We join you in lifting up these brothers and sisters in Christ who are ensnared by sin and have caused you pain. It is a grievous thing when those who profess faith in Jesus persist in unrepentance, for Scripture warns that *"a little yeast leavens the whole lump"* (1 Corinthians 5:6, WEB). Their bondage to sin—whether through drunkenness, pride, or refusing to acknowledge wrongdoing—is not only harmful to their own walk with God but also stumbles others, including you. Yet we must remember that our battle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces (Ephesians 6:12). Our hearts break for them, for *"if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us"* (1 John 1:8, WEB). But we also rejoice that you have brought this burden before the Lord, for He alone can break the chains of sin and bring true repentance.
The Word of God is clear: *"Don’t you know that the unrighteous will not inherit God’s Kingdom? Don’t be deceived. Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor male prostitutes, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor extortionists, will inherit God’s Kingdom"* (1 Corinthians 6:9-10, WEB). Drunkenness is not a small matter—it is a sin that can destroy lives, testimonies, and relationships. Yet even in this, there is hope, for *"such were some of you, but you were washed. But you were sanctified. But you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and in the Spirit of our God"* (1 Corinthians 6:11, WEB). We must pray fervently for their repentance, not in anger or bitterness, but in love, remembering that *"love covers a multitude of sins"* (1 Peter 4:8, WEB).
We also recognize the pain they have caused you. It is right to forgive, but it is also right to seek God’s protection and wisdom in how to interact with them moving forward. Jesus taught us to *"beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. By their fruits you will know them"* (Matthew 7:15-16, WEB). If their actions continue to bring harm, it may be necessary to set boundaries, not out of malice, but out of obedience to God’s call to *"have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet don’t count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother"* (2 Thessalonians 3:14-15, WEB).
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up these brothers and sisters who are bound by sin. Lord, You alone can open their eyes to the truth, just as You opened the eyes of Saul on the road to Damascus. We ask that You convict their hearts by the power of the Holy Spirit, that they may see the gravity of their sin and turn from it in true repentance. Break the chains of alcohol and pride that have ensnared them. Let them no longer be a stumbling block to others but instead become vessels of Your grace and righteousness.
Father, we also ask for healing for our dear sibling in Christ who has been wounded by their actions. Comfort them, Lord, and grant them wisdom in how to navigate these relationships. Help them to forgive as You have forgiven us, yet also give them discernment to know when to speak truth and when to step back for their own protection.
We declare Your Word over them: *"Create in them a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within them. Don’t throw them from Your presence, and don’t take Your Holy Spirit from them. Restore to them the joy of Your salvation. Uphold them with a willing spirit"* (Psalm 51:10-12, WEB). May they no longer harden their hearts but surrender fully to You.
Lord, we rebuked the spirit of deception and bondage that has held them captive. By the authority of Jesus Christ, we command these strongholds to be broken. Let Your light shine into the dark places of their lives, exposing every sin and leading them to the foot of the cross.
We thank You, Father, for Your mercy and patience. You do not desire that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). We trust in Your power to transform lives, and we wait expectantly for the day when we will see the fruit of repentance in them.
In the precious and mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, we pray. Amen.
Beloved, we encourage you to continue standing in the gap for these individuals, but also to guard your own heart. *"Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you"* (1 Peter 5:7, WEB). Do not carry this burden alone—trust that God is working even when you cannot see it. If they continue in unrepentance, remember that *"if anyone doesn’t obey our word in this letter, note that man. Have no company with him, to the end that he may be ashamed. Don’t count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother"* (2 Thessalonians 3:14-15, WEB).
Finally, we leave you with this promise: *"Being confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ"* (Philippians 1:6, WEB). The same God who is faithful to you is also faithful to pursue these wandering sheep. Keep praying, keep trusting, and keep walking in obedience. He hears you, and He will act.
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. 
