Takeaways for the Talking Stage
How to Incorporate Prayer into Your Online Dating Connection
Written By: Crista Moriah Simonowich
Once, a friend suggested that I try dating apps.
So, over the past few years, I have had some matches and conversations—and a lot of ghosting.
I went on my first date at 28 years old. Although the guy was kind enough to drive a distance, buy me a coffee, and talk, I did not care to go on a second date.
Currently, my thirtieth birthday is in a few months. The talking connection I have right now is the longest one yet.
In the process, I've realized something…
When you actually do end up with a connection in the online dating world, "talking to someone" involves waiting, too.
Although this guy did ask me when and how I wanted to meet, uncertainty still exists.
When it unfolds, will we want it to go further? What will it be like in "real life"?
3 Takeaway Tips I've Gleaned as I Go
Here are three approaches to prayer for now if you find yourself in the season of sending texts back and forth—or for later if you're hoping to match with someone:
1. Pray you'll learn to hold it all loosely
Not too long after I started communicating with this guy, I came across a reel on Instagram of Pastor Chuck Swindoll speaking of Corrie ten Boom,
"She said, 'Let me see your hands.'
I put my hands out and she put her little hands in mine, and she said,
'Let me tell you something, Pastor Swindoll, you must always hold everything loosely, because if you don't, it will hurt when the Father pries your fingers loose and takes them from you.'
And I'm sure she was thinking of Betsy and her life and her family and all she had gone through. I've never forgotten that…"
I want to be more faithful to ask for those open hands. How about you, sister?
2. Pray for all things related to this match.
My advice is to pray for the guy you're talking to. Pray about if you meet, when you meet, or anything that pops up in your mind regarding you and him. When I have quiet time, I usually jot down a prayer about whatever is foremost in my thoughts.
"Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4:6-7 NLT
According to this passage, we pray and tell and thank and then have exceeding peace!
3. Ask for need to be met when it is a true need.
Sometimes quotes make a lasting impact. They affect your prayer life. Here is one of the most impactful Christian statements I have read:
"God has promised to supply our needs. What we don't have now we don't need now." -Elisabeth Ellilot, "The Path of Loneliness: Finding Your Way Through the Wilderness to God"
This outlook pairs well with Psalm 23:1 which declares, "The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need."
I pray along the lines of "When I need that text, a date, fill-in-the-blank, etc., please provide it. 'What I don't have now I don't need now.'"
Permission to Thrive Despite Uncertainty
Whether you are just setting up your dating app profile or finally seem to be having success, I hope that these approaches to prayer prove helpful in your own journey!
You never know when that guy you match with could end up being your most promising connection yet…
May this season be enjoyable and fun in the midst of uncertainty as we go to God with what is on our hearts.
Crista "Moriah" Simonowich likes to write poetically about the lessons Jesus is teaching her. North Carolina is her home. Her pastimes include listening to music, junk journaling, or cooking and baking. She dreams of becoming a traditionally published author someday.
The best way to connect with Moriah is through Instagram or Substack.
