Battle Prayer for Married Couples

[Below followed a morning where virtually every interaction revealed that good marriages are under attack. Below originated as a Facebook post, a prompting in the Holy Spirit. The response was immediate and overwhelming. So I'm sharing it, inviting you to join in the prayer.]

There are a good number of married couples under attack right now. Of course they are. They have the audacity to live their call, to make God who is Love known. The Enemy doesn't like that. He hates Love. He hates God. He hates us. He whispers lies. He twists. He preys upon weakness.

We fight against "principalities and powers in the heavenly realms." (Eph. 6:12) We have been "clothed with power from on high." (Luke 24:49) In Jesus Christ we are "more than conquerers." (Rom. 8:37)

In the name of Jesus Christ, right now we renounce selfishness. We renounce pride. We renounce pettiness. We renounce lust. We renounce bitterness and contempt. We renounce jealousy. We renounce sarcasm. We renounce condescension. We renounce gossip. We renounce rudeness. We renounce unkindness. We renounce every vile spirit contrary to Love!

In the name of Jesus Christ we pray for couples to awaken to this new moment (Eph. 5:14).

We pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. An outpouring of real empathy. An outpouring of hope. An outpouring of selflessness. An outpouring of mercy. An outpouring of forgiveness. An outpouring of repentance. An outpouring of joy. An outpouring kindness. An outpouring of healing. An outpouring of Love.

Married couples, His Power is here right now for you to receive. You are not alone! God has destined you for greatness. Our world needs your witness of Christ-conquering love! Whatever pain you are experiencing are His hands molding you. Seek supportive, loving, challenging community! Rely not upon yourselves! Look to Him. Fall upon Him. Lay your cares upon Him. You have sacramental grace. Believe it. Claim it. Live it.

And after this, get up... go and strengthen others! (Luke 22:32) Let's do this!