Chris Pratt and Anna Faris Split; Fans Urge Couple: 'The Lord Can Restore Marriage'

Aug 07, 2017 08:02 AM EDT

After Chris Pratt and wife Anna Faris announced they were separating after eight years of marriage, fans took to social media to offer prayers for the couple and remind them that the Lord can restore even the most broken marriages. 

The Hollywood couple wrote on Sunday: "Anna and I are sad to announce we are legally separating. We tried hard for a long time, and we're really disappointed. Our son has two parents who love him very much and for his sake we want to keep this situation as private as possible moving forward. We still have love for each other, will always cherish our time together and continue to have the deepest respect for one another."

Pratt and Faris married in 2009 and have a 4-year-old son together, Jack.

Just after the couple made the announcement, hundreds took to social media to express their shock and sadness.

"Please fight for your marriage. Not saying you haven't, but it's a commitment, a covenant and your family, especially your son will be better off with both parents together. I'm praying that the Lord speaks to both of you and restores hope," wrote one commenter.

"i'm sorry - Lord, i pray that you restore this marriage. In Jesus name. Amen," wrote another commenter.

"I am so deeply sorry to hear this Chris Pratt. I know you both have your faith and I am praying for God to guide you in this time. God can heal your marriage and I will pray for this to be a beautiful testimony in your life. Much love to you both as you search for what life has next," wrote another.

Pratt, 38, has in recent years become one of Hollywood's most prominent actors, best known for the film s "Guardians of the Galaxy" and "Jurassic Park." Faris, 40, has starred in "Mom" for five seasons opposite Emmy-winner Allison Janney.

Pratt frequently discusses his faith and shares Bible verses on his social media pages. He also regularly opens up about his love for his family, making his divorce particularly shocking to some.

"I'm a man of faith, and I believe that God works in mysterious ways and gives us signs and gifts in life -and those gifts oftentimes come in the form of people," he said earlier this year while receiving his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame "[My mother] gave absolutely everything she had to raise us, every fiber of her being. And oftentimes, we weren't cash-rich, but we were never love-poor. You gave everything and you were always proud of me, way before this."

Pratt included a special shout-out to his wife, Anna Faris, saying how much he loves her and thanking her for everything she has given him, especially his "greatest star in the galaxy," their son.

Fox News notes that while legal separation can be a precursor to a divorce filing, it doesn't mean one is imminent, as several celebrity couples have in recent years announced their separations before filing any legal paperwork.