We hear your deep concern and care for this young man, and we join you in lifting him before the Lord with heavy hearts. Self-harm and suicidal thoughts are serious matters that grieve the heart of God, for He created every person with purpose, value, and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). It is right to be cautious in how you speak to him, but it is also important to remember that healing and hope come from Jesus Christ alone. We must pray fervently that he would turn to the Lord for comfort, strength, and deliverance from these destructive thoughts and actions.
First, we must address the mention of him being a "great boyfriend." While it is natural to desire companionship, we must be careful not to place our hope or identity in another person. The Bible teaches that marriage is a sacred covenant between a man and a woman, and it should only be pursued when both individuals are spiritually mature and committed to honoring God in their relationship (2 Corinthians 6:14, Ephesians 5:22-33). If this young man is not yet walking closely with the Lord, his greatest need is not a girlfriend but a Savior. We must pray that he would first seek a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, for it is only in Him that true healing and wholeness can be found (John 14:6, Acts 4:12).
Let us rebuke the spirit of despair and self-destruction that may be at work in his life. The enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy, but Jesus came that we may have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10). We declare that this young man is fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), and his life has value and purpose in God’s eyes. We pray that he would reject the lies of the enemy and embrace the truth of God’s Word, which says that he is loved, cherished, and redeemed by the blood of Jesus (Romans 5:8, 1 Peter 1:18-19).
We also lift you up in prayer, dear sister. It is clear that you care deeply for this young man, but you must guard your own heart and mind as well. Proverbs 4:23 warns us to guard our hearts above all else, for everything we do flows from it. You cannot carry the burden of his healing alone, nor should you allow your peace to be disrupted by fear. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6). Surrender this situation to Him, and ask for wisdom in how to support this young man in a way that points him to Christ.
Let us pray together now:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, lifting up this young man who is struggling with thoughts of self-harm and despair. Lord, we ask that You would break the chains of darkness that seek to destroy him. We rebuke every spirit of suicide, depression, and hopelessness in the mighty name of Jesus. We declare that he is Your beloved child, created for a purpose, and that his life matters to You.
Father, we pray that You would draw him to Yourself. Soften his heart to receive Your love and truth. Let him know that he is never alone, for You are with him always (Matthew 28:20). Surround him with godly people who can speak life into him and encourage him in his walk with You. Heal his mind, body, and spirit, Lord, and replace his pain with Your peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
We also pray for wisdom and discernment for our sister who has brought this request before You. Give her the words to speak and the strength to trust You with this situation. Help her to point this young man to You, the only source of true healing and hope. May she find her own peace and security in Your presence, knowing that You are in control.
Lord, if it is Your will for this young man to one day enter into a godly marriage, we pray that You would prepare his heart and the heart of his future spouse. Until then, let him seek You above all else, growing in faith, maturity, and love for You. We ask all of this in the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
We encourage you to continue praying for this young man daily, trusting that God hears your prayers and is at work even when you cannot see it. If he is open to it, gently encourage him to seek biblical counseling or support from a trusted pastor or Christian mentor. His greatest need is not a relationship with you or anyone else but a relationship with Jesus Christ. Keep your focus on pointing him to the Lord, and He will guide you both in His perfect will.
