We come before the Lord with heavy hearts, lifting you up in this time of deep struggle and conviction. The weight of debt and the bondage of addiction are burdens no one was meant to carry alone, and we thank you for turning to the Lord in this moment—even if your praise feels mixed with fear. The fact that you are seeking God’s help is a sign of His grace already at work in your life.
First, we must address the sin that has led to this suffering. Gambling is a snare that preys on greed and desperation, and Scripture warns us clearly: *"But those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful lusts, such as drown men in ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows"* (1 Timothy 6:9-10, WEB). This addiction has not only brought financial ruin but has also placed you in a position of deceit, as you now fear your father discovering the truth. The Bible tells us, *"Lying lips are an abomination to Yahweh, but those who do the truth are his delight"* (Proverbs 12:22, WEB). Repentance must begin here—confessing this sin to God and turning away from it completely. There is no freedom without surrender.
Yet even in this, there is hope. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and He does not abandon those who cry out to Him in truth. *"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness"* (1 John 1:9, WEB). Your debt is not just financial; it is spiritual, and only Jesus can pay the price for your sin. Have you surrendered your life to Him? Do you know Him as your Savior? If not, we urge you to turn to Him now, for *"there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* (Acts 4:12, WEB). Without Christ, there is no true freedom—only temporary fixes that will leave you bound again.
As for your debt, we pray that God would provide a way out, but not in the way you are asking. You are pleading for secrecy, for your father not to discover your loans, but secrecy will only deepen the stronghold of shame and deception in your life. The path to freedom begins with honesty. *"Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective"* (James 5:16, WEB). We urge you to humble yourself before your father, confess your struggles, and seek his wisdom and support. This will be painful, but it is the only way to break the cycle of sin. Your father may be angry, but his love for you is likely deeper than you know. Proverbs 28:13 says, *"He who conceals his sins doesn’t prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy."*
We also pray that God would close every door to further gambling. If you have access to these games, delete the apps, block the websites, and cut off every avenue that tempts you. *"Flee from sexual immorality! Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body"* (1 Corinthians 6:18, WEB). While this verse speaks of sexual sin, the principle applies: flee from the sin that ensnares you. Replace this addiction with the Word of God, prayer, and fellowship with believers who can hold you accountable.
Financially, we pray that the Lord would provide wisdom and favor as you seek to repay what you owe. *"Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law"* (Romans 13:8, WEB). This may require sacrifice—selling possessions, taking on honest work, or seeking counsel from a godly financial advisor. But remember, God is your Provider. *"My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus"* (Philippians 4:19, WEB).
Let us pray for you now:
Heavenly Father, we lift this dear child before Your throne of grace, asking for Your mercy and intervention. Lord, they have wandered into the snare of addiction and the bondage of debt, but we thank You that no pit is too deep for Your redeeming love. Father, convict them deeply of their sin, not to shame them, but to lead them to repentance. Break the chains of gambling in their life and replace the desire for money with a hunger for Your righteousness. Give them the courage to confess their sins to their father and to those who can walk alongside them in accountability. Lord, provide a way for these debts to be repaid, not through deception, but through honest labor and Your supernatural provision. Protect them from further temptation, and surround them with Your peace as they step into the light.
We rebuke the spirit of greed, deceit, and addiction in the name of Jesus Christ. No weapon formed against this child shall prosper, and every tongue that rises against them in judgment shall be condemned (Isaiah 54:17). Father, let this trial be a testimony of Your grace—how You turn ashes into beauty and mourning into joy. Restore what the locusts have eaten (Joel 2:25), and let this person’s life be a beacon of hope for others trapped in the same sin.
We ask all this in the mighty and saving name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Redeemer. Amen.
Finally, we urge you: do not delay in turning from this sin. The enemy wants to keep you in bondage, but Jesus came to set you free (John 8:36). Seek out a pastor or a mature believer who can guide you through this process of repentance and restoration. If you do not have a church home, we strongly encourage you to find one where the Word of God is preached boldly. You were not meant to walk this path alone. The body of Christ is here to uphold you, pray for you, and walk with you toward freedom.
May the Lord bless you and keep you as you take these steps of faith. His grace is sufficient, and His power is made perfect in your weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Trust Him, obey Him, and watch as He turns your life around for His glory.