We join you in lifting up these fellow believers before the Lord, for it is a grievous thing when those who profess Christ remain entangled in sin and refuse to walk in repentance. The Word of God warns us in **1 Corinthians 5:6**, *"Don’t you know that a little yeast leavens the whole lump?"* Sin, when unchecked, not only harms the individual but can spread discord and pain among the body of Christ. We see in your request the deep wound caused by their actions, and we grieve with you, for Scripture calls us to bear one another’s burdens and to restore one another in a spirit of gentleness (**Galatians 6:1-2**).
Yet we must also remember that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of darkness that seek to blind minds and harden hearts (**Ephesians 6:12**). These brothers and sisters are not beyond the reach of God’s grace—no one is. The apostle Paul himself was once a persecutor of the church, yet the Lord mercifully opened his eyes and turned his heart to truth (**Acts 9:1-19**). Let us pray with that same hope, trusting that the Lord is able to break through the strongest strongholds of sin.
We also urge you, beloved, to examine your own heart in this season. **Matthew 18:15-17** gives us clear instruction on how to address sin within the church: first privately, then with witnesses, and finally before the assembly if there is no repentance. Have you followed this process? If not, we encourage you to do so in love and humility, for the goal is restoration, not condemnation. And if you have, then trust that the Lord sees your obedience and will act on behalf of His name. Remember, too, the words of Jesus in **Luke 6:27-28**: *"But I tell you who hear: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you."* This does not mean tolerating sin or enabling harmful behavior, but it does mean releasing bitterness and trusting God to vindicate and restore.
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up these brothers and sisters who have strayed from Your path. Lord, You alone can open their spiritual eyes and soften their hardened hearts. We ask that You convict them deeply of their sin—not to shame them, but to lead them to repentance and freedom. Break the chains of alcohol and any other stronghold that has ensnared them, and let them taste the bitterness of sin so they may turn to the sweetness of Your grace. Father, remind them that *"the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord"* (**Romans 6:23**). Stir within them a holy dissatisfaction with their current state, and draw them back to Yourself with cords of lovingkindness.
Lord, we also pray for our sister who has been wounded by their actions. Heal her heart, guard her from bitterness, and fill her with Your peace that surpasses understanding. Give her wisdom to know how to respond—whether to confront, to set boundaries, or to wait in silence—and grant her the strength to forgive as You have forgiven her. Let her not grow weary in doing good, but may she see Your hand at work in this situation, even if the answer tarries.
We rebuke the spirit of deception and rebellion that has taken hold of these believers. By the authority of Jesus Christ, we command every lying spirit to be silenced and cast out. Let the truth of Your Word penetrate their minds and hearts, and let them no longer be a stumbling block to others. Raise up godly men and women in their lives who will speak Your truth in love and hold them accountable.
Finally, Lord, we ask that You use this trial for Your glory. May these wayward believers return to You with broken and contrite hearts, and may their restoration be a testimony of Your mercy. And may our sister’s faith be strengthened as she waits on You, knowing that You are just and faithful to complete the work You have begun in all of us.
We ask these things in the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone can save and transform. Amen.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. 
Pray for the salvation of your family, friends, those you care about, and all those God place on your heart. 
