“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)

Navigating a divorce is one of the toughest things a person can go through. That’s why it’s important to know how to be a friend to someone facing that kind of pain. And one of the best ways to do that is by supporting them with prayer.

There are three specific things you can pray for when you have a friend who’s devastated by a divorce.

First, pray that they would recognize God’s presence. When people go through a divorce, they feel very, very alone. You might pray, “Lord, help my friend feel that you’re with them. Help them to know you are not distant or aloof; you’re near. You’re real, and my friend is not alone.”

The Bible says, “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18 NIV). God draws close when someone’s heart is breaking.

Second, pray that they would receive God’s grace. God’s grace is the power they’ll need to make it through. Grace sustains. It’s the energy to keep them going when they feel like giving up. God’s grace will be what they need when they’ve got nothing left to give. So pray, “Lord, help them to receive your grace.” 

The Bible says, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16 NIV).

Third, pray that they would let God help them release their pain. You might pray, “Lord, help them to express exactly how they feel, to unload their burdens and get everything off their chest. Please help them to be able to put into words all the pain they’re feeling right now and express it to you.”

How does supporting them with prayer help? You’re not only praying for these things on their behalf. You’re also encouraging them to cry out to God—to go before him and tell him exactly how they feel. 

The Bible says, “I cry out to the LORD; I plead for the LORD’s mercy” (Psalm 142:1 NLT).

It’s like when a little child cries out for his father: “Daddy! Help! You’ve got to help me!” No loving father ignores that cry. Their heart always responds—and God’s heart does the same. He is waiting to respond when your friend cries out.

If someone in your life is struggling through a divorce—or anything else—you can be a good friend by supporting them with prayer.