Day 3 (Tuesday 10 August) - New Wine for Marriage!

by NECF Malaysia 40-Day Fast & Prayer

Marriage is a holy covenant before God and is constituted by Himself (Gen 2:24). The importance of marriage is demonstrated in John 2:1-11, when Jesus began His ministry by attending a wedding feast and performed His first miracle by turning water into wine. In the Jewish customs, the wedding feast probably lasts a week. When wine runs out during such a long feast, it could bring shame to the host.

Likewise in many marriages today, instead of turning our trials and pain in marriages into the sweetest joy through the years, many marriages have become insipid, sour and even bitter, while others are empty, dry and hopeless. Whatever the state, God is a covenant-keeping God who seeks to restore all marriages and relationships if we turn our hearts back to Him. Let us begin by renewing our covenant relationship with Him!

Reflection: John 2:1-11. For married couples, is there fresh 'wine' in your marriage or are you dried up in anger or bitterness? Confess and renounce. On behalf of the Church and nation, beseech the Lord for forgiveness for the broken faith in our relationship with Him, committing spiritual adultery by pursuing the things of the world.

Prayer Points

■ Couples to place God in the centre of their marriages, restoring their first love to Him and to each other so that joy and freshness will overflow. Couples to submit to each other and for open, transparent communication.

■ Plead for deliverance to set marriages free from destruction, divorce, deception, depression and disillusionment. Pray for release of forgiveness, healing and restoration in broken couples.

■ Pray against all assignments of the Enemy to break down marriages; for protection for all marriages. Pray for the marriages of your pastor, elder and leaders.

■ Protection for our youths against all perversion and distortion of marriages such as same-sex marriages, co-habitation and fornication. Pray for godly couples who
will be good role models to the younger generation.