We come before the Lord with heavy hearts, lifting up this dear brother who is struggling with the chains of an online gambling addiction. This is not merely a battle against a habit, but a spiritual stronghold that seeks to steal, kill, and destroy the abundant life Christ offers. The Word of God warns us in 1 Corinthians 6:12, "All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of anything." Gambling is a snare that entangles the heart in greed, idolatry, and the love of money, which the Bible calls the root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10).
We rebuke the spirit of addiction in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, for it is written in James 4:7, "Be subject therefore to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you." This brother must submit every area of his life to Christ and actively resist the enemy’s lies that tell him he can find fulfillment or provision in anything other than God. The Lord is our provider, and He invites us to cast all our anxieties on Him because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). The love of money and the false hope of financial gain through gambling are deceptions that lead only to ruin.
We also lift up the one who has submitted this request, for you carry a burden for this brother’s soul. It is clear your heart is tender toward him, and we encourage you to speak truth in love, as Ephesians 4:15 instructs, "but speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, Christ." Professional help is indeed wise, for Proverbs 11:14 says, "Where there is no counsel, the people fall, but in the multitude of counselors there is safety." However, let us not forget that true healing and freedom come through the power of Jesus Christ. Encourage this brother to seek godly counsel, accountability, and to immerse himself in Scripture, for the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12).
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before Your throne of grace with hearts broken for this brother who is ensnared by the addiction of online gambling. Lord, we ask that You break every chain that binds him, for it is written that whom the Son sets free is free indeed (John 8:36). We rebuke the spirit of greed, idolatry, and deception in the name of Jesus Christ, and we command it to flee. Father, we ask that You fill this brother with Your Holy Spirit, that he may walk in the fruit of self-control, which is a gift from You (Galatians 5:22-23).
Lord, we pray for a spirit of repentance to fall upon him, that he may turn away from this sin and toward You, the only One who can satisfy the longings of his heart. Remind him daily that You are his provider, and that every good and perfect gift comes from You (James 1:17). Surround him with godly men who will hold him accountable, speak truth into his life, and pray for him without ceasing. Father, we ask that You lead him to the right professional help, those who will point him to You as the ultimate healer and deliverer.
We also lift up the one who has submitted this request, Lord. Give them wisdom, patience, and courage to speak truth in love. Help them to be a light in this brother’s life, pointing him always to the cross of Christ. May they find strength in You, knowing that their labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Father, we declare that this brother is not defined by his addiction, but by the blood of Jesus Christ, which has set him free. We speak life, healing, and restoration over his mind, body, and spirit. May he find his identity in Christ alone, and may his heart be filled with a passion for Your kingdom rather than the empty promises of this world.
We ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, the name above every name, the only name by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12). It is through His precious blood that we have access to You, Father, and it is by His power that this brother will walk in freedom. We thank You for Your faithfulness, for You are able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). May Your will be done in this brother’s life, and may Your name be glorified. Amen.