Alcohol addiction is a painful battle that not only affects the person struggling but also the families and loved ones who long for healing. In times of despair, turning to God in prayer can be a powerful way to find strength, restoration, and hope. Through Scripture, we are reminded that God’s mercy is endless, and His power to heal is greater than any addiction.
Praying for an alcoholic is more than asking for freedom from a harmful habit—it is interceding for their soul, their health, and their future. These prayers, grounded in the Word of God, lift up those in bondage and place them into the hands of the One who delivers. As you pray through these verses, believe that chains can be broken, and lives can be restored by God’s unfailing love.
23 Prayer For An Alcoholic
1. Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (ESV)
Addiction often leaves people feeling broken and ashamed, but God draws closest to those who are hurting. He does not turn away from the crushed spirit but promises to save and restore. This verse reassures us that no one is too far gone for God’s mercy.
Lord, I pray for the one struggling with alcoholism. Be near to their broken heart and lift their crushed spirit. Save them from despair and remind them that they are never alone in this battle.
2. Isaiah 41:10
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” (KJV)
Fear and weakness can consume someone fighting addiction, but God promises His strength and help. His righteous hand upholds even when everything feels unstable. This verse offers courage to keep pressing forward in faith.
Heavenly Father, strengthen the alcoholic who feels powerless against their addiction. Uphold them with Your righteous hand and remind them of Your presence. Help them walk in freedom without fear or shame.
3. John 8:36
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (ESV)
True freedom from addiction cannot come by human willpower alone—it is given by Christ. Jesus breaks chains that enslave the body, mind, and soul. This verse reminds us that freedom in Him is complete and lasting.
Lord Jesus, I ask You to set the alcoholic free. Break every chain of bondage and give them lasting freedom. Let them know the true liberty that only You can provide.
4. 1 Corinthians 10:13
“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” (KJV)
Temptation is powerful, but God’s faithfulness is stronger. He always provides a way of escape for those who seek Him. This verse encourages alcoholics to trust that God equips them to endure and overcome.
Lord, I pray You show a way of escape for the one battling alcoholism. Strengthen them when temptation rises and guide their steps toward safety. Help them lean on You instead of their weakness.
5. Romans 12:2
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (ESV)
Addiction clouds judgment and binds the mind, but God promises renewal through His Spirit. Transformation happens when the heart and mind are surrendered to Him. This verse calls for a life of change through God’s guidance.
Lord, renew the mind of the alcoholic and transform their desires. Replace destructive habits with Your will that is good and perfect. Let their life be a testimony of Your power to make all things new.
6. Psalm 107:13-14
“Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and burst their bonds apart.” (ESV)
God delivers those who cry out to Him, no matter how deep the darkness. He bursts apart the chains that hold people captive. This verse offers hope that God can bring alcoholics into the light of freedom.
Lord, hear the cry of the alcoholic in their trouble. Deliver them from the darkness of addiction and burst every chain. Lead them into a life of freedom and healing.
7. Matthew 11:28
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (KJV)
Addiction brings exhaustion and burdens too heavy to carry alone. Jesus calls the weary to find rest in Him. This verse reminds us that He offers relief from life’s struggles.
Lord Jesus, I lift the alcoholic into Your hands. Give them rest from their heavy burden and restore their soul. Replace their exhaustion with peace and strength in You.
8. Proverbs 20:1
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” (KJV)
This verse speaks directly about the dangers of alcohol. It reminds us that it deceives and destroys, leading to unwise choices. God warns His children to avoid being trapped by its power.
Lord, open the eyes of the alcoholic to see the destruction alcohol causes. Give them wisdom to turn away from it and choose life. Help them walk in Your truth instead of deception.
9. 2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (ESV)
Through Christ, anyone can be made new regardless of past mistakes. Addiction does not define a person’s future when they belong to Him. This verse offers hope of transformation into a new life.
Lord, I pray the alcoholic may become a new creation in Christ. Let their past struggles be washed away. Bring forth a new beginning filled with hope and healing.
10. James 5:16
“Therefore confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” (ESV)
Healing often comes through confession and prayer within community. Addiction thrives in secrecy, but prayer brings light and freedom. This verse emphasizes the power of prayer in overcoming struggles.
Lord, I pray for healing through prayer and support for the alcoholic. Surround them with people who will lift them up in love. Let the power of prayer bring transformation and wholeness.
11. Galatians 5:1
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” (KJV)
Christ gives liberty, but addiction seeks to enslave again. This verse reminds us to stand firm in the freedom Christ provides. Freedom is not temporary but a lasting gift from Him.
Lord, help the alcoholic stand firm in freedom. Break the yoke of bondage and keep them from falling back. Let their liberty in Christ be unshakable.
12. 1 Peter 5:7
“Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (ESV)
Many turn to alcohol to escape anxiety, but God invites us to cast our worries on Him. His care is greater than any false comfort. This verse is a reminder of His deep compassion.
Lord, teach the alcoholic to give their anxieties to You. Replace their fear with peace and comfort. Show them Your care in every moment of weakness.
13. Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (KJV)
Overcoming addiction feels impossible, but Christ provides the strength needed. This verse reminds us that His power makes all things possible. Strength is not found within but through Him.
Lord, strengthen the alcoholic with Your mighty power. Let them find courage in Christ to overcome temptation. May Your strength carry them to victory and freedom.
14. Psalm 18:2
“The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” (KJV)
God is a secure refuge for those in need of deliverance. He is a fortress and a stronghold against temptation and destruction. This verse reminds us of His power to save.
Lord, be the fortress and deliverer for the alcoholic. Protect them from harm and strengthen their trust in You. Surround them with Your saving power.
15. Jeremiah 30:17
“For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord.” (KJV)
Addiction damages both body and soul, but God promises restoration and healing. He is the Great Physician who mends wounds and renews life. This verse brings hope of recovery.
Lord, restore the health of the alcoholic and heal their inner wounds. Renew their spirit and body with Your touch. Let them experience complete restoration in You.
16. Hebrews 4:16
“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (ESV)
Those battling addiction can feel unworthy, but God invites us to His throne of grace. His mercy is available in every time of need. This verse assures us of His readiness to help.
Lord, I pray the alcoholic approaches Your throne with confidence. Pour out mercy and grace in their time of need. Let Your love cover them completely.
17. Ephesians 6:11
“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (KJV)
Addiction is a spiritual battle as much as a physical one. God equips His children with armor to resist temptation and the enemy’s schemes. This verse reminds us to fight with spiritual strength.
Lord, clothe the alcoholic with Your armor. Help them stand against temptation and every plan of the enemy. Give them victory in this spiritual battle.
18. Lamentations 3:22-23
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (ESV)
Every new day brings fresh mercy from God. Even when addiction has caused failures, His love never ends. This verse assures us that His faithfulness brings new chances to start again.
Lord, remind the alcoholic of Your steadfast love. Let them wake each day with new hope and fresh mercy. Surround them with Your unending faithfulness.
19. Psalm 40:1-2
“I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.” (KJV)
Addiction can feel like a deep pit, but God lifts us out with His hand. He sets our feet on a firm foundation. This verse gives hope that no pit is too deep for His rescue.
Lord, lift the alcoholic out of their pit of addiction. Place their feet on the rock of Your salvation. Establish their path in freedom and hope.
20. 2 Timothy 1:7
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (ESV)
Addiction thrives on fear and lack of self-control, but God gives a new Spirit. His Spirit empowers us with love and discipline. This verse assures us that He equips His children to overcome.
Lord, fill the alcoholic with Your Spirit of power and self-control. Remove fear and replace it with courage. Let Your love guide their steps to victory.
21. Psalm 91:14-15
“Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.” (KJV)
God promises deliverance to those who love Him. He answers when we call and stays present in trouble. This verse reassures us that He honors His children with His saving power.
Lord, deliver the alcoholic who calls on Your name. Be with them in their trouble and answer with grace. Honor their cry with freedom and healing.
22. Micah 7:8
“Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me.” (ESV)
Addiction may cause repeated falls, but God gives the strength to rise again. Even in darkness, His light shines. This verse declares hope in the face of failure.
Lord, help the alcoholic rise each time they fall. Shine Your light in their darkest moments. Let them never lose hope in Your power to restore.
23. Revelation 21:5
“And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new.” (KJV)
God specializes in making all things new, no matter how broken. Addiction cannot erase His power to restore. This verse promises a new beginning for those who trust Him.
Lord, I pray You make all things new for the alcoholic. Heal their past and give them a future filled with hope. Let their life be a testimony of Your redeeming love.
Conclusion
Praying for an alcoholic is a way of lifting them into the hands of the One who restores, heals, and delivers. Each verse and prayer reflects God’s heart for freedom and His power to break chains that seem unbreakable. Addiction does not have the final word—God’s love and mercy do.
As you intercede for the alcoholic in your life, trust that God hears and answers. Believe in His ability to transform hearts and renew lives. May these prayers strengthen your faith and bring hope to those who are hurting, pointing them to the everlasting freedom found in Christ.
