Let’s look again at how Jesus loved His disciples and how you should love your wife. He never stopped loving them. The Bible tells us that Jesus ‘had loved His disciples during His ministry on earth… and now He loved them to the very end.’ Do you remember the marriage vows you took? ‘For better, for worse…for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death us do part’?

If the magic has left your marriage and you feel like you’ve fallen out of love with your mate, pray: ‘Father, my love for my spouse is at an all-time low. I know Your Word says unfailing love is patient, kind, humble, not rude, not self-seeking, not easily angered, and keeps no record of wrongs (see 1 Corinthians 13:4–5). I confess that I’ve kept records of offences and had little patience with my mate’s shortcomings. Forgive me for my spiritual immaturity. I ask You to permeate my heart and love my spouse through me. Help me to let go of resentment and make our marriage a model of how You loved the church and gave Yourself for it. Work in us, Lord, both to will and to do Your good pleasure (see Philippians 2:13). Heal and restore our relationship for Your glory. Guide us as we follow the pattern established in Your Word for regenerating and restoring lost love: remembering the things we used to do together, repenting of our failings, and rekindling the fire of love we had in the beginning (see Revelation 2:5). Only You can change a person’s heart, and I submit my heart and emotions to You now. “Turn me, and I will be turned, because You are the Lord my God.” (Jeremiah 31:18 GWT) In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.’