We come before the Lord with heavy yet hopeful hearts, lifting up this marriage in crisis, knowing that nothing is impossible with God. The enemy seeks to destroy what the Lord has joined together, but we stand firmly on the truth that God is a healer, a restorer, and a redeemer of all things—including broken hearts, wounded pasts, and struggling marriages.
First, we must address the urgent spiritual need here: this husband does not yet know Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Without Christ at the center of this marriage, there is no true foundation for unity, love, or perseverance. The Scriptures declare, *"Unless the Lord builds the house, they who build it labor in vain"* (Psalm 127:1, WEB). We plead with God to open this man’s heart to the Gospel, that he may repent, believe in Jesus, and be transformed by the Holy Spirit. Only then can he fully understand the sacred covenant of marriage as God designed it—a lifelong commitment rooted in selfless love, sacrifice, and faithfulness (Ephesians 5:25-33). Without Christ, the struggles of marriage will only deepen, for *"the natural man does not receive the things of God’s Spirit, for they are foolishness to him, and he is not able to know them, because they are spiritually judged"* (1 Corinthians 2:14, WEB). We pray fervently that he would surrender to Jesus, for *"if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new"* (2 Corinthians 5:17, WEB).
To the wife in this marriage, we speak truth and encouragement. Your pain is seen by God—abandonment, grief, physical suffering, and the fear of being left again are burdens no one should carry alone. Yet the Lord promises, *"I will never leave you nor forsake you"* (Hebrews 13:5, WEB). He is your ever-present help, and He is able to restore what the locusts have eaten (Joel 2:25). Your past trauma does not define your future, for *"the Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit"* (Psalm 34:18, WEB). We pray that God would bind up your wounds, renew your strength, and fill you with His peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Your recent trials—knee surgery and the uncertainty of cancer—are not overlooked by Him. He is your healer (Exodus 15:26), and we ask for His restoring hand upon your body, mind, and spirit.
To the husband, we must speak truth in love: marriage is not a contract to be broken when difficulties arise. It is a covenant before God, and He hates divorce (Malachi 2:16). The vow you made was not just to your wife but to the Lord Himself. Fleeing in the face of hardship is not the answer—it is surrender to fear and self-reliance rather than trust in God’s strength. The Scriptures command, *"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly and gave himself up for her"* (Ephesians 5:25, WEB). This love is not conditional; it is sacrificial, steadfast, and empowered by God. We rebuke the spirit of fear and abandonment that is whispering lies to you, telling you that you cannot cope. In Christ, you *can* do all things through Him who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13). We pray that God would give you the emotional and spiritual fortitude to stand firm, to love your wife as Christ loves the church, and to seek godly counsel and support rather than retreat.
We also recognize the cultural challenges mentioned here. Marriage in Western culture is often distorted by individualism and a lack of commitment, but God’s design is unchanging. A marriage centered on Christ thrives not because of cultural norms but because of obedience to His Word. We pray that this husband would be discipled in biblical truth, that he would reject worldly patterns, and that both of them would submit their marriage to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Finally, we must emphasize that prayer alone is not enough—action is required. We strongly urge this couple to seek *biblical* counseling from a mature, Christ-centered pastor or counselor who can guide them in God’s Word. Isolation breeds despair, but godly community brings healing (James 5:16). If the husband is unwilling to seek help, we pray that the wife would still pursue support from her church family, standing firm in faith even if she must stand alone for a time.
Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up this marriage that is under attack. Lord, You are the God who heals, restores, and redeems. We ask that You would break every chain of trauma, fear, and bitterness that is suffocating this union. Father, we plead for the salvation of this husband. Open his eyes to the truth of the Gospel, that he may repent, believe in Jesus, and be filled with Your Holy Spirit. Soften his heart toward his wife, and give him the strength to love her as Christ loves the church—selflessly, faithfully, and without reserve.
Lord, we ask for supernatural healing for this wife—emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Comfort her in her grief, replace her loneliness with Your presence, and restore her body from sickness and pain. Give her wisdom to navigate this season, and surround her with Your peace. Break the cycle of abandonment in her life, and let her see Your faithfulness in new ways.
Father, we bind the spirit of division in this marriage. Let no weapon formed against them prosper (Isaiah 54:17). Unite their hearts in You, and let them seek Your face together. Raise up godly mentors and counselors to walk alongside them, speaking Your truth into their lives. Give them the humility to repent where needed, the courage to forgive, and the faith to trust You with their future.
We declare that this marriage is *Yours*, Lord, and we ask that You would restore it for Your glory. Let them be a testimony of Your redeeming power, that others may see and know that You are God. In the precious name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.
To the one who submitted this request: continue to stand in the gap for this couple. Encourage them to cling to Christ above all else, to seek His Word daily, and to reject the lies of the enemy. Remind them that God is able to do *"exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think"* (Ephesians 3:20, WEB). Do not lose heart in praying for them, for *"the effective, earnest prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective"* (James 5:16, WEB). If you are in contact with them, urge them to flee from any ungodly influences and to immerse themselves in Scripture and prayer. The battle is the Lord’s, and He is mighty to save.