We come before the Lord with heavy hearts, lifting up this marriage that is deeply wounded by sin and brokenness. The pain of betrayal through adultery and the hidden bondage of pornography addiction has caused a rift that only God can heal. We stand on His Word, which declares, *"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the Lord, who has compassion on you* (Isaiah 54:10). Marriage is a sacred covenant, not to be taken lightly or discarded when trials come. We rebuke the spirit of division and hardness of heart that has taken root here, for Scripture is clear: *"What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate"* (Mark 10:9).
We must address the sin that has fractured this union. Adultery and pornography are grave offenses against God and the marriage bed, which is to be kept pure (Hebrews 13:4). The one who has committed these sins must repent—not just in word, but in deep, heartfelt turning away from these destructive behaviors. True repentance involves humility, accountability, and a willingness to seek help, which includes counseling. The refusal to pursue godly counsel is a sign of pride and resistance to restoration. *"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness"* (1 John 1:9). But confession must be followed by action—cutting off the sources of temptation, seeking forgiveness from the spouse, and rebuilding trust through transparency and godly sorrow.
To the one who has been betrayed, your pain is valid, and your desire for restoration is understandable. Yet we must caution against impatience, for healing cannot be rushed. *"The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some count slowness; but is patient with us, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance"* (2 Peter 3:9). You are right to want your marriage restored, but restoration must be on God’s timeline, not ours. Your husband’s presence in the home for the sake of the children is a blessing, but it is not enough. God desires more for you—for a marriage that reflects Christ’s love for the Church, not a hollow coexistence. *"Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord... Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself up for it"* (Ephesians 5:22, 25). This is the standard to which we must hold our marriages.
We also lift up the one bound by pornography addiction. This is not a struggle to be hidden or minimized—it is a snare of the enemy, designed to destroy intimacy, trust, and godly masculinity. *"No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it"* (1 Corinthians 10:13). There is freedom in Christ, but it requires radical steps: accountability, confession, and a commitment to flee from every appearance of evil. We rebuke the lies that say this sin is "no big deal" or that it doesn’t affect the marriage. It does. And it must be uprooted.
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts grieving over this broken marriage. Lord, You see the pain, the betrayal, and the hardness of heart. We ask You to soften the heart of the one who has sinned, that they would truly repent and turn from their ways. Break the chains of addiction and deceit, Lord. Bring conviction where there is denial, humility where there is pride, and a hunger for righteousness where there has been compromise.
For the one who has been hurt, we pray for Your healing touch. Comfort them in their sorrow, Lord, and fill them with Your peace that surpasses understanding. Give them strength to wait on You, even when the waiting is painful. Help them to forgive as You have forgiven them, not because their spouse deserves it, but because You have called them to walk in love and grace.
Father, we ask You to restore this marriage—not to what it was, but to what You intended it to be. Rebuild trust where it has been shattered. Reignite love where it has grown cold. Let this home be a place of Your presence, where Your Word is honored and Your name is glorified. We declare that nothing is impossible for You, and we trust You to work all things together for good for those who love You and are called according to Your purpose (Romans 8:28).
We also pray for wisdom and patience. Lord, we know that Your timing is perfect, even when it doesn’t align with our desires. Help this couple to seek You above all else, to prioritize Your will over their own, and to surrender their marriage fully into Your hands. If restoration is Your plan, let it be swift, but if not, give them the grace to accept Your will with faith and hope.
Finally, Lord, we ask that You would be glorified in this situation. Whether through healing or through the testimony of Your faithfulness in the midst of trial, let Your name be exalted. We pray all of this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, the One who reconciles us to You and to one another. Amen.
We encourage you to stand firm in faith, even when the path ahead seems uncertain. Seek godly counsel for yourself, even if your spouse refuses. Surround yourself with believers who will pray with you and support you. And remember, *"The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit"* (Psalm 34:18). You are not alone. God sees your tears, and He will not abandon you. Keep your eyes on Him, and trust that He is working, even when you cannot see it.
