In the midst of a marriage crisis, there is a very real temptation to focus on what is wrong, why it is wrong, and whose fault it is. This earthly focus can result in a hopeless state of mind. This hopelessness and discouragement makes us vulnerable to the enemy’s schemes to divide us.
Throughout the Bible, God offers us hope. He shows us over and over again that nothing is impossible when He is involved. He promises that we will experience peace when we keep our eyes on Him (Isaiah 26:3). Jesus literally spoke the words “Peace! Be still!” to a storm, saving the disciples’ lives while perfecting their faith in Him (Mark 4:39).
Our task is to believe, to ask, and to resist doubting (Mark 11:23).
These five Bible passages and prayers will help you to refocus on God who is able to do infinitely more to heal sacred marriage than you can imagine.
1. Remember Me
But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and the livestock that were with him in the ark, and he sent a wind over the earth, and the waters receded. Genesis 8:1
God, I trust that You see me and know what I am going through. You saved Noah, his family, and the animals from the flood. You sent a wind over the earth and caused the waters to recede. I am waiting on Your winds of change, Lord.
Change me, Lord. Here is my heart. Cleanse me of impure motives. Reduce me to love. Let Your pure love be the driving force behind my words, my touch, and my tone of voice.
Change my perception. Help me to see myself and my spouse through Your eyes.
Reveal to us where we are making the situation worse by resisting Your leadership and disobeying Your commands.
Help me to wait prayerfully and expectantly for You to move in us and our circumstances.
2. Encourage Me
Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.” “Selah” But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head. To the LORD I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill. “Selah” I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me. I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side. Psalm 3:2–6
Forgive me Lord for being discouraged by those who do not believe in Your power. The temptations to give up outnumber the billboards in the city.
But You, O Lord, are my encourager. Shield my heart and mind from discouragement.
Remind me of Your great acts of love for Your people.
You fed five thousand with one boy’s lunch. You transformed Saul from a Christian killer into Paul, a Kingdom builder. You are able to do so much more for our marriage than I have asked of You.
I rest my hopes on Your faithfulness. I will not fear based on what I can see with my eyes. I will trust in You, the unseen God, to shield me and my husband from reacting to the enemy’s schemes to divide us.
3. Reward My Faith
Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches the birds of the air can perch in its shade.” Mark 4:30–32
God, You have promised that if I offer You a miniscule amount of faith, You will create something so much bigger out of it.
Today, I offer You my faith in Your ability to bring Jesus into this world from a virgin girl. I believe that You breathed life into Adam and made Eve from his rib. You transformed Zacchaeus from a crook into someone who wanted to give back four times what he had stolen.
I believe that You, O Lord, can turn our bitterness into kindness. You can transform our self-focused stubbornness into a “your needs come first” mindset.
You are able to restore us completely and allow our marriage to point others to Your perfect love for imperfect people.
Let my faith become sight, Lord.
4. Heal Our Marriage
As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by." He called out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, "What do you want me to do for you?" "Lord, I want to see," he replied. Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God. Luke 18:35–43
Lord, I want our marriage to be healed.
Let the healing begin with me. Have mercy on me, Lord, a spouse who has failed so often to demonstrate Your love.
I want to love my spouse the way You love me. Help me.
I want to be a vessel of Your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in _____’s life. Use me.
I want to love in such a way that ____ is inspired to praise You. Glorify Yourself in me, Lord.
5. Make Me Brave
Joshua said to them, "Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the LORD will do to all the enemies you are going to fight."Joshua 10:25
Lord, I want to be filled with Your courage and strength. I want to live by every word that comes from Your mouth and speak boldly about what You can and will do.
The threats against my marriage are wimpy compared to Your great power.
Joshua put his godless enemies to death. He listened to Your voice and obeyed You.
You gave him authority to accomplish Your will. He commanded the sun to stand still, and You made it happen for the glory of Your name and the protection of Your people.
Teach me, Lord, to exercise the authority You have given me. Train me to hear Your voice and respond without hesitation.
Make me brave. Use me to war against the enemies of our marriage in prayer using the Sword of Your Spirit.
I believe You are able, Lord. Please help my unbelief.
With faith in Jesus’ blood and righteousness, I pray.
Amen
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