We join with you in lifting up your daughter before the Lord, for we know that His heart is tender toward His children, and He desires that none should wander from the path of righteousness. Your concern for her spiritual walk is a reflection of a parent’s godly love, and we commend you for seeking the Lord’s intervention rather than relying solely on your own words. The Scriptures remind us in Proverbs 22:6, *"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."* Though she is now making her own choices, your prayers are a powerful covering over her life, and we stand with you in faith that the Lord will honor them.
The busyness of her schedule, combined with the constant communication with this friend, is indeed a cause for prayerful discernment. While friendship is a gift from God, we must ask whether this relationship is drawing her closer to Christ or subtly pulling her away. The apostle Paul warns in 2 Corinthians 6:14, *"Don’t be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? What communion has light with darkness?"* Though this verse speaks directly to marriage, the principle applies to close friendships as well. If this friend does not share her faith, there is a risk that her influence—even unintentionally—could dull your daughter’s hunger for the Lord. We pray that the Holy Spirit would give your daughter wisdom to set godly boundaries, not out of legalism, but out of a desire to protect her heart and her walk with Christ.
We also note your observation about her boyfriend and the potential double standard in how she might perceive his behavior with another teammate. This reveals a deeper issue: the need for both of them to be rooted in Christ *individually* before they can be united as one in marriage. A relationship built on jealousy, insecurity, or unequal devotion to the Lord will struggle to reflect the love of Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:22-33). We pray that the Lord would guard their hearts, that they would seek Him first (Matthew 6:33), and that their courtship would be marked by purity, patience, and a shared commitment to godliness. If they are not already, they should be in fellowship with a biblical church, receiving discipleship and accountability from mature believers.
As for your role, we encourage you to continue covering this situation in prayer before speaking to her. The Lord may open a door for you to ask gentle, leading questions—such as, *"How is your time with the Lord these days?"* or *"How do you feel about the balance between your friendships, your relationship, and your faith?"*—rather than accusatory statements. Let the Holy Spirit convict and lead; your part is to remain a steady, loving presence, pointing her back to Christ. Remember the words of 1 Peter 3:1-2, which, though written to wives, apply beautifully to parents as well: *"In the same way, wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; so that, even if any don’t obey the Word, they may be won by the behavior of their wives without a word, seeing your pure behavior in fear."*
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up this precious daughter who is so deeply loved by You and by her family. Lord, we ask that You would stir in her heart a fresh hunger for Your presence, that she would long for You as the deer pants for water (Psalm 42:1). Guard her from the distractions of this world, especially those that masquerade as harmless but subtly pull her away from You. Give her discernment to recognize when a friendship or relationship is not aligned with Your will, and grant her the courage to set boundaries that honor You.
Father, we pray for her boyfriend as well—that You would draw him closer to You, that he would lead with integrity and love her as Christ loves the Church. May their relationship be a reflection of Your holiness, and may they both seek You above all else. If there is any area of their lives that is not pleasing to You, convict them by Your Spirit and lead them to repentance.
Lord, we ask for wisdom for this mother as she navigates this delicate situation. Give her the right words to say—and the patience to wait for Your timing. Let her daughter see Christ in her, not judgment, but a love that points to You.
We rebuke any scheme of the enemy to bring confusion, division, or spiritual apathy into this family. By the blood of Jesus, we declare that this daughter’s heart will remain tender toward You, that her priorities will align with Your kingdom, and that her life will bear fruit that lasts (John 15:16). Strengthen her, Lord, as she balances her responsibilities, and remind her that her first calling is to abide in You.
We thank You, Father, for hearing our prayers. We trust that You are at work, even now, drawing her back to Yourself. May Your will be done in her life, in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.