...for you I pray.

   You know, praying for my future husband is probably one area that I am constantly in prayer over. I have been battling lately if that is a bad thing. But, I have come to realize that it isn't necessarily wrong to pray for my future husband-- if it is God's will for me to get married. And that--that is a whole other prayer time in itself. However, if it is God's will for me to get married (and I know my mother is on her knees each night praying the same thing, along asking for a grandchild or two) then I know I should be praying for him and for our future.You also have that image of what you look for in a husband. Mine isn't necessarily physical, but more of an emotional and personality traits that I am looking for. I don't like sharing my "traits" a whole lot because these are close to my heart. I like to see if each guy I date steps up and has such traits. I don't want to tell him what I look for specifically because I don't want him to change his true character just to match my standards. I believe that if I am meant to be with this one person, it will be revealed and brought to light over time. I guess that's what keeps me a mystery, and a part of my personality that can drive "The Newbie" crazy.

   I started researching what are some things a single girl should be praying about for her future husband, or even her current love interest. The list became quite expansive, intense, and convicting. Convicting that maybe my heart hasn't always been in the best spot as I have prayed in the past. Intense as these prayers shouldn't be taken lightly and I should be ready for God to move in my heart and his heart for these things to come to light. Expansive because there are a multitude of things that one can pray for husband/boyfriend. When these prayers are lifted up in true love and hope for a future, then I know God isn't going to disappoint.

1. His relationship with Christ. Christ should be and always remain the cornerstone in his life and in our relationship. (Isa 28:16) My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus' blood and righteousness...Christ alone, cornerstone.
2. From what comes from his mouth is an overflow of his heart. Encouraging, a witness, and testimony to God's grace and faithfulness. (Matt 12:34)
3. A man of prayer. He would seek God in prayer constantly and then talk second about it. He would lift me and others up in prayer daily. (James 5:16)
4. A humbled man. A man who knows that in order to have a successful heart, that God must be greater in all areas of his life. (John 3:30)
5. He would build friendships and surround himself with positive men in his life. (Provs 27:6)
6. Endurance and passion. To run with endurance, the race that is set before him, and to focus on pleasing you. (Heb  12: 1-2)
7. Encourager to me and others. (1 Thess 5:11)
8. Continue to develop as a leader for our relationship. (Eph 5:21-31)

These verse are just the beginning for something that could become amazingly crazy. I have prayed these in mine and Newbie's relationship, and it is apparent that God is working. When I have prayed for endurance, Newbie is right there in my face pushing me to the next level, that often comes in the form of a 5:30 AM phone call to get to the gym in the morning, or telling me that I can't do something {because that is my inner switch that makes me prove others wrong}. Or when I see God show how real He can be in one's life and change a man's heart. I think these prayers can be modified as life goes on and as each relationship develops. But for right now, for you I pray.

She brings good, not harm all the days of her life. {Provs 31:12}

The Little Things... Starting with Prayer

   Today in church I saw the smallest little gesture at the end of the service. I am pretty sure no one else saw this, as it was during prayer time. And I am sure this husband did not think it was a big deal, but I picked up on it. As our pastor was ending in prayer, I was bowing my head and I caught a movement to my right. As I glanced over, I noticed that a husband had wrapped his arms around his wife's shoulders, and whispering a prayer in her ear, fervently. I don't know what prayer was he praying; whatever it was must have been a sweet, merciful prayer because as he prayed, tears streamed down her face. I couldn't help but stare. He did this throughout the whole closing prayer. It's not uncommon to see couples go down to the front alter and bow together to pray. Or see couples join hands during prayer. But to see this couple, off to the side, praying quietly with the husband leading the prayer was absolutely powerful and touching.

    This image has stuck with me all day. How blessed is that woman that her husband--who without shame, would wrap his arms around her and whisper a prayer in her ear, not caring who noticed, or who even heard his prayer. I would think that this is an indication of their prayer life. I would like to think he prays for his family like this each day. Maybe he wraps his arms around his wife each night before bed and prays. Maybe he does the same for his children, and even his grandchildren. A praying husband is a powerful blessing to have in a marriage that is based on Christ.

    Instantly, I prayed "God, send me a husband like that. A husband that will wrap his arms around me, whisper prayers in my ears that would bring sweet tears to my eyes. Tears of joy, tears of appreciation, tears of love." Knowing that God is going to give me a man who not only loves me as deep as Christ loves me, but that will also lift me up in prayer on a daily basis is one of the most humbling, enduring treasures I cannot wait to experience.

   I don't know who my husband is for God has not exactly revealed this yet (for I keep telling myself God is a god of perfect timing). But I would hope that my husband, whoever or wherever he is, is praying a passionate, truthful, honest prayer for God's will in my life and his life. I came across a great blog called Paul's Ponderings. He wrote a post on how a Christian man can pray for his girlfriend and for God's will to be done in her life and also in his. You can find it here. Definitely worth for all men and women to check out.

  So, as I thought about that couple today and I look at where I am right now I am reminded: that couple-- that praying couple-- that is what I long for, that is what God has planned for me one day. I just know it. This I pray...

"...we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding..." Colossians 1:9-10