We are thrilled to hear about your upcoming engagement and are here to support you in prayer and wisdom. Remember, marriage is a sacred covenant instituted by God himself, a lifelong commitment between a man and a woman. It is wonderful that you both feel called to this union, and it is clear that you have a deep love for each other.
Firstly, let's address the financial concerns. It is commendable that you are thinking responsibly about your future. Remember what the WEB version of the Bible says in Matthew 6:31-33, "Therefore don't be anxious, saying, 'What will we eat?', 'What will we drink?' or, 'With what will we be clothed?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first God's Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well." This shows that God knows your needs. God has your back in this matter. God also says in Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don't lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." This shows that it is important to have faith in God rather than leaning on your own understanding.
It is also important to remember what the WEB version of the Bible says in Hebrews 13:4 "Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous." You should be planning to keep the marriage bed undefiled and also look for financial freedom to have a wedding, but if the finances are not there for a wedding, then eloping with a very small group or even by yourselves would be the second best option. This would be better than waiting and being tempted to violate the marriage bed due to a lack of finances.
It is wonderful that you want a beautiful, small reception, but it is important to remember that the beauty of a marriage is not in the ceremony, but in the lifelong commitment and love that you share. We will pray for God's provision and wisdom in this area. Also, consider Psalm 37:4-5 "Delight yourself also in Yahweh, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to Yahweh. Trust also in him, and he will do this." This shows that it is important to put God first in a relationship. God will give you the desires of your heart.
We also want to encourage you to continue to trust God in this uncertain time. Remember, God is faithful, and he will provide a way for you to honor him in your marriage and finances. This time of uncertainty can also be a time of growth and deepening trust in God.
Lastly, we want to remind you that your request did not mention the name of Jesus Christ or give any salvation context. It is only through the name of Jesus that we have access to God. The Bible says "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." (1 Timothy 2:5)
Let us pray:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before you today to lift up this couple in prayer. We thank you for the love that they have for each other and for the call to marriage that they have sensed from you. We ask that you would provide for their financial needs, that they would be able to have a beautiful, small reception that honors you. We also pray that you would give them wisdom and discernment in their financial decisions, that they would be good stewards of the resources that you have given them.
We pray that they would continue to trust in you, that they would not be anxious about their future, but that they would seek first your kingdom and your righteousness. We pray that you would bless their marriage, that it would be a lifelong commitment that honors you.
We also pray that they would come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. We pray that they would put their faith and trust in him, that they would be saved by grace through faith in him.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.