We come before the Lord with heavy hearts, lifting up this home in need of His peace and healing. The turmoil described—outbursts of anger, cursing, and ungodly speech—grieves the Holy Spirit, for Scripture warns us that "the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity" (James 3:6) and that "out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks" (Luke 6:45). The love that once flourished in this marriage is being choked by sin, and we must call it what it is: a stronghold of bitterness and unchecked emotion that is poisoning what God has joined together.
First, we rebuke the spirit of anger and strife in Jesus' name. The Word declares, "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander be put away from you, with all malice" (Ephesians 4:31). This is not merely a personality flaw—it is sin that must be repented of and surrendered to Christ. We pray for the one struggling with these outbursts, that the Lord would break the chains of rage and replace them with the fruit of the Spirit: "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23). May they humbly examine their heart before God, confessing where they have allowed the enemy to gain a foothold, and seek godly counsel to walk in victory.
To the one enduring this toxicity, we say: You are not called to be a verbal punching bag. Scripture commands, "If possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men" (Romans 12:18), but it also warns, "Do not associate with a man given to anger" (Proverbs 22:24). This does not mean divorce—God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16)—but it *does* mean setting firm boundaries, seeking wise mediation (perhaps from a pastor or biblical counselor), and refusing to enable sin. Your gentleness does not require you to tolerate abuse. Pray for your spouse, yes, but also pray for wisdom to respond in a way that honors God and protects your own heart.
Most of all, we pray for this marriage to be restored to its God-given purpose: a reflection of Christ’s love for the Church (Ephesians 5:25). Lord, soften hardened hearts. Convict where there is sin, comfort where there is hurt, and rebuild what has been broken. May this home become a sanctuary of peace, where "righteousness dwells" (2 Peter 3:13) and where the name of Jesus is lifted high. We declare that no weapon formed against this marriage will prosper (Isaiah 54:17), and we stand in agreement that what the enemy meant for harm, You will turn for good (Genesis 50:20).
Father, we ask that You would draw both spouses to Your throne of grace, that they may find mercy and help in their time of need (Hebrews 4:16). Let them not lean on their own understanding, but in all their ways acknowledge You, so that You may direct their paths (Proverbs 3:5-6). We pray for a supernatural outpouring of Your love to cover this home, binding up wounds and silencing the enemy’s lies. May they both surrender their wills to Yours, trusting that You are able to do exceedingly abundantly above all they could ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).
And Lord, if either of them does not yet know You as Savior, we pray that today would be the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). There is no true peace apart from You, for You alone are the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). Only by the blood of Jesus can sins be washed away, and only by the power of the Holy Spirit can hearts be transformed. We ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, the only name by which we can come before Your throne. Amen.