Dating and Prayer

[MyHeartIsWithAndrew]

My boyfriend and I are both strong Christians, and we are firm believers in the power that praying together can have in protecting our purity. We pray together regularly and ask God to guide us in our walk with Him. We also turn to Scripture to help understand what God is revealing to us about our lives as individuals and as a dating couple.

Recently, my youth group has been discussing purity. It was mentioned that dating couples should not pray or read the Bible together because it can lead to temptation. Many of the girls in my youth group were shocked to hear that I disagree with that statement.

I have several Bible verses that back up why I feel it is okay to pray and read the Bible with your boyfriend. But, I am asking for more Bible verses to back me up or alternate sources (statistics, interviews, books, etc.) that will support my case.

 

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I understand talking about interpretations of the Bible can be controversial, and many may disagree with my ideas. I am welcome to recieving Scripture that says the opposite of what I believe, as long as it remains civil:)

[BunkerQB]

I can't quote any scripture to help you but my personal believe is that the two of you should attend a Christian "pre-marital" camp/training session before you get married. I think the two of you are going about it the right way. You and your boyfriend should be comfortable in your church. If you are not, seek out another church. I actually think reading the Bible together should help the two of you deal with temptation - the opposite of what your youth group believes.

Some things you should go over before marriage (just to be practical): Money, family, children, careers, household management, religion, housing, automobiles and sex.

Good luck.

[lemonelephant]

Are you and your Sailor in the same town right now? I know he is an MA and where he is stationed from other comments you've made (I also have an MA).

Praying together and sharing scripture by phone or Skype is a very good way to help each other when you are apart and will let you both know what is on each other’s heart and strengthen your connection to each other and the Lord. Praying for each other and studying the scriptures separately and sharing things that you have discovered is also beneficial and would be a less intimate way of connecting with each other and involving the Lord in your relationship. Having Bible study and prayer together in person can strengthen your relationship with God and with each other; however, it is an intimate connection. If you are planning marriage, there are some good Bible Studies for couples that will help you to explore your commitment to God and each other and will help you to discuss the important issues of faith/beliefs, finances, family values, sex, etc. They usually suggest that you do the lessons separately and then discuss your answers together, possibly with a counselor or pastor or in a group of other couples. Praying together does lead to a deeper level of intimacy and needs to be appropriate to the level of your relationship. Use good judgment about where you choose to spend time alone regardless of what you are doing and keep the Lord in the center of all that you do.