_________________________ DAY 17 – MARRIAGE_________________________

Each one of you must also love his wife as he loves himself,and the wife must respect her husband.

Ephesians 5:33

Today we pray for attendees: Hadassah, Amy, Jen, and Kathryn

Father God, cause each of these women to honor their marriage and remain faithful to their husbands in every way. Help them to love one another as You love them so that their relationship will point others to You. Holy One, we also ask that You protect each woman from every kind of impurity. Enable them to resist the compromises that may be present in the surrounding culture. Holy Spirit, if any of the ladies are experiencing the unexpected journey of walking through the valley of their husband’s sexual brokenness, and are living with feelings of distrust, shame, fear, anger, betrayal, and grief, please guide them to the path of healing and healthy sexuality. Grant them courage to share their pain with the counselors who are onsite to listen and be a safe place for the ladies to unload and share their burdens during this retreat.

Lord, we ask that You give the couples in ministry energy, desire, unity, and intentionality to continue to invest in the growth of their marriage. Help them combat subtle isolation. Let creativity along with intentionality abound when childcare is not available. Provide someone with whom they can share their journey, someone who can be an encourager who will hold them accountable.

Since the discovery of oil in the United Arab Emirates more than 30 years ago, the UAE has undergone a profound transformation from an impoverished region of small desert principalities to a modern state with a high standard of living. Like its neighbors, this Persian Gulf country is Muslim-ruled and is quite restricted in regards to nationals. However, there are large expatriate communities where outreach is permitted and there has been a response. Father, we pray and ask for protection for those who carry the “good news” in this oil-rich but Spirit-poor nation.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

©2016 Thrive.