We hear the longing in your heart, and we come before the Lord with you, lifting up your desire for a godly and committed relationship. First, we must address the foundation of any relationship, it must be built on Christ. Jesus tells us in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." If either of you does not know Jesus as Lord and Savior, we must start there, for apart from Him, no relationship can truly thrive or honor God. Salvation is the first step, and we pray that if either of you has not surrendered your life to Christ, that you would do so today. Romans 10:9 says, "If you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
Now, regarding your relationship, we must speak truth in love. The Bible is clear that marriage is the only context in which a man and woman should pursue a committed, intimate relationship. Hebrews 13:4 says, "Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the bed be undefiled; but God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers." If you and this man are not married, any sexual intimacy outside of marriage is sin, it is fornication, and it grieves the heart of God. We must rebuke this gently but firmly, for your protection and his. God’s design is for purity, and His ways are for your good. If you have been intimate outside of marriage, we encourage you to repent, seek forgiveness, and commit to living in holiness from this point forward.
We also want to encourage you to examine your heart and this relationship through the lens of Scripture. Is this man a believer who loves the Lord and seeks to honor Him? 2 Corinthians 6:14 warns, "Don’t be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? Or what communion has light with darkness?" If he is not a follower of Christ, this relationship cannot be blessed by God, no matter how much you love him. We must pray for his salvation first, and for God’s will to be done in both of your lives.
If he is a believer, we must ask: Is he committed to marriage, or is he leading you in a way that is not honoring to God? Proverbs 18:22 says, "Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor of the Lord." Marriage is a covenant, not just a relationship. If he is not ready or willing to pursue marriage with you in a way that honors God, we must pray for clarity and wisdom for you. God may have someone else for you, a man who will cherish you, lead you spiritually, and commit to you as Christ commits to the Church (Ephesians 5:25).
Let us pray for you now:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, lifting up this dear sister and her desire for a godly relationship. Lord, we ask that You would first draw her and this man to Yourself. If either of them does not know You as Savior, we pray that You would reveal Yourself to them, that they would confess Jesus as Lord and be saved. Father, we ask for Your will to be done in this situation. If this relationship is not of You, we pray for the strength to let go and trust You with the future. If it is Your will for them to be together, we pray that You would bring them into alignment with Your Word, purity, commitment, and marriage.
Lord, we rebuke any ungodly patterns in this relationship. We ask that You would convict hearts where there is sin, whether it be fornication, emotional unfaithfulness, or a lack of commitment to Your design for marriage. Father, we pray for healing from past hurts and for wisdom to move forward in a way that honors You. If this man is not the one You have for her, we pray for the courage to release him into Your hands and to trust You with her future.
We ask that You would surround her with godly counsel and community, Lord. Give her peace that surpasses understanding as she seeks Your will. And if it is Your plan for them to be together, we pray that You would prepare their hearts for marriage, that they would build their relationship on the foundation of Christ, and that You would bless them with a union that reflects Your love for the Church.
In all things, Lord, may Your name be glorified. We ask this in the precious and mighty name of Jesus. Amen.
We encourage you to seek the Lord earnestly in this season. Spend time in His Word, in prayer, and in fellowship with other believers who can speak truth into your life. If this man is not willing to pursue marriage in a way that honors God, we must trust that God has something better for you. Psalm 37:4 says, "Delight yourself also in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Delight in Him first, and He will guide your steps. If you need further counsel, we are here to walk with you.