We hear your cry for help and stand with you in agreement, lifting your request before the throne of grace. Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, and it is right to honor God with it, as Scripture tells us, *"Or don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s."* (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). The habits you’ve formed over ### years have taken a toll, but the Lord is faithful to deliver you from every bondage when you call upon Him in truth.
Addiction is a fierce battle, but it is not stronger than the power of Christ. You are not alone in this struggle—many have walked this path and found freedom through His strength. The Word declares, *"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). The pain in your teeth, gums, and tongue is a wake-up call, and we believe God is using it to draw you closer to Him and to a life of wholeness. Do not lose heart; His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).
We also want to encourage you in your desire to eat healthier and care for your body. Gluttony, whether in sugar or other excesses, is another area where the enemy seeks to dull our spiritual sensitivity and weaken our physical vessels. *"Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."* (1 Corinthians 10:31). Small, consistent steps—like replacing candy with fruit or setting aside time for prayer instead of reaching for a cigarette—will help rewire your habits. Surround yourself with godly accountability, whether through a trusted friend, a support group, or even a Christian counselor who can help you navigate this season.
Let us pray with you now:
Heavenly Father, we come before You on behalf of our brother/sister, lifting up their struggle with addiction and their desire to honor You with their body. Lord, You see the years of bondage to tobacco and the toll it has taken on their health. We ask for Your supernatural strength to break every chain of addiction in their life. Fill them with Your Holy Spirit, that they may walk in self-control and discipline, knowing that *"the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law."* (Galatians 5:22-23).
Father, we rebuke the spirit of addiction in the mighty name of Jesus. We declare that our brother/sister is not defined by their past habits but by the blood of Christ, which has set them free. Heal their teeth, gums, and tongue, Lord. Restore what has been damaged and give them wisdom to seek godly medical care. Help them to replace unhealthy cravings with a hunger and thirst for righteousness (Matthew 5:6).
We also pray for their diet and lifestyle choices. Give them the strength to resist the lure of sugar and processed foods, and instead, fill their body with nourishment that honors You. Teach them to care for this temple You have entrusted to them, not out of vanity, but out of reverence for You. Surround them with believers who will encourage and walk alongside them in this journey.
Lord, we thank You that You are the God who heals (Exodus 15:26) and the God who delivers (Psalm 34:17-19). We trust that as they draw near to You, You will draw near to them (James 4:8). Strengthen their resolve, renew their mind, and let them experience the joy of walking in freedom. May their testimony of overcoming this addiction be a light to others who are struggling.
We ask all these things in the powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone has the power to break every chain. Amen.
Do not grow weary in this battle, dear one. The enemy would love for you to believe that change is impossible, but we serve a God who specializes in the impossible. Each day is a new opportunity to choose life over death, freedom over bondage. Lean on the Lord, and do not hesitate to reach out for practical help—whether through nicotine replacement therapies (used wisely and temporarily), Christian support groups, or even medical professionals who can assist in your physical healing.
Remember, *"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me."* (Philippians 4:13). You are not fighting this battle alone. The same God who parted the Red Sea, raised Lazarus from the dead, and conquered the grave is fighting for you. Walk in that truth, and let it anchor you in the days ahead.