Should I stop praying to be married?
It is important to remember that both marriage and singleness are spiritual gifts from God.
The Apostle Paul speaks of the virtues of singleness in 1 Corinthians 7:32-35:
“I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord. But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife— and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband. I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.”
Although marriage is a wonderful gift from God, it is not given to everyone who asks. Marriage has its challenges just as being single has its challenges. The state of happiness is not contingent upon marriage or singleness. Happiness and contentment come from within regardless of your situation.
The Apostle Paul tells us,
“For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:11-13)
Rather than continuing to pray for a spouse, we would suggest that you pray for ways to serve God joyfully as a single Christian for as long as God permits and let the question of marriage take care of itself, if and when God sees the time is right for you. James 5:16 says that the fervent prayer of the righteous avails much. This is a wonderful prayer of faith and acquiescence to the will of God.
You are a valuable member of the family of God whether you are single or married. It is important to remember that all singles are complete persons in Christ and have a special opportunity to build up the body of Christ as they set an example for other single individuals to follow.
To learn more about how to find contentment in being single, listen to, “Christian and Single – What Does Life Look Like?”
