We hear the deep anguish in your heart, and we come before the Lord with you in this moment of overwhelming struggle. The weight of anxiety and depression you describe is not something to be carried alone—God sees your pain, and He invites you to cast every burden upon Him, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). The fact that you are crying out in this way shows that your spirit is still fighting to trust Him, even when your emotions feel shattered.
First, we must address the foundation of your prayer. You speak of releasing your marriage, but you do not mention the name of Jesus Christ, through whom alone we have access to the Father (John 14:6, Ephesians 2:18). There is no other name under heaven by which we can be saved or find true freedom (Acts 4:12). If you have not surrendered your life to Christ, we urge you to do so now. Confess your sins, believe in His death and resurrection for your salvation, and invite Him to be Lord of your life (Romans 10:9-10). Without Christ, there is no lasting peace, no true release from bondage, and no hope that does not fade. But in Him, all things are made new (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Now, regarding your marriage: Scripture is clear that marriage is a covenant before God, not merely a contract that can be dissolved when it becomes difficult (Matthew 19:6). The Lord hates divorce (Malachi 2:16), not because He delights in our suffering, but because He designed marriage to reflect His unchanging love for His people (Ephesians 5:22-33). The pain you feel is real, but we must ask: Are you seeking to honor God in this marriage, or are you seeking an escape from the struggle? Have you and your spouse sought biblical counseling, prayer, and accountability to fight *for* this union rather than *from* it? Have you examined your own heart for bitterness, unforgiveness, or sin that may be contributing to this bondage?
We rebuke the spirit of despair that whispers lies of hopelessness into your mind. The enemy wants you to believe that this pain is permanent, that God has abandoned you, or that release from the marriage is the only path to peace. But God’s Word declares that He is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). He is not a God who delights in your suffering—He entered into it Himself through Christ so that you might have life abundantly (John 10:10). The knots you feel are not beyond His power to untangle. The bondage you describe is not beyond His authority to break.
We also rebuke any unrepentant sin that may be entangling you or your marriage. If there is sexual immorality, adultery, pornography, emotional infidelity, or any other violation of God’s design for marriage, it must be confessed and forsaken (1 Corinthians 6:18, Hebrews 13:4). If there is bitterness, resentment, or unforgiveness, it must be uprooted, for it will only poison your soul further (Hebrews 12:15). If you have not been fighting for your marriage with the weapons of prayer, humility, and godly counsel, we urge you to begin today. God can restore what is broken, but He often works through our obedience and surrender.
Let us pray for you now:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, lifting up our brother/sister who is drowning in anxiety, depression, and the weight of marital struggle. Lord, You see the depths of their pain, and You are not distant from it. We ask that You would draw near to them in this moment, reminding them that You are their refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). Break the chains of despair that have wrapped around their heart. Silence the lies of the enemy that tell them they are alone, that their marriage is beyond repair, or that release is the only answer.
Father, we confess that apart from Christ, there is no true freedom. If our brother/sister does not know You as Savior and Lord, we pray that You would open their eyes to their need for You. Soften their heart to receive the gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Forgive their sins, wash them clean by the blood of the Lamb, and fill them with Your Holy Spirit. Let them know the peace that surpasses all understanding, which guards their heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).
Lord, regarding this marriage, we ask that You would reveal any areas where sin has taken root—whether in their own heart or in the dynamics of the relationship. Expose any unrepentance, unforgiveness, or idolatry that is hindering Your work. Give them the courage to confess, repent, and seek reconciliation. If there has been infidelity, pornography, or emotional unfaithfulness, we pray for conviction, repentance, and restoration. If there has been neglect, selfishness, or hardness of heart, we ask that You would soften both spouses to one another and to Your will.
Father, we declare that what You have joined together, no man—or spirit of despair—should separate (Matthew 19:6). We rebuke the spirit of division that seeks to destroy this union. We speak life, healing, and restoration over this marriage. Where there is brokenness, bring Your wholeness. Where there is distance, bring intimacy. Where there is bitterness, bring forgiveness. Where there is despair, bring hope.
We pray for supernatural strength for our brother/sister to endure this trial with faith. Remind them that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance character, and character hope—and hope does not put us to shame, because Your love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:3-5). Help them to fix their eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of their faith, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2). Let them see that this struggle is not in vain, but is being used to refine them and draw them closer to You.
Lord, if there is a path forward in this marriage, we ask that You would make it clear. Provide godly counsel, wise mentors, and a community of believers to walk alongside them. If there are steps of obedience they need to take—whether it’s seeking counseling, setting boundaries, or extending grace—give them the courage to take them. But if this marriage is truly beyond repair due to unrepentant sin or abandonment, we ask that You would make that clear as well, and guide them in a way that honors You.
Above all, Father, we pray that You would be glorified in this situation. Whether through restoration or redirection, let Your name be exalted. Let our brother/sister experience Your peace that transcends their circumstances. Let them know that You are working all things together for their good, because they love You and are called according to Your purpose (Romans 8:28).
We thank You, Lord, that You are faithful even when we are faithless (2 Timothy 2:13). We thank You that Your grace is sufficient, and Your power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). We trust You to complete the good work You have begun in our brother/sister’s life (Philippians 1:6). In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
Now, dear one, we urge you to take these steps:
1. **Surrender to Christ**: If you have not done so, confess your sins and invite Jesus to be Lord of your life. Salvation is the first and most important step toward true freedom.
2. **Seek Biblical Counseling**: Find a pastor, Christian counselor, or mature believer who can help you navigate this struggle with wisdom and discernment. Do not try to carry this alone.
3. **Fight for Your Marriage**: If there is any hope of reconciliation, commit to fighting for your marriage with prayer, humility, and obedience to God’s Word. Attend marriage counseling, seek accountability, and surround yourself with believers who will encourage you in this.
4. **Guard Your Heart**: Be vigilant against bitterness, unforgiveness, and sin. Confess any areas where you have fallen short, and ask God to purify your heart.
5. **Cling to God’s Word**: When anxiety and depression threaten to overwhelm you, meditate on Scripture. Memorize verses like Philippians 4:6-7, Psalm 34:18, and Isaiah 41:10. Let God’s truth be the anchor for your soul.
6. **Trust God’s Timing**: Restoration may not happen overnight, but God is faithful. Trust that He is working even when you cannot see it.
You are not alone in this battle. The Lord is with you, and so are we. Keep pressing into Him, even when it feels impossible. His grace is sufficient for you.
