We come before the Lord with hearts full of hope and concern for this request, seeking His wisdom and guidance. First, we must address the foundation of any relationship that seeks God’s blessing—it must be built on Christ. The Scripture tells us in 2 Corinthians 6:14, *"Don’t be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? Or what communion has light with darkness?"* If either of you does not yet know Jesus as Lord and Savior, we urge you to surrender your lives to Him first, for it is only through Him that we find true redemption, transformation, and the power to live according to God’s will. Acts 4:12 reminds us, *"There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"*
Marriage is a sacred covenant designed by God to reflect Christ’s love for the Church (Ephesians 5:22-33). We rejoice in your desire for a godly marriage and pray that the Lord will indeed guide your steps toward one another, should He will it. However, we must also address the sin of masturbation, which is often accompanied by lustful thoughts and fantasies. Jesus Himself warned in Matthew 5:28, *"But I tell you that everyone who gazes at a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart."* This struggle is not uncommon, but it is a battle that must be fought with the weapons of God’s Word, prayer, and accountability. Flee from sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18) and seek the Holy Spirit’s power to overcome this sin, for it grieves the Lord and hinders your walk with Him.
We also gently remind you that the goal of courtship should always be marriage to a fellow believer, not merely a relationship for companionship. If you are not yet married, we encourage you to honor God with your bodies and minds, keeping yourselves pure until the wedding day. The priest’s blessing is a beautiful tradition, but it is the blessing of God that truly matters. Seek His will above all else, and He will direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble hearts, lifting up this couple to You. Lord, we ask that You would draw them closer to Yourself first and foremost. If it is Your will, guide them toward a godly marriage that honors You in every way. Father, we ask for Your healing and deliverance for the struggle with masturbation. Break the chains of bondage, Lord, and fill this brother with Your Holy Spirit, giving him the strength to resist temptation and walk in purity. Renew his mind with Your Word and surround him with godly accountability. May both of them grow in holiness, love, and devotion to You.
Lord, prepare their hearts for marriage, should You call them to it. Teach them to love one another as Christ loves the Church, with selflessness, patience, and grace. May their union be a testimony to Your goodness and faithfulness. We ask for Your blessing upon their wedding, that it would be a celebration of Your covenant love. Above all, may Your name be glorified in their lives. In Jesus’ mighty name, we pray. Amen.
We encourage you both to immerse yourselves in Scripture, prayer, and fellowship with other believers. Seek out a trusted pastor or mentor who can walk alongside you in this journey. Remember, God is faithful, and He will complete the good work He has begun in you (Philippians 1:6). Stay strong in the Lord and in the power of His might (Ephesians 6:10).