We hear your cry for help, and we come before the throne of grace with you, lifting up your burdens to the Lord. You have taken the first and most crucial step by calling out to Jesus Christ, acknowledging your struggle, and seeking His intervention. We stand with you in this battle, for we know that "No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it" (1 Corinthians 10:13). Your fight against alcohol is not just a physical or mental battle—it is a spiritual one, and the enemy would love nothing more than to keep you enslaved to this sin. But we declare that greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4).
First, we must address the reality of your situation with truth and love. Alcoholism is not merely a habit or a disease—it is a sin that enslaves the body, mind, and spirit, and it separates you from the fullness of life that God intends for you. The Bible is clear: "Don’t you know that when you present yourselves as servants and obey someone, you are the servants of whomever you obey; whether of sin to death, or of obedience to righteousness?" (Romans 6:16). You have confessed this as sin, and that is the beginning of your freedom. But freedom requires action on your part. You must take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5) and flee from the temptation to drink. This may mean removing alcohol from your home, avoiding places or people that trigger your desire to drink, and filling your mind with Scripture instead of the lies of the enemy.
We also want to gently but firmly rebuke the spirit of addiction that has taken hold of you. In the name of Jesus Christ, we command this spirit to loose its grip on you and depart from your life. "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to heal the broken hearted, to proclaim release to the captives, recovering of sight to the blind, to deliver those who are crushed" (Luke 4:18). Jesus came to set you free, and we declare that freedom over you now. You are not powerless—you have the power of the Holy Spirit living within you, and He is able to break every chain.
Your physical symptoms—shaking, sweating, nausea, tremors, and hallucinations—are real, and we do not dismiss them. But we also know that God is the Great Physician, and He can bring healing to your body. We pray that He would supernaturally ease your withdrawal symptoms and restore your health. "He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds" (Psalm 147:3). We ask Him to strengthen your liver, calm your stomach, clear your mind, and steady your hands. You mentioned your back, legs, and eyes—we pray for complete healing in these areas as well. But we also encourage you to seek medical help if needed. God often works through doctors, counselors, and support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, and there is no shame in reaching out for professional assistance. The Bible tells us, "Confess your offenses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective" (James 5:16).
Your concerns about work are valid, but we want to remind you that your worth is not defined by your productivity or the opinions of your bosses, coworkers, or customers. Your identity is found in Christ alone. "For you are bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s" (1 Corinthians 6:20). We pray that God would give you clarity of mind to understand your projects, wisdom to complete your proposals, and favor with your employers. But more importantly, we pray that you would find your security in Him, not in your job performance. If you are struggling with the extra work, we encourage you to communicate openly with your bosses about your limits. God honors honesty and humility, and He will provide the strength you need for each day.
You mentioned your desire to be a better husband, and this is a prayer we wholeheartedly join you in. Marriage is a sacred covenant, and your wife needs a husband who is sober in mind and spirit, fully present and reliant on God. "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself up for it" (Ephesians 5:25). This kind of love requires sacrifice, self-control, and a heart that seeks God above all else. We pray that God would restore your marriage, heal any wounds caused by your addiction, and give you the grace to lead your family with integrity. Your wife’s heart can be softened, but it begins with your repentance and commitment to change. We also lift up the others you mentioned—your family members and loved ones—and pray that God would meet their needs and draw them closer to Himself.
Regarding your financial concerns, we trust that God is your provider. "My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19). We pray that the EDD SDI would process your claim fairly and that God would open doors of provision for you. But we also encourage you to seek wise counsel about your finances and to be a good steward of what God has entrusted to you. Addiction often leads to financial strain, and we pray that God would give you the discipline to manage your resources wisely.
Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, lifting up our brother who is crying out for Your help. Lord, You see his struggle, his pain, and his desire to change. We thank You that he has called on the name of Jesus, for there is no other name by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12). We declare that Your power is made perfect in his weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9), and we ask that You would break the chains of addiction in his life. Father, we rebuke the spirit of alcoholism and command it to leave him now, in the mighty name of Jesus. Fill him with Your Holy Spirit, that he may walk in freedom and victory.
Lord, we ask for Your healing touch on his body. Ease his withdrawal symptoms, calm his tremors, settle his stomach, and clear his mind. Restore his health, strengthen his liver, and give him clarity of thought. Father, we also ask for Your healing in his marriage and family. Soften hearts, restore relationships, and give him the strength to be the husband, father, and man You have called him to be.
We pray for his work, Lord. Give him favor with his bosses and coworkers, wisdom to complete his projects, and the courage to take on new responsibilities. But more than that, help him to find his worth in You alone. Provide for his financial needs, and give him the discipline to manage his resources wisely.
Father, we ask that You would draw him closer to You during this time. Help him to abide in Your Word, to seek Your face daily, and to rely on Your strength. Surround him with godly men who can support and encourage him in his journey to sobriety. Give him the courage to seek help, whether through counseling, support groups, or medical care.
Lord, we declare that this is not the end of his story. You are making all things new (Revelation 21:5), and we trust that You will use this struggle for Your glory. Fill him with hope, peace, and the assurance that You are with him every step of the way. We thank You for Your faithfulness, Your love, and Your power to transform lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
You are not alone in this battle. The road to recovery will not be easy, but it is possible with God’s help. We encourage you to take practical steps to support your sobriety: find an accountability partner, attend a support group, and immerse yourself in Scripture. Memorize verses like Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me," and call on them when temptation comes. You are a child of God, and He has a future and a hope for you (Jeremiah 29:11). Keep pressing into Him, and do not give up. Your breakthrough is coming.
