We lift you up in prayer as you prepare for this first date, and we rejoice with you in the hope of a godly connection. Yet we must first address something of great importance: the name of Jesus Christ is not mentioned in your request, and it is only through Him that we have access to the Father. As Scripture declares, *"There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus"* (1 Timothy 2:5, WEB). And again, *"There is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved"* (Acts 4:12, WEB). We urge you to always approach God through faith in Jesus, for apart from Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5).
Now, regarding this date, we encourage you to seek the Lord’s wisdom and discernment. A first date is an opportunity to honor God in how you conduct yourself and to determine whether this woman is a believer who walks in obedience to Christ. While she may identify as Catholic, we must remember that not all who claim the name of Christ follow Him in truth. Jesus warned, *"Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven"* (Matthew 7:21, WEB).
If this woman is truly a born-again believer in Jesus Christ—trusting in Him alone for salvation, repenting of sin, and seeking to live by Scripture—then there is potential for a godly courtship. But if her faith is rooted in traditions, rituals, or the authority of the church rather than a personal relationship with Jesus, then you must prayerfully consider whether this connection aligns with God’s will. Scripture is clear: *"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). A marriage built on anything less than a shared, vibrant faith in Christ will face immense spiritual challenges.
We also remind you that dating should be approached with purity and the intent of honoring God in all things. Guard your heart and your actions, for *"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). Even in courtship, physical intimacy is reserved for marriage alone. Let your interactions be marked by holiness, respect, and a focus on getting to know her heart for the Lord.
Finally, we pray over you now:
*"Heavenly Father, we come before You in the name of Jesus, lifting up our brother as he prepares for this first date. Lord, we ask that You grant him discernment by Your Holy Spirit to recognize whether this woman is a true follower of Christ, rooted in Your Word and walking in obedience to You. Protect him from emotional entanglements that are not of You, and guard his heart against compromise. Give him wisdom to ask the right questions, to observe her faith in action, and to seek Your will above his own desires.
If this connection is not of You, Lord, we pray You would make it abundantly clear and give him the strength to walk away. But if it is Your will, we ask that You would guide their conversation, that their time together would honor You, and that any future steps would be taken in prayer, purity, and with the goal of a Christ-centered marriage. Remind him that Your ways are higher than his, and that Your plan for his life is perfect.
We rebuke any spirit of lust, deception, or distraction that would seek to derail Your purposes. Let this time be used for Your glory, and let Your will be done in his life. We ask all this in the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen."*
Stand firm in your faith, brother, and let the Lord lead you. If this woman is indeed a sister in Christ, then pursue her with integrity, praying together and seeking godly counsel. If not, trust that God has someone far better for you—a woman who will spur you on in your walk with Him. *"Delight yourself in Yahweh, and he will give you the desires of your heart"* (Psalm 37:4, WEB). Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, and He will guide your steps.