Our Father in heaven, so much in the dating scene today seems so broken — unnecessary ambiguity, unhealthy communication, fear of commitment, boundaries crossed, messy breakups. Because we are yours, we desperately want our dating to be different. Set our relationship apart from every fallen example around us. Allow our love and respect for one another to say something profound and beautiful about your Son, even when we make mistakes or sin against each other.
Father, guard us from isolating ourselves and our relationship from other believers. The more time we spend one-on-one with each other, the less time we spend with other important people in our lives. That distance is one of the greatest dangers in dating. Draw the men and women we need into our feelings, our communication, and our decision-making. Bring us other Christians who love us enough to ask hard questions. When the temptation will be to date off in a corner, weave our relationship into real, consistent, and engaged community.
Above all, forbid that any love would begin to overshadow or replace our love for you. If either of us consistently draws us away from you, give us enough faith and love to walk away. Guard us from anyone who wants your place in our heart, and lead us to a husband or wife who has already given all of their heart, soul, mind, and strength to you. Whether we ever marry or not, we pledge our love first and forever to you — from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health — until death once and for all marries us to you.
God of Unfailing Love, may we be filled with love for each other that reflects your love for us. Your love is patient, let us be patient with each other. Your love is kind, let us be kind to each other. Your love does not envy, let us not be envious of each other. Your love does not boast, may our relationship be built on humility. You love does not dishonor others, let us honor each other. Your love is not self-seeking, let us love each other with a selfless love. Help us to love each other well. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.
Heavenly Father, thank you that you are our creator, you know us better than anyone else. You brought us together and you have promised that you have plans and a purpose for us, plans to prosper us and not to harm us. Remind us that you are the center of our relationship and that you are the one who watches over our future. May we look to you for wisdom and guidance. May your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ, thank you that you can satisfy our every desire and need. You have said that if we delight ourselves in you, you will give us the desires of our hearts. Please help us to encourage each other to trust in you for every aspect of our lives and relationship. Help us to spur each other on in our faith. May we worship you together. You are the God of endurance and encouragement. Help us to live in harmony with each other, that together we may, with one voice, glorify Jesus Christ. Through your mighty name, Amen.
King of Kings, Lord of Lords, thank you that you are the light of the world, guiding our steps on your path. Please help us to communicate well. Give us the grace to listen to each other carefully and speak in love. Remove any bitterness and resentment from our mouths Lord, and may our words be words of kindness and gentleness. May our communication be the building block of a healthy relationship. Guide our words and our hearts Lord, in submission to you. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with us. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.
O Lord my God, thank you that you are our shield and our strength. You have promised that you will never leave us or forsake us, you are always with us. You have joined us together as one flesh. Help us to work together in our relationships. May we support each other, encourage each other and serve each other. Please help us to love each other in the same sacrificial way we have been loved by you. You are the God of hope. Fill us with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit we may abound in hope. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.