Marriage is a sacred covenant established by God, a reflection of the love between Christ and His Church. Yet, it is also a prime target for spiritual attacks. The devil seeks to “steal, kill, and destroy” (John 10:10) what God has ordained, and he looks for every opportunity to weaken the marital bond. As one Christian writer has noted, “The enemy doesn’t take marriage lightly and will do all it takes to sabotage it. When he spots a loophole, he will use it as a launching pad for his attacks” (according to the original source). Catholics must be vigilant in guarding their marriages through prayer, unity, and faithfulness.
1. Pray for Your Marriage
Prayer is a powerful weapon against spiritual attacks. Jesus Himself emphasized the importance of prayer in defending against the enemy when He said to Peter, “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail” (Luke 22:31-32).
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that “prayer is the raising of one’s mind and heart to God” (CCC 2559). Through prayer, spouses invite God into their union and seek His grace to withstand trials. “Make it a habit to pray for your marriage. Pray for oneness, love, peace, good health, protection, honesty, fidelity, growth, and forgiveness” (according to the original source). The Rosary, Eucharistic Adoration, and prayers to St. Joseph, the patron of families, are particularly powerful ways to intercede for marital strength.
2. Fight Against Drifting Apart
One of the greatest threats to marriage is complacency. “So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate” (Matthew 19:6). However, modern distractions, busy schedules, and lack of intentional time together can weaken the bond between spouses.
“Drifting apart mainly happens when the marriage starts to lose its novelty and when life gets hectic… Their unity as a couple is no longer a priority, and resentment towards each other is inevitable” (according to the original source). Catholic couples should prioritize time together, whether through shared prayer, date nights, or involvement in ministries such as Marriage Encounter. Just as frequent reception of the Eucharist strengthens our union with Christ, regularly nurturing the marital relationship sustains its strength.
3. Meet Your Spouse’s Needs
St. Paul teaches, “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4). Marriage is a call to self-giving love, modeled after Christ’s sacrifice for the Church.
“Your spouse was madly in love with you alright, but that’s not the only reason they agreed to marry you. There was more. They had a set of emotional, spiritual, and physical needs…” (according to the original source). In his encyclical Familiaris Consortio, Pope St. John Paul II emphasized that spouses should “renew their awareness of the gift received” and continue to give of themselves daily in their vocation (FC, 51). By understanding and meeting each other’s needs—whether through acts of service, quality time, or words of affirmation—couples strengthen their bond and guard against outside temptations.
4. Avoid Comparing Your Spouse
Comparison is a dangerous trap that breeds discontent. “But godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6). In today’s world, social media often paints an unrealistic picture of perfect relationships, leading spouses to feel inadequate or dissatisfied.
“It takes a few minutes of scrolling through your socials before spotting a picture-perfect couple… It leaves you wondering why you have not been as lucky in your marriage” (according to the original source). Instead of comparing, Catholic couples should focus on gratitude and recognize their spouse as a unique gift from God. Practicing daily thanksgiving, as encouraged by St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Examen, helps spouses to appreciate and affirm each other rather than dwell on perceived shortcomings.
5. Seek the Sacraments Together
The Sacraments provide essential graces that strengthen marriage. “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain” (Psalm 127:1). The Eucharist, in particular, nourishes the soul and unites couples more deeply with Christ. Frequent Confession helps spouses to recognize their own faults and extend forgiveness more readily.
Receiving the Sacrament of Matrimony is just the beginning—couples must continue to rely on the sacraments to sustain their marriage. “Marriage is a long-term commitment, it requires ongoing intentionality and resolve, committing to each other over and over again” (according to the original source). Attending Mass together, going to Confession regularly, and seeking spiritual direction can help spouses remain rooted in faith and united in their vocation.
A Sacred Mission
Marriage is more than a personal commitment; it is a sacred witness to God’s love. “When you strengthen your marriage against Satan’s attacks, you aren’t just protecting your marriage—you are protecting a sacred, living symbol of Christ’s love for His Church” (according to the original source). The Sacrament of Matrimony equips couples with divine grace to persevere through challenges, and by actively praying, fostering unity, meeting each other’s needs, resisting comparisons, and seeking the sacraments, couples can fortify their marriage against spiritual attacks.
Let us ask for the intercession of the Holy Family—Mary, Joseph, and Jesus—to strengthen all marriages and make them a true reflection of God’s love.
