Father, we pray for those of us who are in a marriage relationship, that You would strengthen our marital bond and increase our love and commitment year by year. Help us to be quick to forgive, willing to say, “I’m sorry” and look not only to our own interests but also to the interests of our partner. Help us to practice forbearance and persevere daily as we build healthy relationships with our spouses. In this world of instability with frequent divorces and broken families may our children and those who look on see us keeping our vows in the good times as well as the bad. We can do this in the power and strength of the Holy Spirit through our Lord Jesus Christ in whose name we pray. Amen.