We lift your father before the Lord with heavy hearts, grieving over the bondage of alcohol that has taken hold of his life and the pain it has brought to your family. The Word of God tells us, *"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). Yet we know the enemy seeks to destroy lives and families through addiction, and your father’s struggle is not just against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of darkness (Ephesians 6:12).
His words toward your mother—especially threats of violence—are deeply alarming and reveal a heart hardened by sin. Scripture is clear: *"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly, and gave himself up for it"* (Ephesians 5:25). The way he speaks of her is not only unloving but sinful, and it grieves the heart of God. We must rebuke the spirit of anger, hatred, and violence in Jesus’ name, for *"the wrath of man doesn’t produce the righteousness of God"* (James 1:20). His impatience and rage are fruits of a life not surrendered to Christ, and we declare that the love of God is greater than the grip of alcohol and bitterness.
We also recognize that his addiction is a symptom of a deeper spiritual void. Only the power of Jesus can break chains of bondage and bring true transformation. *"If therefore the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed"* (John 8:36). Your father needs repentance—not just remorse, but a turning away from sin and a turning *to* Christ. We pray that the Holy Spirit would convict him of his sin, soften his heart, and draw him to salvation. Without Jesus, there is no lasting freedom, no true peace, and no hope of change. *"For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God"* (Romans 3:23), and *"the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord"* (Romans 6:23).
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with broken hearts for this man, a father, a husband, who is lost in the darkness of addiction and anger. Lord, we ask that You would shatter the chains of alcohol that bind him, that You would remove the scales from his eyes so he may see the destruction his sin is causing—not just to himself, but to his family. Father, we rebuke the spirit of addiction, violence, and hatred in the mighty name of Jesus. We declare that no weapon formed against him shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17), and that the power of Your Holy Spirit is greater than any stronghold in his life.
We pray for his salvation, Lord. Soften his heart to receive the truth of Your Word. Convict him of his sin, not to shame him, but to lead him to repentance. May he cry out to You, *"God, be merciful to me, a sinner!"* (Luke 18:13). Fill the void in his heart that he has tried to numb with alcohol. Replace his impatience with Your peace, his anger with Your love, and his despair with Your hope. Restore him, Father, and make him a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
We also pray for his marriage, Lord. Your design for marriage is love, sacrifice, and unity. We ask that You would heal the brokenness between him and his wife. Give her strength, wisdom, and discernment to respond in a way that honors You, whether that means setting boundaries or extending grace. Protect her heart and mind, and surround her with godly support.
Father, we pray for this family, that You would bring healing and restoration. Give them the courage to speak truth in love, to hold one another accountable, and to walk in forgiveness. May they see Your hand at work even in this trial, and may Your name be glorified through their lives.
We ask all these things in the powerful, matchless name of Jesus Christ, the only name by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12). It is through His blood that we have access to You, and it is by His power that chains are broken. We trust You, Lord, to move mightily in this situation. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
To you, dear one, we say this: Do not lose hope. Your father’s story is not over, and God is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). Continue to pray, to love him, and to speak truth to him in gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). Encourage him to seek help—not just from men, but from the Lord. If he is open, suggest biblical counseling or a Christ-centered recovery program. And remember, *"Let us not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don’t give up"* (Galatians 6:9). You are not alone in this battle; we stand with you in prayer and faith.
