It's been written centuries beyond count by
a notable writer that "it is a nobler fate to be envied than to be
pitied" but what does this proverbial statement got to do with a piece of
work titled "marital prayer?" Relax, get a glass of water, read further
and digest it wisely. Honestly, this story of marital prayers is centered on
the lifestyles and gossips of five female friends who were not just ordinary
and every Sunday members but they were also devoted, known and respected
workers in the Church.
Just as it is today in our churches, so it
was in their time when series of testimonies about white weddings, marriage
introductions and engagement parties were testified in different Sunday
services but it was not so with these five female friends. Sophia as she was
popularly known was always "the chair" of her group, but one day
their gossips attracted the attention of an unknown old man who used their
gossips, corrected them and termed their gossips as "incomplete
request".
On that fateful day, Sophia and her league
of friends were having their usual talks "after church service" and suddenly
segued into matrimonial issues. Sophia quietly, painfully and sorrowfully asked
her friends...as a matter of fact, it seems God doesn't answer prayers anymore
and if He still does - how come we are still singles under our parents' roofs
at our age without husbands we can proudly call ours??? Swiftly, the other
girls responded with the same pain and applauded Sophia for her thoughts about
their marital statuses.
The other girls said...we completely buy
your opinion about that wise thought "if God still responds to prayers
especially our marital petitions to him all these years. Why hasn't He approved
our marital prayers to Him? Citing examples..., look at Sandra, Lynda and
Franca - they are happily married with lovely kids. What is it that we have not
done as Christians...is it fasting and prayer or evangelism or church outreaches
or donations to the church? Honestly, I am totally confused about everything; I
don't think we should offer more prayers to God since He has grown deaf to all
our past prayers.
Surprisingly, the unknown old man who had
been listening to them cut-in from behind (them) and said...you are woefully
wrong my daughters! God still answers prayers...He enjoys it and He loves
listening and responding to prayers - it gladdens His heart when His children pray
to Him with faith. The only thing that can restrict Him is sin (your sins so to
say). And if i may ask, from all I heard in your gossips - it seems you girls
have men lovers and boyfriends - am i correct??? Yes, you are very correct sir!
The old man continued...and you expect God
to endorse your marital requests??? Listen up and listen good my
daughters...you are the cause of your problem and delay. Curiously, Sophia and
her friends exclaimed...but how sir??? Out of pity, the old man asked
them...what did Prophet Elijah tell the poor widow to do??? Well, he asked her
to get and borrow more "empty kegs"...Sophia and her friends
answered. The old man asked them another stunning question, and what did Jesus
tell His disciples to do at the wedding feast??? He told them to fill all the
"empty kegs" with water...Sophia and friends answered.
It stands to reason the old man said...that
means those "empty kegs" were vacant and available at the point of
needs and requests??? Yes, Sophia and friends agreed. Listen my dears, until
God sees you as a vacant woman, He will not send a man-marital applicant for
you as your groom to be. The old man asked them again, why are you asking Him
(God) to give you a husband when you are still occupied with a lover who is not
yet your husband??? Though, your deeds and current statuses are remissible if
you are willing to do the right thing.
Remorsefully, Sophia and her friends asked
the old man what they must do for God to endorse their marital prayers. The old
man cautioned them that the task will not sound sweet or good to them because
not everyone would take such bold step. How...???!!! Sophia and her friends
asked. Change your statuses or disengage yourselves from every sinful act with
your lovers or stand vacant just like those "empty kegs" cited in the
bible and then shall God reward your efforts and sincerity with divine
men-marriage applicants begging for your approval. Remember, let he who has
ears hear what the spirit is saying to the church - God bless you all!!!
