When a marriage enters a season of turmoil, it often feels like a slow drifting away or a sudden, violent storm that threatens to capsize everything you have built together. The pain of broken trust, the silence of emotional distance, and the cycle of constant conflict can leave both partners feeling exhausted and hopeless. In these moments, human effort and counseling alone may seem insufficient to bridge the widening gap between two hearts that once beat as one.

Turning to prayer is not a last resort but a powerful, proactive strategy to invite the Creator of marriage back into the center of your relationship. It is an act of spiritual warfare that seeks to dismantle walls of resentment and replace them with the soft soil of forgiveness and renewed affection. By petitioning the Lord for restoration, you are acknowledging that no situation is too broken for His redeeming touch and that the miracle of reconciliation is possible through His grace.

23 Prayer For A Marriage In Trouble

1. Matthew 19:6 (ESV)

So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.

This prayer is a declaration of the spiritual reality of marriage, reminding both spouses that their union was established and joined by God. We ask the Lord to supernaturally reinforce the bond of being one flesh, protecting the marriage from every external and internal force that seeks to cause separation. By standing on this truth, we petition for a divine glue to mend the cracks in the foundation of the relationship.

Lord, I pray for the supernatural reinforcement of our marital bond, acknowledging that You are the one who joined us together as one flesh. I ask that You would actively prevent any person, circumstance, or internal conflict from separating what You have established. Strengthen our spiritual connection and help us to remember our sacred covenant whenever we feel the urge to drift apart.

2. Ephesians 4:32 (ESV)

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Resentment and a hardened heart are often the greatest barriers to reconciliation when a marriage is in trouble. This prayer asks the Holy Spirit to soften the hearts of both husband and wife, replacing bitterness with kindness and a tender spirit. We petition for the supernatural ability to forgive each other deeply, modeling the same complete and unearned forgiveness that God has extended to us through Christ.

Father, I pray for a radical softening of our hearts toward one another, asking that You would remove every root of bitterness and resentment. Clothe us both in kindness and a tenderhearted spirit so that we may view each other through Your eyes of grace. I ask for the divine strength to forgive every past hurt and offense, just as You have completely forgiven us in Christ Jesus.

3. Proverbs 15:1 (ESV)

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Communication often becomes a minefield of harsh words and defensive reactions during seasons of marital distress. This prayer is for the discipline of the tongue, asking God to help both partners choose words that heal rather than harm. We petition for the wisdom to offer soft answers that de-escalate conflict, preventing the cycles of anger from spiraling out of control and destroying the peace of the home.

Lord, I pray for the sanctification of our communication and the discipline to govern our tongues during times of tension. Grant us the wisdom to offer soft answers that turn away wrath and prevent anger from taking root in our conversations. I ask that You would silence every harsh word that stirs up strife, helping us to speak only what builds up and restores our relationship.

4. 1 Corinthians 13:4–5 (ESV)

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;

Troubled marriages often suffer from a loss of basic patience and a rise in selfish insistence on one’s own way. This prayer is a petition for the fruit of love to be revived in the relationship, specifically focusing on patience and kindness. We ask God to remove the spirit of irritability and the habit of keeping a record of wrongs, allowing a selfless, Christ-like love to govern our daily interactions.

Father, I pray for the revival of true, patient love within our marriage, asking that You would remove all arrogance and rudeness from our home. Help us to stop insisting on our own ways and to let go of the irritability that causes frequent friction. I ask that You would empower us to stop being resentful and to truly embrace the kind and selfless love described in Your Word.

5. Colossians 3:13 (ESV)

bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

This prayer is for the grace of endurance and the capacity to bear with the faults and imperfections of a spouse. We acknowledge that every partner has shortcomings, and we ask for the spiritual stamina to remain committed despite these frustrations. We petition the Lord for a continuous flow of forgiveness that washes away every complaint, ensuring that the marriage is not eroded by a spirit of constant criticism.

Lord, I pray for the supernatural capacity to bear with my spouse’s imperfections and to remain patient through our current difficulties. Grant us both the grace to handle our complaints with maturity and to forgive each other continuously without delay. I ask that our marriage be defined by the same measure of forgiveness You have shown us, preventing criticism from destroying our affection and unity.

6. Psalm 51:10 (ESV)

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

Many marital problems begin with internal heart issues, such as selfishness, pride, or unconfessed sin. This prayer is for personal transformation, asking God to perform a deep spiritual cleaning on each individual heart in the marriage. We petition for a renewed and right spirit that is fully aligned with God’s will, recognizing that a healthy marriage requires two individuals who are walking in spiritual wholeness.

Father, I pray that You would perform a deep spiritual work within my own heart and the heart of my spouse. Create in both of us a clean heart, removing any pride or selfishness that has contributed to our current marital trouble. I ask that You would renew a right and steadfast spirit within us, helping us to walk in holiness and integrity as we seek to restore our home.

7. James 1:5 (ESV)

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

Navigating a troubled marriage requires immense wisdom to know when to speak, when to be silent, and how to resolve complex issues. This prayer is a petition for divine guidance, asking God to generously supply the practical insight needed to mend the relationship. We ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate the root causes of our conflict and to provide clear, actionable steps toward healing and reconciliation.

Lord, I pray for the divine wisdom needed to navigate the complexities and pain of our troubled marriage. I ask that You would generously supply us with the insight and discernment required to resolve our conflicts and heal our wounds. Illuminate the hidden root causes of our distress and provide us with clear, practical steps to move forward in a way that honors You and restores our love.

8. 1 Peter 4:8 (ESV)

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.

Deep wounds and past sins can often feel like an insurmountable wall between spouses. This prayer is for an earnest, fervent love that has the power to cover and move past the mistakes of the past. We petition the Lord for a love that is stronger than our failures, asking that His grace would provide a covering that allows us to focus on restoration rather than the history of our sins.

Father, I pray for the grace to love my spouse earnestly and fervently, even in the midst of our current affliction. I ask that Your love would provide a divine covering over our past sins and mistakes, preventing them from hindering our reconciliation. Grant us the spiritual strength to move forward with a love that prioritizes healing and restoration over the memory of every offense and failure.

9. Ecclesiastes 4:12 (ESV)

And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

A marriage in trouble often feels like a fragile bond that is easily snapped by the pressures of life. This prayer asks the Lord to become the third strand in the cord of the marriage, providing unshakeable strength and stability. We petition for God to be at the very center of the relationship, ensuring that His presence binds the couple together in a way that is not easily broken by external or internal attacks.

Lord, I pray that You would become the center of our marriage and the third strand in the cord that binds us together. I ask that Your presence would provide the strength and stability we need to withstand the current storms threatening our home. May our union be reinforced by Your power, ensuring that we are not easily broken by the pressures and trials that seek to divide us.

10. James 4:7 (ESV)

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Spiritual warfare is often at play when a marriage is falling apart, as the enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy the family. This prayer is for the humility to submit the entire relationship to God’s authority and the strength to resist the enemy’s influence. We petition for the power to rebuke spirits of division, adultery, or confusion, trusting that as we resist, the darkness must flee our home.

Father, I pray for the humility to fully submit our marriage and our home to Your sovereign authority and lead. I ask for the spiritual strength to actively resist the enemy’s schemes to divide us and destroy our family. I rebuke every spirit of confusion, pride, and division, standing on Your promise that as we resist these attacks, the enemy must flee and leave our relationship in peace.

11. Romans 12:12 (ESV)

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

The endurance required to save a marriage in trouble can be exhausting, leading to a loss of hope. This prayer is for the spiritual stamina to remain patient through the tribulation and to stay constant in intercession. We ask God to fill us with a hope that rejoices even before the final victory is seen, helping us to maintain a consistent prayer life that serves as a lifeline for our relationship.

Lord, I pray for the spiritual stamina to remain patient and steadfast through this difficult season of marital tribulation. Fill me with a hope that rejoices in Your promises even when I cannot yet see the resolution of our problems. I ask that You would help me stay constant and fervent in prayer, trusting that my persistence in seeking Your face will lead to the restoration of our home.

12. Matthew 18:19 (ESV)

Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.

When a couple can find even one small area of agreement, it can become the starting point for a miracle. This prayer is for the grace to find a point of spiritual agreement and to petition the Father together for the healing of the home. We ask that the Holy Spirit would break down the walls of disagreement, helping us to unite our voices in a powerful plea for restoration and peace.

Father, I pray for the grace to find a common ground of spiritual agreement with my spouse, even in the midst of our conflict. I ask that You would help us unite our voices in prayer, trusting Your promise that when we agree, You will move on our behalf. Break down every wall of disagreement and help us to stand together as we petition You for the complete healing of our marriage.

13. Genesis 2:24 (ESV)

Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

The priority of the marital relationship can often be diluted by outside influences, including family or friends. This prayer is for the strength to “hold fast” to one another, renewing the commitment to be a unified team. We petition for the grace to leave behind every unhealthy attachment or interference that has contributed to our trouble, resolving to prioritize the one-flesh union above all other earthly relationships.

Lord, I pray for the spiritual strength to hold fast to my spouse and to prioritize our union above all other earthly attachments. I ask for the grace to leave behind every outside influence or interference that has caused division or trouble in our home. Help us to renew our commitment to being a unified team, standing together in the one-flesh relationship that You have ordained for us.

14. Romans 12:18 (ESV)

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

In a troubled marriage, the atmosphere can become toxic with constant arguing and tension. This prayer is for the personal resolve to be a peacemaker, doing everything within one’s power to foster a quiet and peaceable environment. We ask God for the humility to choose peace over being right, trusting that our individual commitment to a peaceable spirit will eventually influence the entire atmosphere of the marriage.

Father, I pray for the humility and resolve to be a peacemaker in my home, regardless of how my spouse responds. I ask that You would help me to live peaceably and to do everything within my power to de-escalate tension and conflict. Grant me the grace to choose peace over the need to be right, trusting that Your Spirit will use my peaceable conduct to bring healing to our relationship.

15. Amos 3:3 (ESV)

Do two walk together, unless they have agreed to meet?

A marriage in trouble often feels like two people walking in opposite directions with no common destination. This prayer is for the restoration of a shared vision and agreement on the direction of the marriage. We petition the Lord to bring our hearts back into alignment, helping us to agree on our values, our goals, and our commitment to walk together in a way that honors Him and fulfills our purpose.

Lord, I pray for the restoration of a shared vision and a common heart in our marriage, asking that You would bring us back into alignment. I ask that You would help us to agree on the direction of our lives and our home, removing the division that has caused us to walk apart. Grant us the grace to meet in agreement and to walk together once again in unity and love.

16. Mark 10:9 (ESV)

What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.

External influences, such as ungodly advice or the interference of others, can often exacerbate marital trouble. This prayer is a petition for divine protection against every “man” or outside force that is contributing to the separation of the couple. We ask God to silence the voices of those who would encourage divorce or division, protecting the sacred bond from every worldly influence that seeks to tear it apart.

Father, I pray for Your divine protection against every outside influence that is seeking to separate and destroy our marriage. I ask that You would silence the voices of those who offer ungodly advice or encourage division between me and my spouse. Protect the sacred bond You have joined together, shielding our relationship from every worldly force that seeks to tear apart what You have established in love.

17. 1 Corinthians 7:10–11 (ESV)

To the married I give this charge (not I, but the Lord): the wife should not separate from her husband… and the husband should not divorce his wife.

This prayer is for the unshakeable commitment to the permanence of marriage, even when the desire to leave is strong. We ask for the spiritual fortitude to remain in the relationship and to fight for reconciliation rather than seeking a way out. We petition the Lord for the grace to stay and do the hard work of restoration, trusting that His commands for faithfulness are the path to ultimate blessing and peace.

Lord, I pray for the spiritual fortitude and unshakeable commitment to the permanence of my marriage, even in this difficult season. I ask for the grace to resist the urge to separate or seek a way out of our current trouble. Help us both to stay and do the hard work of reconciliation, trusting that Your commands for faithfulness will lead us back to a place of blessing and peace.

18. Ephesians 5:21 (ESV)

submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Pride and the struggle for power are often at the root of marital discord. This prayer is for a spirit of mutual submission, where both spouses yield their rights out of a shared reverence for Christ. We petition for the humility to serve one another and to place the needs of the relationship above our own desires, ensuring that the hierarchy of our home is defined by selfless love and mutual respect.

Father, I pray for a spirit of mutual submission to fill our marriage, asking that we would both yield our rights out of reverence for You. I ask that You would remove all pride and power struggles that have caused division in our relationship. Help us to serve one another with humility and to place the needs of our spouse and our marriage above our own selfish desires and personal agendas.

19. Philippians 2:3 (ESV)

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Self-centeredness is a poison that quickly destroys the intimacy of a marriage. This prayer is for the removal of selfish ambition and the gift of true humility. We ask God to help us count our spouse as more significant than ourselves, seeking their well-being and happiness with the same fervor we seek our own. We petition for a heart that is truly concerned with the flourishing of our partner, even when it requires sacrifice.

Lord, I pray for the removal of every trace of selfish ambition and conceit from my heart and the heart of my spouse. I ask that You would grant us the humility to count each other as more significant than ourselves. Help us to actively seek one another’s well-being and happiness, ensuring that our marriage is defined by the selfless love and mutual honor that reflects Your character.

20. Psalm 127:1 (ESV)

Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.

Trying to fix a marriage in trouble through human effort alone is a form of laboring in vain. This prayer is a surrender of the entire restoration process to God’s leadership and building. We petition the Lord to take the lead in rebuilding our relationship, acknowledging that only His hand can provide the lasting security and foundation we need. We ask for His watchful eye to guard our home from further damage while He performs the miracle of healing.

Father, I acknowledge that my own efforts to fix my troubled marriage are in vain without Your divine leadership and building. I surrender the entire restoration process to Your hands, asking You to take the lead in rebuilding our relationship and our home. I ask that Your watchful eye would guard us from further damage and that You would provide the lasting foundation and security we need to thrive.

21. Romans 15:5 (ESV)

May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus,

Sustaining a marriage through hard times requires a level of endurance and encouragement that only God can provide. This prayer is a petition to the God of endurance to grant the couple the grace to live in continuous harmony. We ask for His encouragement to fill our hearts, helping us to remain in accord with one another and with Christ, ensuring that our interactions are governed by the spirit of peace and unity.

Lord, I pray that You, the God of endurance and encouragement, would grant us the grace to live in harmony with one another. I ask for Your supernatural encouragement to fill our hearts during this difficult season, helping us to remain in accord with each other and with You. Empower us to maintain a spirit of peace and unity, ensuring that our marriage reflects Your enduring love and grace.

22. Matthew 5:9 (ESV)

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

This prayer is for the activation of the “peacemaker” role within each spouse, seeking to bring a holy quietness to the marital storm. We ask for the wisdom to identify when to apologize, when to extend mercy, and how to create an environment where peace can flourish. We petition the Lord for the blessing that comes to those who actively work for peace, asking that our home be transformed into a place of rest and reconciliation.

Father, I pray for the activation of a peacemaker spirit within both me and my spouse. I ask for the wisdom to know when to apologize and when to extend mercy to bring a holy quietness to the storm in our marriage. I petition for the blessing of peace to rest upon our home, asking that You would transform our relationship into a sanctuary of rest, reconciliation, and lasting joy.

23. Numbers 6:24–26 (ESV)

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

This final prayer is the ultimate benediction over the troubled marriage, asking for God’s favor to shine upon the couple. We petition the Lord to bless and keep the relationship, making His face to shine upon the spouses and granting them His continuous grace. We ask for the Lord to lift up His countenance upon the entire family, granting them the deep, abiding peace that transcends all understanding and secures their future together.

Lord, I pray this ultimate benediction of peace and grace over our troubled marriage and our home. May the Lord bless us and keep us, making His face to shine upon us and being gracious to our relationship. I ask that You would lift up Your countenance upon both me and my spouse, granting us the deep, abiding peace that secures our future and restores our love for Your glory.

Conclusion

Prayer For A Marriage In Trouble: Finding Hope in Divine Restoration