Marital Prayers...(read and digest it wisely)

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!!!