We come before the Lord with heavy hearts, lifting you up in prayer, for we see the deep struggle and pain you are facing. First, we must address the grave concerns in your request, for the path you are considering is one of destruction, not life. The Lord’s Word is clear: marriage is a sacred covenant before God, and He hates divorce (Malachi 2:16, WEB: *"For I hate divorce," says Yahweh, the God of Israel*). Though your wife may be difficult, the answer is not to abandon your vows but to seek God’s strength to love her as Christ loves the church—sacrificially and with patience (Ephesians 5:25, WEB: *Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly and gave himself up for it*).
The desire to leave your wife for another woman is not just emotional pain speaking—it is temptation leading you toward adultery, which is a sin against God and your own body (1 Corinthians 6:18, WEB: *Flee sexual immorality! “Every sin that a man does is outside the body,” but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body*). The grass may seem greener elsewhere, but outside of God’s will, it is only a mirage leading to ruin. The enemy wants to destroy your marriage, your testimony, and your future. Do not give him a foothold.
As for the substances you mention—alcohol and marijuana—these are not solutions but escapes that will only numb you temporarily while deepening your bondage. The Bible calls us to sobriety, to be clear-minded and self-controlled (1 Peter 5:8, WEB: *Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour*). Turning to these things will only weaken your resolve and pull you further from God’s help.
Your back surgery is another area where fear seems to be paralyzing you, but we serve a God who is our healer and our strength. He does not promise an easy path, but He promises to be with you (Isaiah 41:10, WEB: *Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness*). Avoiding the surgery out of fear may only prolong your suffering. Seek the Lord’s wisdom and the counsel of godly medical professionals, trusting that He will guide your steps.
Now, let us pray for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift this brother before Your throne of grace, knowing that You are the God of redemption and restoration. Lord, he is at a crossroads, tempted to walk away from his marriage, to seek comfort in sin, and to run from the challenges before him. But Your Word says that Your strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Father, we ask that You break the chains of temptation and despair that are binding him. Fill him with Your Holy Spirit, that he may have the power to forgive, to endure, and to love his wife as You have commanded. Convict his heart of the destruction that sin would bring and turn his feet toward righteousness.
Lord, we rebuke the spirit of division and adultery that is lurking, seeking to devour this marriage. We declare that no weapon formed against this union will prosper (Isaiah 54:17), and we ask that You would soften both his heart and his wife’s heart toward one another. Help them to seek counseling, to communicate in love, and to rebuild what has been broken. If there is bitterness or unforgiveness, Lord, uproot it and replace it with Your peace.
Father, we also pray for his physical health. You are Jehovah-Rapha, the God who heals. Give him wisdom about his surgery, and if it is Your will, grant the doctors skill and success. Remove his fear and replace it with trust in You. Let him know that even in pain, You are with him, and You will use this trial for his good and Your glory (Romans 8:28).
Finally, Lord, we pray that he would turn away from the temporary escapes of alcohol and drugs. Satisfy him with Your presence, that he may find his joy in You alone (Psalm 16:11, WEB: *You will make known to me the path of life. In your presence is fullness of joy. In your right hand there are pleasures forevermore*). Renew his mind and his spirit, that he may walk in obedience and find true freedom in Christ.
We ask all this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, who gave Himself for us that we might live abundantly. Amen.
Brother, the road ahead is not easy, but it is not hopeless. The Lord sees your pain, and He is calling you to trust Him rather than flee. Repent of the sinful paths you are considering and turn to Him with all your heart. Seek godly counsel—perhaps from your pastor or a biblical counselor—to help you navigate this season. Surround yourself with brothers in Christ who will hold you accountable and pray for you. The Lord is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13). Cling to Him, and He will carry you through.
If you have not already, surrender your marriage, your pain, and your fears to Jesus. There is no situation too broken for His redemption. He can restore what is lost and heal what is wounded. But you must choose Him over sin, over fear, and over the lies of the enemy. Stand firm, brother. The Lord is with you.
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. 
