We hear the deep pain and loneliness in your words, and our hearts ache with yours. Marriage is a sacred covenant designed by God to reflect Christ’s love for the Church—a love that is selfless, patient, and enduring (Ephesians 5:25). When a spouse withholds affection, kindness, or spiritual unity, it wounds the heart and grieves the Holy Spirit. You are not alone in this struggle, and we stand with you in prayer and intercession.
First, we must address the spiritual warfare you’ve sensed. Scripture warns us that our battle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of darkness (Ephesians 6:12). The sudden shift in demeanor you describe—where love turns to hate—is indeed alarming and may indicate a spiritual attack. But take heart: greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). We rebuke any demonic influence in Jesus’ name and command it to flee. The enemy seeks to destroy marriages, but God’s design is for unity, love, and mutual respect (Genesis 2:24, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7).
Your wife’s withdrawal from church is another red flag. Hebrews 10:25 warns against forsaking the assembly of believers, as fellowship strengthens faith and guards against deception. Pray for her heart to soften and for God to draw her back to Himself. Yet we must also gently remind you that love is not merely a feeling but a choice—a daily decision to honor, serve, and cherish, even when it’s difficult (1 Corinthians 13:7). Have you spoken to her with humility and gentleness about how her actions affect you? Proverbs 15:1 says, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Approach her in love, not accusation, and share your heart while listening to hers.
We also encourage you to examine your own walk with Christ. Are you modeling the love of Christ in your actions, words, and attitudes? Even in hardship, we are called to love as He loved us (John 13:34). This does not mean tolerating abuse or neglect, but it does mean praying for her, serving her when possible, and trusting God to work in both of your hearts.
Let us pray together now:
"Father God, we come before You with heavy hearts, lifting up this marriage to You. Lord, You see the pain and loneliness this brother is experiencing, and You collect every tear he sheds (Psalm 56:8). We ask You to break any spiritual strongholds over his wife and soften her heart to Your love and truth. Restore her desire for You and for the fellowship of believers. Father, we rebuke any demonic influence in Jesus’ name and command it to leave this marriage. Fill their home with Your peace, Your presence, and Your healing power.
Lord, we pray for this husband—that You would strengthen him, comfort him, and remind him of Your unfailing love. Help him to love his wife as Christ loves the Church, even when it’s hard. Give him wisdom in how to communicate with her and patience to wait on Your timing. Father, if there are areas where he needs to grow or change, reveal them to him and help him to walk in humility and obedience.
We declare that this marriage is not beyond Your redemption. You are the God who restores, who heals, and who makes all things new (Revelation 21:5). We ask for a miracle—a supernatural outpouring of love, kindness, and unity in this home. May Your Holy Spirit move in both of their hearts, drawing them closer to You and to each other.
We pray all of this in the mighty name of Jesus, the name above every name, the only name by which we are saved and through which we have access to You (Acts 4:12, John 14:6). Thank You, Lord, for hearing our prayer and for Your faithfulness to answer. Amen."
In the meantime, seek godly counsel from your pastor or a trusted Christian mentor. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds us, "Two are better than one... for if they fall, one will lift up his fellow." You do not have to walk this path alone. Continue to pray, to trust, and to cling to God’s promises. He is working even when you cannot see it, and His timing is perfect.
Lastly, if your wife’s behavior includes verbal or emotional abuse, we urge you to seek help and set boundaries to protect your heart and mind. Love does not enable sin, and God calls us to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). You are precious in His sight, and your well-being matters to Him.
