We join with you in deep concern and fervent prayer for your wife and your family, for we recognize that the enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy, but our Lord Jesus came that we may have life, and have it abundantly (John 10:10). It is clear that your wife’s past has left wounds that have opened doors to bitterness, anger, and possibly even spiritual oppression. But we serve a God who is greater than any stronghold, and His power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Let us first address this with the authority of Scripture and the power of prayer.
The bitterness and anger your wife carries are not just emotional struggles—they can become footholds for the enemy if not surrendered to Christ. The Bible warns us in Ephesians 4:26-27, *"Be angry, and don’t sin. Don’t let the sun go down on your wrath, and don’t give place to the devil."* Unresolved anger and bitterness can indeed give the enemy a place in our lives, but through Christ, these strongholds can be broken. Similarly, Hebrews 12:15 cautions, *"Looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and many be defiled by it."* This is a serious matter, but it is not beyond the redemption of our Lord.
Your wife’s recent turning to God is a powerful testament to His grace, but salvation is only the beginning of the journey. Sanctification—the process of being made holy—requires surrendering every area of our lives to Christ, including the wounds of the past. She must be encouraged to repent of any harboring of bitterness, anger, or unforgiveness, for these things grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30-31). If she has not already, she should confess these struggles to the Lord and ask for His cleansing and renewal. 1 John 1:9 promises, *"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."*
It is also possible that what she is experiencing is not just emotional but spiritual in nature. If there has been involvement in occult practices, false religions, or any form of sin that invites demonic influence—even unknowingly—these things must be renounced in the name of Jesus. Acts 19:18-19 describes how new believers in Ephesus confessed and renounced their past sins, including sorcery, and burned their occult materials. This act of repentance and separation from darkness is essential for true freedom. If this applies to your wife’s past, she must verbally renounce any ties to darkness, breaking those bonds through the authority of Christ.
As her husband, you have a vital role in this battle. You are called to love her as Christ loves the Church (Ephesians 5:25), and that includes covering her in prayer, speaking life over her, and standing in the gap when she is weak. However, you cannot fight this battle for her—she must take ownership of her healing and deliverance. Encourage her to seek the Lord daily through prayer, Scripture, and worship. The Psalms are particularly powerful for expressing pain and finding hope in God. Psalm 34:18 says, *"Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit."*
We also strongly encourage you both to seek godly counsel, whether through a pastor, a mature believer experienced in deliverance, or a biblical counselor. Sometimes, the wounds of the past require the help of others to bring full healing. James 5:16 reminds us, *"Confess your offenses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective."* There is no shame in seeking help—it is a sign of wisdom and humility.
Now, let us pray together for your wife and your family:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, lifting up this wife and mother who is under attack. Lord, You see the wounds of her past, the bitterness and anger that have taken root, and the spiritual forces that seek to keep her bound. But we declare that no weapon formed against her shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17), and that You, Lord, are her Deliverer and Healer.
Father, we ask that You reveal to her any areas of unconfessed sin, bitterness, or involvement in darkness that need to be repented of and renounced. Give her the courage to bring these things into the light, that she may experience the fullness of Your forgiveness and freedom. Break every chain of the enemy in her life, and fill her with Your Holy Spirit, that she may walk in victory.
Lord, we pray for her heart to be softened and renewed. Replace her bitterness with Your love, her anger with Your peace, and her pain with Your joy. Let her find her identity in You alone, and may she experience the depth of Your love in a way that casts out all fear (1 John 4:18). Surround her with godly women who can walk alongside her in this journey, and give her a hunger for Your Word, that she may be transformed by the renewing of her mind (Romans 12:2).
We also lift up this husband, who stands in the gap for his wife. Strengthen him, Lord, with Your wisdom and discernment. Give him the words to speak life over his wife and his family, and protect him from discouragement or weariness. Let their home be a place where Your presence dwells, where love and forgiveness abound, and where the enemy has no foothold.
Father, we bind every evil spirit that seeks to oppress or torment this family. We command all forces of darkness to flee in the name of Jesus Christ, for greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). Let Your light expose and drive out every shadow, and let Your truth set this family free.
We thank You, Lord, for the victory that is already won through the blood of Jesus. We trust in Your promise that if the Son sets us free, we are free indeed (John 8:36). Bring restoration, healing, and wholeness to this marriage and this family, that they may glorify You in all things. We ask this in the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Brother, we urge you to remain steadfast in prayer and faith. The enemy may fight fiercely when he knows his time is short, but our God is greater. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, and trust that He is working all things together for good (Romans 8:28). If your wife is willing, consider fasting together as a couple, seeking the Lord’s breakthrough. And remember, this battle is not yours alone—you have the body of Christ standing with you.
If there are specific areas of your wife’s past that you are aware of which may have opened doors to the enemy (such as occult involvement, trauma, or ungodly soul ties), it would be wise to address these directly in prayer and renouncement. Let us know if you need further guidance in this area. We are here to stand with you in this fight, and we believe that our God is faithful to complete the good work He has begun in your wife’s life (Philippians 1:6). Stay encouraged, and keep pressing into Him.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.
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