For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. Eph 2:14-17 ESV
Most gracious Jesus, we come to your throne of grace today, humbly, because you are God, but also boldly, because you’ve made us your beloved people. Our guilt is gone, because of your work on the cross for us. Our quest for righteousness is over, for your righteousness is now counted as ours. And one by one, our fears are being driven far away from us, as your love continues to fill our hearts. It’s enough to make us want to dance before you. But today, instead of dancing we come with heavy hearts and bold requests.
Jesus, we bring struggling married friends before you today, who, apart from a great work of your Spirit, seem destined for divorce. We certainly don’t come with condescending attitudes, for we know marriage is the most demanding of all relationships. And we don’t come claiming to know or understand all the issues in each of these fractured relationships.
We simply implore you, Jesus, for your name’s sake and glory, come near to our friends; preach peace to their hearts; destroy the hostilities which have sabotaged their marriages. Make peace and bring reconciliation. Nothing else has worked so far. All the counseling—the marriage retreats, the time spent in late night conversations, listening and pleading. We have no other resources but you—the God who raises the dead.
Please, Jesus, as a demonstration of the beauty of the gospel; for the welfare of the children; for the encouragement of other marriages in our churches; for the spreading of your fame in our larger community, intervene in these marriages. You have come to set captives free; free these spouses from unbelief, pride, and willfulness. You have come as a great healer; bring undeniable healing to the wounds in these marriages. Broken vows, broken trust, broken hearts—no one is sufficient for these things but you, Jesus.
We will wait upon you, Jesus, and continue to be present and committed to our friends. But do what you alone can do, we humbly and boldly ask in your powerful name.
