Come, my lover, let us go to the countryside, let us spend the night in the villages. Songs of Songs 7:11
Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. John 15:4
Comment
I was talking recently with someone who went on a marriage enrichment weekend almost two years ago. He admitted that he’d forgotten a lot of what was said but that he and his wife had remembered and acted on two things:
- They needed to protect one evening a week to invest in their relationship, which they had done successfully.
- It would be good to pray together regularly, which was proving more of a struggle.
There may be more layers of meaning in the Songs of Songs verse above than first apparent – but they definitely wanted to spend time together. Our relationship with each other and together with God will grow as we invest quality rather than ’left over’ time.
Prayer (as a couple)
Father, thank you for all the things of significance that you have called us to be part of. We know how easy it is for busyness to crowd out what’s important. We want to enjoy intimacy with you and with each other. Please help us. Amen
Prayer (for others)
Father, we pray for ___ and ___. We see the stress and urgency apparent in their life. Please help them if they need to agree before you a re-ordering of their priorities. Amen
Final Quote
‘ … His banner over me is love.’ Songs of Songs 2:4
