We pray for every teenager, lonely or in love; may they live well through the heartache and heartbreak of their youth, and grow to be kind, caring, open-hearted adults, capable of strong friendships and lifelong commitment. 
 
We pray for hope-filled couples intending soon to marry; may they negotiate well the anxiety and stresses of preparation, and may they thoroughly enjoy their exhilarating happy day, and go on to build a truly fulfilled life together.
 
We pray for every married couple, for the blissful and the bored; may they find new recipes to add fresh spice to their lives together, and may they be blessed with every blessing of earth and heaven.
 
We pray for those facing hard times; for the financially stretched – the unemployed, and the under-employed; for over-busy husbands and wives struggling to find time to be together; for those saddened by baby-loss; for those troubled by fractious toddlers, or tormented by feckless teenagers, may they find comfort, strength and hope through your kindness.
 
We pray for those suffering ill health, for partners who have become carers, for providers who now feel powerless, for those experiencing mental illness, or who have faced debilitating injury; may your grace be sufficient and your love without measure.
 
We pray for those who feel trapped in unhappy relationships – for the lonely, the unloved, the betrayed, and the broken. We remember especially those who have suffered abuse; may forgiveness and healing come to hurting homes. And give courage to find a way of escape to those for whom there is no other healthy option.
 
We pray for those who were once with a partner, but through bereavement, divorce, or the breakdown of a relationship, are now treading a lonely path; may they walk through every emotion – sadness, anger, guilt, relief, or bitter regret – and discover new purpose, in order to embrace the future with hope-filled expectation. We pray especially for those left to raise children alone; may they find great strength in you.
 
We pray for those who long to be married, but, for whatever reason, are not. May hopes be fulfilled, and may dreams come to pass; and, in the meantime, may they excel at being single; though sometimes alone, may they never be lonely, and may they find satisfaction in meaningful work, joyful independence, and fantastic friendships. 
 
We pray for couples who are in long-term relationships, but, perhaps because of past hurts or misgivings, have never quite got around to getting married; may they walk the future with courage and wisdom. 
 
Finally, may we each find a place of intimate embrace within the family of God.

Amen. 

Chris Denne