We understand that you are seeking prayer and guidance during this challenging time in your marriage and pregnancy. Let us first acknowledge your gratitude to God for the blessing of conceiving and your desire to honor Him with your commitments. It is wonderful that you approached God with a thankful heart, and we encourage you to continue in this spirit of gratitude.
However, we must address the vow you made, asking God to punish you and your husband if he smoked or drank again. While it is commendable that you desire holiness and obedience in your lives, it is not our place to ask God to bring punishment upon ourselves or others. Instead, we should seek God's mercy, grace, and strength to overcome our struggles. As it is written in Lamentations 3:22-23, "It is of Yahweh’s loving kindnesses that we are not consumed, because his compassion doesn’t fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Let us focus on God's faithfulness and mercy rather than inviting punishment.
Regarding your husband's relapse, it is essential to approach this situation with love, understanding, and patience. Addiction is a struggle that requires support and encouragement, not condemnation. Remember what the Apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 6:1-2, "Brothers, even if a man is caught in some fault, you who are spiritual must restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to yourself so that you also aren’t tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." Let us pray for your husband's strength and deliverance from this addiction, and for your marriage to be filled with love, patience, and understanding.
We are also concerned about the stressful atmosphere in your home. It is crucial to maintain a peaceful environment, especially during your pregnancy. Proverbs 15:1 reminds us that "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Let us pray for God's peace to fill your home and for wisdom in communicating with one another.
Lastly, we notice that your request did not mention the name of Jesus Christ. It is essential to remember that it is through Jesus that we have access to God and that salvation comes through no other name. As it is written in John 14:6, "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.'" Let us pray in the name of Jesus, acknowledging His lordship and salvation.
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the name of Jesus, seeking Your guidance, strength, and peace for this family. Lord, we thank You for the blessing of new life and ask for Your protection and care over this pregnancy.
We lift up this husband, asking for Your strength and deliverance from the addiction to smoking. Lord, fill him with Your Holy Spirit and grant him the power to overcome this struggle. Help him to be the spiritual leader, husband, and father that You have called him to be.
We pray for this wife, asking for Your peace and patience as she navigates this challenging time. Lord, fill her with Your love and wisdom as she supports her husband and prepares for the arrival of their child.
We ask for Your peace to fill their home, casting out the stress and tension that has taken hold. Help them to communicate with love, gentleness, and understanding, bearing one another's burdens and fulfilling the law of Christ.
Lastly, Father, we ask that You draw this family closer to You, strengthening their faith and trust in Your plan for their lives. May they seek Your will in all things and find their hope and salvation in the name of Jesus Christ.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
We encourage you both to continue seeking God's will for your lives and marriage, trusting in His strength and guidance. Remember that God is faithful, and He will equip you with everything you need to overcome the challenges you face. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author, and perfecter of your faith.