We hear your concern and share in your desire to see this friend come to know the Lord in a deeper way. It’s clear that God has placed this person in your life for a reason, and your heart for their salvation is a beautiful reflection of His love. However, we must also address the seriousness of the situation with wisdom and truth, as Scripture calls us to both love and rebuke when necessary.
First, we must acknowledge the danger of drunkenness and the sin it leads to. The Bible is clear that drunkenness is not only harmful to the body but also opens the door to reckless and destructive behavior. Ephesians 5:18 warns, "Don’t be drunken with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit." Proverbs 20:1 says, "Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise." Drinking and driving is not only illegal but a direct violation of the commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39), as it endangers lives, including your own.
We must also address the importance of your safety. If you do not feel safe around this friend when they are drinking, that is a red flag that cannot be ignored. Proverbs 22:3 says, "A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty." You are not obligated to remain in situations where you feel at risk, even if your intention is to minister to them. Your well-being matters to God, and He calls you to exercise wisdom in your relationships.
That said, your desire to share Jesus with this friend is commendable. The Lord has indeed connected you for a purpose, and we should pray for an opportunity to speak truth in love. However, we must also be prepared for the possibility that this friend may not yet be ready to receive correction. Proverbs 9:8 says, "Don’t reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you. Reprove a wise person, and he will love you." Pray for the Holy Spirit to soften their heart and for God to give you the right words at the right time.
We also encourage you to examine your own heart in this situation. Are you enabling this behavior by continuing to spend time with them in environments where drinking occurs? While it’s important to be a light, we must also guard our own hearts and ensure we are not compromising our own walk with the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:33 warns, "Don’t be deceived! ‘Evil companionships corrupt good morals.’" If this friendship is pulling you away from God’s best for you, it may be time to set boundaries or even step back for a season.
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, lifting up this situation to You. Lord, we thank You for the way You connect people for Your purposes, and we ask that You would move mightily in this friend’s life. Soften their heart, Lord, and open their eyes to the truth of Your Word. Give ### wisdom and discernment as they navigate this friendship. Protect them from harm, Lord, and give them the courage to speak truth in love when the time is right.
Father, we rebuke the spirit of drunkenness and recklessness in this friend’s life. We declare that Your Holy Spirit is more powerful than any addiction or sinful habit. We pray that this friend would come to know You as their Savior and turn away from behaviors that dishonor You. Lord, if this friendship is not aligned with Your will, we ask that You would make that clear and provide a way out.
We also pray for ###, Lord. Strengthen them in their faith and give them the boldness to stand firm in Your truth. Help them to love this friend well, but not at the expense of their own safety or relationship with You. Surround them with godly community and fill them with Your peace as they seek Your will in this situation.
We ask all of this in the mighty name of Jesus, the One who saves and transforms lives. Amen.
In closing, we encourage you to seek counsel from a trusted pastor or mature believer in your church. They can provide additional guidance and support as you navigate this friendship. Remember, your first priority is to honor God in all you do, and He will direct your steps as you seek Him. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths." Stay close to Him, and He will lead you in the way you should go.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. 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. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do. 
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