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

— Matthew 18:19

"Praying together doesn't erase every problem overnight, but it changes the atmosphere of your marriage. It shifts your focus from fear to faith, from blame to grace, and from hopelessness to the God who specialises in restoration."

Marriage crises rarely announce themselves with warning signs. Sometimes they arrive suddenly through betrayal, financial hardship, illness, or devastating loss. Other times they develop slowly through years of unresolved conflict, emotional distance, poor communication, or growing resentment.

During these painful seasons, many couples wonder where to turn. Friends may offer advice. Family members may share opinions. Books and podcasts can provide helpful insights. Yet for Christian couples, one of the most powerful places to begin is in prayer.

Key Takeaway

Prayer doesn't just invite God into your marriage — it reminds both spouses that they are fighting the crisis together, not fighting each other.

Why Prayer Is Essential During a Marriage Crisis

When a marriage enters a season of crisis, the natural response is often panic. Emotions run high. Conversations become strained. Misunderstandings increase. Fear begins to shape decisions.

Prayer interrupts that cycle.

Instead of allowing anxiety to lead, prayer invites God's peace into the relationship. Rather than viewing your spouse as the enemy, it reminds you that you are standing together before the Lord, asking for His wisdom, healing, and strength.

Prayer Changes Your Perspective

As you pray together, you will begin to notice subtle but significant changes. Your heart softens before difficult conversations. Forgiveness becomes more attainable. Pride gives way to humility. Fear is replaced by peace. Hope begins to grow again. Even when circumstances don't change immediately, prayer changes the people walking through those circumstances.

Prayer Strengthens Unity

One of the enemy's greatest strategies is division. When couples stop praying together, they often begin carrying burdens alone. But when husband and wife kneel before God together, something remarkable happens — they stop standing on opposite sides of the conflict and begin standing side by side against it. Prayer reminds you that your spouse is not your enemy. The crisis is.

What the Bible Says About Praying Together

Scripture consistently emphasises the power of united prayer.

Matthew 18:19–20
"Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them."
When husband and wife come before God with humble hearts, they are not praying alone. Christ Himself is present with them.
Ecclesiastes 4:12
"Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."
The "third strand" reminds us that God strengthens the marriage covenant. When Christ remains at the centre, your relationship gains stability that circumstances cannot destroy.
Philippians 4:6–7
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
Paul doesn't say pray only after you have solved your problems. He says pray in every situation. Marriage crises are no exception.

Common Barriers That Keep Couples From Praying

Many Christian couples believe prayer is important, yet they rarely pray together consistently. Because obstacles often feel larger than they really are.

"It Feels Awkward"

This is the most common reason. If you have never prayed aloud together, the first few times may feel uncomfortable. That is perfectly normal. Prayer is not a performance. God is not evaluating your vocabulary. He is looking at your heart. Start with one minute. Keep it simple. Authenticity matters far more than eloquence.

"We Are Too Angry Right Now"

Ironically, the moments when prayer feels most difficult are often the moments when it is needed most. You do not have to pretend everything is okay. Pray honestly. Tell God exactly how you are feeling. Ask Him to soften your hearts before attempting another difficult conversation. Sometimes the first prayer is simply: "Lord, help us." That is enough.

"Only One of Us Wants to Pray"

If your spouse is not ready, do not pressure them. Instead, pray privately for your marriage, invite but do not force, model humility and consistency, and trust God to work in both hearts. Persistent love often speaks louder than persistent pressure.

"We Do Not Know What to Say"

Prayer is simply talking with your Heavenly Father. You can thank Him, confess to Him, ask Him for wisdom, pray Scripture aloud, or simply sit quietly together in His presence. God values sincerity over sophistication.

How to Start Praying Together (Even If It Feels Awkward)

God is not looking for perfect prayers. He is looking for surrendered hearts. The first prayer you pray together does not have to be long. It simply needs to be genuine.

A Simple 5-Step Marriage Prayer Routine

Think of it as a conversation with God rather than a formal presentation.

1

Thank God First

Before asking God to fix your problems, pause to thank Him. Gratitude shifts your perspective. Even during difficult seasons, there is always something to thank God for. Starting with gratitude reminds both spouses that God has already been faithful — and He will continue to be.

2

Confess Honestly

Instead of focusing on your spouse's shortcomings, ask God to examine your own heart. Confess pride, impatience, unforgiveness, harsh words, and neglect. A humble heart creates room for healing. As David prayed: "Search me, God, and know my heart." — Psalm 139:23

3

Pray for Your Marriage

Now bring your specific needs before God. Pray for healing, wisdom, forgiveness, better communication, restored trust, unity, and patience. Be specific. Instead of saying "Bless our marriage," pray: "Lord, help us speak kindly to one another today." Specific prayers often produce specific answers.

4

Pray for Your Spouse

One of the most powerful habits couples can develop is praying for each other. Pray for your spouse's spiritual growth, health, peace, emotional healing, and purpose. When you consistently pray blessings over your spouse, resentment begins to lose its grip. Prayer changes how you see the person you are praying for.

5

End with Trust

Not every prayer will produce immediate results. Sometimes healing takes time. End each prayer by placing your marriage into God's hands: "Father, we trust You with our future. Even when we don't understand everything happening right now, we believe You are working for our good." Peace often begins where control ends.

Seven Powerful Prayers for Couples in Crisis

Prayer 1

A Prayer for Healing

Heavenly Father, You are the God who heals broken hearts and restores what has been damaged. We bring every hurt, disappointment, and painful memory before You today. Heal the wounds that words, misunderstandings, and unmet expectations have created in our marriage. Fill our hearts with compassion, patience, and hope as we trust You to make us whole again. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Prayer 2

A Prayer for Forgiveness

Lord, forgive us for the ways we have hurt one another. Help us release bitterness, anger, and resentment so they no longer control our hearts. Teach us to forgive as You have forgiven us through Christ. Restore joy where pain has lived, and let Your grace define our relationship moving forward. Amen.

Prayer 3

A Prayer for Better Communication

Father, help us speak words that bring healing instead of hurt. Give us ears that truly listen and hearts that seek understanding before responding. Remove harshness, criticism, and defensiveness from our conversations. May every discussion strengthen our marriage and glorify You. Amen.

Prayer 4

A Prayer for Restored Trust

Lord, where trust has been broken, begin rebuilding it through honesty, humility, and faithful actions. Help us choose integrity every day, even when rebuilding feels slow. Replace fear with confidence and suspicion with peace. Teach us to become trustworthy reflections of Your faithfulness. Amen.

Prayer 5

A Prayer for Unity

Father, remind us that we are not enemies — we are partners. Help us stand together against every challenge instead of standing against each other. Unite our hearts around Your purpose for our marriage. Strengthen the covenant You established and help us walk together in love and humility. Amen.

Prayer 6

A Prayer During Financial Stress

Lord, You know every financial burden we carry. Replace our fear with faith and our anxiety with peace. Give us wisdom to steward our resources well and help us make decisions together with unity and trust. Thank You for being our faithful Provider in every season. Amen.

Prayer 7

A Prayer for Complete Restoration

Heavenly Father, we surrender our marriage completely to You. We cannot restore it through our own strength alone. Fill our home with Your presence, our conversations with kindness, and our hearts with unconditional love. May our marriage become a testimony of Your grace, mercy, and redeeming power. We trust You to write a new chapter for our family. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Bible Verses to Pray Over Your Marriage

Praying Scripture helps align your heart with God's promises.

Ephesians 4:32
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
Pray: Teach us to forgive quickly and love generously, reflecting the mercy You have shown us.
Colossians 3:14
"And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."
Pray: Let love guide every decision we make. May our marriage reflect Your perfect love to everyone around us.
Proverbs 3:5–6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
Pray: Help us rely on Your wisdom rather than our own understanding. Direct every step we take as husband and wife.
James 5:16
"The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."
Pray: Lord, make us a praying couple. May our prayers move mountains and transform our marriage from the inside out.

Mistakes to Avoid When Praying Together

❌ Don't Turn Prayer Into a Sermon

Prayer is talking to God — not correcting your spouse. Avoid praying things like "Lord, please help my husband stop being stubborn." Instead, focus on your own heart. Pray for humility before asking God to change someone else.

❌ Don't Pray Only During Crises

Many couples pray only when something goes wrong. Instead, make prayer part of your daily rhythm. Healthy marriages don't just pray through problems — they pray through ordinary days too.

❌ Don't Compare Your Prayer Life

Some people pray naturally. Others feel nervous speaking aloud. God is not comparing your prayers to anyone else's. He delights in sincere hearts, regardless of eloquence or length.

❌ Don't Give Up Too Soon

You may not notice immediate changes after the first week. Keep praying anyway. Seeds planted faithfully eventually produce fruit. Consistency often accomplishes what intensity cannot.

"The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."

— James 5:16

Frequently Asked Questions

Is praying together really important in marriage? +
Yes. Praying together strengthens spiritual intimacy, encourages honest communication, and reminds couples to seek God's wisdom. While prayer doesn't eliminate every challenge, it helps husbands and wives face those challenges with unity and faith.
What if my spouse refuses to pray with me? +
Don't force the issue. Continue praying privately for your spouse and your marriage while demonstrating Christlike love through your words and actions. Invite without pressure and trust God to work in His timing. Your spouse's reluctance does not mean God has stopped working.
How often should married couples pray together? +
Many couples find that praying together daily — even for five to ten minutes — helps maintain spiritual connection and strengthens their relationship. Consistency matters far more than length. One honest prayer prayed together every evening is often more transformative than one hour-long prayer once a month.
Can prayer restore a broken marriage? +
Prayer invites God's power into every part of the restoration process and transforms hearts in ways human effort alone cannot. Combined with repentance, forgiveness, wise counsel, and healthy communication, prayer is a powerful foundation for restoration.
What if we don't know how to pray? +
Keep it simple. Thank God, confess your struggles, ask for His wisdom, pray for one another, and trust Him with your marriage. God values sincerity more than eloquence. There is no wrong way to approach God with an honest heart.
Can we pray even if we are angry? +
Yes. In fact, those moments are often when prayer is needed most. You don't have to hide your emotions from God. Bring them honestly before Him and ask for wisdom, peace, and self-control before continuing the conversation.
How long should we pray together? +
Start with five minutes. Consistency matters far more than length. As prayer becomes a natural part of your relationship, you will often find those few minutes growing into meaningful conversations with God.

A Final Prayer for Couples Facing a Crisis

🙏 Pray This Together

Heavenly Father, today we come before You with open hearts, acknowledging that we cannot carry the weight of our marriage on our own. You know every hurt we have experienced, every conversation that ended in frustration, every tear we have cried, and every burden we have silently carried.

Lord, where there is division, bring unity. Where there is fear, replace it with faith. Where trust has been damaged, rebuild it through honesty, humility, and grace. Teach us to speak with kindness, listen with compassion, and love one another as Christ has loved us.

Help us forgive quickly, pray consistently, and depend on Your wisdom in every decision we make. Strengthen our commitment to one another and remind us that our marriage is a covenant designed to glorify You.

When we grow weary, give us perseverance. When we feel discouraged, fill us with hope. When we cannot see the way forward, become our guide.

We surrender our marriage completely into Your hands, trusting that You are still writing our story. May our relationship become a testimony of Your healing, Your mercy, and Your unfailing love.

In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen. 🙏

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us."

— Ephesians 3:20
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→ 5 Signs Your Marriage Needs Help (And What to Do) → 7 Prayers to Restore Your Marriage (Free PDF) → View All Marriage Articles

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Reverend Sam Adeyemi
Reverend Sam Adeyemi

Founder of Covenant Marriage Help. Lead Pastor, PHHM International. Author of 50+ books on faith, marriage and family. 25+ years in Christian ministry serving couples across the UK, Nigeria, and the African diaspora.

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