Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. James 1:19

“Oh Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek…to be understood as to understand.” ~ St. Francis of Assisi

This month we are praying for marriages, specifically in the area of communication. Today we will pray that God would teach us to LISTEN.

Father,

Teach me to listen to what my partner is saying. Help me to silence my own words which are often pushing themselves to the front of the line of the conversation – wanting to be the first to explain as well as the one to get in the last word. Please help me to value my spouse’s point of view and not just my own.

Teach me to listen to what my partner is not saying. Help me to appreciate the subtly of his/her ways. Help me to make an art of understanding the one that you have given me, to appreciate him/her and to listen with my heart.

Above all, help me to listen to what You are saying, Your still, small voice of wisdom so that we can present to you, to each other, and to the world, a covenant that is strong, able to withstand struggles and trials, and able to offer something worthwhile to this world: a marriage that gives joy as God intended.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.