THE COUPLE THAT PRAYS TOGETHER STAYS TOGETHER. Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R.
February 10th – 16th Christ makes us his disciples
‘Jesus said to Simon: “Do not be afraid; from now on it is people you will catch.” Then, bringing their boats back to land, they left everything and followed him.’ The image that Jesus uses has a very special relevance for those he was talking to. They were fishermen. But it continues to be relevant for us today because it simply means that our task is to make Christ attractive to and available for the people of our world. This is done first of all in our homes where the faith is handed on by parents in the ways they make their home a place of joy and gladness. This involves giving up their time and their own preoccupations for the sake of each other and their children. It also determines how a faith community is developed. The most important thing about any faith community should be that it is attractive for others. This will mean giving up our own comfort zones so that others can find a home among us.
Morning Prayer, when together
Lord, our God,
in our marriage help us to love you with all our hearts
and to love all people as you love them.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
During the day, when apart
Lord be pleased with the gift we make of our married love.
Make our sacrament a source of our salvation
and of the salvation of our world.
We ask this through Christ Our Lord.
Evening/Night Prayer together
Lord, you invigorate us in our marriage
by the love you show in our lives.
Give the true faith continued growth
throughout the world.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Questions for Action for the week
For your marriage: Is there anything you need forgiveness for from your wife/husband in the way you live out your married love? Do that this week.
For others: Is there anything you need forgiveness for from someone close to you?
www.continuousprayer.net
Couple Prayer: How to use it
- See it as a little weekly programme for living and growing your marriage
- On Friday evening or Saturday, take a half hour or so to talk together about your marriage in the light of the Scripture reflection. This is always taken from the Sunday Mass, so it is also a couple preparation for this celebration of the Eucharist.
- During this half hour spend some time answering the two questions at the bottom of the sheet, firstly by writing your own personal response to them and then, as appropriate, sharing your answers with each other
- From Sunday to Saturday pray the short prayer for your marriage, Morning and Evening when together, and during the day when you are on your own. These prayers are based on the prayers that are special to each Sunday Mass
- If possible, meet occasionally with other married couples to share your reflections and to support one another
Consider the following statistics as quoted in For Better & For Ever p.130 by Fr. Robert A. Ruhnke, C.Ss.R.
- The current divorce rate in the U.S. is about 50%
- Of those couples who worship together each Sunday, the divorce rate is 3.3%
- Of those couples who also pray regularly together in their home, the divorce rate is 0.3%
This is well worth thinking about!