Luke 6:27-29 (NIV) “But I tell you who hear Me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Jesus, if I am married to an abusive spouse, help me see that I am not stuck with cheeks that are beat up. Show me that You are just telling me to not resist them. But, You are also telling me to not let them have the last word. Teach me how to overcome their evil with one last gift before I leave and go somewhere else.

Rom 12:21 (NIV) Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Jesus, make it clear to me that You aren’t talking about me staying in an abusive marriage relationship; You are talking about me ACCIDENTLY running into an evil person. Help me fully understand that I have the right to get away from an abusive spouse and live somewhere else. But, while I am living somewhere else, help me pray for those who mistreat me. Help me see that while I am living somewhere else, let me not be overcome by evil. Empower me to NOT stay in a situation and be overcome by evil; but, empower me to overcome evil with good. From a safe distance, help me do as many good things for an abusive spouse as I can.

Eph 4:15 (NIV) Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Him Who is the Head, that is, Christ. Jesus, even though I am not in an abusive situation, I and my spouse must not conduct ourselves unfairly. While speaking the truth IN LOVE, we are both responsible for holding each other to a higher standard. But, that can easily turn into arguments, fault-finding, hurt feelings, and both of us creating unfair situations. I can see that we will need guidance on how to properly use Your provisions and training.

Jesus, teach and empower me with great concepts of wisdom that will help me and my spouse start building a wonderful relationship. As I skillfully (through Your help and training) apply Biblical principles to the relationship, we will NOT sacrifice ourself or our spouse. Sometimes, if You have me do things my partner may not LIKE but will NEED, help me do it in love. Other times If You have me doing things I don’t LIKE but NEED to be doing, help me do that in love. Let Jesus-ideas pop into my head that will be perfect for the situation. Let there be miracles that start happening in the circumstances and character of me and my partner.

Jesus, help me be willing to read and study God’s Word so You will be willing to bless me with special help, power, wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. Teach me things I need to learn so those concepts can help my marriage grow into a relationship that is far better that I ever imagined.

Jesus, help me see that some marriage partners see their spouse become a student of the things of God and respond to them in a very positive and accepting manner. Others take a long time; while others never make the change. It would be wonderful if my spouse would join me in following the principles of God. But, make it clear to me that the important thing for me to keep in mind is, how much You are helping me. No matter what my partner decides to do, help me still reach out for all the blessings, miracles, and transformation You will provide me.

Jesus, if I decide to not pursue these studies because my spouse refuses to do the same, it is true that I will definitely punish and hurt them; but, help me keep in mind that it will also hurt me. Show me that I am on the brink of the most powerful and wonderful set of life-concepts available in all the world. Even if my spouse never changes or gains any benefits from these studies, help me always be aware that I will be incredibly blessed by Your principles.

Jesus, show me what to do as I go through each phase of my relationship with my spouse. Rather than me trying to base my decisions on advice from friends, magazines, TV programs, and books by people who really don’t have a clue as to what marriage is all about, let me be guided by You, the Creator of the universe. You created mankind and You invented marriage. You are the only One Who can make my life the very best it can possibly be no matter what happens in my life.