Last in creation, first in intention

 Lord God in heaven, many on Earth say “last in creation is first in intention.” By this, we mean that we stop creating when we’ve made what we originally set out to make.

When we look to the creation narrative in Genesis, we see God made Adam on the sixth day...the last day. But, you weren’t done yet...you created Eve from Adam’s rib - bone of his bone, flesh of his flesh, - equal to him in all ways that the rest of creation was beneath him. When they became man and wife, you commanded them, “be fruitful and multiply.”

In this action Lord, the creation narrative ends. What was the last thing you created? Adam? No...Eve? Not quite. The last thing you created was marriage.

Lord, since the last thing you created was marriage, help our marriages to last. Let those of us who are married in your eyes fulfill the vision you had as your final intention.

As the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit exist in perfect love, peace, and harmony, let our imperfect selves mirror your divine Union. Let us love each other as you taught us to ... not only willing to die for each other, but willing to live for each other. May your Grace guide us as we strive to actively will the good of our spouse, as our Savior did throughout his ministry here on Earth.

This world is full of things that seek to tear our union asunder: anger, pornography, adultery, financial strife, drugs, etc. Give us the strength to resist these temptations; and should we slip into vice, give us the humility to acknowledge our failure, and our partners the strength to forgive. Let us rest in the comfort that you have joined us together, so our union, however frayed by our actions, will not be torn.

We ask this in the name of Jesus our Lord, amen.