Prayer for Restoration of Intimacy in Marriage Affected by Screen Time

1. Prayer for Restoration of Intimacy in Marriage Affected by Screen Time

Matthew 19:4-6 (NIV)

“Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You acknowledging the sacred union You designed in marriage, where two become one flesh. We confess that the pervasive presence of screens has subtly chipped away at the intimacy You intended for our marital bond. Lord, we ask for Your divine intervention to restore the deep connection that digital distractions have diminished.

We recognize how easily our attention can be diverted by the endless allure of devices, leading to disconnected moments even when physically together. Forgive us, Lord, for prioritizing virtual worlds over the vibrant reality of our spouse’s presence and needs. Help us to consciously turn away from distractions and turn towards each other, echoing Jesus’s focus on genuine human connection.

We pray for a renewed commitment to our covenant, remembering that You, O God, are the one who joined us together. Soften our hearts to truly see, hear, and understand our spouse, just as Jesus saw beyond the surface of those He ministered to. Empower us to lay aside our phones, tablets, and televisions to truly be present with the one You have given us.

Inspire us, Holy Spirit, to create sacred spaces and times free from digital interference, allowing intimacy to flourish once more. Guide us to rediscover the joy and comfort of shared presence, conversation, and affection without the constant interruption of alerts. May our marriage reflect the beautiful unity that Christ demonstrates with His Church, undivided and devoted.

We ask for Your grace, Father, to rebuild what has been eroded, to strengthen our foundational unity, and to protect our marriage from future digital intrusions. In Jesus’s name, who perfectly modeled selfless love and relational priority, we pray. Amen.

Explanation:

Matthew 19:4-6 reiterates God’s original design for marriage, emphasizing the concept of “one flesh” and God’s role in joining a husband and wife together. It highlights the sanctity and permanence of the marital covenant, warning against any separation of what God has united. This foundational truth serves as a powerful reminder of the deep intimacy and unity intended for marriage.

This prayer acknowledges the challenge screen time poses to the “one flesh” union, leading to a diminished sense of presence and connection. It seeks God’s forgiveness for prioritizing devices and His help to intentionally turn towards the spouse, emulating Jesus’s relational focus. The prayer asks for a renewed commitment to the covenant, guidance to create distraction-free spaces, and strength to rebuild intimacy, ultimately aiming for a marriage that mirrors Christ’s devotion to His Church.

2. Prayer for Restoration of Intimacy in Marriage Affected by Screen Time

Ephesians 5:31-33 (NIV)

“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Prayer:

Merciful Father, Your Word teaches husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the Church, and wives to respect their husbands. We confess that screen time has often become a rival for the love and attention we owe each other, subtly eroding the respect and devotion in our marriage. We pray for Your Holy Spirit to rekindle the selfless love and profound respect that reflect Your divine design.

Lord Jesus, You exemplified sacrificial love by giving Yourself for the Church; help us to emulate that same dedication within our marriage. Forgive us for moments when our gaze has been fixed on a screen rather than on our beloved spouse, neglecting their emotional and spiritual needs. Grant us the wisdom to discern when our digital habits are stealing precious moments meant for nurturing our bond.

Empower us, God, to prioritize intentional acts of love and respect, making our spouse feel truly seen and valued above all digital entertainment. Help us to actively listen, to offer comfort, and to serve one another with the same humility You displayed, Jesus, when You washed Your disciples’ feet. May our daily choices reflect a profound commitment to our marital covenant.

Guide us to intentionally disconnect from devices at specific times, creating sacred space for undivided attention and heartfelt communication. We long to experience the deep, affirming love and respect that builds a resilient and joyful union, free from the silent intrusion of screens. Let our marriage be a living testament to Your glorious love, attracting others to Your truth.

We ask, Father, for Your strength to resist the constant pull of the digital world and to redirect our hearts fully towards our spouse. May Your love flow through us, transforming our interactions and restoring the intimacy You designed for us to share. In Your precious name, Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Explanation:

Ephesians 5:31-33 expands on the “one flesh” concept, directly linking the husband’s love for his wife to Christ’s love for the Church, and the wife’s respect for her husband. This passage elevates marital intimacy to a profound spiritual mystery, signifying the deep, sacrificial love and mutual esteem that should characterize the relationship, mirroring the ultimate union between Christ and His followers.

This prayer acknowledges how screen time can displace the priority of love and respect within a marriage. It seeks God’s forgiveness for this neglect and asks for the Holy Spirit to empower both spouses to emulate Jesus’s sacrificial love and humility in their interactions. The prayer specifically asks for strength to disconnect from devices, thereby prioritizing intentional time and attention to rebuild the deep intimacy, respect, and connection that reflect Christ’s relationship with His Church.

3. Prayer for Restoration of Intimacy in Marriage Affected by Screen Time

1 Corinthians 7:5 (NIV)

“Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Your Word instructs us not to deprive each other, highlighting the importance of mutual connection and devotion in marriage. We confess that the constant engagement with screens has often led to an unintentional deprivation, pulling our focus away from the needs and desires of our spouse. We pray for Your grace to prioritize our marital intimacy above all digital distractions.

Lord, we recognize how this subtle deprivation can create distance, fostering feelings of loneliness and isolation within our union. Forgive us for allowing entertainment and information to take precedence over the sacred call to cherish and connect with our beloved. Help us to be more aware of how our screen habits impact our spouse, just as Jesus was always sensitive to the needs of those around Him.

Empower us, Gracious God, to communicate openly about our needs and expectations regarding physical and emotional intimacy, free from the interference of devices. Guide us to mutually agree on intentional times for undivided presence, ensuring that our bond remains strong and our hearts are aligned. May our desire for each other outweigh the allure of any screen.

We pray for renewed self-control, enabling us to lay aside our devices and fully engage with our spouse in conversation, affection, and shared experiences. Protect our marriage from the temptations that can arise from emotional or physical deprivation, reinforcing our commitment to each other. May our union reflect the intimacy and unwavering commitment You desire for us.

Father, restore in us the joy of being fully present with one another, nurturing the deep connection that Your Word advocates. Help us to actively seek ways to serve, honor, and delight in our spouse, making our marriage a beacon of Your love. In Jesus’s mighty name, who taught us the importance of selfless love, we pray. Amen.

Explanation:

1 Corinthians 7:5 addresses the importance of consistent marital intimacy, specifically warning against depriving one another except for agreed-upon, temporary periods for spiritual devotion. The verse underscores that neglect in this area can open doors to temptation and weaken the marital bond, emphasizing the necessity of meeting each other’s needs to strengthen the relationship and resist external pressures.

This prayer extends the principle of not depriving one another to encompass the emotional and relational deprivation often caused by excessive screen time. It confesses how digital habits can lead to neglect and seeks God’s forgiveness. The prayer asks for greater awareness, self-control, and open communication to ensure that both physical and emotional intimacy are prioritized, thereby protecting the marriage from potential harm and fostering a deeper, more connected relationship, mirroring Jesus’s sensitivity to human needs.

4. Prayer for Restoration of Intimacy in Marriage Affected by Screen Time

Colossians 3:12-14 (NIV)

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

Prayer:

Almighty God, Your Word calls us to clothe ourselves with virtues like compassion, kindness, and patience, culminating in love that binds us in perfect unity. We confess that the silent presence of screens can often lead to a lack of empathy and understanding, creating distance and frustration within our marital relationship. We pray for Your Spirit to cultivate these divine attributes in us, especially when digital habits are a point of contention.

Lord Jesus, You exemplified perfect compassion and forgiveness, even towards those who wronged You; help us to extend that same grace to our spouse. Forgive us for times when we have allowed annoyance or resentment to fester because of screen-related distractions, instead of addressing issues with patience and kindness. Grant us the humility to admit our own contributions to the problem and seek reconciliation.

We ask for Your divine help to bear with each other through habits that may irritate, and to readily forgive any grievances stemming from perceived neglect due to screen time. Empower us to communicate our feelings with gentleness, seeking understanding rather than blame. Guide us to actively practice compassion, recognizing the needs and hurts that may underlie our spouse’s screen use or our own.

Inspire us, Holy Spirit, to intentionally put on love above all else, making it the guiding principle in our interactions and decisions regarding screen use. May this perfect bond of love compel us to prioritize our spouse’s well-being and the intimacy of our union above any digital engagement. Help us to find true unity by focusing on what truly matters, our relationship with You and each other.

Father, restore in us a spirit of unity and deep understanding, overcoming any division created by the digital world. May our marriage be a testament to Your transformative power, showcasing how love, compassion, and forgiveness can mend and strengthen broken connections. In the name of Jesus Christ, our ultimate example of love and unity, we pray. Amen.

Explanation:

Colossians 3:12-14 instructs believers to “clothe yourselves” with a set of virtues—compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness—with love as the overarching virtue that “binds them all together in perfect unity.” This passage is a blueprint for harmonious relationships, particularly within the family, emphasizing that cultivating these Christ-like qualities is essential for deep connection and resolving conflict.

This prayer acknowledges how screen time can strain marital unity, leading to frustration and a lack of these vital virtues. It seeks God’s forgiveness for failing to embody compassion and patience, and asks for the Holy Spirit’s guidance to practice forgiveness and understanding regarding screen-related grievances. By applying these virtues, the prayer aims to mend strained connections, foster open communication, and ultimately re-establish a loving unity in the marriage, reflecting Jesus’s perfect example of compassion and forgiveness.

5. Prayer for Restoration of Intimacy in Marriage Affected by Screen Time

Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV)

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

Prayer:

Gracious Father, Your Word calls us to humility, valuing others above ourselves, and looking to the interests of our spouse. We confess that the self-serving nature of endless scrolling and digital consumption often makes us forget this divine instruction, placing our own immediate gratification above our spouse’s need for connection. We pray for a profound shift in our perspective, moving from self-interest to selfless love.

Lord Jesus, Your life was the ultimate example of humility and self-sacrifice, always prioritizing the needs of others even unto death; help us to truly embody this spirit. Forgive us for the times our eyes have been glued to a screen, disregarding the subtle or overt bids for attention from our spouse. Grant us the discernment to recognize moments when our digital habits are undermining our marital bond.

Empower us, Holy Spirit, to consciously choose to value our spouse’s interests and presence above our own desire for digital entertainment or information. Guide us to actively seek opportunities to serve, to listen, and to engage with our beloved, putting their emotional and relational needs first. May we learn to lay aside our devices as an act of humble love and devotion.

Inspire us to be proactive in creating quality time together, free from the distractions that pull us into individual digital silos. We long for a marriage where each partner is genuinely attentive to the other, where companionship thrives because we mutually prioritize each other’s well-being. Let our union reflect the deep, selfless love Christ demonstrated for humanity.

Father, instill in us a spirit of true humility and a radical commitment to putting our spouse first in every interaction. May our conscious choices to disconnect from screens become tangible expressions of our love and a catalyst for restoring deep intimacy. In the name of Jesus Christ, our perfect example of selflessness, we pray. Amen.

Explanation:

Philippians 2:3-4 provides a foundational principle for Christian living: humility and selflessness. It urges believers to avoid selfish ambition, to value others more highly than themselves, and to look out for the interests of others rather than solely their own. This passage encourages a mindset of service and consideration, essential for fostering deep, healthy relationships, especially within a marriage.

This prayer directly addresses how screen time can manifest as selfish ambition, diverting attention from the spouse. It seeks God’s forgiveness for this self-focused behavior and asks for a transformative shift towards valuing the spouse’s interests above digital gratification. By invoking Jesus’s example of humility and self-sacrifice, the prayer aims to empower spouses to intentionally disconnect from devices and prioritize their partner’s need for presence and connection, thereby restoring a deeper, more selfless intimacy in the marriage.

6. Prayer for Restoration of Intimacy in Marriage Affected by Screen Time

James 1:19 (NIV)

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”

Prayer:

Gracious God, Your Word admonishes us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. We confess that the pervasive presence of screens often makes us slow to listen to our spouse, quick to distraction, and sometimes even quick to anger when interrupted. We pray for Your Holy Spirit to transform our communication patterns, fostering truly attentive presence.

Lord Jesus, You were the perfect listener, engaging deeply with individuals and understanding their unspoken needs; teach us to listen with Your heart. Forgive us for the many times our eyes have been on a device while our spouse was speaking, making them feel unheard or unimportant. Grant us the discipline to put away our screens when our partner is seeking our attention or sharing their heart.

Empower us, Loving Father, to cultivate a habit of genuine, undivided listening, not just hearing words but truly understanding the emotions and intentions behind them. Help us to be slow to react defensively or with frustration when issues arise, especially concerning screen time habits. Guide us to speak with kindness and clarity, fostering constructive dialogue rather than conflict.

Inspire us to create an environment where open and honest communication thrives, free from the constant buzzing and notifications of the digital world. We long for our conversations to be marked by attentiveness, empathy, and mutual respect, deepening our understanding of each other. May our interactions reflect the peace and wisdom that comes from Your presence, Lord.

Father, restore in us the art of presence, enabling us to truly connect with our spouse through meaningful conversation and attentive listening. Help us to overcome the silent barriers created by screens and to rebuild the intimacy that flourishes through genuine communication. In Jesus’s precious name, who always listened with perfect love, we pray. Amen.

Explanation:

James 1:19 offers a crucial principle for effective and harmonious communication: “quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” This verse highlights the importance of active listening, thoughtful responses, and emotional regulation in all interactions. It serves as a foundational guide for building understanding and preventing misunderstandings, particularly vital in intimate relationships like marriage.

This prayer directly addresses how screen time obstructs the “quick to listen” command, leading to spouses feeling unheard or neglected. It seeks God’s forgiveness for inattentiveness and asks for the Holy Spirit’s empowerment to cultivate genuine listening and thoughtful speech, as exemplified by Jesus. The prayer aims to restore clear, empathetic communication and emotional peace in the marriage by overcoming the distracting influence of digital devices, thereby deepening intimacy.

7. Prayer for Restoration of Intimacy in Marriage Affected by Screen Time

Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

Prayer:

Sovereign Lord, Your Word instructs us to guard our hearts above all else, for from it flows everything we do. We confess that the endless streams of content from screens can infiltrate our hearts, distracting us from our sacred marital bond and leading us away from Your intended intimacy. We pray for Your divine wisdom to diligently guard our hearts and protect our marriage.

Lord Jesus, You consistently guarded Your heart, focusing solely on Your Father’s will and prioritizing genuine relationships; teach us to follow Your example. Forgive us for allowing digital distractions to steal our focus, fill our minds, and dull our sensitivity to our spouse’s needs and affections. Grant us the discipline to filter what we consume and how much time we spend in digital realms.

Empower us, Holy Spirit, to establish boundaries around screen time that protect the sanctity and intimacy of our marital heart space. Help us to be discerning about the content we engage with, ensuring it does not diminish our love, respect, or desire for our spouse. Guide us to fill our hearts with gratitude, joy, and appreciation for our partner, fostering a fertile ground for true intimacy.

Inspire us to intentionally create a haven within our home and our relationship, free from the constant pull of the digital world. We long for our hearts to be fully available to each other, to share deeply, and to grow together without the interference of external noise. May our guarded hearts overflow with love, compassion, and unwavering devotion for our beloved.

Father, renew within us a fierce commitment to protect the sacred space of our marriage from all digital intrusion and worldly distractions. Help us to cultivate a heart singularly devoted to You and to our spouse, allowing genuine intimacy to flourish. In Jesus’s precious name, who guarded His heart for the glory of God, we pray. Amen.

Explanation:

Proverbs 4:23 is a profound admonition to “guard your heart above all else, for everything you do flows from it.” This verse emphasizes the critical importance of protecting one’s inner being—thoughts, emotions, desires—because these internal states dictate one’s actions, words, and overall life direction. It serves as a warning against allowing negative influences or distractions to take root in the heart.

This prayer directly applies the principle of guarding one’s heart to the challenge of screen time in marriage. It acknowledges how digital content can subtly invade and distract the heart, leading to neglected intimacy. The prayer seeks God’s forgiveness for this oversight and asks for the Holy Spirit’s empowerment to set boundaries, discern content, and prioritize the marital relationship, thereby fostering a heart space where love and genuine intimacy can flourish, much like Jesus guarded His heart for His Father’s will.

8. Prayer for Restoration of Intimacy in Marriage Affected by Screen Time

Song of Solomon 8:6-7 (NIV)

“Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If one were to give all the wealth of one’s house for love, it would be utterly scorned.”

Prayer:

Beautiful Creator, Your Word, through the Song of Solomon, reveals love as a powerful, unyielding force, strong as death and impossible to quench. We confess that the quiet intrusion of screens has sometimes allowed a subtle jealousy to creep in, as our spouse’s attention is drawn away, diminishing the fervent intimacy You designed. We pray for a powerful rekindling of the passionate, exclusive love that belongs to our marriage.

Lord Jesus, You displayed an unwavering, zealous love for Your disciples and for humanity, a love that no obstacle could overcome; inspire us with such devotion. Forgive us for allowing fleeting digital distractions to eclipse the profound beauty and value of our spouse’s presence and affection. Grant us the courage to confront anything that competes with the intensity of our marital bond.

Empower us, Holy Spirit, to prioritize our spouse’s heart above all external allure, placing them like a seal over our own hearts and minds. Guide us to actively express our love and desire for each other, recognizing the immense worth of our unique connection. May the burning flame of our love consume any digital barriers that stand between us, uniting us in deep intimacy.

Inspire us to dedicate intentional, uninterrupted time to one another, rediscovering the joy and passion that digital engagement has subtly eroded. We long for our love to be unquenchable by the “many waters” of distraction, a powerful testament to Your design for marital unity. Let our intimacy be a fortress against the world’s endless demands and temptations.

Father, fan into flame the embers of passion and devotion in our marriage, restoring the jealous love You intended to protect our sacred union. Help us to fight for our intimacy, recognizing its priceless value above all digital wealth. In the name of Jesus Christ, whose zealous love is eternally unyielding, we pray. Amen.

Explanation:

Song of Solomon 8:6-7 poetically describes the intense, unyielding, and exclusive nature of true love. It portrays love as a powerful force, “as strong as death,” with a “jealousy unyielding as the grave,” and a burning “blazing fire” that cannot be quenched by any worldly obstacle or wealth. This passage underscores the deep, passionate, and singular devotion meant for a committed relationship, particularly within marriage.

This prayer invokes the intense imagery of Song of Solomon, recognizing that screen time can subtly introduce a “jealousy” by diverting a spouse’s attention and diminishing the fervent love. It seeks God’s forgiveness for allowing such distractions and asks for the Holy Spirit to rekindle a passionate, exclusive love in the marriage. By committing to prioritize the spouse and intentionally dedicate undivided time, the prayer aims to restore the unquenchable intimacy that withstands digital intrusions, reflecting Jesus’s unwavering devotion.

9. Prayer for Restoration of Intimacy in Marriage Affected by Screen Time

Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV)

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Your Word encourages us to throw off everything that hinders us and the sin that so easily entangles, running the race of faith with perseverance. We confess that excessive screen time has become a significant weight and entanglement in our marriage, hindering our journey towards deeper intimacy and mutual devotion. We pray for Your strength to shed this burden.

Lord Jesus, You laid aside Your divine glory and endured the cross, fixing Your eyes on the joy set before You; teach us to lay aside our digital distractions with similar resolve. Forgive us for allowing the allure of endless content to become a weight that slows our connection and entangles our hearts, preventing us from fully engaging with our spouse. Grant us the clarity to identify precisely how screens are impeding our marital race.

Empower us, Holy Spirit, to bravely confront and intentionally remove these digital hindrances from our daily lives and shared spaces. Guide us to make conscious choices that prioritize our marital bond over the instant gratification offered by devices. Help us to create new habits that foster presence, shared experiences, and authentic connection, rather than passive consumption.

Inspire us to run the race of our marriage with renewed perseverance, fixing our eyes not on a screen, but on our spouse, and ultimately on You, Lord. We long for a marriage unburdened by digital clutter, allowing us to move forward together with lightness and joy. May our united focus on Your purposes strengthen our intimacy and fulfill Your design.

Father, grant us the courage and discipline to throw off the weight of screen dependency, enabling us to run the marital race with vigor and renewed intimacy. May our relationship with You be the source of strength to overcome this challenge and truly connect with each other. In the mighty name of Jesus, our Pioneer and Perfecter, we pray. Amen.

Explanation:

Hebrews 12:1-2 is a powerful exhortation for believers to live a life of faith and perseverance. It encourages them to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles” while “running the race” with endurance, keeping their eyes fixed on Jesus, the ultimate example and source of faith. This passage calls for self-discipline and focus to overcome obstacles in the spiritual journey.

This prayer applies the principle of “throwing off every weight” directly to excessive screen time, identifying it as a hindrance and entanglement in the marriage. It seeks God’s forgiveness for allowing this burden and asks for the strength to consciously remove digital distractions from their lives. By focusing on Jesus’s example of perseverance and laying aside, the prayer aims to empower spouses to prioritize their marital bond, thereby restoring intimacy and enabling them to “run the race” of their marriage with greater freedom and connection.

10. Prayer for Restoration of Intimacy in Marriage Affected by Screen Time

Luke 10:41-42 (NIV)

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Prayer:

Gracious Lord, Your gentle words to Martha remind us that often only one thing is truly needed: presence and devotion to You, which extends to our most intimate relationships. We confess that we, like Martha, can become worried and distracted by “many things”—the endless demands and allure of screens—neglecting the “better part” of intimate connection with our spouse. We pray for Your wisdom to choose presence over distraction.

Lord Jesus, You honored Mary’s choice to sit at Your feet and simply be present, valuing relationship above all busy-ness; teach us to make similar choices. Forgive us for allowing the urgent but often trivial notifications and entertainments of the digital world to overshadow the profound importance of being fully present with our beloved. Grant us the clarity to discern what truly matters in our daily interactions.

Empower us, Holy Spirit, to intentionally set aside our devices and cultivate moments of undivided attention, creating space for heartfelt conversation and genuine connection. Guide us to choose “the better part” in our marriage—the joy of shared presence, active listening, and mutual understanding—over the fragmented attention that screen time fosters. May our choices reflect a profound commitment to relational priority.

Inspire us to re-establish rituals of connection that are free from digital interference, perhaps sharing meals, walks, or quiet evenings together. We long for a marriage where true intimacy flourishes because we consistently choose to be fully available to each other. Let our union be a testament to the power of presence and the beauty of prioritizing relational depth above all else.

Father, help us to resist the pull of constant digital engagement and instead choose the enduring richness of intimacy with our spouse. May we, like Mary, find lasting joy and connection in prioritizing Your presence and the presence of our beloved. In Jesus’s loving name, who affirmed the better choice of devotion, we pray. Amen.

Explanation:

Luke 10:41-42 recounts the interaction between Jesus, Martha, and Mary, where Jesus gently rebukes Martha for being “worried and upset about many things” while commending Mary for choosing “what is better”—sitting at His feet and listening. This passage teaches the profound importance of prioritizing spiritual and relational presence over worldly anxieties, distractions, or even well-intentioned busyness, highlighting the value of focused devotion.

This prayer draws a direct parallel between Martha’s distraction and the digital distractions of screen time, which often prevent spouses from choosing the “better part” of intimate connection. It seeks God’s forgiveness for this neglect and asks for the Holy Spirit’s empowerment to intentionally prioritize presence, heartfelt conversation, and genuine connection with the spouse, just as Jesus affirmed Mary’s choice. The prayer aims to restore deep intimacy by consistently choosing real-world presence over digital engagement.