We hear your heartfelt concern for your beloved, and we join you in lifting him before the Lord. It is clear that your love for him is rooted in your shared faith in Christ, and we commend your desire to see him walk closely with the Lord. The Bible warns us about the influence of the world and the importance of surrounding ourselves with godly company. As it is written in 1 Corinthians 15:33 (WEB), "Don’t be deceived! 'Evil companionships corrupt good morals.'" The university environment can be a challenging place for a young believer, especially when surrounded by those who do not share the same foundation in Christ. We must remember that our faith is not just a personal journey but one that is strengthened or weakened by the company we keep.
We also want to gently remind you that your concern is not just for his social circle but for the state of his heart. The fruits of the Spirit you mentioned—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23 WEB)—are evidence of a life surrendered to Christ. If he is slipping away, it is not merely about his friendships but about his relationship with Jesus. We must pray that the Lord will draw him back, convict his heart, and renew his passion for the things of God. The peace you long to see in him will only come as he abides in Christ, for Jesus said in John 15:4-5 (WEB), "Remain in me, and I in you. As the branch can’t bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you, unless you remain in me. I am the vine. You are the branches. He who remains in me and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
Let us also address the importance of his relationship with Jesus Christ. It is only through Jesus that we have access to the Father, and there is no other name by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12 WEB). If your beloved has professed faith in Christ, we must pray that his identity in Him remains his foundation. If there is any doubt about his salvation, we must pray that the Holy Spirit will open his eyes to the truth of the Gospel—that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 WEB). Salvation is not earned by works but received by grace through faith in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9 WEB). We must pray that he would not be swayed by the philosophies of this world but would stand firm in the truth of God’s Word.
Now, let us come before the Lord in prayer for your beloved:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, lifting up this young man who is so dear to us. Lord, we ask that You would draw him back to Yourself. Protect his heart from the influences of this world and surround him with godly friends who will encourage him in his faith. Father, we pray that You would convict him of any sin in his life and lead him to repentance. Renew his passion for Your Word and for prayer. Fill him with the Holy Spirit so that the fruits of the Spirit would be evident in his life. Lord, we ask that You would give him a hunger and thirst for righteousness and that he would find his peace and joy in You alone. Guard his mind from the lies of the enemy and help him to stand firm in the truth of Your Word. We pray that he would not be conformed to this world but transformed by the renewing of his mind (Romans 12:2 WEB). Father, we trust that You are at work in his life, and we ask that You would complete the good work You have begun in him (Philippians 1:6 WEB). In Jesus’ mighty name, we pray. Amen.
We encourage you to continue praying for him faithfully and to seek opportunities to speak truth into his life with love and gentleness. Proverbs 27:17 (WEB) tells us, "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." Perhaps the Lord will use you to be that godly influence in his life. Trust in the Lord’s timing and His perfect plan for your beloved. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2 WEB), and do not grow weary in praying for him. The Lord is faithful, and He will not forsake those who seek Him.
