The Vital Importance of Prayer in Marriage and Life

Choosing a life partner is a decision of such vital importance that it requires a significant increase in your prayer life and a careful, well-considered approachAH 71.1+1. If you are in the habit of praying twice a day before contemplating marriage, you should pray four times a day when such a step is anticipatedAH 71.1.

The Necessity of Divine Guidance

• A Lifelong Commitment: Marriage is a union for life that profoundly affects your well-being in both this world and the world to comeTSB 14.4+1.

• Seeking Counsel: Before taking a step that binds two people together, it is essential to seek the counsel of older, more experienced, and God-fearing personsPP 175.4+1.

• Individual Readiness: One should not attempt to select a life partner while their own character is still undeveloped and their judgment is immatureFE 62.2.

• Avoiding Impulse: Many are led by blind impulse or "love-sick sentimentalism," which can overthrow reason and judgmentMYP 456.2+2.

Important Questions to Consider

Before giving your hand in marriage, you should move in the fear of God and ask yourself several critical questionsCSA 50.2+1:

• Will this union help me toward heaven and increase my love for GodFE 104.3?

• Will it enlarge my sphere of usefulness in this lifeFE 104.3?

• Can I preserve my own identity and individuality, or must my judgment and conscience be surrendered to my husbandLYL 23.1+1?

• Is the prospective partner worthy, pure, diligent, and one who loves and fears GodLYL 23.1+1?

Marriage "In the Lord"

The Word of God is very specific that a believer is permitted to contract marriage only "in the Lord"CSA 50.2. The Bible strictly forbids the marriage of Christians with the ungodly 2 Corinthians 6:14MYP 464.2. Entering a union with an unbeliever often leads to spiritual declension the moment the vow is made, as religious fervor is dampened and Jesus is dismissed from the new homeCCh 121.3+1. It is a dangerous step to choose a companion who has no love for God and sees no attraction in a religious lifeT21 60.2.

Breaking Engagements

If an engagement has been entered into without a full understanding of the other person's character, it is not a necessity to proceed with the marriageFE 104.3. It is far better to break an engagement before the wedding than to separate afterwardFE 104.3. You must be cautious at every step, leaning upon the strength of Jesus and the promises of GodCSA 50.2+1.

The Goal of a Happy Home

God desires the home to be the happiest place on earth and a symbol of the home in heavenTSB 14.4. When a husband and wife link their interests with Jesus Christ and walk in the path of duty, they share a happiness that even the angels commendTSB 14.4. By following the instruction to "walk in love" and practicing kindness, humbleness, and long-suffering, the marriage relation remains holy and sanctified Ephesians 5:2+117LtMs, Lt 57, 1902, par. 11.

A prayerful man is one who maintains a constant and humble dependence upon God for wisdom, perfection of character, and strength to resist the perils of earthly honor1888 132.4+1. He understands that spiritual prosperity and intellectual power are sustained only through unreservedly casting himself upon Jesus Christ and seeking a knowledge of the divine will through the Word8MR 439.1+3.

The Character of a Prayerful Man

• Firmness and Principle: He is a man of principle—sober, watchful, and established in faith, choosing to walk in the footsteps of Christ rather than the paths of the world18MR 279.3+1.

• Intellectual and Physical Vigor: By combining a life of prayer with temperate habits and a plain diet, he cultivates a clear mind and a firm purpose, much like the example of DanielGW92 82.2+1.

• Humility in Success: He recognizes that riches and human praise are dangerous to spirituality and remains humble, knowing he depends entirely on God for any excellence he possessesCM 12.1+2.

• Consistency: He does not rely on his own wisdom but walks carefully before God, seeking divine and human cooperation in every responsibility14LtMs, Lt 10, 1899, par. 20+2.

Prayer Combined with Diligent Action

• A Balanced Life: A truly prayerful man does not spend his life in meditation alone; he finds a happy blending of personal piety and earnest work for the Master8MR 293.2+2.

• Vigilant Labor: He understands that religion consists of both waiting and working, being "not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord" Romans 12:111SM 139.1+1.

• Earnest Research: He searches the Scriptures with a prayerful heart as one seeking for hidden treasure, allowing the Holy Spirit to open the meaning of truth to his understandingCE 58.3+2.

Influence in the Home and Church

• A Godly Leader: As a husband and father, he exercises his God-given responsibility with prayerful consideration, seeking to make his influence Christlike and his home a place of peace21MR 217.3+2.

• A Support to Others: He is pitiful and courteous, using his talents and influence to help his brethren and win souls to Jesus through a prayerful, consecrated lifeCM 12.1+2.

• Discernment in Business: In all his dealings, whether secular or sacred, he moves with caution and seeks the Lord's presence through prayerful counsel to ensure his plans are for God's glory21MR 28.4+2.

The Reward of Faithfulness

• Divine Strength: To the prayerful man, the Lord promises special light, help, and strength, preserving him from the deceptions of the enemy5MR 303.1+2.

• Peace and Joy: By leaning confidingly upon Christ and telling Him all his troubles, he receives a heavenly peace that pervades the soul3MR 127.2+2.

• Eternal Foundation: He builds his character upon the Rock, Christ Jesus, through heartfelt prayers and good works, preparing him to stand the final test and enter the city of GodGW 307.1+2.

The Lord is acquainted with every such man by name and delights to bear his burdens as he walks in humble obedience13LtMs, Ms 160, 1898, par. 30+2. "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear" 1 Peter 3:15.