There are times when a marriage seems to falter: arguments that keep repeating, long silences, coldness, maybe even the word “divorce” spoken in anger. In moments like these, many people look for a prayer to avoid divorce, not as a magic formula, but as support to try once more, with an open heart. In this article you will find short prayers for reconciliation and patience, the saints that tradition honours as protectors of the family, and concrete steps that, together with prayer, can save a relationship.
What prayer can do for a marriage in crisis
Prayer does not change the other person’s will against them. What it can change, however, is the way you see the situation: it gives you a pause before you respond in anger, helps you see your own share of the blame, and gives you the strength to take the first step towards reconciliation. Many couples say things began to soften when one of them started praying for the other, not against them.
One thing must also be said openly: if there is violence, threats or abuse in the marriage, your safety and that of your children comes before any prayer “to stay together”. In such situations, seek professional help and the support of those close to you.
Prayer for saving the marriage
A prayer in your own words (suggested by us, not a liturgical text):
Lord Jesus Christ, You blessed the wedding at Cana of Galilee. Bless our marriage too, mine and his/hers, (name). See the wounds between us and heal them. Take from our hearts pride, resentment and harsh words. Give us patience to listen to each other and courage to ask each other for forgiveness. If it is Your will, keep us together and teach us to love each other again. Amen.
Prayer for your husband or wife
Lord, I entrust to You my husband / my wife, (name). Calm his/her soul, enlighten his/her mind and touch his/her heart. And teach me to see him/her with Your eyes, not with the eyes of resentment. Amen.
For more texts about life as a couple, see also the guides on prayer for couples and prayer for reconciliation.
Prayer for forgiveness in marriage
Lord, forgive me for the harm I have done in my marriage, by word, by deed or by silence. Help me also to forgive what has hurt me. I do not ask to forget, but to no longer carry the burden. Amen.
The patron saints of the family and of marriage
- The Mother of God – to whom the faithful pray for peace in the home and for their children;
- The Holy and Righteous Joachim and Anna – the parents of the Mother of God, honoured as a model of a faithful and patient marriage;
- The Holy Martyrs Gurias, Samonas and Abibus – honoured in the Orthodox tradition as protectors of marriage and of the family (commemorated on 15 November).
You can pray simply: “Holy protectors of the family, pray to God for our marriage.” For reliable texts, use an approved Orthodox prayer book or ask your spiritual father for advice.
Concrete steps, alongside prayer
- Stop the escalation. Agree not to discuss difficult things in anger, but only after you have both calmed down.
- Talk about yourself, not about him/her. “I feel lonely” is heard better than “You’re never at home”.
- Ask for outside help. A couples therapist or a wise spiritual father can show you what you cannot see on your own.
- Make time just for the two of you, at least once a week.
- Pray for your partner daily, by name, even on the days when you are upset.
Sometimes the patterns that unravel a relationship have old roots: attachments, childhood wounds or burdens carried from the family. For this deeper layer, the materials in the Unbindings for Love & Attachments collection can support you, and if you would like us to work personally on your situation, you can book an individual session.
Frequently asked questions
What prayer should I say so that we don’t divorce?
Any prayer said sincerely, in which you ask for peace, patience and forgiveness for both of you, not just for the other person to change. You can use the texts above, together with the Lord’s Prayer and a prayer to the Mother of God.
Which saint helps save a marriage?
In the Orthodox tradition, the faithful pray especially to the Mother of God, to Saints Joachim and Anna and to the Holy Martyrs Gurias, Samonas and Abibus for their marriage.
Can I pray for my marriage if my husband doesn’t believe?
Yes. Your prayer for him is a gift, not a condition. Don’t force him to pray; let the change in you do the talking.
What do I do if the divorce has already been decided?
Prayer remains important then too, for peace, for the children and for the healing of wounds. You can find support in the article on prayer for divorce.
