7 Ways to Prepare Your Heart for MarriageSample

Pray Regularly

If your desire is for God to prepare your heart for marriage, it begins with prayer. Prayer has been a vital foundation over my years of marriage with Nancy.

1 Thessalonians says we can pray about anything and “pray without ceasing.” It is a time to be totally and completely transparent with God. Ask for His guidance and wisdom, as Scripture tells us in James 1. As the creator of marriage, God has all the answers about marriage in general and yours in particular. He knows you and the person you plan to marry better than anyone, and that includes you!

Lay your hopes, your desires, and your fears at His feet. Ask Him to refine your hopes and desires and make them consistent with what He has designed for you. Being honest with your fears allows God to help you understand where they are coming from and then show you the best way to deal with them.

For example, if you are questioning whether this is the person God has for you or not, ask Him to make that clear. We know when we call on him in prayer, He will listen (Jeremiah 29:12). This can be a dangerous prayer because God may close the door on this relationship, but it is also a very important time to trust Him. It may be difficult now, but God may be protecting you from things you cannot see. He may be preparing you for someone else. Never forget that God is always good and always has your best interests at heart. Plus, He loves you more than you can ever imagine.

Next Steps:

• Set aside a regular time each day to spend with God. Be completely honest with Him. Ask for His guidance and wisdom.
• Do you need to pray a dangerous prayer about your relationship?