A Father’s Prayer For His Son On His Wedding Day

The preparations have been made, the flowers picked out, tux purchased, and it is a few days away. As I ponder the last few days of my son as a single man, I wonder where did all the time go? Years ago, I held him as a baby, and the few short years to college graduation went all too fast. His mother and I always knew this day would arrive, and it is finally here.

As parents, we want the very best for our child in a spouse. Amy and I began to pray for his future wife when he was a young boy that God would reveal that perfect complement to him. Today, our culture has changed quite a bit regarding marriage, even the definition of it. However, in a Christian home, we understand God’s design for marriage. Genesis 2:24 says, ”That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.” The marriage functions as one unit or as I like to call it, a “we”.  Over time, each spouse will become uniform in tackling challenges together.

With all that being said, here are a few prayers I have for my son:

Your spouse is more important than anything else in your life except God. She now is your responsibility. You are to love, nurture, provide, and take care of her until you die. Always see the best in her and encourage her in every endeavor.  You are to continually to pray for her. Seek God in every challenge that you have together. As a couple, you will have issues that are unexpected. These problems can be as simple as a job search to a serious health issue. I can’t emphasize it enough to pray together through all of it. There is nothing more reassuring than praying with a spouse who loves you and seeks the same answers of God.

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[quote bar=”true” align=”center”]Your spouse is more important than anything else in your life except God.[/quote]

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Be a man of the Word. Growing Christians and couples spend time in the Bible.  You can never be more Christ-like without a daily walk through Scripture. Take the time to meditate and study continually on it. As the head of the house, you do that by being in Church and getting involved with a ministry. You can’t be the “hands and feet of God” without it. Be a man of your word. Scripture teaches to let your “yes be yes and no be no.” If you commit to something, do it. If you make an agreement, honor it. The standard you are called to is still the highest standard.

An honorable man is accountable, always. As a husband, and, eventually, a father, you will set the example for your family, and especially your children, on how to lead a Godly life. Please be a man above reproach. This is not to say you can’t and won’t make mistakes. However, your witness to your family and others matters. As the saying goes, “be slow to speak and quick to listen.”  Children will imitate what they see you do and how you interact as a couple. Proverbs 20:7 says, “The just man walks in integrity; his children are blessed after him.” If you make a mistake, confess it and own it before your family. Your example makes a difference.

Family should always take priority over other decisions. Normally, what is best for all of you is best for you. There will be a time when you have to make a choice between family and something else. Choose family, when you can, because it will pay off in the long run.

Finally, God honors a hard worker. In everything you do give your best. There will be days that you get tired or want to quit. Other days may bring frustrations, but remember that you have a primary role in provision for your family. Your hard work is not always measured by the size of the paycheck, but by the quality effort you bring to it. God honors the one who provides for his family and lives up to the responsibility of it.

I remember waiting at the altar for your mother to come down to meet me. I am still shocked she was there. However, she has been the greatest gift the Lord has given me.

As you wait on your bride as she walks toward you this weekend, remember the gift God has given you. You job now is to live up to that standard. Your great adventure begins!

S. Montgomery