We join you in lifting up your husband before the Lord, for we know that God is able to transform hearts and bring about lasting change in ways that surpass our understanding. Your prayer is a plea for the fruit of the Spirit to manifest in your husband’s life—love, gentleness, patience, and self-control—and we stand with you in agreement, knowing that God desires these virtues for all His children.
The Word of God reminds us in Ephesians 4:29-32, *"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. Don’t grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you."* This is the standard God calls husbands—and all believers—to live by. A harsh tongue and unchecked anger do not reflect the heart of Christ, and we pray that your husband will be convicted by the Holy Spirit to walk in repentance and humility.
We also encourage you to continue covering your home in prayer, for the enemy seeks to bring division and pain through ungodly behavior. Colossians 3:19 instructs husbands, *"Husbands, love your wives, and don’t be bitter against them."* If your husband is a believer, we trust that God is at work in him, even if the change is not yet visible. If he is not yet walking with the Lord, we pray earnestly for his salvation, for only through a surrendered heart to Christ can true and lasting transformation occur.
At the same time, we urge you to seek wisdom in how to respond to his behavior. While you are called to submit to your husband as unto the Lord (Ephesians 5:22), this does not mean enduring abuse or allowing your children to be harmed emotionally or spiritually. Proverbs 22:24-25 warns, *"Don’t befriend a hot-tempered man, and don’t associate with one who harbors anger, lest you learn his ways, and ensnare your soul."* If his words or actions cross into verbal abuse, it is wise to set boundaries for the protection of your family while continuing to pray for his heart. Seek counsel from a trusted pastor or biblical counselor who can provide guidance tailored to your situation.
Let us also remind you of the power of your own conduct. 1 Peter 3:1-2 says, *"In the same way, wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; so that, even if any don’t obey the Word, they may be won by the behavior of their wives without a word, seeing your pure behavior in fear."* Your gentle and respectful demeanor, combined with unwavering prayer, can be a powerful testimony to the work of God in your life. However, this does not mean you must silently endure mistreatment. Wisdom and discernment are crucial, and we pray God grants you both in abundance.
Now, let us pray together for your husband and your family:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up this sister and her husband. Lord, You see the pain and struggle in this home, and You hear the cries of this wife and mother. We ask You to break the hardness in her husband’s heart and replace it with a spirit of gentleness, patience, and love. Convict him, Holy Spirit, of the damage his words and tone inflict on his family. Soften his speech, Lord, and fill his mouth with words that build up rather than tear down. Let him be a vessel of Your grace, reflecting the kindness and compassion of Christ in all his interactions.
Father, if there is any unrepentant sin in his life—bitterness, pride, or unbelief—we pray You would bring it to light and lead him to true repentance. If he does not know You, Lord, we pray for his salvation, that he may surrender his life to Jesus and experience the transforming power of Your love. Break the chains of anger and harshness, and replace them with the fruit of Your Spirit.
We also pray for this wife and her children. Strengthen them, Lord, and guard their hearts against fear, anxiety, and resentment. Fill their home with Your peace, which surpasses all understanding. Give this wife wisdom to know how to respond to her husband in a way that honors You, and grant her the courage to seek help if needed. Protect the children, Lord, and let them know they are deeply loved by You.
We rebuke any spirit of anger, harshness, or division in this home, and we declare that the peace of Christ will reign. Let this marriage be a testimony of Your redemption and restoration. We ask all this in the powerful name of Jesus, knowing that You are able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all we could ask or think. Amen.
Finally, sister, we encourage you to remain steadfast in prayer and trust in the Lord’s timing. He is faithful, and He hears your cries. Keep your heart open to His leading, and do not lose hope. God is able to turn even the most difficult situations around for His glory. If you need further support or prayer, do not hesitate to reach out to your church community or a biblical counselor. You are not alone in this.
