We lift up your friend and this relationship before the Lord, knowing that He is the God of all comfort and healing. It is beautiful that you both share faith in Jesus Christ, for this is the foundation upon which any godly relationship must be built. We praise God for bringing you together and for the work He is doing in both of your hearts.
The wounds from past relationships can indeed leave deep scars, especially when there has been manipulation, control, or unkindness. The fear of being hurt again is understandable, but we must remember that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). It is essential that your friend surrenders these fears to the Lord, allowing Him to heal the broken places and restore trust—not just in relationships, but first and foremost in God’s sovereignty and goodness.
We also encourage you both to seek the Lord individually and as a couple, ensuring that your relationship is centered on Christ and aligned with His will. Courtship should always have the intention of honoring God and moving toward marriage if it is His will. It is wise to take time to heal and to grow in trust, but it is equally important to guard your hearts and your relationship from emotional and physical intimacy that does not honor God. Remember, the Lord calls us to purity and holiness in all areas of our lives, including our relationships. Flee from sexual immorality, for it is a sin against your own body and against God (1 Corinthians 6:18-20). Your relationship should reflect Christ’s love for the Church—selfless, sacrificial, and pure.
We also want to gently remind you that prayer is most powerful when we come before the Lord in the name of Jesus Christ. There is no other name by which we are saved, and it is only through Jesus that we have access to the Father (John 14:6, Ephesians 2:18). Always approach God with confidence in the name of Jesus, for He is our mediator and our hope.
Let us pray together for your friend and for your relationship:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, lifting up this precious brother who is carrying the weight of past hurts. Lord, You see the wounds in his heart, the fear of being controlled or hurt again, and we ask that You would touch him with Your healing hand. Remove every trace of fear and replace it with Your perfect love, which casts out all fear (1 John 4:18). Restore his trust in You first, and then in the godly relationships You place in his life.
Lord, we pray for wisdom and discernment for both of them as they navigate this season of healing and courtship. Help them to keep their eyes fixed on You, seeking Your will above their own desires. If it is Your plan for them to move toward marriage, prepare their hearts and make the path clear. Give them patience to wait on Your timing and the strength to honor You in every step they take.
We rebuke any spirit of fear, control, or past trauma that may be lingering in their lives. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we command these things to leave in the name of Jesus Christ. Fill them instead with Your peace, Your love, and Your joy. Help them to communicate openly and honestly with each other, always speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).
Father, we ask that You would guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Protect them from temptation and keep them pure as they seek to honor You in their relationship. May their love for one another be a reflection of Your love for us—patient, kind, and selfless (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).
Finally, Lord, we pray that You would surround them with godly counsel and mentorship. Place people in their lives who can guide them, encourage them, and hold them accountable to Your Word. May their relationship be a testimony of Your grace and redemption.
We thank You, Father, for hearing our prayers. We trust in Your perfect plan and timing. May Your will be done in their lives, and may You receive all the glory. In the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
We encourage you both to stay rooted in prayer, in the Word of God, and in fellowship with other believers. Seek the Lord’s face together and individually, and trust that He is working all things for your good (Romans 8:28). If there is any area in your relationship that is not aligned with God’s Word, we urge you to repent and turn to Him for strength and guidance. He is faithful to forgive and to lead you on the path of righteousness. God bless you both as you seek Him with all your hearts.
