Marriage dissolution remains an intimate topic since it calls for the separation of the couple, who, in turn, affirms the dissolution’s impact on their families and communities. It identifies the legal resolution of marriage and is usually associated with the status change in one’s life. The road to divorce is usually filled with troubles and sorrow, and couples are faced with some problems that have been left to accumulate before they can finally decide that it is best to part ways. However, the reader must understand that while divorce could be optimal, it is possible to find ways to address the problems in a marriage and pray for God’s intervention in marriage restoration. This article will shed light on what divorce is, the circumstances that may lead to it, possible measures which can assist in the development of a healthy and happy marriage, and practices that can be incorporated into prayers that couples can pray.

What is Divorce

Divorce, on the other hand, is the dissolution of marriage by a court or any other competent authority. It concludes the marital relationship at the legal level, where the property and debts and, where required, children are divided between the partners. The cases of divorce can also be bitter, and thus leave a painful blow to both individuals and their families. In this article, divorce will be considered as not only legal but spiritual and emotional procedures as well. According to Christian doctrines, marriage is a sacred bond, a contract between two people before the Lord and it’s for a lifetime. The Bible also upholds marriage in that Jesus cautions in Matthew 19:6 ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall cleave to his wife and the two shall become one flesh. ’ This is a clear indication that there is a holy union that is created and a sin to dissolve by getting a divorce.

Conditions That Cause Divorce

The following may be the cause of the collapse of a marriage and thus results in a divorce. These are conditions that may originate from outside the relationship or inside forces that exert pressure on the relationship and thus create tensions.

1. Lack of Communication: Literally, communication is the key and basis of any relationship, which can be built with people. Any form of good communication that was once present between couples ceases to exist because, without it, bitterness and arguments gradually start filling the gap.
2. Infidelity: Adultery is probably one of the leading causes of the dissolution of marriage. Adultery destroys the very core of marriage and is not easily forgivable which makes couples end their marriage.
3. Financial Issues: Marriage is also negatively affected by issues to do with money. Thus, conflicts which arise from arguments over how the finances should be spent, who owes what or which financial goals matter most, are bound to cause tension in the relationship.
4. Lack of Intimacy: Touching is an important part of marriage not only the physical touch, but also the emotional touching in the form of affection. Lack of intimacy makes partners feel that they are not loved and this results in dissatisfaction thus breaking the marriage.
5. Differences in Values and Beliefs: It is also true that as the two partners get to know each other, they may realize that actually, they do not share similar views on some of the core virtues in life. These differences could invariably result in disagreements and hence contribute to the collapse of the marriage.
6. Addiction: Alcoholism or any other type of dependency in a marriage is one of the biggest threats to a couple’s happiness. This can negatively impact the relationship due to their behaviours; they might pull away from the relationship, use the children abusively or fail to provide for them adequately.
7. Abuse: Domestic, that is physical, emotional, or psychological abuse can indeed render a marriage unbearable. In such circumstances, the abused partner needs a divorce because the continuation of the marriage could be lethal.
8. Unresolved Conflicts: All marriages have issues and when they are not solved, they accumulate; and build up tension and frustration, thus, leading to divorce.

Strengthening a Marriage

It should be noted, however, that the above causes of divorce are true but with the right effort, commitment, prayer and intervention from God, marriages can be improved and thus such marriages preserved. Here are some ways couples can work on their relationship to avoid divorce: Here are some ways couples can work on their relationship to avoid divorce:

1. Open and Honest Communication: It should be noted that couples should ensure that they practice effective communication. Sharing of emotions, and issues that a partner may develop or anticipate can assist in addressing issues that may lead to a quarrel or a dispute.
2. Rebuilding Trust: Duties are the foundation when it comes to marriages and the first of these duties is trust. Once you discover betrayal within the relationship, then it has to work on fixing it and the only way of fixing it is through honesty, transparency and forgiveness. This I know takes time but I have learned that with God, all things are possible.
3. Seeking Counseling: Marriage counselling can be quite useful in getting to the root of the matter while dealing with the problem. A professional counsellor can assist a couple by offering resources and knowledge of how to go about solving troubles and enhancing the relationship.
4. Praying Together: It may as well be said that prayer is one of the most effective means a couple can apply in a marriage. Married couples, who pray together, introduce God into their relationship and tend to ask for His help and protection from such problems. This passage from Matthew 18:20 ‘For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them’, also stresses on the need to call unto the Lord in marriage.
5. Forgiveness: I know that for a fact because forgiveness is a valuable asset that any marriage ought to cultivate. It is non-wisdom to continue to bear grudge because it only makes people become bitter. Ephesians 4:32 suggests that one should be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Forgiving a partner is one of the most important aspects of a relationship.
6. Rekindling Intimacy: Man and his wife ought to try to repair things and give their relationship the physical touch they necessarily deserve. Socio-recreational activities, using affectionate gestures, and listening to each other’s needs could enhance the closeness of partners.

Prayers to Strengthen Marriage

Here the word prayer is used to identify an important component in fortifying a marriage relationship. Thus, praying together can mean asking God for help, and forgiveness, and guarding the bond between two people. Here are some prayers that can help couples navigate their challenges: Here are some prayers that can help couples navigate their challenges:

1. Prayer for Communication: ”Oh God, enable us to speak the truth to one another and allow us to listen with understanding. Enable us to say only the gracious things into one another’s ears and help us to solve problems that arise amicably. Amen.”
2. Prayer for Trust: ”God, we pray for trust in this marriage, healing of betrayal and pain. Grant a willingness to forgive and be open to the other. Trust in Your plan for this marriage. Amen. “
3. Prayer for Intimacy: “Oh God, we pray that You send back the flame that exists between us and make our bond of marriage a priority, as well as make expressions of affection and care to each other become greater with time as it demonstrates the unconditional love You have for us. Amen.”
4. Prayer for Financial Stability: “Lord our heavenly father, may You bless our money dealings, enable us to handle our cash wisely so that we can benefit ourselves and those in need, may we be disciplined enough to cut unnecessary expenses yet generous enough to give to others and most importantly may our money increase our togetherness as a family and most importantly glorify You. ”
5. Prayer for Forgiveness: “Dear God, we pray to You to help us to forgive each other, when we were offended or when we hurt someone let us not hold a grudge against them. Let us forgive one another as You have forgiven us. And let Your love bind us together and in Your peace. Amen.”
6. Prayer for Protection: “Dear God, Lord almighty, bless our marriage; let no evil find its way in our marriage; instead let Your grace sustain it and keep it moving on. Make our marriage a testament to Your faithfulness. Amen.”
7. Prayer for Unity: When praying to be united as husband and wife, the prayer could be as follows: ‘Heavenly Father, we pray that You make us one in unity, both in idea and action. Let our visions and values be similar and our purposes be aligned in decisions that we make henceforth. Lord make our marriage to be an example of how You brought us together and for what purpose. Amen.’
8. Prayer for Divine Guidance: “Father, in our marriage, we pray for Your direction, and ask that we do only those things which are right in your eyes. Bless our relationship, and may Your will be done in this as in all things, and may we glorify You in all ways, both now and always. Amen.”

Conclusion

They only know that divorce is a tough and sorrowful process, but there are other ways to solve marital issues. In light of the aspects that can cause a breakup and by applying early measures to enhance the relationship, couples can lead a healthy marital life. Prayer is vital in this process since it entails the involvement of God in the affair and the management of the relationship. Thus with faith, commitment and the help of God any couple can overcome the odds and be blessed with a wonderful marriage. However, the Bible has solutions for those encountering hardships in marriage just as with every problem we pray to God ‘With God all things are possible ‘ Matthew 19;26.