“As the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you.” (Isa. 62:5); “Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come.” (Rev. 17:9)
Lord Jesus, thank you… that’s the best way to start this day and prayer. On May 5th, 1972, Darlene and I got married, and you have been so faithful to us over our first half-century. We were clueless about many things on our wedding day. Starting with the depth of our need, and continuing (hallelujah) with the riches of your grace, the daily-ness of your mercies, and the lavishness of your love.
Thank you for rescuing us from the foolish notion that if we married the “right person,” we’d always agree, always “get” each other, and would never hurt each other. If that was so, you would simply be an add on to our marriage, Jesus.
There’s a place in our hearts only you can fill. Only your love is better than life—only you can fill us up, make us whole, and set us free. We’re more married to you, Jesus, than to each other, and you are the only Spouse we will be married to forever—astonishing as it is.
By your work in our hearts, we now enjoy quicker repentances and less pettiness—more kindness, and less trying to change the other. We can weep together and for each other—be playful, prayerful, and hopeful.
Jesus, we’ve never been more grateful for the Gospel, and the privilege of partnering together in service of the Gospel. Until the day you call one or both of us Home, keep filling our hearts with your truth, goodness, and beauty. So Very Amen.