We join you in lifting up these beloved brothers and sisters in Christ who are currently walking in bondage to sin, particularly the stronghold of drunkenness, which the Scriptures clearly warn against. The Word of God tells us in Ephesians 5:18, *"Don’t be drunken with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit."* It is not our place to judge, but we must speak the truth in love—sin enslaves, and only repentance brings freedom. Their actions have not only grieved the Holy Spirit but have also caused pain to you and likely others in the body of Christ. This is not the will of God, for we are called to *"bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ"* (Galatians 6:2). Instead, their behavior has become a stumbling block, and this must be addressed with both urgency and compassion.
It is encouraging that you have brought this before the Lord in Jesus’ name, for there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). Your prayer aligns with the heart of God, who desires that *all* would come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). However, we must also remind you—and them—that true repentance requires more than sorrow; it demands a turning away from sin and a turning toward God. As it is written in 1 John 1:9, *"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."* Yet confession must be accompanied by a transformed life, for faith without works is dead (James 2:17).
We also sense the weight of the hurt you’ve carried from their actions. The Lord sees your pain, and He calls you to forgive them—not because they deserve it, but because Christ first forgave you (Colossians 3:13). Forgiveness does not mean excusing their sin or pretending it didn’t happen. Rather, it is releasing them to God’s justice and mercy, trusting that He will deal with them in His perfect timing. Meanwhile, you must guard your heart against bitterness, for Hebrews 12:15 warns that a *"root of bitterness"* can defile many. Pray for them, yes, but also pray for your own heart to remain tender before the Lord.
Now, let us pray together for these wayward believers:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. We lift up these brothers and sisters who have been ensnared by the deceitfulness of sin, particularly the stronghold of drunkenness and the pride that keeps them from repentance. Lord, You alone can break the chains that bind them. We ask that You open their spiritual eyes, just as You did for the apostle Paul on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:18). Let them see the gravity of their sin—not to condemn them, but to lead them to the cross where Your grace abounds.
Father, convict their hearts by the power of the Holy Spirit. Let them no longer tolerate sin in their lives, but grant them a godly sorrow that leads to repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10). Soften their hearts, Lord, so that they may turn from their wicked ways and seek Your face with humility. 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). Do not let them remain in deception, but bring them to a place of brokenness before You.
We also pray for our sister who has carried the burden of their actions. Heal her heart, Lord, and fill her with Your peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Give her the strength to forgive as You have forgiven her, and protect her from the enemy’s lies that would seek to harden her heart. Surround her with godly counsel and support, that she may not walk this path alone.
Lord, we rebuke the spirit of rebellion and pride that has taken hold of these believers. By the authority of Jesus Christ, we command every stronghold of addiction, deception, and hardness of heart to be broken. Let them no longer be a stumbling block to others, but restore them to fellowship with You and with the body of Christ. May their repentance be genuine, their restoration complete, and their testimony a beacon of Your redeeming love.
We ask all these things in the precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Redeemer, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Finally, we encourage you to continue standing in the gap for these believers, but also to set healthy boundaries to protect your own spiritual well-being. If they remain unrepentant, you may need to limit your interactions with them, as Scripture advises in 1 Corinthians 5:11: *"But as it is, I wrote to you not to associate with anyone who is called a brother who is a sexual immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a slanderer, or a drunkard, or an extortionist. Don’t even eat with such a person."* This is not done in malice, but in love, with the hope that they may come to their senses and turn back to God.
Stay steadfast in prayer, and trust that the Lord is working even when you cannot see it. His timing is perfect, and His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). May He grant you peace and perseverance as you intercede for these souls.
