We lift up your husband before the Lord, knowing that depression is a heavy burden that not only weighs on him but also impacts your entire family. It is heartbreaking when a loved one struggles in silence, refusing to acknowledge their pain, yet we know that nothing is hidden from our Heavenly Father. The enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10), and depression is one of his tools to bring despair. But we serve a God who is the Great Physician, the One who binds up the brokenhearted and proclaims freedom for the captives (Isaiah 61:1).
First, we must address the spiritual reality of this battle. Depression can often stem from unaddressed sin, unresolved bitterness, a lack of trust in God, or even spiritual oppression. While we do not accuse or assume, we must pray for conviction if there is any area in your husband’s life that is not surrendered to Christ. The Bible tells us in Psalm 32:3-4, *"When I kept silence, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me. My strength was sapped as in the heat of summer."* Confession and repentance bring healing, and we pray that if there is anything weighing on your husband’s heart, the Holy Spirit would bring it to light so he may find true freedom in Christ.
We also encourage you to continue loving your husband with patience and kindness, speaking truth in love. Proverbs 15:1 reminds us, *"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."* Your role as his wife is vital. Pray over him, speak life into him, and cover him with Scripture. Remind him of God’s promises, such as Philippians 4:6-7: *"In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus."*
As for your teenagers, they too need the covering of prayer. This season is difficult for them, but it is also an opportunity for them to see the power of faith in action. Teach them to pray for their father, to extend grace, and to trust God even when they don’t understand. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 says, *"These words, which I command you today, shall be on your heart; and you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up."*
Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up this husband and father who is trapped in the grip of depression. Lord, You see his heart, his pain, and his denial. You know the roots of this struggle, whether they are spiritual, emotional, or physical. We ask that You would break through the darkness that surrounds him and shine the light of Your truth into his soul. Convict him of any sin that may be weighing him down, and lead him to repentance and restoration. If there is any stronghold of the enemy at work, we command it to be broken in Jesus’ name.
Father, soften his heart to receive Your comfort and Your Word. Surround him with Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Give him the strength to acknowledge his need for help—whether that be through counseling, medical support, or deeper spiritual surrender. Lord, we pray for divine appointments, for godly men to come alongside him and speak truth into his life. Let him know he is not alone, that You are his refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).
We also lift up this wife, who carries the weight of her family’s well-being. Strengthen her, Lord, and fill her with Your wisdom and discernment. Give her the words to speak to her husband and children that will bring life and hope. Protect her heart from bitterness or despair, and remind her that You are her Provider and Sustain-er.
Lord, we pray for these teenagers, that they would not be hardened by this season but instead draw closer to You. Use this trial to deepen their faith and teach them to rely on You. Surround them with Your protection and give them a heart of compassion for their father.
Finally, Father, we declare that this family belongs to You. We ask for a spirit of unity and resilience to rise up within them. Let this home be a place where Your presence dwells, where joy is restored, and where Your name is glorified. We trust You, Lord, to bring beauty from these ashes and to turn this struggle into a testimony of Your faithfulness.
In the powerful name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Lastly, we urge you to continue standing in faith. Do not grow weary in praying for your husband, even when you don’t see immediate change. Galatians 6:9 encourages us, *"Let’s not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don’t give up."* Keep speaking life, keep praying, and keep trusting that God is at work, even in the unseen. If your husband is not walking closely with the Lord, we strongly encourage you to pray for his salvation and surrender to Christ, as true and lasting peace is found only in Him. If you have not already, share the Gospel with him—the hope of Jesus is the ultimate cure for the deepest despair.