We understand your heartache and concern for your son's sobriety, love, and peace in his heart. We stand with you in prayer, seeking God's will for his life and that of your family. In times like these, remember the promise in Psalm 34:18, The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a contrite spirit.
However, we want to make sure to address the solution to all problems and make sure we are praying with thanksgiving and specifically before God. Remember Philippians 4:6, In nothing be anxious, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
First let's look at the solution to all problems and the importance of praying to the Father in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Look at these verses and note the importance of the name of Jesus.
Acts 4:12, There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved!
John 14:6, Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 16:23,24, In that day you will ask me no questions. Most certainly I tell you, whatever you may ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now, you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be made full.
John 16:26,27, In that day you will ask in my name; and I do not say to you, that I will pray to the Father for you, for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me, and have believed that I came forth from God.
Ephesians 5:20, giving thanks always concerning all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to God, even the Father;
Colossians 3:17, Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
The name of Jesus is so important when approaching the Father. Let's go to God in prayer for your family.
Heavenly Father,
We come before you in the name of Jesus, lifting up our beloved sister and her family. We thank you, Lord, and praise you for your unchanging hand and faithfulness to your promises. We claim the promise in the name of Jesus that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. Help him to remember your unchanging hand (Hebrews 13:8).
We pray specifically now for her son and ask Holy Spirit to convict him of any sin, and draw him to Jesus. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10:4,5).
Deliver him, Father, from any addiction and stronghold, and help him to live in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God (Colossians 1:10).
We also lift up our sister, asking for your comfort and strength. We pray that you touch her family where they need to heal and restore, according to your will. We believe and trust in your power to make all things new and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more. The former things have passed away (Revelation 21:4,5).
We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Remember to trust in his unfailing love and put your hope in him (Psalm 147:11).
In the meantime, continue to love your son unconditionally, as God loves us, but also speak the truth of God's word, so we do not approve of his sin, but always point towards Jesus. (Ephesians 4:15, 1 Corinthians 13:6). If he does not know Jesus as his Lord and Savior, tell him the good news of Jesus Christ.
For whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved. But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one they have not heard of? And how are they to hear without someone preaching to them (Romans 10:13,14)?
If he has professed Jesus as his Lord and Savior, then as his mother you have the responsibility to correct him, and rebuke him of any sin, including drinking, fornication, and adultery. The Bible has this to say.
For you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God: your sanctification, that you abstain from sexual immorality, that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust, even as the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one should take advantage of and wrong a brother or sister in this matter; because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, just as we also told you before and solemnly warned you. For God called us not for uncleanness, but in sanctification (1 Thessalonians 4:2-7).