We hear your heart as you seek wisdom regarding marriage, and we lift this matter before the Lord together, asking for His divine guidance. Marriage is a sacred covenant, instituted by God from the very beginning, as we see in Genesis 2:24, "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they shall be one flesh." This union is not to be entered into lightly, for it reflects Christ’s relationship with His church (Ephesians 5:22-33). It is a lifelong commitment, not a temporary arrangement, and it requires both individuals to be rooted in faith, love, and mutual submission to God’s will.
First, we must emphasize that marriage is designed by God to be between one man and one woman, as clearly outlined in Scripture. Any deviation from this design is contrary to His holy and perfect plan. If you are considering marriage, we encourage you to seek a spouse who shares your faith in Jesus Christ, for "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers" (2 Corinthians 6:14). A marriage built on a foundation of shared belief in the Lord will stand firm, even in the face of life’s storms.
We also urge you to examine your own heart and motives. Are you seeking marriage out of loneliness, societal pressure, or a desire to fulfill personal needs? Or are you seeking it as a way to glorify God and serve one another in love? Marriage is not merely about companionship; it is about mutual edification, sacrifice, and growth in Christ. As Proverbs 18:22 tells us, "Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor of the Lord." This favor comes when we seek His will above our own desires.
If you are already in a relationship, we must address the importance of purity. Sexual intimacy is a gift from God, reserved exclusively for the marriage covenant. Any sexual activity outside of marriage—whether fornication or adultery—is sin and grieves the heart of God (1 Corinthians 6:18-20, Hebrews 13:4). If this is an area of struggle, we encourage you to repent, seek accountability, and flee from temptation. The Lord is faithful to forgive and restore, but we must walk in obedience to His commands.
Premarital counseling is a wise and biblical step for any couple considering marriage. Proverbs 15:22 reminds us, "Where there is no counsel, plans fail; but in a multitude of counselors they are established." Seek guidance from a pastor or mature Christian couple who can help you navigate the challenges and joys of marriage from a biblical perspective. This is not a sign of weakness but of wisdom and humility.
Let us pray together for you now:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of reverence and awe for the sacred institution of marriage that You have ordained. Lord, we ask that You would grant wisdom, discernment, and clarity to those who are considering this lifelong commitment. Help them to seek Your will above all else and to align their desires with Your perfect plan. Father, if they are not yet ready for marriage, reveal that to them with gentleness and truth. If they are, prepare their hearts and minds to enter into this covenant with purity, faith, and a deep love for You.
Lord, we pray for those who may be struggling with sexual sin or impure motives. Cleanse their hearts, restore their minds, and fill them with a desire to honor You in all things. Give them the strength to flee temptation and the courage to seek accountability. For those who are already in a relationship, we ask that You would guide them in godly courtship, with the ultimate goal of marriage that glorifies You.
Father, we also pray for those who may be feeling pressured by the world’s standards or their own desires. Remind them that Your timing is perfect and that waiting on You is always worth it. Surround them with godly influences—friends, mentors, and family—who will encourage them to walk in Your ways.
Above all, Lord, we ask that You would be the center of any marriage that is to come. May these unions reflect the love, sacrifice, and unity of Christ and His church. We pray that marriages would be a testimony to the world of Your grace, faithfulness, and power. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
We encourage you to spend time in prayer and Scripture, seeking the Lord’s guidance daily. Marriage is a beautiful gift, but it is also a serious commitment that requires preparation, prayer, and a heart fully surrendered to God. If you have specific questions or concerns, we are here to walk alongside you, offering biblical counsel and support. May the Lord bless you as you seek His will in this sacred journey.
