No one gets married thinking they will end up divorced. When it does happen, we wonder in disbelief, “Is this really happening to me? Is divorce really part of my story?” If your spouse chooses divorce, you may feel utterly shocked, crushed, and betrayed. Maybe you are trying desperately to save your marriage. Or perhaps you have agonized over this decision, carefully studying Biblical grounds for divorce and seeking wise counsel after years of praying and hoping for restoration. Divorce is painful, messy, and lonely, whichever way you slice it. What God intended to last for a lifetime is ending, bringing devastating loss and leaving us to face an unknown future with a heart full of hurt. Your world may turn upside down, but dear brother or sister, God sees and cares about you. He has comfort, hope, and wisdom to share with you in His Word and invites you to speak to Him. You can bring all your questions and pain to Him in prayer. He knows what you need and will guide you as you seek Him. Here are 8 prayers you can pray when facing a divorce.
1. “For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then My faithful love for you will remain. My covenant of blessing will never be broken,” says the LORD, who has mercy on you. – Isaiah 54:10 NLT
Lord, thank You for Your love. The lasting love I had hoped for in my marriage has left me disappointed and broken. It hurts so bad. Help me to turn to You and trust in Your faithful love now. You are the One who will never break Your promises to me. Your mercy is more significant than my sins. In Christ, I have no failure, flaw, or faithlessness that can separate us. Give me stability and comfort here in Your love. Remind me that this is who I am because of Jesus. I am Yours.
2. “For the house of Israel and the house of Judah have been utterly unfaithful to Me,” declares the LORD. – Jeremiah 5:11 NLT
God, I feel alone and wholly rejected! I gave my heart and all of myself to this person. How can they so easily walk away? Do I really mean so little to them? You understand the betrayal and pain I am walking through. You have been rejected again and again by the people You have loved perfectly. Please comfort me. Please show me what to do. I have no idea how to move forward. Let this experience draw me closer to Your heart so I can know You better. You will always be faithful.
3. I weep with sorrow; encourage me by Your Word. 29 Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing Your instructions. – Psalm 119:28-29 NLT
Father, I cannot stop crying. My emotions are right underneath the surface, constantly ready to spill out. My mind can barely think of anything besides grief and pain. It is hard to focus on Your Word, but I desperately need to hear from You. There are so many lies I am tempted to believe right now about You, me, and my situation. Come meet me in this place and teach me what is true. Show me what You see. Please lead me to Scriptures that will encourage, guide, and give me hope.
4. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And He gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. – 2 Corinthians 5:19 NLT
God, when my relationship with You was broken because of sin, You sent Christ to the cross. You did everything needed to bring me back to You. Thank You, Lord! Your power and love have redeemed my life. I know You can bring reconciliation in the most seemingly hopeless situations, and I long to see my marriage restored. If it is Your will, God, You can reconcile us to You and to one another. I pray You will do it! Reconcile us for Your glory. Use our story to display Your power to redeem.
5. Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 Point out anything in me that offends You, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. – Psalm 139:23-24 NLT
God, I confess that my defenses are up. I am hurt and angry. It is easy to point the finger at my spouse and focus on how they have sinned against me. But it feels scary to think about my sin now that divorce is on the table. I fear admitting failures as if I would accept the blame for losing our marriage. Remind me that whatever sins are in my heart, You have mercy for me in Christ. You are my refuge, a safe place to be honest and examine my own heart. Show me where I have turned from trusting and following You. Come lead me in Your wisdom, gentleness, and love. Show me how to walk with You in righteousness.
6. I am exhausted and completely crushed. My groans come from an anguished heart. 9 You know what I long for, Lord; You hear my every sigh. – Psalm 38:8-9 NLT
Lord, I am weary and so broken. Be merciful to me! Please look and see my distress and come close to me. Hear my prayers and requests. Sometimes I feel like You are not listening, but I know You see my heart. You know my unmet desires, my broken dreams, my fears. You are with me in my pain, even when I am a mess. I need Your comfort and healing. Reassure me of Your love now, and bring me peace.
7. He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle. He will bring justice to all who have been wronged. – Isaiah 42:3 NLT
Jesus, You are mighty but gentle. You have compassion for the weak and oppressed. This divorce has brought me so low, and I am spent. I cannot handle much more. Hold me up in Your strength. You see how I have been mistreated. Please fight for me. Help me to rest in You, trusting that You will make things right in Your wisdom at the right time. I know You love me. You gave Your life for me. I surrender and trust my life to You. You are the One who will take care of me.
8. Yet I still belong to You; You hold my right hand. 24 You guide me with Your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. – Psalm 73:23-24 NLT
Lord, I have doubted. I have wrestled. I have been angry and questioned why You allow such brokenness in my marriage and family. I have struggled to understand, but You bring me back to You again and again. When I remember Your grace that saves me from destruction and gives me eternal life, I can see my present circumstances from a different perspective. This brokenness is not my forever story. You are still leading me home to You, to glory. I am still Yours, and You are still by my side. You will show me the way forward. Help me to walk on in this hope. You have been good to me, and You always will be.
