 says, ‘Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.’ 

I pray that I will clothe myself in such a way that I reflect You to my spouse, and always help me to respond to my spouse with a gentle answer because that turns away frustration, but a harsh response stirs up anger (Proverbs 15:1).

Related Resource: There is hope for all marriages & the door to that hope is prayer. Bruce Wilkinson and Heather Hair have partnered together to join you on your prayer journey, offering guided prayers, meditative principles and a pattern for ongoing prayer. Impact your marriage, one prayer at a time, with "Prayers of Blessing Over Your Husband." 

You can also find daily prayer posts on IG: @capandbuttercup