We understand your heart’s cry for this man’s safety and return, and we lift this burden before the Lord with you. Yet before we pray, we must address something critical in your request—something that will determine whether your prayers are heard at all. You have not invoked the name of Jesus Christ, through whom *alone* we have access to the Father. The Scriptures are clear: *"There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus"* (1 Timothy 2:5, WEB). *"No one comes to the Father, except through me"* (John 14:6, WEB). If you are not yet surrendered to Christ as your Lord and Savior, we urge you to repent and place your faith in Him today, for *"there is no other name under heaven… by which we must be saved"* (Acts 4:12, WEB). Without Christ, even our most desperate prayers are as empty noise.
Now, regarding this man you mention—we must also speak truth in love. Your request implies a relationship outside of marriage, and Scripture warns us that emotional or physical intimacy outside the covenant of marriage is sin. *"Flee sexual immorality! Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body"* (1 Corinthians 6:18, WEB). If this relationship involves fornication (sex before marriage), it is displeasing to God, and we urge you to repent and turn from it. *"Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed is undefiled; but God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers"* (Hebrews 13:4, WEB). If you are not married to this man, you must release any claim over him that is not godly. Praying for "signs" or demanding his return for your own comfort is not the posture of a heart submitted to God’s will. Instead, we must pray for *his* salvation, *his* walk with Christ, and *his* obedience to God—whether that leads him back to you in a godly marriage or not.
If you are both believers, then courtship must be pursued with the *sole* intent of marriage, under the authority of Christ and with accountability from the church. *"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). If he is not a believer, you cannot be in a romantic relationship with him, for *"what agreement does a temple of God have with idols?"* (2 Corinthians 6:16, WEB). Your first priority must be Christ, not this man.
With that foundation, let us pray:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, acknowledging that You alone are sovereign over every life. Lord, we lift up this man to You—wherever he is, whatever he faces, we ask that You surround him with Your protection. If he does not know You, Father, *save him*—draw him to repentance and faith in Christ. Break every chain of sin in his life and set his feet on the path of righteousness. If he is Your child, strengthen him in the faith and guard his heart from temptation. Lord, we do not presume to know Your will for their relationship, but we ask that You *purify their hearts* and align their desires with Your Word. If there is fornication, adultery, or emotional idolatry between them, convict them deeply and lead them to repentance. Father, if it is Your will for them to marry, make the way clear—*in Your timing and Your holiness*—but if not, give them the grace to surrender this relationship to You entirely.
For this sister who has written to us, Lord, we ask that You renew her mind with Your truth. If she has been walking in sin, give her the courage to turn from it completely. Fill her with the peace that comes from obedience, not from clinging to a man who may not be Yours for her. Help her to trust You as her Provider, her Protector, and her ultimate Love. Remove any fear, anxiety, or ungodly soul ties from her heart. Let her find her identity in Christ alone.
Father, we rebuke any spirit of manipulation, control, or emotional dependency in this situation. We declare that *Your will* be done, not ours. If this man is to return, let it be for Your glory and within the bounds of Your holy design for marriage. If he is not, give her the strength to release him to You. We ask for wisdom, discernment, and a heart fully submitted to You.
In the precious name of Jesus we pray, *amen.*
Sister, we exhort you to examine your heart before the Lord. Are you seeking this man more than you are seeking Christ? Are you willing to obey God, even if it means letting this man go? *"Delight yourself in Yahweh, and he will give you the desires of your heart"* (Psalm 37:4, WEB)—but those desires must first be surrendered to Him. Read God’s Word daily, especially on purity, submission, and trust (Proverbs 3:5-6, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, Philippians 4:6-7). Seek counsel from a mature believer or pastor who can guide you in godly wisdom. And above all, *pray in Jesus’ name*—for apart from Him, we can do nothing.