Friday 18 August

Joshua 24:1-13; Psalm 136; Matthew 19:3-12

It’s not a man’s world!

In the tradition of Moses, divorce was the prerogative of the husband. He could dismiss a wife on any pretext whatever. In answering the Pharisees’ question, Jesus seeks to strengthen the principle that marriage is a partnership; that the wife is a person, not a piece of property. Today, pray for those preparing for marriage. May the love that draws them together hold them in mutual respect, and be a witness to God’s abiding love and presence in our world. May the Lord bless them and keep them.