We come before the Lord with heavy yet hopeful hearts, lifting up your loved one who is ensnared by the bondage of alcoholism. This is not merely a struggle of the flesh but a spiritual battle, for Scripture reminds us in **Ephesians 6:12**, *"For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places."* Alcoholism is a tool of the enemy to steal, kill, and destroy (**John 10:10**), but we know that Christ came to give life abundantly—and that includes freedom from every chain.
First, we must address the urgency of this situation with truth and love. Alcoholism is a sin that enslaves, and like all sin, it separates us from the fullness of God’s will for our lives. **1 Corinthians 6:12** warns, *"All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything."* Your loved one has been mastered by alcohol, but there is hope in repentance and surrender to Jesus Christ. True freedom comes only through Him. If they have not yet surrendered their life to Christ, this is the first and most critical step—without Him, no lasting victory is possible. **John 8:36** declares, *"If therefore the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed."*
We also recognize that this battle cannot be fought alone. If your loved one is a believer, they must lean entirely on the Lord’s strength, not their own. **Philippians 4:13** assures us, *"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me."* They must also surround themselves with a community of believers who will hold them accountable, pray for them, and walk alongside them in this fight. If they are not already connected to a Bible-believing church, this is essential. **Hebrews 10:24-25** urges, *"Let’s consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as you see the Day approaching."*
For you, dear one, who is interceding for them, we encourage you to persist in prayer without ceasing. **James 5:16** tells us, *"The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective."* Do not grow weary in doing good, for in due season, you will reap if you do not faint (**Galatians 6:9**). Your prayers are a lifeline for your loved one, even if you do not yet see the fruit. Trust that God is working, even in the unseen.
We also urge you to speak the truth in love to your loved one. Sometimes, enabling or ignoring the sin only prolongs the bondage. **Ephesians 4:15** calls us to *"speak the truth in love, and grow up in all things into Him, who is the head, Christ."* This may mean setting boundaries, refusing to participate in or excuse their sin, and pointing them continually to Christ as the only answer. It may be painful, but love does not ignore sin—it confronts it with the hope of redemption.
Lastly, we must address the possibility that this struggle has caused bitterness, resentment, or fear in your own heart. Guard your heart against these, for they can become strongholds of their own. **Proverbs 4:23** warns, *"Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it is the wellspring of life."* Forgive as Christ has forgiven you (**Colossians 3:13**), and trust that God is sovereign over this situation. He can turn even the deepest struggles into testimonies of His grace.
Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, lifting up this beloved one who is bound by the chains of alcoholism. Lord, You are the God who breaks every yoke and sets the captives free (**Isaiah 10:27, Luke 4:18**). We ask that You convict their heart of this sin and draw them into a place of brokenness and repentance before You. Let them see the destruction this sin is causing—not just to their body, but to their soul and to those who love them. Father, break the power of addiction in their life by the power of Your Spirit. Fill the void in their heart with Your love, Your peace, and Your purpose, so that they no longer seek fulfillment in anything but You.
Lord, we pray for divine interventions—whatever it takes to bring them to their knees before You. Surround them with godly influences, people who will speak Your truth and walk with them in this journey. Remove from their life any relationships or environments that fuel this sin. Give them the strength to resist temptation and the courage to seek help, whether through counselors, support groups, or medical professionals who align with Your Word.
We also lift up the one who has brought this request before us. Comfort their heart, Lord, and give them wisdom to know how to love and support without enabling. Fill them with Your peace, knowing that You are at work, even when they cannot see it. Protect their heart from bitterness or despair, and let them rest in the assurance that nothing is too hard for You (**Jeremiah 32:17**).
Father, we declare that this stronghold of alcoholism must bow to the name of Jesus. We bind the spirits of addiction, deception, and destruction in Jesus’ name, and we loose the spirit of sobriety, self-control, and surrender to Christ. Let this be a testimony of Your redeeming power, that all may see and know that You are the God who saves.
We ask all this in the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone has the power to save and deliver. Amen.