We rejoice with you and thank God with you for what He has already done, and we join you in lifting up your family and your work to the Lord in Jesus' name. We are thankful you came in the name of Jesus Christ, for it is only through Him that we have access to the Father, as it is written, There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus 1 Timothy 2:5, and In no other is there salvation, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved Acts 4:12.
We praise God with you for His mercy in easing the pain in your shoulder and arm and elbow. We give thanks as Psalm 103:2-3 says, Praise Yahweh, my soul, and don’t forget all his benefits; who forgives all your sins; who heals all your diseases. We pray He will complete that healing, and we also encourage you to still seek medical care if the pain returns or lingers, for the Lord often works through physicians and wisdom, and caring for the body He has given you honors Him.
We also rejoice that the Lord is helping you turn away from alcohol. This is a great and godly desire. Scripture warns us, Don’t be drunken with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit Ephesians 5:18, and Wine is a mocker, and beer is a brawler. Whoever is led astray by them is not wise Proverbs 20:1. Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God. You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. We encourage you to stay steadfast, to flee temptation, to seek fellowship and accountability in a local Bible believing church, and to remember 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.
We lift up your wife and your adult son with you. We pray for their deliverance from alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana. These things enslave the body and cloud the mind that should be sober and clear for the Lord. We pray they will also experience the freedom found in Christ and the self control that is part of the fruit of the Spirit Galatians 5:22-23. We pray you can be a gentle and loving witness to them, not with nagging but with the testimony of your own changed life and with prayer.
We are encouraged by your desire to be a better person, a better husband, a better dad to your adult kids, and a better worker. God delights in that humble heart. For your marriage, we pray you will love your wife as Christ also loved the assembly and gave himself up for it Ephesians 5:25, leading your home with patience, kindness, and faithfulness. For your children, even though they are adults, your faithful example and prayers and love still matter greatly. And for your work, we pray you will continue to labor as Scripture says, And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men Colossians 3:23. Your desire to provide for your family is godly, for If anyone doesn’t provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever 1 Timothy 5:8. We pray the Lord will establish the work of your hands and give you favor with your employer.
We pray together now.
Father in heaven, we thank You in Jesus' name for Your mercy and healing toward our brother, for easing his pain and for giving him strength to turn from alcohol. Lord, complete his healing and give him wisdom to care for his body. Fill him with Your Holy Spirit instead of any desire for drink. Give him victory day by day and surround him with godly support. We lift up his wife and his adult son to You, Lord, and ask You to convict and deliver them from dependence on alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana. Set them free, draw them to Yourself, and bring them to repentance and sobriety. Help this brother to be the husband and father You have called him to be, loving, patient, and steadfast, reflecting Christ in his home. Bless the work of his hands, give him diligence and integrity on the job, and we ask You to secure his employment so he may provide for his family and testify of Your provision. Cast all his anxieties on You, because You care for him 1 Peter 5:7, and let Your peace guard his heart. We ask all this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, amen.
