1.6.15 (Future Husband?)

God, I don't know if I ever want to get married.  Actually, I think I do.  I think... I want to get married.  Someday.  But Father, I look at your calling, that we should leave all of our possessions behind for you and sacrifice relationships if need be, but how hard that would be as a married woman!  Right now it's so easy to say that I'll give all my extra money to you after I graduate.  It's easy to say I'll be a giving person, sacrificing the American "good-life" to live inexpensively in a small house so that I can give more to help the poor.  It's so easy to say now, but I know it'll be harder to do when that day comes.  A LOT harder.  And having a husband and family will only make it harder.  But I am a woman.  And as a woman, I desire relationship and love and attention from a man -- special attention.  But I want to live entirely for YOU!  Oh Jesus... precious Jesus, MY Jesus...

God, You can do anything.  You can work through anything.  You are a merciful wonderful God who listens to the prayers of His people.  Thus, I want to lift up this request to You, Lord.  I don't know what's best for me.  I have no idea.  Infinitely wise Father, lead me in the path You know would be best for Your glory, for Your purpose.  You fulfill me in a way no husband ever could.  (Continue to fill me more that way.)  Lord, if Your plan for my life is that of singleness, I gladly accept that.  As Paul said, You can use me in many unique ways as a single woman.  However, if this is Your plan, I pray for support.  Lord, surround me during my singleness (whether it ends in marriage or not) with Your Family.  Father, I ask for friends that can fulfill the need for deep, intentional relationship.  I know that You have already given me that for this stage in my life.  I have unbelievable friends who I can rely on forever.  For as long as I stay single, I beg of you, provide relationships that will hold me up in Your will.  Relationships that will support and push me to be a better Christian every day.  I trust in You, oh Jesus, for you Yourself found support and encouragement in a body of friends and brothers.  I ask for similar support, my God.  I am not extraordinarily good at making friends fast, so I pray all the more for Your divine assistance.

But, God, if a special man ever does enter my life, I pray that he is of a character that is more in love with You than he is with me.  God, these things I request, for I know You are a faithful God who hears our prayers.
A man who:
1. Loves You more than me
2. Cares for the poor and is willing to make sacrifices to follow our calling to help them
3. Loves me and can put up with my selfish, prideful ways, but at the same time can patiently help keep me accountable and to grow out of them.
4. Is willing to walk and grow in our faith together
5. Is bold enough to invite a stranger into our home (for Your glory, of course)
6. Loves to laugh
7. Loves people
8. I can be comfortable with
9. Isn't struggling with all the same things I am, so he can be an example for me to follow
10. Loves my personality more than my body (or hair :P)

To the glory of the Father; the honor forever to the Son; in all wisdom of the Spirit; Amen.