When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him,
and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick.
(Matthew 8:16 NIV)
There are times in life when you feel powerless to change a situation, and all you can do is offer support to those affected and pray for them. Saturday night, I had a conversation with a friend in this difficult position. Her husband, whom she has been married to for almost 35 years, is a successful businessman, active in many church and para-church organizations, and generally well-respected in the community. Together, they raised three adult children and now have two grandchildren.
Sadly, he has succumbed to a temptation that is stronger than his relationships with his Lord, his wife, his children, or his family. Despite numerous attempts by family, business partners, and close friends to intervene, including his time in recovery programs, each promise to change has been broken by poor choices.
Alcohol is his temptation. Dare I say, it is a demon.
After years of trying to cope with this intolerable situation, his wife finally drew the proverbial “red line” and is holding him to it.
I don’t have personal experience with addiction, nor have I been close to someone struggling with it. But I see the impact it has on those around me: children born with fetal alcohol syndrome, preteens who are taught to be bartenders at their parents’ parties, adult children who repeat the same destructive habits as their addicted parents, and families torn apart by a loved one’s addiction.
I can’t change the circumstances my friend is facing, but I can pray for them and offer her support and encouragement. I don’t fully understand what drives a grown, mature, spiritually sensitive man to choose alcohol over his relationships with his family and faith. But I do know that Jesus cast out demons from many people, and so I believe it’s fitting to pray against the demon of addiction in this situation. Please join me in praying for all who struggle with addiction, and for those who love them.
Strong God,
We come before you today to pray for those trapped in addiction—whether it be to substances, pornography, social media, gaming, gambling, or any other form of bondage. We know that anything that enslaves a person comes from our enemy, so, in the name of Jesus, we ask you to break the chains and soul ties that bind people to their addictions. Where there is demonic influence, we declare NO MORE to those forces. We stand against the darkness of addiction and declare freedom and peace over those affected. We also pray that your Church will provide the support and an environment for healing so addicts can live a redeemed life full of hope and abundance. We lift up the loved ones and friends of addicts, asking for wisdom, strength, and courage in the difficult decisions they must make. Surround them with loving, wise, and encouraging people who can support them as they wait for the chains of addiction to be broken. Give them strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow. Holy Spirit, move powerfully in these situations so the lost can be found, the broken can be healed, and your glory can be revealed. We ask all of this in Jesus’s name, AMEN.
“… the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.” (Romans 8:21 NIV)