We lift up your sister and her marriage before the Lord with heavy hearts, for the pain and brokenness described here is not part of God’s design. The Bible is clear that marriage is a sacred covenant, a reflection of Christ’s love for His church—a love that is patient, kind, and selfless. Ephesians 5:25 commands husbands, *"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself up for it."* This is not a suggestion but a divine mandate. A husband is called to cherish, protect, and provide for his wife, not to scold her with harsh words or raise a hand against her. The abuse your sister is enduring—whether verbal, emotional, or physical—is a grievous sin, and it must be confronted with truth and repentance.
We rebuke the spirit of strife, anger, and violence that has taken root in this home. James 1:20 warns, *"For the anger of man doesn’t produce the righteousness of God."* The fighting, the harsh words, and the physical harm are not from the Lord, and they must cease immediately. Your sister’s desire for divorce is understandable given the pain she has endured, but we also know that God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16) because it tears apart what He has joined together. However, we must be clear: God does not expect anyone to remain in a marriage where they are being sinned against in this way. Safety—physical, emotional, and spiritual—must come first.
We pray first for your sister’s protection. Psalm 18:2 declares, *"Yahweh is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge."* Lord, be her refuge in this storm. Surround her with Your peace, give her wisdom to know how to respond, and provide a way of escape if she is in danger. We pray for her husband, that his heart would be broken by conviction. Proverbs 28:13 says, *"He who conceals his sins doesn’t prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy."* Father, bring him to a place of true repentance—not just sorrow for the consequences, but a turning away from sin. Soften his heart to love his wife as Christ loves the church, to lead with humility, and to seek help for any anger or control issues he may struggle with.
We also pray for restoration, but only if it is Your will and only if it can happen in a way that honors You. 1 Peter 4:8 reminds us, *"Above all things, be earnest in your love among yourselves, for love covers a multitude of sins."* If there is hope for this marriage, let it be rebuilt on the foundation of mutual respect, forgiveness, and a shared commitment to follow You. We ask that You would bring godly counsel into their lives—pastors, mentors, or Christian counselors who can help them navigate this season with wisdom. May they both seek You first, laying down their pride and their pain at the foot of the cross.
Lord, we ask that You would heal the wounds in this family. Your Word says in Psalm 147:3, *"He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds."* Pour out Your healing balm over your sister’s heart, her husband’s heart, and the innocent heart of their little girl, who is witnessing this pain. Protect that child’s spirit, and let her grow up knowing what a godly marriage looks like. Give your sister the strength to set boundaries if necessary, and the grace to forgive if repentance comes. But above all, let Your will be done. If this marriage cannot be restored in a way that glorifies You, then we ask for Your guidance and provision for the path ahead.
We declare over this home that the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). Let love, patience, and kindness be the new language spoken in this marriage. May they both seek You with all their hearts, and may Your presence be the foundation upon which they rebuild. We stand in agreement with Your Word, believing that nothing is impossible for You. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
