Marriage is a beautiful thing. It's something that's deeply fulfilling and life-giving, but also can be challenging, too. Two very separate people coming together as one sounds lovely—and often is, and yet we all encounter seasons with our spouses where things are a bit trickier. Perhaps work has been demanding lately and we don't get to see our loved one as much as we'd like, prompting miscommunication or arguments. Perhaps we're experiencing financial trouble that's putting stress on our relationship, or we're simply having a tough time raising the kids. Whatever it is for you, know you're not alone. Regardless of the season you're in, we can always reach out to God and ask for His guidance and blessing over our marriage. 

As followers of Christ, we're encouraged to invite God into our everyday lives, especially our closest relationships. Since our marriage is a covenant with one another, but also with God Himself, it seems only fitting that we would continually look to Him as we navigate life together. Our marriages can only truly thrive when we're both seeking His will and kingdom in our lives. 

Here are our favorite prayers for strengthening a marriage and inviting God into our daily lives.

1. Prayer to Overcome Trials

"Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." - Ecclesiastes 4:12

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?" - Ecclesiastes 4:9

Lord, you have created this union to last, as marriage is a reflection of Christ and the church. You know the challenges we each face in our daily lives, and we ask that you would make yourself known to us. Speak to each of us and grant us the strength to overcome these obstacles that we face. Not only that, but allow us to be unified through the process. In Isaiah 41:10 you tell us, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Remind us of your presence and love, and equip us with your Holy Spirit to overcome these obstacles—together.

2. Prayer for Respect

"However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." - Ephesians 33

"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." - John 15:12

You know us intimately, Lord. You know how well we've loved our spouse, or areas where we've fallen short. No matter where we are now in our marriage, we ask for your forgiveness over us and we pray that you may show us what a marriage filled with respect and kindness looks likes. You are the ultimate example, Jesus, of how we are supposed to love one another. We acknowledge that we are human and flawed, but we are seeking to love like you. Today, we both dedicate ourselves to you and ask that our relationship may be marked by your character. May our deep respect for each other be at the forefront of our lives. 

3. Prayer for Passion

"You have captivated my heart, my sister, my bride; you have captivated my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one jewel of your necklace." - Song of Solomon 4:9

"I have found the one whom my soul loves." - Song of Solomon 3:4

One of your greatest gifts you've given to humanity is the gift of a marriage filled with love and passion. We acknowledge how good of a God you are to give us this gift. We know how much you delight in giving us good things, as we were designed to enjoy each other and you. Whether we've been married just for a brief time or have been married for years, we ask that we would discover a newfound sense of passion for one another. Allow us to see each other in a new light, and be excited for what God is doing in our spouse's life. We ask that we may cherish our spouse, and not take them for granted. Just as the husband and wife anxiously await their wedding day in Song of Solomon, we pray for a relationship that matches that passion and anticipation.

4. Prayer for Unity

"Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate." - Mark 10:9

"Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves." - Romans 12:10

It's not easy to lay down our lives for the other, and yet, that's exactly what you have called us to do every single day. In Luke 9:23 you tell us, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me." This especially applies in marriage! We're called to be devoted each other and put the other's will ahead of our own. Through the times of adversity, and the mundane days, too. While we may agree with these statements, it's easier said than done! There are many days where we're grumpy, annoyed, or just plain tired with our spouses. The last thing we want to do is practice any sort of sacrifice. Lord, please bring us together as a team and bless us to do your kingdom work here on earth. We know that we're stronger together, and we pray for a deeper unity than we've ever experienced. 

5. Prayer for Forgiveness

"Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins." - 1 Peter 4:8 

"Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." - Ephesians 4:32

Jesus, you understand our need to forgive each other, and our need to ask for forgiveness from you, as well. You know our situation and how we've been hurt, and we're asking you to show us the way out of this—to healing. We're crying out to you, Lord, asking for our hearts to be changed, that we may forgive as you forgive. You have demonstrated this time and time again throughout Scripture and in our own lives, too. Fill us with your Holy Spirit and bless us with wisdom and grace as we navigate these tricky times. Amen.

Wear & Share

Ultimately, the best way to strengthen your marriage is through prayer, community, and Scripture. Reading relevant Bible verses remind us of our commitments to each other, and to God. We love wearing (and sharing) these reminders of God's Word every day. Shop our selection of our Christian apparel, with collections featuring some of your favorite verses and imagery. 

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