February 7-14, 2022 is
National Marriage Week and February 13, 2022 is World Marriage Day. In celebration of these events, we are led to take a look at the sanctity of marriage and the ways through which we can support married couples. I would like to share with you an article entitled
“How to Pray with Your Spouse: Four Simple Steps” written by Chris Stravitsch. He patterns these steps from the four parts of the mass which are the Introductory Rite, the Liturgy of the Word, the Liturgy of the Eucharist, and the Concluding Rite.
Step One: Reconcile and Rejoice. As in the Introductory Rite where “the Church comes together, makes the Sign of the Cross, and asks God for forgiveness,” married couples are invited to pray together and reconcile. After the Sign of the Cross, “talk about how you might have hurt each other during the week. Then apologize and offer forgiveness. Once you have reconciled, rejoice by offering a short prayer of thanksgiving to God.”
Step Two: Discover God Together. As in the Liturgy of the Word where God speaks to us through the readings, and we listen to Him with all our hearts, married couples are invited to discover God together. “For example, you could read the Bible and talk about the passage. If you don’t know where to begin in the Bible then a good option is to read the Gospel passage that will be proclaimed at the next Sunday Mass.
Another way to approach God together can simply involve talking about what is on your hearts and minds. What are you thankful for this week? What challenges are creeping up in your life? What do you need from each other and from God? Answer these questions honestly and then offer prayers of petition to God. Remember to give thanks as you see God faithfully answering your prayers.”
Step Three: Share Your Love. As in the Liturgy of the Eucharist where Jesus gives himself to us, married couples are invited to deepen prayer and intimacy by sharing their love for each other. “Sharing your love in the context of prayer may include a kiss, resting in each other’s arms, caring for an ill spouse, giving words of affirmation, or any other meaningful way you communicate your love. Again, have a thankful heart as your intimacy is deepened in the presence of God.”
Step Four: Serve Each Other. Finally, as in the Concluding Rite where we are sent to go and glorify the Lord by our lives, married couples are invited to serve the Lord in each other. “Prayer and intimacy never end! Let your service and intimacy live on throughout every day, as you go about cooking, cleaning, listening, working, and so on. The fruit that will come from your prayer routine will bless your marriage, deepen your love for God and each other, and allow you to reflect the love relationship between Christ and his beloved spouse, the Church.”
For the full article and more resources, you can visit usccb.org