Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of love. Plough up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the LORD, that he may come and shower righteousness upon you. Hosea 10:12
Comment
Spring is for sowing into prepared ground. If the ground is cold seeds won’t germinate; if hard they cannot put down roots; if dry the seeds stay in the dormant stage. If my heart is cold, any seeds of hope and love my husband plants, will not even germinate. If my heart’s hard, his mercy and generosity will not readily take root and thrive there. If I am dry spiritually, any new growth will be stunted. How can I soften the hard ground? By repentance and forgiveness. Easter is coming – can we use lent to work on the garden of our hearts?
Prayer (as a couple)
Father God, Please send your Holy Spirit to help us both to notice where our hearts are hard or cold or dry. Please help us be willing to reflect, take action and forgive each other. Holy Spirit help us to notice our partner’s loving actions and words so that we can nurture and enjoy the garden which is our marriage. Thankyou so much for our marriage. Help us not to take it for granted. Amen
Prayer (for others)
Lord we pray for the many marriages in our church and amongst our close friends. We pray that you will use us to encourage them and help them grow strong and beautiful. Lord, show us how we can help those who can only see weeds and rubbish in their “garden” at the moment. Help us to take courage and offer genuine help not platitudes. Amen.
Final Quote
Praising God. It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning, your faithfulness in the evening. Psalm 92 v 2
