We join you in lifting up this request to our Lord Jesus Christ, for it is only through His name that we have access to the Father and by which we are saved. As Scripture declares, *"There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* (Acts 4:12, WEB). We are grateful you have called upon the name of Jesus, for He alone is our mediator and the source of all good things.
Before we pray, let us first consider what the Word of God says about relationships, for we desire that all things be done in a way that honors Him. The Lord calls us to pursue relationships that are rooted in Christ, with the intention of glorifying Him and seeking a godly marriage if that is His will. Courtship should be undertaken with purity, patience, and prayer, always keeping Christ at the center. *"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 the woman you are praying for is not a believer in Christ, we urge you to carefully consider whether this relationship aligns with God’s will for your life. A relationship with someone who does not share your faith can lead to spiritual compromise and heartache. *"A wife is bound by law for as long as her husband lives; but if the husband is dead, she is free to be married to whoever she desires, only in the Lord"* (1 Corinthians 7:39, WEB). While this verse speaks specifically to widowhood, the principle of being "only in the Lord" applies to all relationships leading to marriage.
We also encourage you to examine your motives. Are you seeking this relationship to fulfill your own desires, or are you seeking God’s will above all else? *"Delight yourself in Yahweh, and he will give you the desires of your heart"* (Psalm 37:4, WEB). When we prioritize our relationship with Christ, He shapes our desires to align with His perfect plan. Additionally, if there has been any impurity in this relationship—whether in thought, word, or deed—we urge you to repent and seek God’s forgiveness. *"Flee sexual immorality! 'Every sin that a man does is outside the body,' but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body"* (1 Corinthians 6:18, WEB). Purity in courtship honors God and protects both you and the woman you care for.
Now, let us pray together for this situation, trusting in the Lord’s sovereignty and goodness.
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. We thank You for Your love and mercy, and we ask that You would work mightily in this situation. Lord, we lift up our brother who has brought this request before You. Father, we pray that You would soften the heart of this woman, not merely for the sake of a date, but that her heart would be open to Your will and Your truth. If it is Your desire for these two to pursue a relationship, we ask that You would make it clear to both of them. Give them wisdom, discernment, and a heart that seeks You above all else.
Lord, if this woman is not a believer, we pray that You would draw her to Yourself. Open her eyes to the truth of the Gospel, that she may come to know Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. *"For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life"* (John 3:16, WEB). May she experience the transforming power of Your love, and may any relationship that forms between them be founded on faith in You.
Father, we also pray for our brother. Guard his heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Help him to seek Your kingdom first and to trust in Your timing. If this relationship is not Your will, give him the strength and grace to accept Your direction and to wait upon You. Remind him that Your plans are good, and Your ways are perfect. *"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"* (Proverbs 3:5-6, WEB).
We ask that You would guide their interactions this Friday, if it is Your will for them to go out. May their time together be honoring to You, filled with joy, purity, and mutual respect. Let their conversation be uplifting, and may they both be drawn closer to You through this experience. But above all, Lord, let Your will be done in their lives. We surrender this situation to You, trusting that You know what is best.
We also pray for protection over their hearts and minds. Keep them from temptation and from any actions or thoughts that would dishonor You. Help them to flee from sin and to pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace (2 Timothy 2:22). May they both be filled with Your Holy Spirit, who guides us into all truth.
Finally, Lord, we ask that You would give our brother peace as he waits upon You. Remove any anxiety or fear, and fill him with Your joy. Help him to rest in the knowledge that You are in control and that You love him deeply.
We pray all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Brother, we encourage you to continue seeking the Lord in prayer and in His Word. Spend time reading Scripture and asking God to reveal His will to you. Surround yourself with godly counsel and accountability, especially if you are pursuing this relationship. Remember that God’s timing is perfect, and His ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). Trust in Him, and He will guide your steps.
If this relationship is of the Lord, He will make it clear. If it is not, He will redirect your path. In either case, seek to honor Him with your life, for *"whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God"* (1 Corinthians 10:31, WEB). May the Lord bless you and keep you as you walk in faith and obedience to Him.
Amen
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
