We hear your heart and the weight of the struggles you are carrying in your marriage and family relationships. It is painful when those closest to us do not support the union that God has brought together, for the Bible tells us, "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and they shall be one flesh" (Genesis 2:24). This sacred bond is not to be easily broken or undermined, even by well-meaning family members.
First, we must address the foundation of your request. It is only through Jesus Christ that we have access to the Father, and it is in His name alone that we pray. "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5). If you have not yet surrendered your life to Jesus, we urge you to do so, for He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). Confess your sins, believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, and you will be saved (Romans 10:9).
Now, let us lift your marriage before the Lord with hearts full of faith and hope. Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up this marriage that is under attack. Lord, You have joined this man and woman together, and we ask that You strengthen their bond in ways that only You can. Father, we pray for unity, not just between husband and wife, but also with their families. Soften hearts that are hardened, Lord, and help them to see this marriage through Your eyes. Give them wisdom to navigate these challenges with grace, patience, and love, as Your Word instructs us to "bear with one another, and forgive each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do" (Colossians 3:13).
We rebuke the spirit of division and strife that seeks to tear this marriage apart. The enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but Jesus came that we may have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10). We declare that this marriage will not be a casualty of the enemy’s schemes. Instead, we pray that it will be a testimony of Your love, grace, and restoration. Lord, help them to prioritize their relationship with You and with each other above all else. May they seek Your will in every decision and lean not on their own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6).
We also pray for their families, Lord. It is difficult when those we love do not support something that is so dear to our hearts. Father, we ask that You work in their hearts as well. Help them to see the good in this marriage and to release any bitterness, resentment, or misunderstanding that may be clouding their judgment. Give this couple the courage to set healthy boundaries while still honoring their families, as Your Word commands us to "honor your father and mother" (Exodus 20:12), but also to cleave to one another in marriage.
If there are any areas in this marriage that do not align with Your Word, Lord, we ask that You bring conviction and repentance. If there has been unforgiveness, pride, or selfishness, reveal it and heal it. If there has been any form of immorality or unfaithfulness, we ask for Your forgiveness and restoration. "Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers" (Hebrews 13:4). Help them to walk in purity and holiness before You.
We encourage you both to seek godly counsel, whether through your pastor, a trusted Christian mentor, or a biblical marriage counselor. "Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety" (Proverbs 11:14). Surround yourselves with people who will speak life into your marriage and hold you accountable to God’s standards.
Finally, we declare that this marriage will thrive, not just survive. We pray for joy, peace, and intimacy to be restored and deepened. May your home be a place of refuge, love, and worship to the Lord. "Unless Yahweh builds the house, they labor in vain who build it" (Psalm 127:1). We trust that God is building your house, and we stand in faith with you for His promises to be fulfilled.
In Jesus' precious and powerful name, we pray. Amen.