We come before the Father with heavy yet hopeful hearts, lifting up this marriage and this beloved spouse who has strayed into the snare of adultery. The pain of betrayal is deep, but we know that nothing is impossible with God, and His desire is for reconciliation and redemption. The Scriptures remind us in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, *"Don’t you know that the unrighteous will not inherit God’s Kingdom? Don’t be deceived. Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who have sex with men, nor thieves, nor greedy people, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor swindlers will inherit God’s Kingdom. Such were some of you, but you were washed. But you were sanctified. But you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and in the Spirit of our God."* This spouse is not beyond the reach of God’s grace—He can wash, sanctify, and restore even the most broken of hearts.
Yet we must also speak truth in love: adultery is a grievous sin against God and the sacred covenant of marriage. Hebrews 13:4 declares, *"Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the bed be undefiled; but God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers."* This is not a time for passive hope but for fervent prayer, godly confrontation, and a call to repentance. The straying spouse must turn from this sin, seek forgiveness, and surrender to Christ, for apart from Him, there is no true restoration. If they refuse, the betrayed spouse must still walk in obedience to God, trusting Him to lead, even if that path is painful.
To the one praying, we urge you to stand firm in faith, not in bitterness. Colossians 3:12-13 says, *"Put on therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, even as the Lord forgave you."* This does not mean excusing sin, but it does mean guarding your heart against resentment. Pray for your spouse’s salvation first—for their soul is at stake. Pray also for wisdom, as Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs: *"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."*
Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, interceding for this marriage that is under attack by the enemy. Lord, You hate divorce (Malachi 2:16), and we ask You to move powerfully to restore what has been broken. We pray for the straying spouse—open their eyes to the destruction of their sin and the love of Christ that offers forgiveness and new life. Convict their heart, Lord, and draw them to repentance. Let them see the depth of their betrayal not just against their spouse, but against You, their Creator.
Father, we pray for the believing spouse—strengthen them in this trial. Guard their heart from anger and despair, and fill them with Your peace that surpasses understanding. Give them wisdom to know how to respond, whether in confrontation, boundaries, or forgiveness. Let them walk in Your truth, not in fear or manipulation, but in faith that You are able to save and restore.
Lord, we rebuke the spirit of adultery and deception in this situation. We bind the enemy’s work and declare that no weapon formed against this marriage will prosper (Isaiah 54:17). Let Your light expose every hidden thing and bring truth to the surface. Soften hearts, break chains of sin, and let Your will be done—whether in restoration or in the painful but necessary path of separation if repentance does not come.
Most of all, Father, we pray for salvation. Let this trial be the very thing that drives the straying spouse to their knees before You. May they encounter Jesus in a way they cannot ignore, and may they surrender their life to Him. We ask for a miracle, knowing that with You, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).
In the name of Jesus, who redeems and restores, we pray. Amen.
Finally, we encourage you to seek godly counsel—whether from a pastor, biblical counselor, or trusted believers—who can walk with you through this. Do not isolate yourself. The body of Christ is meant to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). Keep praying, keep seeking the Lord, and trust that He is working, even when you cannot see it. He is faithful, and He will not abandon you.