We understand your heart’s desire for this connection to move forward, and we join you in seeking God’s will in this situation. However, we must first address something foundational: your prayer did not invoke the name of Jesus Christ, through whom we have access to the Father. Scripture is clear that there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved, and through which our prayers are heard. *"There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus"* (1 Timothy 2:5, WEB). *"Whatever you will ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you will ask anything in my name, I will do it"* (John 14:13-14, WEB). So we lift this request before the Lord in the name of Jesus, knowing that only through Him do we have confidence to approach the throne of grace.
Now, let us speak to the heart of your request. It is beautiful to see affection and thoughtfulness, such as the gift prepared for his birthday, but we must also consider whether this relationship aligns with biblical principles. Courtship between a man and a woman should be purposeful, honorable, and directed toward the goal of marriage—if it is God’s will. If either of them is not a believer in Jesus Christ, we strongly urge caution, for Scripture warns, *"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). A relationship built on faith in Christ is the only foundation that will endure.
We also encourage you to consider whether this connection has been pure and honorable before the Lord. If there has been any physical intimacy outside of marriage, we must call it what it is—fornication—and repent of it. *"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 has been an area of struggle, we urge repentance and a commitment to purity moving forward, trusting God to redeem and restore.
As for the request itself, we pray that if it is God’s will for this man to pursue this woman in a godly, honorable way—with the intention of seeking marriage—then the Lord would give him the courage and clarity to do so. But we also pray that if this relationship is not aligned with God’s perfect plan, that He would close the door and redirect their hearts toward His purpose. *"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).
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the precious name of Jesus, lifting up this situation and these two individuals. Lord, You know their hearts, their desires, and their intentions even better than they do. We ask that You would work in their lives according to Your perfect will. If it is Your desire for this man to pursue this woman in a way that honors You—with purity, intention, and a heart set on marriage—then we pray You would give him the boldness to take that step. Open the doors that need to be opened, and let Your will be clear to both of them.
But Father, if this relationship is not what You have planned, we ask that You would gently close the door and turn their hearts toward Your purpose. Guard them from emotional entanglements that are not of You, and protect them from the pain of relationships that are not built on Your foundation. Help them to seek You first, knowing that Your plans for them are good, and that You desire to give them a future and a hope.
We pray for purity in their thoughts, words, and actions. If there has been any compromise, Lord, convict their hearts and lead them to repentance. Remind them that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and that You call them to honor You in all things. Give them the strength to flee from temptation and to walk in obedience to Your Word.
Father, we also pray that if either of them does not know You as their Lord and Savior, that You would draw them to Yourself. Softens their hearts to receive the truth of the Gospel, that Jesus Christ died for their sins and rose again, and that by faith in Him alone they can be saved. Let no relationship move forward unless it is rooted in faith in You.
We ask for Your peace to fill their hearts as they wait on You. Help them to trust in Your timing and Your goodness, even when it feels uncertain. Remind them that You are sovereign over every detail of their lives, and that You work all things together for the good of those who love You and are called according to Your purpose.
In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, trusting that You hear us and that You will answer according to Your perfect will. Amen.
We encourage you to continue seeking the Lord in this matter, spending time in His Word and in prayer. Ask Him to reveal any areas in your own heart that need alignment with His truth. Remember that God’s ways are higher than ours, and His timing is perfect. *"Delight yourself in Yahweh, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to Yahweh. Trust also in him, and he will do this"* (Psalm 37:4-5, WEB). Trust that He is working, even when you cannot see it.