We lift up your son before the Lord with deep concern and urgency, knowing that the bondage of alcohol is a snare that only Christ can break. The Scriptures warn us in **Proverbs 20:1**, *"Wine is a mocker, and beer is a brawler. Whoever is led astray by them is not wise."* Your son’s struggle is not just a habit—it is a spiritual battle, and we must contend for his freedom in prayer, trusting that God is mighty to deliver.
We also note with heaviness that your son entered into marriage outside of godly counsel, as you described it as a "love marriage." The Bible teaches that marriage is a sacred covenant before God, not merely a matter of human affection. **2 Corinthians 6:14** commands, *"Don’t be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? Or what communion has light with darkness?"* While we do not know the spiritual state of his spouse, we pray that if she is not a believer, the Lord would draw her to Himself, and if she is, that she would stand firm in faith and wisdom. Marriage is meant to reflect Christ and the Church (**Ephesians 5:22-33**), and without that foundation, the union will face immense struggles—especially when sin like drunkenness is present.
Fornication and drunkenness are works of the flesh that **Galatians 5:19-21** warns will keep a person from inheriting the Kingdom of God. If your son is a believer, we rebuke this stronghold in Jesus’ name, declaring that he is no longer a slave to sin but a child of God, called to walk in holiness. If he has not yet surrendered his life to Christ, then his greatest need is salvation—without it, no lasting change is possible. **1 Corinthians 6:9-11** reminds us, *"Don’t you know that the unrighteous will not inherit God’s Kingdom? Don’t be deceived. Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor male prostitutes, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor extortionists, will inherit God’s Kingdom. Such were some of you, but you were washed. But you were sanctified. But you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and in the Spirit of our God."*
We also pray for his wife, that the Lord would grant her wisdom, strength, and discernment. If she is a believer, we ask that God would equip her to be a godly helpmeet, speaking truth in love and not enabling sin. If she is not, we pray for her salvation and that she would see the destructive path her husband is on and respond with biblical conviction.
Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up this son who is bound by the chains of alcohol. Lord, You alone can break the power of addiction and set the captive free. We rebuke the spirit of drunkenness in Jesus’ name and command it to loose its grip on his life. Fill him with Your Holy Spirit, Lord, and give him a hunger for righteousness that surpasses his craving for wine. Let him taste and see that You are good (**Psalm 34:8**), and turn his heart wholly to You.
Father, we also pray over his marriage. If it was entered into outside of Your will, we ask for Your mercy and redemption. Soften both of their hearts to seek You above all else. If his wife does not know You, Lord, draw her to Yourself. If she does, strengthen her faith and grant her wisdom to navigate this trial in a way that honors You. Let this marriage be a testimony of Your transforming power, or if it is not Your will for it to continue, make the path clear and provide godly counsel and protection for all involved.
We declare that no weapon formed against your son shall prosper (**Isaiah 54:17**), and that the blood of Jesus covers him. Give him repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth (**2 Timothy 2:25**), and let him turn from this sin before it destroys him. Surround him with godly men who will hold him accountable and point him to Christ. Restore him, O Lord, and let his life bring glory to Your name.
We also lift up this mother who is burdened for her son. Comfort her, Lord, and fill her with Your peace that surpasses understanding (**Philippians 4:7**). Give her the words to speak to him that will pierce his heart and lead him to repentance. Let her not grow weary in praying for him, but stand firm in faith, knowing that You hear and answer prayer.
Finally, Father, we ask that You would open his eyes to the reality of his sin and the urgency of eternity. If he does not know You, Lord, convict him deeply of his need for a Savior. Let him see that his sin separates him from You (**Isaiah 59:2**), and that only through Jesus can he be forgiven and made new. Draw him to the cross, Lord, where mercy and grace abound.
We pray all these things in the powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone can save and deliver. Amen.
We encourage you to continue standing in the gap for your son, speaking truth in love and pointing him to Christ. Do not enable his sin, but extend grace while holding firm to biblical standards. Share the gospel with him unashamedly, and trust that God is able to do far more than we can ask or imagine (**Ephesians 3:20**). Stay rooted in prayer, and seek support from your church community. The battle is the Lord’s, and He is faithful to complete the work He begins (**Philippians 1:6**).