O God, by your power you have made everything
out of nothing.
In the beginning you created the universe
and made us in your own likeness.
You gave man the constant help of woman
so that man and woman should no longer be two,
but one flesh, and you teach us that what you have
united may never be divided.
Lord Jesus, look with love upon us
in our life together as husband and wife.
We ask your blessing to live with each other
in peace and harmony.
May we always bear with one another’s weaknesses
and grow from each other’s strengths.

Help us to forgive one another’s failings
and grant us patience, kindness, cheerfulness
and the spirit of placing the wellbeing
of one another ahead of self.
May the love that brought us together grow
and mature with each passing year.
Bring us both ever closer to you
through our love for each other.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

(For the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time)