London, Sept 2 (ANI): Excuse the pillow talk – and move straight to your bed’s side and recite a specially composed prayer before having sex – a prominent Church group has advised Roman Catholic couples.

And the prayer, which appears in the Prayer Book for Spouses, is being encouraged to remind couples that intercourse is a selfless act, not driven by hedonism.

The prayer implores God “to place within us love that truly gives, tenderness that truly unites, self-offering that tells the truth and does not deceive, forgiveness that truly receives, loving physical union that welcomes”, reports The Daily Mail.

The 64-page book, published by the London-based Catholic Truth Society, adds: “Open our hearts to you, to each other and to the goodness of your will.

“Cover our poverty in the richness of your mercy and forgiveness. Clothe us in true dignity and take to yourself our shared aspirations, for your glory, for ever and ever.”

According to the Rt Rev Paul Hendricks, who is the Auxiliary Bishop of Southwark, the prayer’s inclusion was ‘brave but good’.

“I suppose it is a bit idealistic but it is recognising that God is at the heart of the marriage relationship between husband and wife,” he said.

“It is important for the Church to affirm the value of marriage and family life and I suppose this is a particular way of doing that.

“Perhaps it is something that has not been tried, certainly for a while – I can’t remember seeing something like that before,” he added.

The book contains prayers for every stage of marriage and family life. (ANI)