We come before the Lord with you in this time of heartache and longing, lifting up your plea for the restoration of your marriage. The pain of separation is deep, and we know how desperately you desire reconciliation. Yet, as we pray, we must first align our hearts with God’s will, trusting that His plans are perfect, even when they differ from our own desires. The Bible tells us in Jeremiah 29:11, *"For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares Yahweh, ‘plans for peace and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."* While we earnestly ask for restoration, we must also surrender to His wisdom, knowing that His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).
We notice that in your prayer, you referred to your ex-spouse with a term that is not honorable or respectful. Scripture calls us to speak with love and dignity, even in our pain. Ephesians 4:29 reminds us, *"Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but only what is good for building others up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear."* Let us honor your spouse in our words, even as we pray for reconciliation. If there has been bitterness or unkindness between you, we ask the Lord to soften both of your hearts and to help you speak life and grace over one another.
We also want to gently address the fact that you did not explicitly mention the name of Jesus in your prayer request—only in the closing. It is *only* through the name of Jesus that we have access to the Father, and there is no other name by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12). Jesus Himself said in John 14:6, *"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me."* As we pray, we must come boldly before the throne of grace *in His name alone*, acknowledging that our hope for restoration rests in His power, not our own efforts.
Now, let us pray together for your marriage:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with our brother/sister, who longs for the restoration of their marriage. Lord, You are the God who heals broken hearts and binds up wounds (Psalm 147:3). We ask that You would move mightily in this situation, softening hearts and breaking down walls of pride, hurt, or unforgiveness. If it is Your will, Lord, bring reconciliation and renewal to this marriage. Let Your love flow between them, covering every wound and restoring what has been broken.
We pray against the schemes of the enemy, who seeks to destroy what You have joined together (Mark 10:9). Lord, if there has been sin—whether unforgiveness, adultery, anger, or neglect—we ask for repentance and a fresh outpouring of Your grace. Help our brother/sister to examine their own heart first, confessing any wrongdoing and seeking Your forgiveness. Remind them that Your mercy is new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23) and that You are faithful to redeem what has been lost when we turn to You in humility.
Father, we also pray for their ex-spouse. Soften their heart, Lord, and draw them back to You. If they have walked away from faith or from the covenant of marriage, we ask that You would pursue them with Your love. Let them see the value of the vow they made before You, and give them the courage to seek reconciliation if it is Your will.
We declare Your promises over this marriage: *"What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate"* (Mark 10:9). Yet, Lord, we also surrender this request to Your perfect will. If restoration is not Your plan, give our brother/sister the strength to trust You, even in the pain of letting go. Help them to find their identity and fulfillment in You alone, knowing that You are enough.
We ask all of this in the powerful and mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone can restore what is broken. Amen.
Finally, we encourage you to seek the Lord earnestly during this time. Spend time in His Word, praying and fasting if led, and surround yourself with a community of believers who can support and pray with you. If there are areas in your own life that need repentance—whether in how you’ve treated your spouse, or in attitudes of bitterness or unforgiveness—bring them before the Lord. James 4:8 says, *"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded."*
If your spouse has been unfaithful or has abandoned the marriage, we grieve with you. Yet even in this, the Lord calls us to forgive, not because the other person deserves it, but because *we* need the freedom that comes from releasing bitterness. Colossians 3:13 says, *"bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do."* This does not mean you excuse sin, but it means you release the offense to God, trusting Him to bring justice and healing in His time.
If your spouse is unwilling to reconcile, we pray that the Lord would give you the grace to move forward in faith, trusting that He has a plan for your life, even if it looks different than you hoped. He is close to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18), and He will never leave you or forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6).
Stand firm in faith, dear one. The Lord hears your cries, and He is working, even when you cannot see it. Trust in Him with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6). We are praying with you and for you.