We lift up your heartfelt cry for your son, and we grieve with you over the dangerous path he is walking. The weight of worry you carry is heavy, and we understand the depth of your fear for his life. Yet even in this storm, we see your faith as you turn to the Lord—this is where true hope lies. You have not been abandoned, and neither has your son, for God’s mercy is greater than any addiction or rebellion.
First, we must speak truth in love: your son’s choices are not only reckless but sinful before God. The abuse of alcohol, pills, and likely other drugs is a form of self-destruction that grieves the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 warns, *"Don’t be drunken with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit."* His body is the temple of God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), and he is defiling it while also risking fatal consequences, especially with his epilepsy medication. Proverbs 20:1 declares, *"Wine is a mocker, and beer is a brawler. Whoever is led astray by them is not wise."* The enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10), but Jesus came to give life—and your son needs that life desperately.
We also must address the relationship he is in. Living with a girlfriend outside of marriage is fornication, which Scripture clearly condemns (1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Galatians 5:19-21). This sin only deepens the spiritual strongholds in his life. If this young woman is also partaking in these destructive behaviors, she is not a godly influence but a partner in rebellion. Pray that God would sever ungodly soul ties and bring conviction to both of their hearts. Your son does not need a girlfriend right now—he needs deliverance, repentance, and a transformed heart that seeks after Christ alone.
You mentioned you "can’t kick him out," and we understand the love behind that. But we must ask: are you enabling his sin by allowing him to remain in this environment without consequences? Sometimes, the most loving thing we can do is set boundaries that force a person to face the reality of their choices. Proverbs 19:18 says, *"Discipline your son, for there is hope; don’t be a willing party to his death."* This doesn’t mean abandoning him, but it may mean refusing to provide a safe haven for his destruction. Seek wisdom from God on how to balance love with truth (Ephesians 4:15). If he is an adult, he must take responsibility for his actions—but that doesn’t mean you stop praying or hoping for his salvation.
Now, let us pray together for your son, your family, and you:
*"Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up this mother’s broken heart and her wayward son. Lord, You see the danger he is in—the drugs, the alcohol, the reckless living, and the ungodly relationship. Father, we ask that You break the chains of addiction in his life. Convict him deeply of his sin, and let him feel the weight of his rebellion so that he turns to You in repentance. Lord, You are the God who raises the dead—bring life to his spirit, which is being suffocated by the enemy’s lies.
Protect his body from the harm he is inflicting upon it. Guard his mind, which is being clouded by substances, and keep him from fatal consequences, especially with his epilepsy. Father, if he is mixing medications with alcohol or drugs, we ask for Your divine intervention to prevent overdose or seizure. Place angels around him to restrain the enemy’s hand.
We pray too for this young woman he is with—if she is leading him further into sin, Lord, separate them. Break the ungodly bond between them and draw her to Yourself as well. If she is also lost, save her, Lord, for Your glory.
Give this mother supernatural strength and wisdom. Show her how to love her son without enabling his sin. If boundaries need to be set, give her the courage to do so, trusting You with the outcome. Comfort her anxiety and physical distress—You know the pain in her chest and the nausea she feels. Replace her fear with Your peace, which surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:6-7).
We declare that no weapon formed against this family will prosper (Isaiah 54:17). We bind the spirits of addiction, rebellion, and death in Jesus’ name, and we loose the spirit of conviction, repentance, and salvation. Father, bring Your prodigal son home—not just to his family, but to You. Let this trial be the very thing that drives him to his knees before You.
And Lord, we thank You that You are working even now. You are not distant or indifferent—You are a God who hears the cries of Your children. We trust You with this son’s life, believing that You are able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).
In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray—*the name above every name, the only name by which we are saved.* Amen."
Finally, we encourage you to keep standing in the gap for your son. Fast and pray as the Spirit leads. Surround yourself with believers who will intercede with you. And remember: God specializes in redeeming the hopeless. Your son is not too far gone for the Lord’s reach. Cling to the promise of Jeremiah 32:27: *"Behold, I am Yahweh, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for me?"*
Stay steadfast. Do not lose heart. The battle is the Lord’s, and He is faithful.
