Prayer for Those in an Unhealthy Lifestyle
Praying for those living an unhealthy lifestyle is a way for family members and friends to help those we love. Unhealthy lifestyles include anything that is contrary to what’s written in the Bible about God’s way of living. The Bible tells what types of behaviors are considered wrong and sinful, whether it is something morally, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, socially or physically harmful or unhealthy. These unhealthy behaviors harm the individual, their relationship with God and their relationship to others. Here is a prayer to bring God’s power into the life of the individual living an unhealthy lifestyle.
Prayer for those in an unhealthy lifestyle
Dear Lord, I come to you today deeply concerned for ______________________________
You know my love for them and you know that I want your best for their life. The unhealthy lifestyle they have chosen worries me because it doesn’t line up with the things you tell us in the Bible about the way you want us to live our lives. Here is the specific situation that is worrying me ____________________________
I pray that you will open up your Word in the Bible to me so I might discover what you have said to us about living this way. Here are the Bible passages that seem to speak to this situation__________________
In light of your Word in the Bible, I pray against the unhealthy behaviors they are currently embracing. I pray the following verses for them:
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God‘s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2 NIV)
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” ( Ephesians 4:22,23 NIV)
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8 NIV)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. (Hebrews 12:1 NIV)
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double- minded… Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. (James 4:7,8,10 NIV)
This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. (I John 4:9,10 NIV)
Lord, as I pray for them, I pray for myself. Please guide me about what I should do.
Please show me how to be Christ to them. Please speak to me and show me ways to express my love to them even though I don’t agree with their unhealthy lifestyle. Help me communicate my care, concern and willingness to be there for them when they are ready to reach out. I listen now for your guidance ________________________________________________________________
Lord, I feel very sad about this situation. Here is what is breaking my heart about it _____________________________________
Please send me your reassurance that you have heard my prayer and are at work in this situation. I claim this verse “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34: 17,18 NIV)
Lord, I need your power. Please empower me with your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. (Galatians 5:22,23) Here is a specific situation where I need your power right now ___________________________________________________________
Lord, I don’t know what to say and what not to say. Please direct me now _________________________
I don’t want to do anything to enable this unhealthy lifestyle. Please show me things that I may be doing that keeps them from facing and experiencing the natural consequences of their behavior _____________________
Lord, I dread seeing them ruin their lives and hurt themselves and others by their behavior. I dread seeing them lose things like jobs, friends, reputation and educational opportunities. I dread seeing them get in legal or financial trouble. At the same time, I know that losses may be a part of your plan as a wake up call to help them realize they are on a destructive path so they can repent and turn to you. I now lay before you my fears on these matters, believing that you are a God of restoration who can make all things new ____________________________________________________________________
I pray that you will send others to them who have walked in their shoes and who have found the power of repentance and the power you give to overcome.
I pray that you will help me find a group of supporters who can walk with me during this time. Here are ways you are bringing to my mind to find help for myself _________________________________
I pray this believing that you are able to do immeasurably more than all I ask or imagine, according to the power of Chris that is at work within me. Amen. (Ephesians 3: 20)
Other Helpful Articles
Copyright Karen Barber 2016. All rights reserved.
