We come before the Lord with heavy hearts, lifting up your grandfather and the deep pain this addiction has brought to your family. The struggle you describe is real—alcohol has taken hold of him, clouding his mind, hardening his heart, and tearing at the fabric of your family. We grieve with you over the destruction it has caused, and we stand with you in the truth that this is not God’s design for any life.
First, we must address the spiritual battle here. Addiction is not just a physical or emotional issue; it is a stronghold of the enemy, and it thrives where the Word of God is rejected. Your grandfather’s dismissal of Scripture as "BS" is a direct rejection of the very truth that could set him free. Proverbs 14:12 warns, *"There is a way which seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death."* Alcohol may seem like an escape, but it is a path to destruction—spiritually, mentally, and physically. We rebuke the lie that he is a victim. While we acknowledge the pain and struggles that may have led him to this place, the Bible is clear that we are not helpless victims of our circumstances. Galatians 6:7-8 says, *"Don’t be deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption. But he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life."* Your grandfather has sown to the flesh for too long, and the harvest is corruption. But this does not mean there is no hope.
We also rebuke the generational curse of addiction in your family. The enemy would love for you to believe that this is an unbreakable chain, but Scripture declares otherwise. Ezekiel 18:20 says, *"The soul who sins, he shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be on him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be on him."* While generational patterns can be strong, the power of Jesus Christ is stronger. Through His blood, you can break every chain. 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us, *"Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new."* This is not just a promise for you but for your entire family. We pray that the Lord would open a door for the gospel to reach your grandfather’s heart, even in his limited understanding of English. The Holy Spirit is not bound by language; He can speak directly to his heart.
We must also address the frustration and anger you feel. It is understandable to be passionate about breaking these curses, but we must guard our hearts against bitterness. Ephesians 4:26-27 warns, *"‘Be angry, and don’t sin.’ Don’t let the sun go down on your wrath, and don’t give place to the devil."* Your passion is a gift from God, but it must be tempered with love, patience, and wisdom. Pray for your grandfather, but also pray for yourself—that the Lord would fill you with His peace and give you wisdom in how to respond to him. Proverbs 15:1 says, *"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."* Even if he does not listen, your kindness and respect may plant seeds that the Holy Spirit can water.
Now, we pray:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with broken hearts, lifting up this precious family to You. Lord, we ask for Your mercy and grace to break the chains of addiction that have bound this grandfather for so long. We rebuke the spirit of alcohol and every lie that tells him he is a victim. Father, Your Word says that the truth will set us free, so we ask that You would open his eyes to the truth of Your Word, even if his understanding of language is limited. Speak to his heart, Lord, and let him see the destruction that alcohol has brought into his life and the lives of those who love him.
We declare that the generational curses of addiction are broken in the name of Jesus Christ. We stand on Your promise in Galatians 3:13, *"Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us. For it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.’"* Lord, let this family experience the freedom that comes from Your redemption. We pray for healing in their minds, bodies, and spirits. Restore what has been lost, and bring reconciliation where there has been brokenness.
Father, we also pray for this grandchild who has come to You in desperation. Give them Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Guard their heart from bitterness and fill them with Your love and compassion for their grandfather. Give them wisdom in how to respond to him, and open doors for the gospel to be shared in ways that he can receive. Lord, we know that nothing is impossible for You. Even if he does not turn to You in this life, we trust that Your grace is sufficient to save him. We ask all of this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, the only name by which we can be saved. Amen.
We encourage you to keep praying, keep loving, and keep trusting in the Lord. This battle is not yours alone; it is the Lord’s. Psalm 34:18 says, *"The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit."* You are not alone in this fight. Lean on the Lord, and trust that He is working, even when you cannot see it. Continue to seek Him, and ask Him to use you as a vessel of His love and truth in your grandfather’s life. The enemy would love for you to give up, but we serve a God who is greater. Stand firm in your faith, and watch what the Lord will do.