A Prayer for a Friend Struggling With Alcohol
A prayer for a friend struggling with alcohol hands your friend to God and asks for wisdom about your part. You don’t have to fix them. Begin here: “Lord, my friend is in trouble with drinking. Reach them. Use me if You want to, and keep me from getting in the way. Amen.”
If your friend talks about ending their life, call or text 988 with them, or call 911.
The prayer
“Jesus, You had friends, and You knew what it was to watch them struggle. I’m bringing You ______. I see how the drinking is changing them. They laugh less. They cancel more. They say it’s fine, and I don’t think it is.
Protect them tonight, on the road and at home. Let the truth reach them in a way they can hear. Surround them with people who are honest and kind. If they’re ready for help, bring it close. If they aren’t ready yet, keep them alive and safe until they are.
And make me a good friend. Give me courage to say the true thing once, with love. Keep me from nagging, gossiping or giving up. Teach me to stay close without pretending. Amen.”
What the Bible says about friends
A real friend stays through the bad seasons.
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
Christians are told to help carry each other’s burdens.
“Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
Carrying a burden is different from carrying a person. You can help your friend without taking over their life.
How to bring it up
Pick a quiet time when they’re sober. Use “I” words: “I’ve noticed you’ve been drinking a lot, and I’m worried about you.” Name one or two things you’ve seen. Then stop talking and listen.
Don’t diagnose them, and don’t try to win. If they push back, say, “Okay. I love you, and I’m here.” For more on that talk, read how to talk to someone about their drinking.
Ways to stay a good friend
- Invite them to things that don’t involve alcohol: breakfast, a walk, a game.
- Don’t lend money you suspect will go to drinking.
- Don’t cover for them with their spouse or boss.
- If they decide to get sober, show up. Go to a meeting with them if they want company.
If they plan to give up alcohol after heavy daily drinking, gently push them to see a doctor first.
Safety first. If you drink heavily every day, stopping suddenly can be dangerous. Talk to a doctor before you quit.
Talk it through with Jimmy or Sarah — first month free
Jimmy and Sarah are AI sponsors who know the Twelve Steps and the Bible. They'll listen, walk the steps with you, and keep pointing you to real people: a meeting, a sponsor, a church.
Free to download · first month free, no card · adults 18+
After the first month, talking with Jimmy or Sarah needs Plus ($9.99/month or $59.99/year).
Try this week
Text your friend something that has nothing to do with drinking: “Thinking of you. Coffee Saturday?” Then pray for them by name every day until you meet.
Common questions
Should I tell my friend I'm praying for them?
If you know them well, it's usually kind to say, "I've been praying for you." Skip the sermon that might come after it. Let the prayer be a gift, not a hint.
Should I stop drinking around my friend?
If your friend is trying to get sober, yes. Don't drink in front of them, and don't invite them to places built around drinking. It's a small cost for you and a big help for them.
What if my friend gets angry when I bring it up?
That's common. You said it once with love, and that matters. Stay friends, keep praying, and let them know the door is open when they want to talk.
Talk it through with Jimmy or Sarah — first month free
Jimmy and Sarah are AI sponsors who know the Twelve Steps and the Bible. They'll listen, walk the steps with you, and keep pointing you to real people: a meeting, a sponsor, a church.
Free to download · first month free, no card · adults 18+
After the first month, talking with Jimmy or Sarah needs Plus ($9.99/month or $59.99/year).
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