Praying for a Husband

There are a group of single Chistian women who fast and pray every Monday for a husband. I read about them and pondered the idea of following suit. Like a good marketing campaign (I know this because I work in marketing), there are testimonies that God answered their prayers and these women got married. I am happy for them but my skepticism came out. It's how I'm wired. I question every thing and not take it at face value. For some reason, a part of me sees this aligning with the prosperty gospel - "pray to God to bless you financially and money will show up unexpectedly." Don't get me wrong. I believe that prayer works. But going down this path feels like I'm making God be Santa Claus, giving Him this list of desires to fulfill. Author Anna Broadway was able to articulate this better than me.

Currently, I'm 40 years old and never married. I have dated but none of those men took it to the next step and proposed. I have had to accept that it may not be God's will for my life to marry. My mom (who is more faithful in this area than me) believes it is the wrong timing. That God will answer the desire of my heart. Yet, I know God doesn't answer every prayer. If marriage does happen, it would be a miracle and not from anything that I'm doing. I told her hopefully it doesn't happen at the nursing home when I'm 70. But, anything is possible.

So, I'm living life and not making it a big search anymore. I spent most of my 30s looking for that husband through online dating. Wasting alot of time on first dates that didn't go anywhere. Or dating men that lacked the qualities I needed for a healthy relationship. I don't want my 40s to mirror the last decade. It helps that I no longer can have biological childen. The pressure of getting married before the fertility window closed was so strong that finding a husband took priority over most things in my life. No more. The goal now is to continue growing with existing friendships and seeking out additional friends. And, getting love from my family.

As for praying for a husband, I will work through the skepticism. And, if God does answer that prayer, you will get a wedding invitation.