We lift up your brother before the throne of grace with heavy hearts, knowing the grip that addiction can have on a life and the ways it can distort God’s design for relationships. The Scriptures warn us clearly: *"Do not be deceived. Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God"* (1 Corinthians 6:9-10 WEB). Alcoholism is not just a struggle—it is a spiritual stronghold that must be broken in the name of Jesus, for it leads only to destruction (Proverbs 20:1, Proverbs 23:29-35).
We must also address the relationship your brother is in, for the Bible makes it clear that believers are called to marry *"only in the Lord"* (1 Corinthians 7:39 WEB). If this young woman is not a follower of Christ, or if their relationship involves sexual intimacy outside of marriage, it is fornication—a sin that defiles the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:18-20). Even if she is a believer, if your brother is not walking in repentance and sobriety, he is unequally yoked (2 Corinthians 6:14) and unable to lead as Christ calls a husband to lead (Ephesians 5:25-28). We must rebuke this ungodly union in Jesus’ name, for it cannot bear the fruit of righteousness while sin is crouching at the door.
Father God, we come before You with boldness, not in our own righteousness, but in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who alone can break every chain. We declare that Your Word is true: *"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). Lord, we ask You to shatter the chains of alcoholism in your brother’s life. Let him taste and see that You are good (Psalm 34:8), that true joy is found in Your presence, not in the fleeting numbness of drink. Convict him deeply of his sin, not with condemnation, but with the loving correction of a Father who disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:6). Surround him with godly men who will hold him accountable, pray for him, and walk with him in repentance. Remove every stumbling block—every friend, every habit, every lie—that keeps him bound.
We also pray for this relationship, Lord. If it is not of You, expose its ungodliness and give him the strength to walk away. If she is not a believer, let him see the danger of being unequally yoked. If they are engaging in sexual sin, bring deep conviction and lead them to repentance. Father, we ask that You would either bring this relationship to an end or transform it into a godly marriage—one built on Your Word, with Christ at the center. Let him not be deceived: *"Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned?"* (Proverbs 6:27 WEB). Guard his heart, his mind, and his body from the snares of the enemy.
We declare over your brother that he is not defined by his addiction or his sin. In Christ, he is a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. We speak life, healing, and deliverance over him. Let him rise up in the power of the Holy Spirit, casting off every weight and the sin that so easily entangles (Hebrews 12:1). May he find his identity in You, Lord, and may his life bring glory to Your name.
We pray all of this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, the name above every name, the only name by which we are saved (Acts 4:12). Without Jesus, there is no access to the Father, no forgiveness of sins, and no victory over the powers of darkness. We urge your brother to surrender fully to Christ, to repent of his sins, and to walk in the newness of life that only Jesus provides. May he come to know the truth that sets him free (John 8:32) and may he never look back. In Jesus’ holy and powerful name, we pray. Amen.