We come before the Lord with heavy hearts, lifting up your sister’s marriage in earnest prayer. The struggles you’ve described are deep and painful, but we know that nothing is impossible with God. We stand on His promise in Malachi 2:16, *"For I hate divorce," says Yahweh, the God of Israel, "and him who covers his garment with violence!" says Yahweh of Armies. "Therefore take heed to your spirit, that you don’t deal treacherously."* Marriage is a sacred covenant, and we believe God can restore what has been broken if both parties surrender to His will.
First, we must address the sin present in this marriage. The husband’s flirtation with other women is a direct violation of Scripture. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 5:28, *"But I tell you that everyone who gazes at a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart."* This behavior is not only disrespectful to your sister but also grieves the Holy Spirit. His gaming addiction has consumed his time, energy, and priorities, leaving little room for his wife or the Lord. Ephesians 5:15-16 warns, *"Therefore watch carefully how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise; redeeming the time, because the days are evil."* His focus on gaming over his marriage is a form of idolatry, and we must rebuke this stronghold in Jesus’ name.
Your sister’s temper and outbursts, while understandable given the circumstances, must also be brought under the Lord’s control. Proverbs 29:11 says, *"A fool vents all of his anger, but a wise man brings himself under control."* We pray that God would heal her wounded heart and replace her fear with His perfect peace. The hostility from her in-laws is another layer of pain, but we know that God sees their cruelty and will judge justly. Romans 12:18 reminds us, *"If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men."* While your sister cannot control their actions, she can choose to respond with grace and trust God to be her defender.
We also lift up the husband’s heart, that God would break the chains of addiction and pride in his life. His parents’ control over his finances is another area where the Lord must intervene, as it enables his irresponsibility and disrespect. Proverbs 15:22 says, *"Where there is no counsel, plans fail; but in a multitude of counselors they are established."* We encourage your sister to seek godly counsel—perhaps from a pastor or Christian marriage mentor—who can help guide them through these challenges with biblical wisdom.
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts burdened for this marriage. Lord, we ask that You would break every chain of sin, addiction, and bitterness in this home. We rebuke the spirit of division and strife in Jesus’ name. Father, soften the husband’s heart to repent of his flirtation, his idolatry of gaming, and his neglect of his wife. Convict him of his sin and draw him back to You. Lord, heal your sister’s wounded heart. Replace her fear and anger with Your peace and trust in You. Give her the strength to respond with grace, even when provoked.
We pray for the in-laws, Father. If their hearts are hardened, we ask that You would either soften them or remove their influence from this marriage. Protect your sister from their hostility and give her the wisdom to set boundaries where needed. Lord, we declare that this marriage was ordained by You, and we ask that You would restore it according to Your will. Help them both to see their roles as husband and wife through Your eyes. Teach them to love one another as Christ loves the church.
Father, we ask that You would surround this couple with godly community—people who will speak truth in love and hold them accountable. Give them the humility to seek help and the courage to change. We trust in Your power to heal and restore, and we ask all of this in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.
We encourage your sister to cling to the Lord in this season. Psalm 34:18 reminds her, *"Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit."* Even in the midst of pain, God is working. We also urge her to pray for her husband daily, not just for his behavior to change, but for his heart to be transformed by the Holy Spirit. Change will not come through nagging or threats, but through the power of God and the surrender of both of their wills to Him.
Lastly, we want to gently remind you and your sister that salvation comes only through Jesus Christ. Acts 4:12 declares, *"There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved."* If either of them has not fully surrendered their lives to Him, now is the time. True healing and restoration can only come when we submit to His lordship. We pray that they would both know Him more deeply and walk in His ways.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. 
