Lord, I find it hard to bear this "gift received from You" that is my spouse.

He was my friend, my beloved.

Today, he (she) is like my best enemy.

It's not exactly war, but it's not peace either.

He (she) is always there at close range, in the living room, at the table, in bed.

His (her) attitudes, tics and words reveal for the thousandth time how much he (she) annoys me.

He (she) doesn't understand that what he (she) finds insignificant exasperates me. How can I tell him (her)? You can, Lord, You who dwell in his (her) heart.

Soothe mine too, for I long for the situation to change. Show me how much responsibility I bear for my difficulties in loving my partner. What if, by knowing how to overcome the bitterness in my heart, my love for him were to grow and strengthen? Knowing my partner's expectations is necessary if we are to remain united by the bond of marriage.

I need to look at him with trust rather than mistrust, with forgiveness rather than suspicion, with faith rather than confusion.

Change my heart and that of my partner, so that we may taste the happiness You have promised us.

Transform my heart so that I may welcome him back.

Come and bless my partner.

Amen. Glory be to God".