A Prayer When Your Spouse Doesn’t Want to Go to Church
By Vivian Bricker
Bible Reading: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” - Hebrews 10:24-25
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A certain woman I met many years ago through a friend from college was married to an atheist. He was not a person who simply did not believe in God—he was a man who aggressively hated Christianity. My new friend had married this man when she was still a teenager and was not yet serious in her faith. However, now as an adult, she saw the consequences of marrying someone who did not believe in the Lord.
My friend tried her best to get him to go to church, yet he refused to go many times. Even though he wouldn’t go with her, she still went every Sunday. Throughout this time, my friend shared prayer requests and her desire for her husband to not only want to go to church with her, but also to come to know the Lord. I prayed for my friend’s husband, and I prayed for her own comfort. Fast forward to the present day, my friend has been able to get her husband to come to church many times with her. And while he has not professed faith in Jesus, he is more open to listening to teachings about Jesus.
There will be times when your spouse doesn’t want to go to church; when this happens, turn to God in prayer, seek out His help, and lean on other believers. Just as was the case for my friend’s husband, it might take some time, energy, and many prayers before your spouse finally make the decision to go to church. Try not to say anything negative or hurtful to them because there is probably a reason why they don't want to go.
If your spouse is a Christian and doesn't want to go to church, talk it out with them. Listen to their answer without passing judgment and allow them to be open and honest with you. As their spouse, you should be a safe space for them, and you need to treat them with respect, kindness, and love even if you may disagree on the subject.
With time, you might find your spouse will want to rejoin you at church or go with you for the first time. Give all the matters over to the Lord and trust Him with the outcome. The Lord can be fully trusted, and He will never fail you.
Let's pray:
Dear Jesus, my spouse doesn't want to go to church, and it breaks my heart. Please help them to be open to me and share with me why they don't want to go to church. As they are sharing their feelings, help me to have a gentle spirit. Lord, please also help my spouse to be open to going back to church and reconnecting with the body of believers when they are ready. Help me to continue meeting with other believers, even if I must go alone. All of this I ask in Your Name, Jesus, amen.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Hispanolistic
Related Resource: Be Still - Advent Meditations
This Advent season can be full and hurried, which is exactly why we need moments to pause and be still with God. So Much More is a podcast created to bring you space to be with God - and this month, we're walking through Advent Meditations all designed to help you quiet yourself and hear from the Lord. If you like what you hear, subscribe to So Much More on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
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Originally published Saturday, 15 February 2025.
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