Almighty and Gracious God! Thou who Thyself hast instituted the holy
state of matrimony, and by the first miracle of Thy dear Son, Jesus
Christ, hast honored and adorned it as a state pleasing in Thy sight, in
which state also many sainted patriarchs and prophets have led a godly
life unto Thy good pleasure; and since Thou hast also helped me to enter
holy matrimony and hast placed me at the head of my household, and as
Thou art pleased with these three things, namely, when brethren dwell
together in unity, when neighbors love each other, and when husband and
wife dwell together in love and purity; I would therefore pray Thee with
all my heart, to grant unto me, that I may, in Christian love and harmony
and with reasonableness, live with my wife, giving honor unto her, as
unto the weaker vessel and as also being heir of the grace of life, and
that I may advise her, with the children and servants, into Thy knowledge
and Divine honor in all chastity and decency. Unto this end, do Thou
bestow Thy grace, that they may observe my instructions in that which is
good and which leads to all godliness, and that they may cheerfully abide
in them. Do Thou restrain satan, that he may not cause discord and strife
between us, and if we should, out of weakness, be at variance at any
time, do Thou help, that we may soon become reconciled again. Do Thou
give me grace, that I may not lust after another spouse or woman, or look
upon her with an evil eye to desire her. Protect me, my wife, my children
and servants against sickness, according to Thy divine will. Grant unto
me, Thy servant, that I may diligently attend to my calling, eating my
daily bread in the sweat of my brow, and that I may not grow impatient,
whenever my task becomes bitter, for thus Thou hast instituted it. Do
Thou prosper and bless my substance, that it may increase without injury
or disadvantage to others. Give me pious and faithful servants. Preserve
unto me my house and home, and all that Thou hast bestowed upon me. Help
us to bear the cross in our calling with patience, and after this life
gather us together with all Thy saints in Thy kingdom above. Amen.