Originally written in 2012, updated with accurate 2012 statistics for clarity.
Marriages are under attack, and the numbers reveal the stakes. In 2012, about 41% of first marriages in the U.S. ended in divorce, 60–65% of second marriages, and 70–73% of third. While less than half of all marriages dissolved—closer to 45% over time—around 870,000 divorces occurred that year, tearing apart countless lives. What’s driving this? What does the Lord say about divorce?
“To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.” —1 Corinthians 7:10-11
God’s will is clear: divorce opposes His design for marriage. If the Lord isn’t behind it, who is? Not just money or miscommunication, but the enemy himself.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” —John 10:10
Satan targets what Jesus blesses, and marriages are a prime battleground. Our complacency fuels the fight. We marry, go to church, sing hymns, watch football, shop, and repeat—crowding out Jesus. Then Satan’s whispers creep in: “He never listens.” “She doesn’t respect me.” “He’s always gone.” “She’s not affectionate.” Before we know it, the enemy holds the reins.
The solution is urgent: guard your heart with God’s full armor.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood… Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith… Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions…” —Ephesians 6:10-18
Too often, we wield partial armor, leaning on our own strength. It’s not enough. God’s full protection—truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and His Word—is essential. Distractions feel urgent when life is good, but when marriages shatter, we must move forward with God leading. Don the belt of truth, live righteously, walk in peace, wield faith, guard your mind with salvation, and fight with the Spirit’s sword.
Love fiercely, pray with all your heart, and trust God’s path—whether He restores your marriage or redirects you. He’ll heal your heart and equip you for His army, sent to love, not destroy. Serve others, give joyfully—time, money, anything—and watch God work in your life and those around you. The path is hard, but the reward is eternal.
Please join me in praying for these hurting couples, among countless others crying out in 2012:
Prayer 1:
Lord, I come before You, crying for my husband’s return to our family. Grant us favor. Heal his heart of hate, bitterness, and guilt. Show him we love and forgive him. Reverse any curses against our marriage in Jesus’ mighty name. Reveal the truth to him, exposing those who seek to destroy our family. Protect what You’ve joined—husband, wife, and children. You blessed me with this man to father my sons. He’s in a dark place, bound by pride. Grant him courage to face humiliation for leaving us. Though he’s bitter, I trust You to make the impossible possible. Restore our marriage and family. Straighten our paths back to Your arms as one. My faith is in You, for You sent him to me. My husband shall return! Thank You, Lord—it’s done. Amen.
Prayer 2:
Lord, I’ve faced relentless tragedy for years—stress, depression, anxiety, and exhaustion. My husband’s affair and departure left my children and me in hardship, struggling while he seems happy. I’m trapped in resentment, craving justice, but it’s stealing my peace. Help me release this bitterness, Lord. Free me from comparing my life to theirs. Restore my joy and comfort, which I’ve lost. Guide me when I feel lost, and provide for my children’s needs. Heal my heart and teach me to forgive, trusting You for justice. Grant me strength to raise my children in Your love, finding hope in Your plan. Amen.
Prayer 3:
Lord, our marriage is suffering. My wife has lost interest and feels distant, though I love her deeply. I missed her unhappiness, and she believes she can’t regain her feelings for me. She’s considering separation, feeling I deserve better. I’ve prayed, and You’ve told me, “Love her more, like God would,” and “Hold on.” I’m trying to show and tell her daily how much she means to me. I believe You want us to recover and can heal our marriage. Her guilt for not meeting my needs hinders our closeness. Free her from this guilt, Lord. Grant me endurance, composure to surrender to Your timing, and joy in renewing our bond. If she’s seeing someone, meet her where she is and guide her. Bring us back together, stronger than ever. I can’t bear losing my family—they mean everything. I trust You, Lord. Amen.
Prayer 4:
Lord, my husband and I are in a spiritual desert, isolated and without help. Our cries echo back unanswered. We’ve faced dry times before, but this feels designed to break us. Others prophesy blessings, but troubles pour freely. It’s hard to face each day. If You can’t do it, Lord, it can’t be done. Strengthen our faith to trust Your plan. Provide comfort and guidance in this wilderness. Restore our connection to You and each other. Grant us hope to rise each morning, knowing You’re with us. Heal our hearts and lead us to Your blessings. We’re grateful for the prayers of others. Amen.
If you have a prayer request, share it below. I’ll pray, and others reading will too. Let’s lift these couples to the Lord, trusting His healing and restoration.