We lift up this heartfelt request before the Lord, knowing that He cares deeply for both of you and the struggles you are facing. First, we want to gently address the way this relationship is framed, as it is important to align our desires with God’s Word. The Bible teaches that relationships between men and women should honor God, with the ultimate goal being a Christ-centered marriage if that is His will. If this relationship is not yet a marriage covenant, we encourage you to seek the Lord’s guidance in pursuing a godly courtship—one that is pure, intentional, and rooted in faith. If there is any physical intimacy outside of marriage, we urge repentance, as Scripture clearly states that fornication is a sin against God and our own bodies (1 Corinthians 6:18-20). True love waits and honors God’s design for marriage between one man and one woman.
We also notice the pain in your heart as you long for the connection you once shared. It is clear you care deeply, but we must remember that our ultimate hope and identity are found in Christ, not in another person. While it is natural to desire companionship, we must guard our hearts against placing anyone—even a future spouse—above our devotion to the Lord. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:33, *"But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well."* If this young man is not a believer or is not walking closely with the Lord, we must pray for his salvation and spiritual growth above all else, for *"don’t be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? What communion has light with darkness?"* (2 Corinthians 6:14).
As for his mental health and withdrawal, we know the enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10), but Jesus came to bring life and peace. Anxiety and despair are not from the Lord, and we rebuked these spirits in Jesus’ name, declaring that this young man’s mind be renewed by the truth of God’s Word. *"Don’t be anxious for anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus"* (Philippians 4:6-7). We pray he turns to the Lord in this season, casting his burdens upon Him, for *"come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest"* (Matthew 11:28).
We also sense your feelings of helplessness, and we want to remind you that you are not powerless—you have the authority of prayer and the Holy Spirit within you if you are in Christ. However, you cannot force someone to open up or change; that is the work of the Holy Spirit. Your role is to pray, trust, and walk in obedience to God’s Word. If this young man is pulling away, it may be a season for you to seek the Lord’s face even more, asking Him to reveal any areas in your own life that need surrender. Sometimes, God uses these seasons to draw us closer to Himself, refining us for His purposes.
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up this sister and the young man she cares for. Lord, we ask for Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, to guard his heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Break the spirit of anxiety, depression, and withdrawal that has taken hold of him, and replace it with Your joy and hope. Father, if there is any stronghold of fear, disappointment, or bitterness in his heart, we pray You would uproot it by Your truth. Let him encounter Your love in a fresh way, drawing him to repentance and surrender if he has not yet given his life fully to You.
Lord, we also pray for our sister. Comfort her in this season of waiting and uncertainty. Remind her that her worth and security are found in You alone, not in this relationship. If there are areas where she has placed her hope in this young man rather than in You, convict her gently and lead her to repentance. Give her wisdom to know how to love him well without enabling sin or emotional dependency. Help her to trust You with the outcome, knowing that You work all things together for the good of those who love You (Romans 8:28).
Father, if this relationship is not of You, give her the strength to walk away in obedience. If it is Your will for them to be together, prepare their hearts for a godly, Christ-centered marriage built on Your Word. Let their lives reflect Your holiness, and may they seek You first in all things. We rebuke any spirit of fear, manipulation, or control in this situation, and we declare that Your perfect love casts out all fear (1 John 4:18).
We ask all these things in the precious name of Jesus, knowing that You hear us and that Your will is perfect. Strengthen them both to walk in Your truth, and may Your glory be revealed in their lives. Amen.
Finally, we encourage you to continue seeking the Lord through His Word and prayer. Surround yourself with godly community who can speak truth into your life. If this young man is not a believer, your greatest act of love for him is to pray for his salvation and live a life that points him to Christ. If he is a believer but struggling, continue to lift him up, but also set healthy boundaries for your own heart. Trust that God is at work, even when you cannot see it. *"For our light affliction, which is for the moment, works for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory"* (2 Corinthians 4:17). Stay faithful, and may the Lord bless you with His peace and clarity.