5 Prayers for Newlyweds to Get a Strong Start Together

Marriage is a long-term commitment and staying wholeheartedly dedicated to each other takes persistence. There is much in life that can tear a couple apart. Now is the time to pray for a newly-married couple to build a strong foundation of devotion to each other. Use this prayer for a couple you know:

Lord God,

You are a God who makes covenants of commitment with human beings. Even though you never fail in your faithfulness to us, we often fall flat in our commitment to you and to each other.

I pray for _____________ and _____________ who have just taken the important step of committing to each other in their marriage relationship. As they move beyond the joy of their wedding ceremony, help them to settle into a deep understanding of the value and purpose of marriage for the long-term. The promise they have made to each other is “until death do us part.” I pray it will be this way.

In our world, we can have what we want whenever we want it. We discard what we have to get something better. Help_____________ and _____________ not to think of each other as expendable—to not give up because something or someone better comes along. Help them to stay strong and devoted to each other.

Urge _____________ and _____________ to see the stability a long-term marriage brings to their lives, to children, to their extended family, friends, community, and the church. If one, or both, have come from broken homes, encourage them to start a new cycle of healthy marriage. 

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Good communication is key in any relationship, but in the long-term commitment of marriage, it is crucial. Being able to communicate well brings richness and gives strength to a marriage relationship. Use this prayer for a couple you know:

Heavenly Father,

I pray that_____________ and _____________ will, from the beginning of their marriage, learn how to communicate well with each other. Give them the wisdom to learn the necessary skills to speak kindly, to listen effectively, and convey clearly their thoughts, feelings, ideas, and intentions.

Though they may have different styles of communication—perhaps learned from their own families or the environments they grew up in—help them to work through their differences and develop a method of communication that works well for them.

As Scripture tells us, words have the power to destroy or build up (Ephesians 4:29, Proverbs 15:4, Proverbs 12:18). Give _____________ and _____________ the wisdom to speak to each other with words that heal. They will not always get it right, so help them realize that gracious words can heal wounds.

Where arguments may be had easily, teach them to wait before they speak and give them ears to listen to each other. When issues are not talked about, give them the capacity to open up and talk freely to resolve problems. Give them the wisdom to let go of unrealistic expectations.

Lead _____________ and _____________ into having better communication and less miscommunication. Help them to be kind, loving, and affirming of each other throughout their marriage.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Marriage is a relationship and, as in all relationships, conflict is inevitable. Yet, when there is disagreement and a fight with the person you love and who loves you back, this can be devastating and painful. Use this prayer for a couple you know:

Heavenly Father,

You are a God of peace and exhort us to live in harmony with each other (Romans 12:16). Help _____________ and _____________ to realize that even if conflict is inevitable in their relationship, it does not have to be bad. They can learn to deal with conflict in a way that is good and relationship-building.

Show _____________ and _____________ that unresolved conflict is destructive, not constructive. Give them the wisdom to deal with disagreements effectively when needed. Teach them to let go of unnecessary and senseless battles.

So often in conflict we think the other person is wrong, or we want to change the other person. Help _____________ and _____________to appreciate each other’s strengths and be patient with each other’s weaknesses.

Whatever problems they face that cause conflict, encourage them to work as a team rather than against each other.

Give _____________ and _____________ the ability to hold their tongues when they feel like accusing each other. Give them wisdom to work out solutions together—to talk but also to listen to each other. And when they’ve exhausted their capacity to work it out together, bring the right people on their path who can help them.

I ask for Your hand to be present in areas that can cause great conflict—from major things like finances to smaller items, that can be just as destructive, like who takes out the trash.

Overall, Lord God, remind them to regularly forgive each other as Jesus commanded (Matthew 18:21-22), and out of an understanding of the forgiveness they receive from You through Your Son, Jesus Christ.

Amen.

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Marriage often involves a change in loyalties. A couple has to have a firm and constant allegiance to each other. This may be hard where one or both of them have strong family ties, or have been committed to their work or other duties. Use this prayer for a couple you know:

Lord God,

As your Word states, with marriage a man and woman become united to each other (Genesis 2:24). And so, _____________ and _____________ are starting a new family unit. As they make this shift, teach them to center their time and focus their loyalties on each other.

As they go through this period of adjustment with parents, friends or siblings, with work or other duties, help_____________ and _____________ to realize that, as those relationships change, they do not need to suffer; they will just be different.

Where _____________ and _____________ are pulled in other directions and away from their own relationship, show them where they need to break or loosen ties in a way that is respectful to all involved, and also clear and intentional.

Show them that their marriage relationship now takes priority throughout their lives. Give them the wisdom to make good decisions which will build up their loyalty to each other.

When their time is challenged by a crisis, help them to find the time to continue to support each other.

Encourage _____________ and _____________ to make and prioritize time for each other which is of good quality so they can enjoy each other’s company. Help them to plan daily, weekly, and annually time together, and to put it on the calendar.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Most important for a couple in marriage is to have a commitment to Christ. Building their relationship around a joint spiritual life is critical for strengthening their marriage and raising a family.

Lord God,

As _____________ and _____________ build their life together, most of all I pray that they will build their life with You and Your Son, Jesus Christ. That they will come to You, hear Your words, and put them into practice in their marriage. In this way, they will build a strong foundation so that, when storms come that threaten to destroy their relationship, they will stand strong (Luke 6:47-48).

Just as _____________ and _____________ look after their physical and emotional relationship, give them the wisdom to look after their spiritual relationship with You and with each other. May they draw closer to You both individually and together, and find common spiritual interests.

Help them to know you are an ever-present help in times of need (Psalm 46:1). When they have used all of their resources and there is nothing else they can do, I ask that You will show up and give them extra strength, new patience, and the creativity to escape what can be irreversible damage to their relationship.

Lead them to a good church where they will make it a priority to stay planted and where they can both find a strong community of people to help them in their walk with You. As children come along, give them the energy to teach them about You and following Christ.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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