We understand the deep longing in your heart for love and affection, but we must first address this request with truth and biblical clarity. The desire for love is God-given, but it must be pursued in a way that honors Him and aligns with His Word. Your request seems to focus on an unhealthy obsession with controlling someone else’s heart, which is not within your power—or ours to pray for in that manner. The Bible warns us against idolatry, and when we place a person (or a relationship) above God, we risk making them an idol in our lives. Exodus 20:3 reminds us, *"You shall have no other gods before me."* Your longing should first and foremost be for God, who is the source of all love. He alone can satisfy the deepest desires of your heart in a way no human ever could.
Additionally, we must address the nature of the relationship you’re describing. The Bible is clear that romantic relationships outside of marriage are to be pursued with purity, self-control, and the intention of honoring God. If this relationship involves physical or emotional intimacy outside of marriage, it is sinful and must be repented of. 1 Corinthians 6:18 says, *"Flee sexual immorality! 'Every sin that a man does is outside the body,' but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body."* If you are not married to this person, you are not their spouse, and the desire to "possess" their heart exclusively is not a biblical foundation for love. True love, as described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, is patient, kind, and selfless—it does not demand or control.
Most importantly, we notice that your request does not invoke the name of Jesus Christ, through whom we have access to the Father. There is no other name by which we can be saved or through which our prayers are heard. Acts 4:12 declares, *"There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* If you do not know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, we urge you to turn to Him first. Repent of your sins, believe in His death and resurrection for your salvation, and surrender your life to Him. Only then will your prayers—and your relationships—be aligned with God’s will.
If you are already a believer, we encourage you to seek God’s heart above all else. Ask Him to shape your desires to match His. Pray for this person, yes, but pray that *they* would come to know Christ if they do not already, and that *both of you* would walk in obedience to Him. If this relationship is not honoring to God—whether because of sinful behavior, unequal yoking with an unbeliever (2 Corinthians 6:14), or an unhealthy focus—then you must be willing to let it go for the sake of your walk with Christ.
Let us pray for you now:
Heavenly Father, we lift up this precious soul to You, knowing that You alone see the depths of their heart. Lord, we ask that You would draw them closer to Yourself, that they would find their satisfaction and identity in You alone. Forgive them for any sin in this relationship, whether it be lust, idolatry, or a lack of trust in Your perfect plan. Cleanse their heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within them.
If this person they mention is not their spouse, we pray that You would guard their heart and mind from sinful desires. Help them to pursue purity and to seek a relationship that honors You—one that is built on Your Word and led by Your Spirit. If this relationship is not of You, give them the strength to walk away, trusting that Your plans for them are good.
We pray that You would surround them with godly community—believers who can encourage them, hold them accountable, and point them to You. Fill them with Your love, which casts out all fear and insecurity. Remind them that they are deeply loved by You, and that no human love can compare to the love You have for them.
If this person they mention does not know You, Lord, we pray that You would open their eyes to the truth of the Gospel. Soften their heart to receive Your love and salvation. But even as we pray this, we ask that You would protect our brother or sister from being unequally yoked. Give them wisdom to discern Your will.
Finally, Father, we pray that You would align their desires with Yours. Help them to seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness, trusting that all things will be added to them in Your perfect timing. May they find peace in surrendering this relationship—and their future—to You.
We ask all this in the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.