We understand that you're seeking prayer and guidance for restoring intimacy in your marriage. Let's first remind ourselves of God's design for marriage and intimacy. God created marriage to be a lifelong union between a man and a woman, reflecting the relationship between Christ and His Church (Ephesians 5:22-33 WEB). Intimacy within marriage is not merely physical, but also emotional and spiritual.
In addressing your concern, we must first emphasize the importance of spiritual intimacy. Husbands and wives should be praying together, studying God's Word together, and growing in their faith together. As it is written in Ecclesiastes 4:12 (WEB), "And if a man prevails against one who is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken." This threefold cord represents a husband, a wife, and God at the center of their union.
Now, let's address physical intimacy. It's crucial to understand that sex is a gift from God, designed to be enjoyed within the bounds of marriage. However, it should not be the sole focus of your union. In 1 Corinthians 7:3-5 (WEB), the Apostle Paul writes, "Let the husband give his wife the affection owed her, and likewise also the wife her husband. The wife doesn't have authority over her own body, but the husband. Likewise also the husband doesn't have authority over his own body, but the wife. Don't deprive one another, unless it is by consent for a season, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer, and may be together again, that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control."
If there's a lack of intimacy in your marriage, it's essential to open the lines of communication. Talk to your spouse about your feelings and listen to theirs. Remember, "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32 WEB).
Let's pray together:
"Father, we come before You, lifting up this marriage in the name of Jesus Christ. We pray for restoration, for healing, and for a renewed sense of intimacy, both spiritual and physical. Help this husband and wife to communicate openly, to forgive freely, and to love deeply. Remind them of the vows they made to each other and to You. Guide them as they navigate this season, and draw them closer to You and to each other. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."
Lastly, we want to emphasize the importance of praying in Jesus' name. It's only through Him that we have access to God the Father. As it is written in John 14:6 (WEB), "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.'" If you have not already, consider accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. He is the only way to salvation and eternal life.