“Love is patient, love is kind, it is not jealous; love does not brag, it is not arrogant. It does not act disgracefully, it does not seek its own benefit; it is not provoked, does not keep an account of a wrong suffered, it does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; it keeps every confidence, it believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Reflection
February is often called the month of ‘love’, and with Valentine’s Day at its center, it’s a time when the world focuses on romance. But as followers of Christ, we know that love is more than just feelings, flowers, cards, and chocolate—it’s a covenant, a commitment, and a reflection of God’s love for us. Whether we are married, preparing for marriage, or praying for the marriages around us, this Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to pray in HOPE for love that is rooted and grounded in Jesus.
Our goal this month is to pray intentionally and effectively for families. This week, we are lifting up our spouses, future spouses, and those in our lives who are married or are getting married soon. We are pouring out to the God of HOPE, believing by faith that He is able to renew, lead, provide, and sustain our marriages in a way that reflects 1 Corinthians 13:4-7—a love that is patient, kind, selfless, and enduring.
Before we can really pray for our spouses, we must first ask God to shape us. We ask Him to reveal where we need to grow—where we need to love more selflessly, forgive more quickly, and serve more joyfully. After we ask God to transform our own hearts, we can then pray for them. We can pray for their relationship with Him, their peace, their strength, and their joy—not generically, but uniquely. We can ask the Lord to guide their steps, to guard their hearts, and to fill them with the wisdom and love they need each day.
For those preparing for marriage, we can pray that God would prepare their hearts, refine their character, and bless them with a relationship built on Christ-centered love. We can pray that their love would not be based on fleeting emotions but on God’s perfect design for marriage—a covenant of faithfulness, sacrifice, and unity.
For those struggling in marriage, we can pray for healing and restoration. We can pray that bitterness would be replaced with grace, and that forgiveness would take the place of resentment. We can pray that God’s love would be the foundation—a love that is not self-seeking but is willing to endure and fight for the covenant made before Him.
While Valentine’s Day is filled with grand gestures and romantic words, true love is found in the quiet, everyday choices to love as Jesus loves us. It’s in the moments of patience, in the sacrifices made, in the forgiveness given, and in the prayers whispered over our marriages. Praying for marriage is about more than just asking for blessings—it’s about stepping into the spiritual battle for our hearts, our homes, and our futures. It’s about aligning ourselves with God’s plan and trusting that He who designed marriage is faithful to sustain it.
Pray with me now.
Lord, thank You for Your gift of love and marriage. Thank You for designing it to be a reflection of Your love for Your Church. On this Valentine’s Day, we lift up marriages—our own, those of our friends and family, and those who are preparing for this covenant. Where there is joy, let it increase. Where there is strife and hurt, bring healing. Where there is division, restore unity. And for those who are waiting, remind them that You are writing their love story in Your perfect time. Teach us all to love as You love—with patience, kindness, humility, and faithfulness. Let our marriages be a light that points the world back to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Rejoicing in Hope,
Dion Elmore
Vice President
