How does one prepare for marriage?

[Macchiato]

I feel it's a strong desire for me. Most times I think it's easier to just remain single, less stress ect but I desire to pour into someone.

What are some qualities to work on and pray for.

 

[Reluctant Theologian]

I feel it's a strong desire for me. Most times I think it's easier to just remain single, less stress ect but I desire to pour into someone.

What are some qualities to work on and pray for.

Plenty of books are available to educate yourself on how to be a good wife ... and how to understand a man/husband properly; have you done any preparations like that?

 

[Richard T]

I feel it's a strong desire for me. Most times I think it's easier to just remain single, less stress ect but I desire to pour into someone.

What are some qualities to work on and pray for.

I would just keep working on the spiritual side the most. The more you know of God the more you will be a great spouse and the better spouse you will attract. You have the right attitude of love already. I'd pay attention to your faith and confession. Are you praying in only hope sort of begging God for a mate or are you really believing it is God's will for you and you are ready? By ready I don't mean you have every answer but you are ready to move forward with God and actually expect his assistance? It is His will for you to marriage, it is a desire of your heart. Many scriptures show this, though you can opt out and it is not a sin. Nearly every man of God with impact in recent history has had a wife. (Catholicism would be the exception). So by all means be encouraged in your quest for a spouse.

 

[bèlla]

The most important preparation for marriage is honesty. You must be willing to tell yourself the truth and face uncomfortable things about yourself. You need to understand who you are and who you wish to become before you talk to anyone. Recognizing your strengths and weaknesses will allow you to gauge what you can tackle on your own and the areas where support is needed.

Ideally, you want a complement. Someone who sees your potential and is willing to invest in your betterment. He doesn't think he's better or more important. But a co-laborer in the journey who recognizes your contribution and needs your help as well. That's why knowing what you're good at is important. Don't underestimate a quality because it isn't grand. There's a person craving the same this moment.

Now address your fears and don't be ashamed. If you want security admit it. This isn't the time to be superwoman. You need to be objective and consider the things that allow you to rest well at night and in peace. The things that bother may have no effect on someone else but that's okay.

The purpose of the exercise is to make an informed choice and for the other to know what he's getting. Relationships built on truth have a stronger foundation than those built on deception. Don't allow your mistakes to make you timid but acknowledge how you've learned from them and moved forward.

The final component is worthiness. If you don't believe you're deserving of love and care nothing matters. When you believe those words you'll decline situations which may meet your needs temporarily or sate the loneliness. But it won't give you the things you've determined you needed most. You are your greatest advocate besides the Lord. If you won't champion you who will?

You must understand that no and not now isn't never and view the time between it's fulfillment as an opportunity to do the things which may be difficult later on. Like school. When you marry you have more demands. How would you like your life to look when you do?

That's the fun question. Once you've talked the hard stuff paint a picture. Describe your life. How do you look? Where do you live? How are the kids? Do you have more? What do you do for a living? How do you spend your free time? What is your relationship like? Do you travel? How's your lifestyle?

Articulating your heart's desire is important. That's how you determine what matters most. If you want to see the world choose a man with a similar wanderlust. When you know your dreams you'll know who's speaking your language or not.

Take all you've discovered in prayer to the Lord with thanksgiving and entrust it's fulfillment in His timing and ask Him to prepare you and He will.

~bella