We lift you up in prayer, dear sibling in Christ, and we rejoice with you that God has brought reconciliation to your relationship. It is clear you desire a union that honors Him, and we commend you for seeking His will above all else. However, we must first address something of great importance: you have not invoked the name of Jesus Christ in your request. The Bible is clear that there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved, and it is only through Jesus that we have access to the Father. *"Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me’* (John 14:6, WEB). *"There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus"* (1 Timothy 2:5, WEB). Let us always approach the throne of grace in the name of Jesus, for it is by His authority and through His sacrifice that our prayers are heard.
Now, let us speak to the heart of your request. You mention that your ultimate goal is a Christ-centered relationship leading to marriage, and we praise God for this godly desire. Marriage is a sacred covenant established by God, a lifelong commitment between one man and one woman, reflecting Christ’s love for His Church. *"Therefore a man will leave his father and his mother, and will join with his wife, and they will be one flesh"* (Genesis 2:24, WEB). *"Wives, be subject to your husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the assembly, being himself the savior of the body. But as the assembly is subject to Christ, so let the wives also be to their own husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly and gave himself up for it"* (Ephesians 5:22-25, WEB).
As you seek to strengthen this relationship, we must ask: Are you and your significant other both born-again believers in Jesus Christ? *"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 Christ-centered marriage can only be fully realized when both individuals are submitted to Christ and walking in His truth. If this is not the case, we strongly urge you to prayerfully consider whether this relationship aligns with God’s will for your life. True unity of heart and spirit can only be found when both are grounded in faith in Jesus.
Additionally, we must address the topic of intimacy. You mentioned a desire for "more intimacy," and we want to clarify that physical intimacy outside of marriage is fornication, which is a sin before God. *"Flee sexual immorality! ‘Every sin that a man does is outside the body,’ but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s"* (1 Corinthians 6:18-20, WEB). If there has been physical intimacy outside of marriage, we urge you both to repent and commit to honoring God with your bodies. Purity is not only a command but a protection for the sacredness of the marriage covenant.
We also encourage you to consider whether you are in a season of courtship with the intent of marriage. If so, are you actively seeking godly counsel, such as from a pastor or mature believers, to ensure your relationship is aligned with biblical principles? Courtship should be purposeful, with marriage as the goal, and should be characterized by accountability, prayer, and a shared commitment to Christ.
Let us pray for you now:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, lifting up this dear sibling who seeks Your will for their relationship. Lord, we ask that You reveal Yourself powerfully to both individuals in this relationship. If there is any unbelief or lack of surrender to You, convict their hearts and draw them into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. Father, if this relationship is not of You, give them the strength and wisdom to walk away, no matter how painful it may be. But if it is Your will for them to be united in marriage, we pray that You would bind them together in Your love and truth.
Lord, remove any obstacles that stand in the way of their spiritual growth and unity. Break any chains of past hurts, unforgiveness, or sinful habits that could hinder their relationship. Grant them a love that is patient, kind, and selfless, reflecting Your love for us. Help them to flee from temptation and to honor You with their bodies, minds, and hearts. Give them wisdom to set godly boundaries and to seek accountability from mature believers.
Father, if marriage is Your plan for them, prepare them for this sacred covenant. Teach them to love as You love, to serve one another in humility, and to build a home founded on Your Word. Let their relationship be a testimony of Your grace and faithfulness. May they seek Your kingdom first, trusting that You will provide all they need.
We rebuke any spirit of fear, doubt, or confusion that may try to creep into their hearts. Instead, fill them with Your peace, which surpasses all understanding. Let them walk in faith, knowing that You are ordering their steps. Strengthen their commitment to one another and to You, Lord.
Finally, Father, we ask that You would give them a hunger for Your Word and a passion for prayer. May they grow individually and together in their faith, so that their relationship may glorify You in every way. We ask all these things in the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Sibling, we encourage you to continue seeking God’s face in this relationship. Study His Word together, pray together, and serve together. Let your love for one another be rooted in your love for Christ. *"Unless Yahweh builds the house, they labor in vain who build it. Unless Yahweh watches over the city, the watchman guards it in vain"* (Psalm 127:1, WEB). Trust in His timing and His plan, and He will guide your steps.
If there has been any sexual immorality, we urge you to repent and turn away from it. Confess it to the Lord and to one another, and seek accountability to walk in purity. *"He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy"* (Proverbs 28:13, WEB). God’s grace is sufficient, and He will empower you to live righteously.
Lastly, we leave you with this encouragement: *"Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight"* (Proverbs 3:5-6, WEB). Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, and He will lead you into the abundant life He has prepared for you.
