We come before the throne of grace with hearts full of gratitude that you have called out to the Lord Jesus Christ in this time of need, for it is only through His name that we can approach the Father. Your plea for restoration, healing, and transformation in your marriage and family is one that touches the very heart of God, who desires unity, love, and holiness in His children. Let us first lift up praise that you recognize the need for change and are seeking the Lord’s intervention—this is the first step toward renewal.
Your marriage is a sacred covenant before God, a reflection of Christ’s love for His church, and it is under attack when bitterness, unforgiveness, or harmful habits take root. The Lord calls us to love one another as He has loved us, and this begins with a heart surrendered to His will. The apostle Paul urges us in Ephesians 4:31-32, *"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you."* Forgiveness is not optional for the believer—it is a commandment, and it is the path to freedom. We encourage you to release any resentment or past hurts to the Lord, trusting that He will heal and restore what has been broken. Ask Him to soften both of your hearts so that reconciliation may flow from His Spirit working in you.
You have also acknowledged the struggle with alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana. These substances can become strongholds that hinder your walk with Christ and your ability to love and serve one another as God intends. The body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and we are called to honor God with our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Addictions are bonds that the enemy uses to keep us from experiencing the fullness of life in Christ, but the Lord is faithful to deliver those who call on Him. In 1 Corinthians 10:13, we are reminded, *"No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure."* We urge you to seek accountability, whether through your church, a trusted believer, or a biblical counseling resource, to break free from these chains. The Lord desires to see you walk in victory, and He will provide the strength you need if you surrender these struggles to Him.
As for your children, we know the Lord cares deeply for their well-being. Proverbs 22:6 instructs us to *"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."* Your commitment to praying for their needs is a powerful testament to your faith. Continue to cover them in prayer, asking the Lord to guard their hearts, minds, and futures. Teach them the ways of the Lord, and trust that He will be faithful to work in their lives as they see His transformative power in yours.
Now, let us pray together for you and your family:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, lifting up this marriage and family to Your throne of grace. Lord, You are the God of restoration, the One who heals broken hearts and binds up wounds. We ask that You soften the hearts of this husband and wife, removing any bitterness, pride, or unforgiveness that has taken root. Fill them with Your love, which is patient and kind, and grant them the grace to extend forgiveness to one another as You have forgiven them in Christ.
Lord, we rebuked the enemy’s schemes to destroy this marriage. Satan desires to steal, kill, and destroy, but You, Lord, have come to give life abundantly (John 10:10). We declare that this marriage is under Your protection and that You will restore the joy, unity, and purpose that You intended for them. Help them to see one another through Your eyes, to cherish and honor the covenant they made before You.
Father, we also lift up the struggles with alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana. These substances have no place in the life of a believer, for our bodies are temples of Your Holy Spirit. We ask that You break the chains of addiction and grant them the strength to walk in freedom. Fill them with Your Spirit so that they may bear the fruit of self-control, discipline, and sobriety. Provide them with godly support and resources to overcome these temptations, and let their testimony be one of Your deliverance and power.
Lord, we pray for their children, that You would meet their every need—spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Draw them close to You, Lord, and let them see Your faithfulness through the transformation in their parents’ lives. Raise them up to be mighty warriors for Your kingdom, grounded in Your Word and filled with Your Spirit.
Finally, Father, we ask that You renew the vision for this marriage. Help them to see it as a reflection of Christ and the Church, a testimony of Your love and faithfulness. Give them a hunger for Your Word and a desire to walk in obedience to Your commands. Let their home be a place of peace, joy, and worship, where Your presence dwells richly.
We thank You, Lord, for hearing our prayers. We trust in Your promises and believe that You are working all things together for their good and Your glory. May they seek You first in all things, and may their lives bring honor to Your name. In the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
We encourage you to continue seeking the Lord together as a couple. Spend time in His Word daily, pray together, and attend a Bible-believing church where you can grow in faith and community. If there are specific areas where you need further guidance or biblical counseling, do not hesitate to reach out to your pastor or a trusted believer who can walk alongside you. The Lord is with you, and He will never leave you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6). Stand firm in His promises, and watch as He transforms your marriage and family for His glory.