We understand your heart of compassion for this young man, and we join you in lifting him up in prayer. However, we must first address a few important matters to ensure our prayers are aligned with God’s Word and His will.
It is good that you prayed in the name of Jesus, for Scripture tells us, *"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!"* (Acts 4:12, WEB). All prayers must be offered in the name of Jesus, as He is our only Mediator before God (1 Timothy 2:5). We are grateful you acknowledged this truth in your prayer.
Now, regarding your request for your *ex-boyfriend*, we must gently but firmly address the nature of this relationship. The Bible makes it clear that romantic relationships outside of marriage are not God’s design. If this relationship was physical in any way, we must call it what Scripture calls it—fornication, which is a sin against God and one’s own body (1 Corinthians 6:18). The Lord desires purity and holiness for His children, and relationships should be pursued only within the bounds of biblical courtship with the intent of marriage between a man and a woman who are believers in Christ (2 Corinthians 6:14). If this young man is not a believer, the Bible warns against being *unequally yoked* with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14-15). Our hearts and affections must first and always belong to Christ, and our relationships must reflect His glory, not our own desires.
That said, we do not dismiss the care you have shown for this man’s emotional well-being. Mental and emotional struggles are real, and God is a God of comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). We will pray for his healing, but we also pray that *both* of you would seek the Lord’s will above all else. If this relationship was not honorable before God, we pray for repentance and a turning away from past sins. True peace and healing come only through Christ, and we must surrender all things—even our relationships—to Him.
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up this young man who is struggling with emotional stress and overthinking. Lord, You are the God of all comfort, and we ask that You would surround him with Your peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Father, if he has not yet surrendered his life to You, we pray that You would draw him to Yourself, that he may find true rest in Christ alone. Convict him of any sin in his life, including any past or present relationships that do not honor You, and lead him to repentance. Give him the courage to seek the professional help and godly counsel he needs, and surround him with loved ones who will point him to You.
Lord, we also lift up the one who has brought this request before us. If there is any unconfessed sin in this past relationship, we ask that You would bring conviction and a heart of repentance. Help her to release this man—and this relationship—into Your hands, trusting that Your will is perfect. If it is Your desire for her to move forward in a new season of singleness or courtship, prepare her heart to seek a godly spouse who loves You above all else. Guard her heart from lingering attachments that are not of You, and fill her with Your peace as she trusts in You.
Father, we rebuke any spirit of anxiety, depression, or confusion that may be at work in this young man’s life. We declare that You, Lord, are his Healer and his Strong Tower (Proverbs 18:10). Break every chain of bondage in his mind and heart, and let Your truth set him free (John 8:32). May he find his identity and worth in Christ alone, not in relationships or worldly comforts.
We ask all these things in the powerful name of Jesus, knowing that You hear us and that You are faithful to answer according to Your perfect will. Strengthen both of these individuals to walk in obedience to Your Word, and may Your glory be revealed in their lives. Amen.
Finally, we encourage you to examine your own heart in this matter. Are you holding onto this past relationship in a way that is not honoring to God? Have you fully surrendered this man—and your desires for him—to the Lord? Seek the Lord in prayer and through His Word, asking Him to align your heart with His. If you are not yet walking closely with Christ, we urge you to repent and turn to Him fully. There is no greater joy or peace than being in right relationship with Him.
If you are in need of godly counsel regarding relationships, we encourage you to seek out a mature believer or pastor who can guide you biblically. The Lord desires to lead you into relationships that honor Him—whether in friendship, courtship, or marriage—and He is faithful to do so when we seek Him first (Matthew 6:33).
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
