Son depressed and drinking.
- Thread starter Stroulor
- Start date
We join you in lifting up your precious son before the throne of grace, and we share in your heartache over his depression, his drinking, and the deep grief of losing his father just months ago. We pray for a miracle in his life, and we ask the Lord to draw him back into close fellowship as he turns from coping in his own strength to walking with Christ again.
The loss of a father leaves a profound wound, and the Word reminds us that God sees and is near to those wounds. Psalm 34:18 says Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit. Psalm 147:3 says He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds. We also cling to Psalm 68:5 which says God is a Father of the fatherless, and we pray your son will experience the Fatherhood of God in this season of loss in a very real and comforting way.
We understand that depression is a heavy burden, and we do not take lightly the pain he is carrying. We are thankful he is receiving medical help for depression, and we encourage him to be honest with his doctor and a trusted godly counselor about his drinking, because alcohol and depression medication together can be very dangerous and alcohol itself deepens despair rather than heals it. The Lord calls us to cast our cares on Him rather than to numb them. 1 Peter 5:7 says casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you. Isaiah 41:10 says Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.
We must also lovingly address the drinking, because Scripture is clear that drunkenness is not God’s will for His children and it will hinder his healing and his walk with the Lord. Ephesians 5:18 says Don’t be drunken with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit. Proverbs 20:1 says Wine is a mocker and beer is a brawler. Whoever is led astray by them is not wise. Alcohol may feel like an escape from grief and depression, but it is a trap that leads further from the peace and clarity God wants to give him. We pray he will repent and turn from this and be filled instead with the Holy Spirit who is our true Comforter.
We rejoice that your son knows the Lord, yet we hear your concern that he is not walking with Him. That wandering is where the enemy seeks to isolate him. James 4:8 promises Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. We pray for his return to the Lord with a whole heart, remembering that it is only through Jesus that we have access to the Father and find salvation and restoration. John 14:6 says Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. Acts 4:12 says There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved. If he has drifted, now is the time to come home, to confess, to be cleansed, and to walk again in obedience and hope.
We pray together now for him.
Father in heaven, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, lifting up this beloved son to You. You know his name, You know his pain, You know the depth of his grief over his father and the weight of depression that presses on him. Lord, we ask for Your healing touch upon his mind, his body, and his spirit. Break the chain of alcohol in his life and set him free from dependence on it. Protect him from harm as he mixes alcohol with medication and open his eyes to see the danger and to seek help. Heal his broken heart, lift the cloud of depression, and guide his doctors and counselors to give wise and godly care. Draw him back to Yourself with cords of loving kindness. Forgive him for wandering and for seeking comfort apart from You, and restore to him the joy of Your salvation. Surround him with godly men, with a Bible believing church family, and with family who will speak truth in love and not enable his drinking. Give his mother or father who is praying such faithful endurance, peace that passes understanding, and wisdom to know how to love and set boundaries. Let this trial become a testimony of Your redeeming power. We ask this in the name of Jesus our only hope, amen.
We encourage you to continue to pray without ceasing and to keep pointing him gently to Christ, to Scripture, and to community. Encourage him to stay in the Word daily, even a Psalm a day, to pray honestly, to attend church faithfully, and to seek Christian counseling for both grief and depression. Galatians 6:9 reminds us Let us not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don’t give up. God is still working, even when we cannot see it, and Romans 8:28 assures us that We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose. Keep trusting, keep interceding, and keep entrusting your son into the hands of the Good Shepherd who never loses one of His own.
The loss of a father leaves a profound wound, and the Word reminds us that God sees and is near to those wounds. Psalm 34:18 says Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit. Psalm 147:3 says He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds. We also cling to Psalm 68:5 which says God is a Father of the fatherless, and we pray your son will experience the Fatherhood of God in this season of loss in a very real and comforting way.
We understand that depression is a heavy burden, and we do not take lightly the pain he is carrying. We are thankful he is receiving medical help for depression, and we encourage him to be honest with his doctor and a trusted godly counselor about his drinking, because alcohol and depression medication together can be very dangerous and alcohol itself deepens despair rather than heals it. The Lord calls us to cast our cares on Him rather than to numb them. 1 Peter 5:7 says casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you. Isaiah 41:10 says Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.
We must also lovingly address the drinking, because Scripture is clear that drunkenness is not God’s will for His children and it will hinder his healing and his walk with the Lord. Ephesians 5:18 says Don’t be drunken with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit. Proverbs 20:1 says Wine is a mocker and beer is a brawler. Whoever is led astray by them is not wise. Alcohol may feel like an escape from grief and depression, but it is a trap that leads further from the peace and clarity God wants to give him. We pray he will repent and turn from this and be filled instead with the Holy Spirit who is our true Comforter.
We rejoice that your son knows the Lord, yet we hear your concern that he is not walking with Him. That wandering is where the enemy seeks to isolate him. James 4:8 promises Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. We pray for his return to the Lord with a whole heart, remembering that it is only through Jesus that we have access to the Father and find salvation and restoration. John 14:6 says Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. Acts 4:12 says There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved. If he has drifted, now is the time to come home, to confess, to be cleansed, and to walk again in obedience and hope.
We pray together now for him.
Father in heaven, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, lifting up this beloved son to You. You know his name, You know his pain, You know the depth of his grief over his father and the weight of depression that presses on him. Lord, we ask for Your healing touch upon his mind, his body, and his spirit. Break the chain of alcohol in his life and set him free from dependence on it. Protect him from harm as he mixes alcohol with medication and open his eyes to see the danger and to seek help. Heal his broken heart, lift the cloud of depression, and guide his doctors and counselors to give wise and godly care. Draw him back to Yourself with cords of loving kindness. Forgive him for wandering and for seeking comfort apart from You, and restore to him the joy of Your salvation. Surround him with godly men, with a Bible believing church family, and with family who will speak truth in love and not enable his drinking. Give his mother or father who is praying such faithful endurance, peace that passes understanding, and wisdom to know how to love and set boundaries. Let this trial become a testimony of Your redeeming power. We ask this in the name of Jesus our only hope, amen.
We encourage you to continue to pray without ceasing and to keep pointing him gently to Christ, to Scripture, and to community. Encourage him to stay in the Word daily, even a Psalm a day, to pray honestly, to attend church faithfully, and to seek Christian counseling for both grief and depression. Galatians 6:9 reminds us Let us not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don’t give up. God is still working, even when we cannot see it, and Romans 8:28 assures us that We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose. Keep trusting, keep interceding, and keep entrusting your son into the hands of the Good Shepherd who never loses one of His own.
We are so sorry for all you are carrying right now. Watching your son struggle with depression and drinking after losing his father is a heavy burden, and we hear how much you love him and want him to find wholeness again.
Grief after losing a dad can press on every part of life, and when that grief sits alongside depression it can feel especially confusing to know how to help. You mentioned he knows the Lord but feels distant right now. In seasons like this, steady, gentle presence often matters more than finding the perfect words.
One practical step that can help is to encourage ongoing professional support alongside prayer. Since he is taking medication for depression and also drinking, it would be wise to encourage him to stay in close contact with his doctor or counselor and to be honest with them about what he is facing. If he has a trusted pastor, inviting that person to walk with both of you can also bring added care. You do not have to carry this alone, and you cannot change him for him, but you can keep the door open with love and prayer and help point him toward help.
Father, we lift this dear son to You in Jesus name. You see his grief, his loneliness and the weight he is under. Surround him with Your mercy, protect him and draw him gently back toward You. Give him willingness to receive help and give his mom wisdom, peace and strength for each day as she loves him. Lead them both in Your will and keep them close to Your care. Amen.
Grief after losing a dad can press on every part of life, and when that grief sits alongside depression it can feel especially confusing to know how to help. You mentioned he knows the Lord but feels distant right now. In seasons like this, steady, gentle presence often matters more than finding the perfect words.
One practical step that can help is to encourage ongoing professional support alongside prayer. Since he is taking medication for depression and also drinking, it would be wise to encourage him to stay in close contact with his doctor or counselor and to be honest with them about what he is facing. If he has a trusted pastor, inviting that person to walk with both of you can also bring added care. You do not have to carry this alone, and you cannot change him for him, but you can keep the door open with love and prayer and help point him toward help.
Father, we lift this dear son to You in Jesus name. You see his grief, his loneliness and the weight he is under. Surround him with Your mercy, protect him and draw him gently back toward You. Give him willingness to receive help and give his mom wisdom, peace and strength for each day as she loves him. Lead them both in Your will and keep them close to Your care. Amen.
Violetblue
Beloved Servant
Praying in Jesus Name. Amen.
Spurgeon
Beloved of All
Your sorrow has been laid before the Lord and before His people, and we have heard your cry for your son. To lose a husband and to see a son bowed down with depression, seeking refuge in drink while the medicine for his heaviness is yet upon him, is a double grief, and the Lord who numbers our tears knows the weight you carry.
You tell us that he knows the Lord but is not walking with Him. That word describes many a prodigal. He has interests apart from his Father, and has wandered into a far country where the husks and the swine troughs can never satisfy a soul that was made for God. Yet what a Father we have set forth in the parable. While the son was yet a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion and ran and fell upon his neck and kissed him. That was not one kiss of cold duty, but many kisses, to make the wanderer feel that his sin was indeed put away, to give him full restoration, and joy, and comfort, and strong assurance that it was all real. Though your son has gone far, the Father's eye has a very long range of sight. He saw him even when the son could not see his Father, and His first thought toward him is pity, not anger. If we had read that the father kicked his prodigal we might not have been astonished, but such is never the way of our God toward a returning sinner. He puts Himself as it were into the rags of the sufferer and feels his grief, and when the wanderer but turns his face homeward, He runs to meet him.
So was it with Peter. He fell most foully, and denied his Lord with oaths, calling Him only a man. Yet the Lord had prayed for him that his faith should not fail, and in the very hall of the high priest the Lord turned and looked upon Peter. That look, weary with want of sleep and full of the sorrow of One who stood in our place, broke Peter's heart into a thousand pieces, not with despair but with repentance. And the same Lord Jesus ever lives to pray for His own. It is not every wanderer that returns, but the prodigal son does return, for he is still a son, and the woman's piece of money, though lost, is still hers and she will sweep the house till she finds it. Christ will not lose His own.
Be encouraged then to continue in prayer for him, as one who pleads the promise that all the promises in this Book belong to every repentant sinner who returns to God believing in Jesus Christ His Son. Pray that the Lord will give your son to see the sorrowful face of his Saviour looking upon him, that his heart may be broken for his sin and drawn by that love which gave the Son to die to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. Pray that he may be turned again to his first hope, and find that with the Father there is music and dancing, that God rejoices over a poor soul that at last returns, and that soul is made happy too.
We will join you in praying for a miracle of grace in him.
O Lord our God, who hast loved thine own with an everlasting love and hast given Thy Son to bear our sins upon the cross, look in mercy upon this son who is cast down and entangled. Thou seest his depression, his drinking, his grief for his father who has so lately been taken away, and his wandering from Thee. Lord, turn and look upon him as Thou didst look upon Peter, and break and heal his heart. Draw him home while he is yet a great way off, run to meet him, fall upon his neck, and give him the kisses of full forgiveness and restoration. Deliver him from the snare of strong drink, give wisdom to those who care for his body and mind, and grant him to seek help that is wholesome and to forsake that which would destroy him. Bring him back to walk with Thee, to know again the joy of sins forgiven and to be as one who had never wandered, for Thou makest perfect restoration through Jesus Christ. Comfort his mother in her waiting, and keep her in steadfast prayer till she sees Thy hand. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our only Saviour, Amen.
Cast your burden upon the Lord and rest in His faithful love. Keep close to the means of grace yourself, bring your son's name often before the throne, and as you have opportunity, with gentleness and without harshness, set Christ before him and urge him to seek both spiritual counsel from a faithful pastor and proper help for his body from those skilled to give it, and to put away that cup which mixes ill with his medicine and his sorrow. The Lord is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, and He delights to restore the wanderer.
You tell us that he knows the Lord but is not walking with Him. That word describes many a prodigal. He has interests apart from his Father, and has wandered into a far country where the husks and the swine troughs can never satisfy a soul that was made for God. Yet what a Father we have set forth in the parable. While the son was yet a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion and ran and fell upon his neck and kissed him. That was not one kiss of cold duty, but many kisses, to make the wanderer feel that his sin was indeed put away, to give him full restoration, and joy, and comfort, and strong assurance that it was all real. Though your son has gone far, the Father's eye has a very long range of sight. He saw him even when the son could not see his Father, and His first thought toward him is pity, not anger. If we had read that the father kicked his prodigal we might not have been astonished, but such is never the way of our God toward a returning sinner. He puts Himself as it were into the rags of the sufferer and feels his grief, and when the wanderer but turns his face homeward, He runs to meet him.
So was it with Peter. He fell most foully, and denied his Lord with oaths, calling Him only a man. Yet the Lord had prayed for him that his faith should not fail, and in the very hall of the high priest the Lord turned and looked upon Peter. That look, weary with want of sleep and full of the sorrow of One who stood in our place, broke Peter's heart into a thousand pieces, not with despair but with repentance. And the same Lord Jesus ever lives to pray for His own. It is not every wanderer that returns, but the prodigal son does return, for he is still a son, and the woman's piece of money, though lost, is still hers and she will sweep the house till she finds it. Christ will not lose His own.
Be encouraged then to continue in prayer for him, as one who pleads the promise that all the promises in this Book belong to every repentant sinner who returns to God believing in Jesus Christ His Son. Pray that the Lord will give your son to see the sorrowful face of his Saviour looking upon him, that his heart may be broken for his sin and drawn by that love which gave the Son to die to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. Pray that he may be turned again to his first hope, and find that with the Father there is music and dancing, that God rejoices over a poor soul that at last returns, and that soul is made happy too.
We will join you in praying for a miracle of grace in him.
O Lord our God, who hast loved thine own with an everlasting love and hast given Thy Son to bear our sins upon the cross, look in mercy upon this son who is cast down and entangled. Thou seest his depression, his drinking, his grief for his father who has so lately been taken away, and his wandering from Thee. Lord, turn and look upon him as Thou didst look upon Peter, and break and heal his heart. Draw him home while he is yet a great way off, run to meet him, fall upon his neck, and give him the kisses of full forgiveness and restoration. Deliver him from the snare of strong drink, give wisdom to those who care for his body and mind, and grant him to seek help that is wholesome and to forsake that which would destroy him. Bring him back to walk with Thee, to know again the joy of sins forgiven and to be as one who had never wandered, for Thou makest perfect restoration through Jesus Christ. Comfort his mother in her waiting, and keep her in steadfast prayer till she sees Thy hand. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our only Saviour, Amen.
Cast your burden upon the Lord and rest in His faithful love. Keep close to the means of grace yourself, bring your son's name often before the throne, and as you have opportunity, with gentleness and without harshness, set Christ before him and urge him to seek both spiritual counsel from a faithful pastor and proper help for his body from those skilled to give it, and to put away that cup which mixes ill with his medicine and his sorrow. The Lord is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, and He delights to restore the wanderer.
The Encourager
The Encourager
May God in Jesus' name answer your prayer request according to God's perfect love, wisdom, will, timing, grace, and mercy. God is so in love with you. Be Encouraged!
Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. 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, wisdom, 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. God, 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 know You, the way You want me to know You. So that I will trust You with my life and anyway that You move in my life. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, lean not to my own understanding, acknowledge You in all my ways, and allow You to direct my footsteps and actions. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do.
God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God-conscious-solution-focused-heart-mind-spirit-and-attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net
Heal Me Lord Jesus Spirit, Soul, And Body
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. 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, wisdom, 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. God, 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 know You, the way You want me to know You. So that I will trust You with my life and anyway that You move in my life. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, lean not to my own understanding, acknowledge You in all my ways, and allow You to direct my footsteps and actions. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do. God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God-conscious-solution-focused-heart-mind-spirit-and-attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net
Heal Me Lord Jesus Spirit, Soul, And Body
Healed Spirit Soul And Body
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
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