5 Prayers Your Marriage Needs When You’re Simply Hanging On

No matter how solid your marriage may be, we all fall into ruts sometimes, when we feel as if we’re barely hanging on in life and have nothing left to give.

As with many worthwhile things in life, marriage is more of a marathon than a sprint. It takes time, effort, and perseverance to keep it strong and not call it quits at mile 22.

How do we endure and push through the moments of exhaustion to make it through together, instead of falling apart?

A Prayer For Perspective

“Help me view my spouse as a child of God. May I interact with him from a place of love and grace.”

When we spend a lot of time with someone, we see all sides of them, including their flaws and shortcomings. When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to focus on these negative things.

In our marriages, it’s important that we take a step back, out of our feelings, and view our spouse for who they are. Imperfect? Yes, but a loved child of God, in need of grace, just as we are.

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 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.” (Colossians 3:12-13, ESV)

A Prayer For Unity

“Remind me that we are stronger together. We are a united front, on the same team, not competing against one another.”

Disagreements are common, even in your strongest relationships. Whether you feel at odds with your spouse over several little things or major issues that arise, it can seem like a constant battle.

You must remember, you and your spouse are on the same side. You should be working together, not against each other. Your marriage is a unit, a team, and no one wins when a team fights against itself.

If you’re struggling to find common ground, come to Christ together in prayer. Pray for unity and understanding. Ask God to soften your hearts and help you navigate the situation as a united front.

“Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” (2 Corinthians 13:11, ESV)

A Prayer For Perseverance

“Give me perseverance when I feel like I have nothing left to give. Help me to communicate lovingly and honestly with my spouse.”

Communicating through tough times is never easy, but it is worth it. We’re all exhausted, and there’s never a time that feels comfortable to address conflict, but the only way marriages thrive is through open communication.

Both spouses need to be intentional and put in the effort to work through difficulties together, even when they don’t feel like it.

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9, ESV)

A Prayer For Wisdom

“God, let my words come from you. Help me ward off my own selfish ambition and interact with my spouse with wisdom and compassion.”

Unfortunately, our selfishness often creeps into our conversations. We need the Lord’s wisdom and guidance daily to save us from ourselves. Ask him to be with you while you talk with your spouse and to help you hold your tongue, if necessary.

“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17, ESV)

A Prayer For Restoration

“Lord, please strengthen and restore our relationship. Rekindle our love and passion for one another and heal whatever is broken between us.”

A stagnant marriage that is simply holding on for dear life is not a place you want to stay in. If you feel like you and your spouse are slowly drifting apart, the best thing you can do is put in the effort to restore it before it’s too late.

Pray that God will restore your marriage, that he will bring back a true passion for one another, and bring healing.

“May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 15:5-6, ESV)

From Surviving to Thriving

Marriage is too important a thing to put on the back burner. We all go through seasons where life is hectic, and we feel like we’re in survival mode. This makes it hard to give our spouse attention, but it’s in these times that we need that relationship the most.

It’s especially important, especially during busy seasons, that we check in with our spouse and maintain an honest line of communication. This consistency and intentionality will result in strength and bonding during the difficult moments and joy and thriving in the good times.