We are truly heartbroken to hear about the struggle with substance abuse, but we are also gladdened that you have reached out for prayer. We stand with you in the name of Jesus Christ, for there is power in His name to break every chain of addiction. Let us remember what God's Word says in Romans 8:37 WEB: "No, in all these things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us."
Firstly, we must acknowledge that freedom from substance abuse comes through the saving power of Jesus Christ. It is only by His name that we have access to God, and there is no other name by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12 WEB). If you have not already, consider believing in the message of Jesus Christ and accepting Him into your life. Romans 10:9-11 states that if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture says, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
It is important for us to mention that the Bible speaks about being sober-minded and self-controlled. While the Bible does not state that alcohol itself is sinful, it does address the misuse of alcohol and other substances. Proverbs 23:20-21 WEB, states: "Do not be among ones who drink too much wine, or among those who gorge themselves on meat; for the drunkard and the glutton shall become poor; and drowsiness clothes them in rags." Furthermore, Ephesians 5:18 WEB, warns us not to get drunk with wine (which could lead us to indulge other substances for similar effects), for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit.
Let us pray together:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You today, lifting up this dear one who is struggling with substance abuse. We pray, Father, that You would set them free from this bondage, in the mighty name of Jesus. We know, Father, that You have not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7 WEB). We pray that this dear one would know Your love, Your power, and Your self-control in their life today.
We rebuke the spirit of addiction in their life, Father, and we ask You to fill them with Your Holy Spirit. We pray that they would seek Your will for their life, and that You would give them the strength to overcome this struggle. We ask that You would bring godly people into their life to support them and to hold them accountable.
We also ask for your forgiveness, Father, for using any substances that lead to the point of debauchery and or to lose self-control. Today, we come before you with a Spirit of repentance and a Spirit of sobriety. We ask that you give us and the person that we are praying for the strength to overcome any temptation that would lead us to the use of substances that would lead us to lose self-control and to become drunk or high.
We pray that You would restore their health, their relationships, and their joy in You, Father. We ask all of these things in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.
So, let us encourage you today: be strong and courageous, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9 WEB). Remember that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13 WEB). Stand firm in your faith, and know that God is faithful. He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it (1 Corinthians 10:13 WEB).