Growing up in church I can recall that, at any youth conference, we were always encouraged to pray for the person we might one day marry. Of course, at that age, we usually had someone’s face in mind when praying for that future partner! But I also remember being challenged to pray asking God to keep me pure and worthy of the person that God had prepared for me, while at the same time praying for my future partner to do the same. As a Christian I wanted, first and foremost, that my partner love God above all, knowing that if they did, their love for me would be unselfish and Christ-like.

When it came time for Isaac to marry, his father Abraham sent for a wife to be brought from among his kin. I can imagine the thoughts that might have been going through Isaac’s mind as he awaited her arrival. ‘What will she look like?’ ‘What kind of woman will she be?’ ‘Will she like me?’ So, he took it to the Lord in prayer. (Gen. 24:63) Likewise, Rebekah must have been equally anxious as she traveled to meet her future husband. ‘Will he be a good man?’ ‘Will he be handsome?’ ‘Will he love me?’ Her heart was set to rest when she met Isaac who, upon hearing her story, (Gen. 24) instantly fell in love with her. (Gen. 24:67). Later, when Rebekah could not have children, Isaac prayed for her again. (Gen. 25:21) Along came the children (Gen. 25:27-28) and their relationship began to lose its romance; very similar to many others today.

Most people will tell you that “the honeymoon doesn’t last forever”, which only means that eventually reality will set in you will be tired after a long week, financial stress will take its toll, the children will demand your time and that loving feeling will get a little shaky. Many take this as an opportunity to “throw in the towel”, but this is the exact moment that God will remind you of that lifetime commitment you made before Him: “For better, for worse; For richer, for poorer; In sickness and in health; ‘till death do us part.” Love for a lifetime. This is the time to pray for your partner. Pray that God brings them peace in the workplace. Pray that all of your financial needs will be met. Pray for their health, both physically and emotionally. Pray. Allow God to restore you to that first love and keep praying for your lifetime partner!

Suggested Prayer: Dear Lord, Today I want to lift ______ to you. I ask that you give them strength to meet the day. Allow them to be a blessing to anyone they come in contact with today. Give them a heart for you and allow our love to grow stronger every day. Let me be the wife/husband they need so that together our relationship will honor and glorify you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

1. James 5:16 (NIV).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.