Have you ever stopped to thank God that He’s with you all the time, regardless of what’s happening in your life? He has made a way for us to go to Him at any time, no matter what.

In the Old Testament we read of only select people being able to go directly to God in prayer. When people wanted to communicate with God, they went to a leader—like Moses—or to the high priest. That person, in turn, would take the requests before God.

In the New Testament, the disciples saw Jesus talking to God directly. They wanted to learn to do that, too. They wanted to trust that God heard them, just like Jesus trusted. They asked Jesus to teach them how to pray.

Jesus let the disciples know that they could now go directly to God and could refer to Him as their Father. Christ said, “When you pray,” not “If you pray.” Clearly this was to be a regular, ongoing practice.

One suggestion Jesus gave His disciples was not to babble on and on in front of people—saying empty words and trying just to look good to others. Instead He encouraged them to get away, to be alone and to get real with God.

"But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you"(Matthew 6:6).

Prayer Opens Heaven’s Gates
Going to God in prayer is trusting He will make a difference. Trust means not worrying about saying the right thing, or not feeling you have to say it over and over for God to hear. Instead it’s whispering to God your darkest secrets and greatest disappointments. It’s also sharing your worries—and that worry may include trusting someone with your heart.

Trust also means believing your prayers will work in the life of your future husband even though you can’t see him today.

The amazing thing about prayer is that God has designed this system to release the power of heaven for the person or situation we’re praying for. Think of your prayers as the garage door opener that lifts heaven’s gates and sends reinforcements to strengthen your future husband.

You have most likely not met him yet, but your prayers will make a difference in his life. As you pray, you too are changed.

You’re building your trust. You’re placing your hopes in God’s hands, and there’s no better place they can be. There’s also no better habit to develop than the habit of prayer.

"So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well. Learn to love appropriately. You need to use your head and test your feelings so that your love is sincere and intelligent, not sentimental gush. Live a loverís life, circumspect and exemplary, a life Jesus will be proud of: bountiful in fruits from the soul, making Jesus Christ attractive to all, getting everyone involved in the glory and praise of God" 
(Philippians 1:9-11 The Message).

She Prayed . . . God Answered
“I spent two years dating the wrong man before I got together with my husband. No tragic story or anything. The first guy just was not a good match for me. I remember praying, ‘Lord, I am not good at this—I will be happy to remain single if that’s what You want. I trust You. So if You would like me to marry, please choose him for me and let me know loud and clear.’

“God gave me so much more than I ever dreamed; it is ten years later, and I am still amazed.” —Andrea

What About You?
Are you worried? Unfortunately, worry can trigger your actions even when you aren’t aware that it’s happening. Maybe you’ve been striving for a boyfriend because you’re worried that you’ll be alone, or that others will make fun of you, or that you’re unlovable. Worry is the opposite of trust.

Take out a piece of paper, and write out all those worries. Don’t filter your thoughts, but instead just write them down as they come to you. Your list may look something like this:

• I’m worried I’ll be the only one at school who has never gone on a date.
• I’m worried because I’m not outgoing enough to get a guy’s attention.
• I’m worried that I’ll end up with a loser if I don’t strive for someone better.
• I’m worried that because of the mistakes I’ve made there won’t be someone for me.

Now, take your list and hold it before God. Read over those things, and consider what Jesus would say if you could see Him by your side and hear Him. What does He want you to do? He wants you to trust.

A Prayer for My Future Husband
Even though you don’t know who you’ll someday marry, I encourage you to start praying for him right now. Ready? Let’s get started.
“Lord, right now I pray for my future husband. I can’t see him, I don’t know him, but I trust You to hold him close to your heart. I thank You that You love him and watch over him and that someday I can join You in doing that.

“Lord, I pray my prayers will open heaven’s gates and send down Your strength to him today. I pray he will learn to trust You as he never has before. I pray he will turn to You in prayer, trusting You to make a difference. I pray he will also trust that Iím out here, waiting for him. I pray these things in Your Son’s name, amen.”

A Prayer for Me
Your future hubby isn’t the only one who needs prayer. Let’s pray for you, too.

“Dear Heavenly Father, for so long I’ve worried about finding the right person. I’ve worried I’ll never have someone to love me. I’ve worried I’ll be left out. I’ve feared I’ll be alone. Sometimes those worries have led me to bad decisions. Always those worries have taken my mind and heart off Your plans for me and put my attention on the present situation. Forgive me, Lord Jesus, for my worries. Forgive me for all the desperate acts they have led me to. Your Word says that perfect love drives out fear. I want to know that type of love. Help me to realize Your love for me in ways I’ve never known before. Help me to trust.

“I know, Lord, that many of my motives for these prayers have been about my future husband, but I also thank You that I’m changed in the process. I know that the closer I am to You, the better prepared I am for a relationship with my future husband. I know the more I depend on You, the better bond You can build with me and eventually with my husband and me. I thank You, even now, that You’ll be the third strand in our relationship.

“Until the right time when my future husband comes, I want You to have my whole heart, Jesus. I know that only Your love is perfect. I trust that. Amen.”

Excerpted from Praying for Your Future Husband by Robin Jones Gunn and Tricia Goyer. Copyright © 2011 by Robin Jones Gunn and Tricia Goyer. Used with permission of Multnomah Books, a division of Random House, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

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