Ephesians 5:25-33
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to Himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church—for we are members of His body. “For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.”
Triune God, we come to You today in praise and worship for who You are, our heavenly Father, righteous Savior, ever-present Holy Spirit. How blessed we are to be able to come to You to pray for our Nation and its people. We present ourselves to You in prayer, with humility of spirit and submission to Your will. Our focus today is for the hearts and minds of husbands all over this land who are struggling spiritually, emotionally and physically. We pray that these men would recognize that their first priority is to fear the Lord and to love You more than anything or anyone else, including their wives and children. Many men are trying to figure out how to please the people in their lives and what God expects of them. You say, “Love the Lord Your God with all your heart, soul and mind and strength…” We ask that You remind husbands that You are their first love. but to also love their wives as You have instructed in Ephesians, “…just as Christ loved the church…” with a sacrificial love that reflects the love of Christ. We also pray that husbands all across this country would be strong and courageous, with a commitment to being the spiritual leader in the home, to initiate the reading of scripture, instructing in godly precepts, and leading in prayer. May they guide with humility and model servant leadership to the next generation. We ask that each husband be a provider, who has a plan for financial goals and is willing and able to give good direction—with the Holy Spirit’s leading—for the future. Embolden husbands everywhere to take a stand for Christ and exhibit godly character of honor and integrity. We pray that they keep themselves pure from the lust of the flesh, and to be faithful to their wives, forsaking all others. Guard their hearts from greed, jealously, and the love of money. We thank you for the institution of marriage and the vital role husbands play in the strengthening of families in America. We pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Joshua 24:15:
But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…but as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”
~ painting by Kim Kimmons
