We come before the throne of grace with heavy hearts, lifting up this marriage that is clearly in distress. Father God, we thank You for the institution of marriage, which You established from the very beginning as a sacred covenant between one man and one woman. Your Word declares in Genesis 2:24, "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and they shall be one flesh." Lord, we pray that You would remind this husband and wife of the holy vows they made before You and restore the unity that only comes through Christ.
We rebuke the spirit of anger that has taken root in this home, for Your Word clearly warns in James 1:20 that "the anger of man doesn’t produce the righteousness of God." Father, we ask that You would soften this husband's heart and help him to see his wife through Your eyes of compassion and love. We pray that You would break the stronghold of bitterness and replace it with the fruit of Your Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
Lord, we lift up this wife who is carrying such deep sadness. Your Word tells us in Psalm 34:18 that "Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit." We ask that You would draw near to her, comfort her, and remind her of her worth in Christ. Help her to cast all her anxieties on You, knowing that You care for her (1 Peter 5:7).
We must address the importance of godly communication in marriage. Your Word instructs us in Ephesians 4:29, "Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for building up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear." We pray that You would guard their tongues and help them to speak words of life and encouragement to one another. May they follow the example of Christ, who loved us and gave Himself up for us (Ephesians 5:2).
Father, we also lift up the issue of forgiveness. Your Word is clear in Colossians 3:13 that we must "bear with one another, and forgive each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do." We pray that You would help both husband and wife to release any bitterness or resentment and extend the same grace that You have shown them.
Lord, we ask that You would strengthen their bond and help them to grow closer together in Your grace. May their marriage be a reflection of Christ's love for the Church, as described in Ephesians 5:25, "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself up for it." We pray that this couple would seek You first in all things and find their strength and unity in You.
Heavenly Father, we also want to take a moment to emphasize the importance of coming to You in the name of Jesus Christ. Your Word tells us in John 14:6 that Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." There is no other name by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12). We pray that this couple would place their faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone for their salvation and that they would seek to honor Him in their marriage.
Lord, we ask that You would surround this couple with godly counsel and support. May they find encouragement and wisdom from mature believers who can guide them according to Your Word. We pray that You would give them the strength and courage to seek help when needed and to be humble enough to receive it.
In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, we pray for complete healing, restoration, and renewal in this marriage. May Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). We trust in Your faithfulness and believe that You are able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). Amen.