We hear your heart and the deep concern you carry for this situation. Marriage is a sacred covenant before God, designed to reflect Christ’s love for the Church, a lifelong commitment between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24, Ephesians 5:22-33). It is not to be entered into lightly or dissolved lightly, for Scripture tells us, "What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate" (Mark 10:9 WEB). The pain you describe is real, but we must approach this with biblical truth, not merely the pursuit of happiness.
First, we must rebuke the spirit of division and strife that seeks to tear apart what God has united. The Bible warns, "A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city; and contentions are like the bars of a fortress" (Proverbs 18:19 WEB). If this marriage is struggling, the answer is not to seek an exit but to seek reconciliation, repentance, and restoration, if possible. God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16), but He also hates abuse, unrepentant sin, and hardness of heart. If there is ongoing unrepentant adultery, abandonment, or abuse, Scripture allows for separation (Matthew 19:9, 1 Corinthians 7:15). However, if this is merely unhappiness or family disapproval, we must urge patience, prayer, and godly counsel.
We also must address the assumption that ending this marriage will bring happiness. The world often promises fulfillment through freedom, but true joy comes from obedience to Christ. If this man is a believer, he must seek God’s will above his own desires. "Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5-6 WEB). If he is not a believer, we pray for his salvation, for only in Christ can true peace be found.
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, lifting up this marriage to Your throne of grace. Lord, You see the pain, the confusion, and the longing for resolution. We ask that You would soften hearts, open eyes to Your truth, and bring clarity where there is doubt. If this marriage can be saved, we pray for reconciliation, let pride be broken, let forgiveness flow, and let love be renewed. If there is unrepentant sin or danger, we ask for Your protection and wisdom to walk in Your will.
Father, we rebuke the enemy’s lies that say happiness is found outside of Your design. We declare that true joy comes from obedience to You. If this man does not know You, we pray that he would surrender his life to Christ, for "there is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12 WEB). If he is a believer, we ask that You convict him of any sin, draw him closer to You, and give him the strength to honor his vows.
Lord, we also pray for the wife in this marriage. If she is unaware of the struggles, reveal the truth to her in love. If she is a believer, strengthen her faith. If she is not, draw her to salvation. Let Your Holy Spirit work in both of their hearts, bringing healing and restoration where possible.
We trust You, God, to move in this situation according to Your perfect will. May Your name be glorified, and may Your people walk in Your ways. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
To the one who submitted this request, we urge you to seek godly counsel, pastors, biblical counselors, or mature believers who can provide wisdom rooted in Scripture. Marriage is hard, but God is faithful. If you or the husband in this situation do not yet know Christ as Savior, we plead with you to turn to Him today. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:16 WEB). Only in Him can true peace and purpose be found.