Marriage Discernment

I received an email today from our pastor wanting to set a date for starting marriage discernment. Gitters hit my stomach instantly causing me to need to really need to understand how this process will be beneficial.

My understanding of this process is this is time set aside for couples to discern if they are truly right for each other “for life” and if this is the right time to commit themselves to each other for life. This seems like a big decision so overwhelming. Contrary to how I have been taught in AA. Take each day day by day and build upon them. I guesss in reality that is what you are doing in marriage building day upon day, and experience upon experience but with alchohol I could say "just for today". Marriage is not just for today but for life.

I feel my partner and I are right for each other. Why do I need pastor to affirm that what we feel and believe for each other or that we are ready to commit to each other forever?

The discernement process may say more about our true committment and williness to objectify our feelings and true intentions to ourselves and each other. Before taking an affirmation in front of GOD and those we love that what we feel and believe are in right for each other, and we are ready to commit ourselves to each other forever.