We join you in lifting up this young man before the Lord, thankful that you have brought this request in the name of Jesus, for it is only through Him that we have access to the Father and by which we are saved. Your heart for this young man’s growth in his sport is evident, and we pray God’s abundant favor upon him as he continues to work diligently.
Yet as we pray, we must also address the nature of his relationship with your daughter. The Bible makes it clear that relationships between young men and women should be rooted in godly purpose, with marriage as the intended goal. Courtship should be conducted in purity, with both individuals seeking the Lord and striving to honor Him in all things. If this young man is not already a believer in Jesus Christ, we urge you to pray earnestly for his salvation, for what does it profit a man to gain the whole world—even success in sports—if he loses his soul? *"For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his life? Or what will a man give in exchange for his life?"* (Matthew 16:26, WEB).
If he is a believer, we encourage you to pray that their relationship would be one that glorifies God, with marriage as the foundation they are building toward. The Bible warns against unequally yoked relationships, where a believer is intimately connected with an unbeliever, for this can lead to compromise and spiritual harm. *"Don’t be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? Or what communion has light with darkness?"* (2 Corinthians 6:14, WEB). If he is not yet a believer, we pray that your daughter would guard her heart and remain steadfast in her faith, trusting the Lord to lead her to a godly spouse who shares her commitment to Christ.
We also must address the importance of purity in their relationship. The Bible is clear that sexual intimacy is reserved for marriage, and any relationship that steps outside of this boundary is in sin. *"Flee sexual immorality! ‘Every sin that a man does is outside the body,’ but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s"* (1 Corinthians 6:18-20, WEB). If this is an area of struggle for them, we pray for conviction, repentance, and a commitment to holiness, for the Lord calls us to live set apart for Him.
Now, let us pray together for this young man’s growth in his sport, his relationship with your daughter, and most importantly, his relationship with the Lord.
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Heavenly Father, we come before You in the name of Jesus, lifting up this young man who is disciplined and hardworking in his pursuit of excellence in football. Lord, we ask that You sharpen his talents and grant him speed, agility, and quickness beyond his natural ability. Give him unmerited favor with his coaches, that they would recognize his effort and the gifts You have placed within him. May he use this platform not just for his own success, but to bring glory to Your name, whether in victory or in challenge. Help him to remember that his identity is found in You alone, not in his performance or the approval of others.
Father, we also lift up his relationship with this young woman. If he does not yet know You as his Lord and Savior, we pray that You would draw him to Yourself. Open his heart to the truth of the Gospel, that he may repent of his sins and place his faith in Jesus Christ. If he is already a believer, we pray that You would strengthen his walk with You and that this relationship would be one that honors You in every way. Guard their hearts and minds against temptation, and help them to pursue purity, keeping their relationship centered on You and Your will for their lives.
Lord, if marriage is Your plan for them, we pray that You would make it clear and prepare them for a Christ-centered union. Give them wisdom to seek Your face above all else and to wait on Your timing. If this relationship is not Your will, we ask that You would graciously reveal this to them and give them the strength to walk away in obedience to You.
We rebuked any spirit of distraction, pride, or worldly ambition that would seek to pull this young man away from Your purposes for his life. May he seek first Your Kingdom and Your righteousness, trusting that all things will be added to him as he walks in obedience to You. Surround him with godly mentors and friends who will encourage him in his faith and hold him accountable.
Finally, Father, we pray for this mother’s heart. Give her peace as she trusts You with her daughter’s future. Help her to speak truth in love and to model a life of faith and surrender to You. May she rest in the knowledge that You are sovereign over all things, including the relationships of her children.
We ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus, who alone is worthy of all praise and honor. Amen.
