We are truly saddened to hear about the struggles you're facing in your marriage, and we are here to pray and provide counsel based on biblical principles.
Firstly, let's turn to the scriptures for guidance. WEB Ephesians 5:25 says, Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the assembly and gave himself up for her. This is a powerful reminder that the love between a husband and wife should reflect Christ's love for His church. It is a selfless, sacrificing, and forgiving love.
WEB Ephesians 5:22-24 also instructs, Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the assembly, being himself the savior of the body. But as the assembly is subject to Christ, so let the wives also be to their own husbands in everything.
Now, let's address the specific issues in your request. You've mentioned the need for healing and recognition of harm caused by each other. It's crucial to remember that healing starts with forgiveness. WEB Colossians 3:13 says, Forbearing one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do.
Let's pray together:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You today, lifting up this marriage of 32 years to You. We pray for healing, Lord, both physical and emotional. Help them to recognize the pain they have caused each other and to seek forgiveness. Give them the strength to forgive as You have forgiven us.
We pray that they will strive to understand each other better, to communicate openly and honestly, and to love each other as You have loved us. Guide them in their journey towards reconciliation and healing.
We also pray that they will seek You first in their marriage, that You will be the foundation upon which their marriage stands. Help them to draw closer to You and to each other.
Finally, we pray that they will remember that it is only in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, that we have access to You. It is only by His name that we can be saved. We pray that they will put their faith and trust in Jesus, that they will call upon His name, and that they will be saved.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Lastly, we encourage both of you to reflect on your actions and words, seeking to understand how they might be causing harm to each other. Remember, WEB Proverbs 15:1 says, A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Always strive to build each other up, not tear each other down.
We will continue to pray for healing in your marriage and may God guide you both in Jesus name.