How can Proverbs 5:18 guide your prayers for your marriage? “May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.” Setting the Verse in Context Proverbs 5 warns against adultery and highlights the joy of marital faithfulness. “Fountain” pictures the life-giving, intimate bond between husband and wife (cf. Songs 4:12). The verse moves from blessing (“may your fountain be blessed”) to delight (“may you rejoice”), giving two clear tracks for prayer. Key Truths to Shape Your Prayers • God Himself is the giver of marital blessing; ask Him, not culture, to define and protect that blessing. • Marital intimacy is good and sacred; pray with gratitude, not embarrassment (Genesis 2:25). • Joy in a spouse is commanded, not optional; seek it intentionally (Ecclesiastes 9:9). • Lifelong faithfulness is assumed; pray for “the wife of your youth” whether newlywed or decades married (Malachi 2:15). Praying for a Blessed Fountain When Scripture speaks of a “blessed fountain,” it points to: 1. Spiritual vitality – that your union flows from shared devotion to Christ (Ephesians 5:25-27). 2. Emotional refreshment – that conversations, laughter, and comfort continually spring up (Proverbs 18:22). 3. Physical purity – that intimacy remains exclusive, satisfying, and undefiled (Hebrews 13:4). Pray along these lines: • “Lord, cause our marriage to overflow with Your Spirit’s life.” • “Shield us from any influence that would pollute our fountain—lust, bitterness, complacency.” • “Make our private moments honor You and deepen our bond.” Praying to Rejoice in Your Spouse To “rejoice” is to delight, celebrate, and actively cherish. Pray for: • A refreshed heart – “Restore to me the joy of my salvation” (Psalm 51:12) and the joy of this covenant. • Eyes to notice – thank God for specific qualities in your spouse each day. • Words that build – ask for speech seasoned with grace (Colossians 4:6), steering conversations toward encouragement. • Shared memories – invite God to create new moments of rejoicing through dates, service projects, worship, and laughter. Additional Scriptures to Reinforce Your Petition • Genesis 2:24 – unity as “one flesh” established by God. • Ephesians 5:28 – loving your spouse as your own body brings blessing. • 1 Peter 3:7 – treating your wife with honor so prayers are not hindered. • Songs 8:7 – “Many waters cannot quench love,” underscoring the endurance you’re praying for. Practical Takeaways for Daily Intercession • Begin the day by blessing your spouse aloud or in quiet prayer. • Memorize Proverbs 5:18 together; quote it when tempted to complain or withdraw. • End the day with a brief “rejoice list” of three things you appreciated in your spouse. • Fast occasionally from media that cheapens intimacy; use that time to pray this verse. • Celebrate anniversaries and ordinary Tuesdays alike, thanking God for a fountain still flowing. By keeping Proverbs 5:18 before the Lord, you invite Him to guard the purity of your marriage and to kindle fresh joy that never runs dry. |
    |