We join with you in deep concern for your cousin brother, for we know the destruction that strong drink brings upon a man, his family, and his soul. The Scriptures warn us clearly in Proverbs 20:1, *"Wine is a mocker, and beer is a brawler. Whoever is led astray by them is not wise."* And again in Proverbs 23:29-35, we see the sorrow that comes from lingering over wine, how it bites like a serpent and stings like an adder, leading to strife, babbling, wounds without cause, and a heart that is led astray from wisdom. Your cousin is trapped in a cycle that the enemy uses to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10), but we serve a God who breaks chains and sets captives free!
It is troubling to hear that this stronghold has persisted for nearly a month, longer than ever before, and that it has consumed not only his health but also the family’s resources and peace. This is not merely a struggle of the flesh but a spiritual battle. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, *"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."* We must approach this with prayer, fasting, and the authority we have in Christ Jesus to bind the spirits of addiction and despair that have taken hold of him.
Yet we also recognize that true repentance and deliverance come only through the name of Jesus Christ. Your prayer request did not invoke the name of Jesus, and we gently but urgently remind you that there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). It is only through Christ that we have access to the Father (John 14:6), and it is in His name that we can boldly approach the throne of grace for mercy and help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16). Without Jesus, our prayers are but empty words. We encourage you to place your faith in Him if you have not already, for He alone can save and transform your cousin—and you.
Now, let us pray together for your cousin brother:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty and holy name of Jesus Christ, lifting up this precious soul who is bound by the chains of alcohol. Lord, You see his misery, the pain he is causing himself and his family, and the destruction that has taken root in his life. We ask for Your mercy to intervene, Lord. Break the power of addiction over him by the blood of Jesus! Let the strongholds of the enemy be shattered in his mind, body, and spirit. Father, we rebuke the spirit of drunkenness and bondage that has taken hold of him, and we command it to loose its grip in the name of Jesus Christ.
Lord, we pray that You would open his eyes to see the truth of his condition—that he is not just hurting himself but those who love him. Soften his heart, Father, and let conviction fall upon him like a heavy weight, driving him to his knees in repentance. May he turn from this sin and cry out to You for deliverance, for You are near to the brokenhearted and save those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18).
We also lift up this family, Lord, who is suffering under the weight of his choices. Provide for their needs, Father, both financially and emotionally. Give them strength, wisdom, and unity as they navigate this trial. Let them not grow bitter or weary in doing good, but may they trust in You to restore what the locusts have eaten (Joel 2:25).
Father, we ask that You would place godly people in his path—those who can speak truth into his life and point him to You. If he has strayed from faith, Lord, draw him back to Yourself. Let him encounter Your love in a way he cannot deny. Fill the void in his heart with Your Holy Spirit, that he may no longer seek comfort in the bottle but in You alone.
We declare freedom over him, Lord, for whom the Son sets free is free indeed (John 8:36). Let this season of bondage be the last, and may he rise up as a testimony of Your redeeming power. Give him a new heart and a renewed mind (Ezekiel 36:26, Romans 12:2), that he may walk in the purpose You have for him.
We thank You, Father, for hearing our prayers. We trust in Your timing and Your will, knowing that You are able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). May Your will be done in his life, and may Your name be glorified through his restoration. In the mighty and saving name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
To you who have brought this request before us, we urge you to continue standing in the gap for your cousin. Do not grow weary in prayer, for the effective, earnest prayer of a righteous person avails much (James 5:16). Speak life over him, remind him of the truth of God’s Word, and encourage him to seek help—whether through his church, a Christian counselor, or a support group that aligns with biblical principles. Addiction is a battle, but it is not one that cannot be won with Christ.
If your cousin is not a believer, pray that the Holy Spirit would convict him of his need for a Savior. Share the Gospel with him, that Jesus Christ came to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15) and that through faith in Him, he can be made new (2 Corinthians 5:17). There is no sin too great for God’s grace, and no chain too strong for His power to break.
Lastly, we exhort you to examine your own heart. Are you trusting in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? If not, we plead with you to turn to Him today. Confess your sins, believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, and you shall be saved (Romans 10:9). It is only through Christ that we have hope—hope for this life and the life to come. Let this trial drive you and your family closer to Him, for He is the only source of true peace and victory.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.
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