Prayers for Your Relationship with Your Boyfriend

The 1928 Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church keeps a short prayer “For Those We Love” among its family prayers, and because it names no one, it fits a boyfriend as well as a parent or friend.

Almighty God, we entrust all who are dear to us to thy never-failing care and love, for this life and the life to come; knowing that thou art doing for them better things than we can desire or pray for; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Book of Common Prayer (1928), Family Prayer, “For Those We Love,” p. 597

When things are going wrong between you

Lord, something has gone wrong between us, and I am not sure what it is. Show me my part in it, and give me the courage to own it. Soften both our hearts, help us talk honestly, and put things right between us, if that is your will. A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. (Proverbs 15:1) Amen.

After an argument

God, we said things tonight that we should not have said. Keep me from replaying every word and building a case against him. Help me apologize for what I did, whether or not he apologizes for what he did, and let neither of us go to sleep still angry. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath. (Ephesians 4:26) Amen.

When you are afraid of losing him

Lord, I am afraid this is ending, and I want to hold on. If this relationship is good and from you, protect it and help us both do our part to keep it. If it is not, give me the grace to let go without bitterness. Either way, keep me close to you. Amen.

For honesty and trust

Father, help us tell each other the truth, even when it is awkward or costs something. Where trust has been broken, show us whether it can be rebuilt and how. Keep me from suspicion without reason, and from ignoring what I can plainly see. Amen.

When you are apart

Lord, he is far away tonight, and I miss him. Keep him safe, keep us faithful to each other, and help us use the phone calls and messages to build each other up. The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another. (Genesis 31:49) Amen.

In Genesis the verse belongs to a wary agreement between Jacob and his father-in-law Laban, who call on God to watch each of them when the other cannot. In the second half of the nineteenth century it was engraved on “Mizpah” brooches and charms that lovers and families gave each other before a separation. The 1928 Book of Common Prayer has a prayer “For the Absent” as well, which asks God “to behold and bless those whom we love, now absent from us,” and asks that “both they and we, drawing nearer to thee, may be bound together by thy love” (pp. 596–597).

For purity

God, you made our bodies and you know what we want. Help us keep the boundaries we have agreed, and give us the self-control to keep them when we are alone together. If we have already crossed them, forgive us and help us start again. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication. (1 Thessalonians 4:3) Amen.

Christian churches have traditionally taught that sex belongs within marriage. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says that those engaged to marry “should reserve for marriage the expressions of affection that belong to married love” and that “they will help each other grow in chastity” (paragraph 2350).

When deciding about the future

Lord, we are talking about the future, and I do not know whether he is the one I should marry. Show us both what you want. Give us wise friends and family who will tell us the truth, and keep us from rushing or from drifting. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5–6) Amen.

The 1928 Prayer Book’s prayer “For Guidance” suits the same moment:

O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light riseth up in darkness for the godly; Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what thou wouldest have us to do, that the Spirit of Wisdom may save us from all false choices, and that in thy light we may see light, and in thy straight path may not stumble; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Book of Common Prayer (1928), Family Prayer, “For Guidance,” p. 595

Paul’s description of love in 1 Corinthians 13 can be prayed line by line for a relationship. The King James Version uses the older word “charity” for love, where modern translations such as the New International Version begin, “Love is patient, love is kind.”

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

1 Corinthians 13:4–7

Every couple runs into obstacles sooner or later. When the two of you bring them to God together, you ask him for wisdom about what to do, and you face the trouble side by side.

Heavenly Father,

In Your boundless love and wisdom, You have brought us together, guiding our steps towards each other. As we stand united, hand in hand, facing the trials laid before us, we humbly ask for Your strength and guidance. Like the sturdy oak that withstands the storm by bending with the wind, grant us the flexibility to navigate our challenges without breaking. Illuminate our path with Your light, so we may see opportunities for growth amidst our struggles.

Lord, weave Your peace into the fabric of our relationship, that we may support one another with gentle words and understanding hearts. Bless us with patience to listen, courage to speak the truth, and wisdom to know when silent support is needed. In every obstacle, let us find a bridge, and in every challenge, a lesson to draw us closer to You and each other.

In Jesus’ name, we pray,

Amen.

When two people share their faith, they have something to build their relationship on. This prayer asks God to be that foundation, and to help you both learn from his Word, grow patient with each other and serve with humility.

Let us pray.

Heavenly Father,

We come before You today as partners on a journey, seeking to build our relationship upon the rock of faith in You. Guide us, Lord, as we strive to intertwine our spirits in Your love, weaving a landscape of trust, understanding, and devotion that reflects Your glory. Bless us with wisdom to learn from Your Word, patience to grow with each other, and strength to overcome challenges together.

Kindle within our hearts a beacon of Your divine light, so that through our actions and decisions, we may mirror Your unconditional love and grace. Help us to communicate with kindness, act with integrity, and serve with humility, always aiming to glorify You in all aspects of our relationship.

In Jesus’ Name, we commit our journey of faith together, trusting that You will lead us through valleys and peaks, drawing us ever closer to You and each other with every step we take.

Amen.

This prayer brings the dreams you share to God. It asks him to light the way you will go together, and to help each of you support what the other hopes for.

Lord,

We come before You today, hand in hand, hearts intertwined, asking for Your guidance to inspire shared dreams and goals in our relationship. Illuminate our path with Your divine light, so we may see the journey You intend for us to embark on together. Grant us the wisdom to nurture and support each other’s aspirations, recognizing that in unity our individual dreams can transform into our collective purpose.

Bless us with open hearts and minds, > > dear Lord, to dream boldly and with divine inspiration. May we cultivate a garden of aspirations, watered by Your love and fortified by our faith in You and in each other. Teach us to celebrate both our united vision and our unique gifts, understanding that together, we are stronger and more resilient.

In moments of doubt or discord, remind us of this shared vision, fostering a spirit of patience, encouragement, and unwavering support. Let our partnership be a testament to Your grace and love, as we build a future anchored in faith and mutual respect.

Amen.

So much of what goes wrong between two people goes wrong in what is said and how it is heard. This prayer asks God to teach you both to speak with love and to listen with patience. When you misunderstand each other, it asks for the humility to find out what the other meant, and the heart to forgive.

Dear Lord,

In Your wisdom, You created us for communion—with You and with each other. We come before You today, asking for Your grace to envelop our relationship, particularly in how we communicate and listen to one another. Teach us, O God, to speak with love, to listen with intent, and to understand with patience.

Like the gentle breeze that stirs still waters, may Your Spirit guide our words, ensuring they carry the weight of our feelings yet land softly on the heart of the other. Help us to hear not just the words spoken but the unvoiced sentiments behind them, bridging any gap with Your infinite wisdom. In moments of misunderstanding, grant us the humility to seek clarity, the wisdom to discern truth, and the heart to forgive swiftly.

May our conversations always reflect Your love and grace, becoming a testament to the transformative power of divine guidance in strengthening human connections. Let our words build, not break; inspire, not intimidate; and affirm, not alienate. With You at the center of our dialogue, let every spoken word be a step closer to each other and to You.

This prayer asks God to make the two of you an encouragement to each other and to give you the words to lift each other up. It also asks for the humility to accept encouragement and the generosity to offer it.

Heavenly Father,

In Your wisdom, You have brought us together, guiding us to love and support one another. We come before You today, asking for Your grace to further strengthen our bond through encouragement and support. Lord, imbue us with kindness, patience, and understanding that we may always have the words to lift each other up.

Help us to see each other through Your eyes, acknowledging both strength and vulnerability as gifts that can bring us closer to You and each other. Grant us the humility to accept encouragement and the generosity to offer it freely, fostering an environment where love can grow unimpeded by pride or doubt.

In moments of challenge, remind us of Your love, the ultimate source of encouragement. May our relationship be a testament to the encouragement and support that flows from Your endless wellspring of grace.

Amen.

Affection can cool when the days are full and busy. This prayer asks God to keep your love warm, to help you see each other through his eyes, and to remind you, when affection feels distant, that his love does not run dry.

Heavenly Father,

In Your wisdom, You have bound us together in this landscape of love. Today, we stand before You, hands entwined, hearts open, seeking Your light to guide us deeper into the garden of love and affection. Lord, pour upon us the water of clarity, that we may see each other through Your eyes—flaws accepted, strengths celebrated, and spirits united.

Help us, O God, to cultivate a love that mirrors Your own—unconditional, unyielding, and uplifting. Let Your warmth embrace our relationship, thawing any coldness that may threaten our bond. Guide our words and actions, that they may be seeds of kindness and understanding, blossoming into a haven of mutual respect and adoration.

In times of drought, when affection feels distant, remind us of the wellspring of love You offer, encouraging us to draw from it and share freely with one another. Teach us to navigate the seasons of our relationship with grace, patience, and a steadfast commitment to each other’s growth and happiness.

In Jesus’ name, we pray,

Amen.

Trust is what lets two people tell each other their fears as well as their joys. This prayer asks God for the courage to be open with each other, for clarity where doubt clouds things, and for patience and humility when you misunderstand each other.

Dear Lord, in the garden of our relationship, we seek Your nourishment to deepen the roots of our trust and honesty. Just as daylight cradles the earth, may Your light envelop us, guiding our words and actions towards transparency and faithfulness.

Grant us the courage to bear our souls, to share our fears and joys alike. Let not shadows of doubt cloud our minds, but instead, fill us with the clarity of Your truth. Teach us to listen, not just to reply, but to understand each other’s hearts and Your divine wisdom.

In moments of misunderstanding, bring us back to the cornerstone of Your love, reminding us that in patience and humility lies the strength of our bond. May we mirror Your unfailing honesty and trust, becoming beacons of Your light to each other and to those around us.

Amen.

This prayer asks God to help you honour each other: to see each other through his eyes, to value your differences, and to recognize the gifts he has placed in each of you, in hard times as well as happy ones.

Dear Loving Father,

In the garden of our relationship, we seek Your light and wisdom to cultivate a rich soil of mutual respect and appreciation. Help us, Lord, to see each other through Your eyes—valuing our differences and cherishing our shared dreams. Teach us to speak words that build rather than break, and to listen with hearts eager to understand and empathize.

As two trees planted side by side, let our roots grow deeply in love, support, and respect for one another. May our leaves flourish, showing the beauty of Your creation in us. Guide us to recognize the gifts You have placed within each of us, celebrating them not only in moments of joy but also in times of challenge.

Lord, weave Your strength into our bond, making it resilient against the storms of life. Let our love be a testament to Your grace, as we uplift and affirm one another in thought, word, and deed.

Amen.

Two people who love each other will still see things differently, and this prayer asks God to make you both slow to anger and quick to listen, and to guide you back to each other when you misunderstand.

Heavenly Father,

In the garden of our love, we seek Your guidance to nurture patience and understanding. Grant us the grace to see through each other’s eyes, to understand the depth of our feelings, and to appreciate the unique ways in which we express our love. Like the patient gardener, let us tend to each other’s needs with gentleness, watering our relationship with kindness and allowing it to bask in the sunlight of Your love.

Lord, teach us to be slow to anger and quick to listen, that our words may be seeds of compassion rather than thorns of hurt. In moments of misunderstanding, shine Your light upon us, guiding us back to the path of mutual respect and adoration. Help us remember that love is patient, love is kind, and through Your divine assistance, we can embody these virtues.

Bless our journey together with the fruits of Your spirit, that we may grow not just in love, but in patience and understanding towards each other and towards all we encounter.

Amen.

When a couple begins to talk about the years ahead, they can bring those hopes to God, and this prayer places your plans, your dreams and your future in his hands.

Dear Lord,

In the garden of our lives, You are the light that nurtures our love, the rain that feeds our bonds, and the soil that roots our foundation deeply. We come before You, two souls entwined, seeking Your blessing as we dream of our future together.

Guide us, Father, through the seasons of life. In times of joy, let our happiness reflect Your love. In moments of challenge, remind us that every storm is followed by a rainbow—a promise of Your presence and providence. Bless our journey ahead with a landscape of experiences that draw us closer to You and to each other.

We place our hopes, dreams, and yet-to-be-lived stories in Your wise hands, trusting that what is to come will be a testament to Your grace and goodness. May our love be a beacon of Your light, guiding others towards the warmth of Your embrace.

Amen.

This prayer for faithfulness begins with the words about love we read above, that love is patient and kind. It asks God for the strength to stay faithful in thought, word and deed, and in moments of temptation or doubt to turn your hearts back to him and to each other.

Heavenly Father,

In Your wisdom, You have shown us that love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. As we navigate the waters of this relationship, we humbly seek Your guidance to uphold commitment and loyalty to each other. Let our love be a reflection of Your unending love for us—steady, unwavering, and true.

Grant us the strength to remain faithful in thought, word, and deed, honoring the promises we’ve made to one another. In moments of temptation or doubt, remind us of the sacred bond we share, turning our hearts back to You and to each other. May our relationship be a testament to the power of enduring love, guided by Your hand.

Bless us with the wisdom to communicate openly, the grace to forgive freely, and the courage to support one another unconditionally. As we grow together, let our commitment deepen, and our loyalty strengthen, knowing that with You at the center, nothing can break us apart.

Amen.

A relationship needs joy as well as hard work, and this prayer asks God for laughter and delight in the simple moments, remembering the joy Jesus brought to the wedding at Cana.

Heavenly Father,

In Your wisdom, You created us for communion, to share our lives and hearts with one another. Today, we lift our relationship before You, praying earnestly for an outpouring of Your joy and laughter upon us. Just as Jesus turned water into wine, injecting joy into the wedding at Cana, we ask You to permeate our bond with such radiant happiness.

Let our conversations be seasoned with light-heartedness and our days filled with the warmth of laughter. Teach us to find delight in the simple moments and to approach life’s complexities with a spirit of playfulness, knowing that Your joy is our strength. Help us to navigate the ebbs and flows of our journey together, always anchored in the joy of Your presence.

Guide us, O Lord, in creating an atmosphere where love can dance freely, unburdened by the weight of worries or misunderstandings. May our relationship be a testament to the enduring joy found in You, serving as a beacon of hope and encouragement to others around us.

Amen.