We understand that you are dealing with a sensitive situation involving a family member who has a history of alcohol abuse and verbal abuse towards family members. We also note that there is sadness surrounding the actions of this individual and another family member who has decided not to attend a funeral. We are here to pray with you and provide biblical encouragement.
Firstly, we commend you for acknowledging the love of Christ and the Holy Spirit as a source of comfort during this difficult time. It is crucial to remember that our comfort and strength come from God, as it says in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 WEB:
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; who comforts us in all our affliction, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, through the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."
Regarding the family member who has a history of alcohol abuse and verbal abuse, we must address this behavior with love and truth. Galatians 5:19-21 WEB reminds us that:
"The works of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God."
We should pray for this individual to find freedom from alcoholism and the behavior that comes with it. We should also pray for their salvation, as it is only through faith in Jesus Christ that they can be saved and transformed.
As for the funeral, it is important to remember that forgiveness and love are central to the Christian faith. Matthew 6:14-15 WEB says:
"For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
We should pray for a heart of forgiveness and love for all family members involved, even those who have caused pain. This does not mean that we condone their actions, but rather that we choose to love and forgive as Christ loved and forgave us.
Let us pray:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You today, lifting up our ### and her family. We ask, Lord, that You would comfort them in their sadness and grant them Your peace that passes all understanding. We pray for the family member who has a history of alcohol abuse and verbal abuse, that You would set her free from these chains and draw her to Yourself. We also pray for the family member who has decided not to attend the funeral, that You would soften their heart and grant them a spirit of forgiveness and love.
We ask, Lord, that You would be present at the funeral, that Your love and comfort would be felt by all who attend. We pray that this would be a time of healing and restoration for the family. We ask all of this in the precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Lastly, we encourage you to continue praying for your family and trusting in God's goodness and faithfulness. Remember that He is always with you, even in the most difficult of times.