Benefits of Prayer for Addiction

six people praying together at a wooden table

If you’ve received addiction treatment and are currently in recovery, then you’ve accomplished an amazing goal.

It can be challenging to get and stay sober after rehab. Staying clean is a conscious decision you have to make every day. There may be moments in your recovery when you feel as if your control is slipping. Whenever you experience these moments of difficulty, the benefits of prayer for addiction can keep you afloat.

The Advantages of Prayer for Addiction Recovery

Many people underestimate the effects of prayer in our lives, but for someone in recovery from a substance abuse problem, praying can come with several added benefits. At Faith in Recovery, we are looking at the power of Christian prayer for recovery to help you through the good times and the bad.

At Faith in Recovery, we understand that reading scripture and prayer can help people recovering from substance abuse heal from the inside out. A person’s spiritual state should never be neglected in sobriety.

The Benefits of Prayer for Drug Addiction

A.W. Tozer famously said, “What comes to your mind when you think about God is the most important thing about you.” If you see God as slow to anger and abounding in loving-kindness (Exodus 34:6), then you’re more likely to find comfort in prayer for addiction recovery.

While many people underestimate the effects of prayer in our lives, praying can come with several added benefits for someone recovering from a substance use problem. At our Christian drug rehabilitation center, we look at the power of scripture and Christian prayer in recovery to help you through the good times and the bad.

Hope

Recovery from addiction can be a trying time. There may be days when you feel like giving up and caving into your cravings, but one of the benefits of praying in addiction recovery is that it can give you hope. When you are feeling weak or struggling, “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). Praying can also remind you that you are never alone in your recovery journey and give you hope for a better future.

Improved Mental Health

Drugs and alcohol can have a major impact on a person’s mental health. Fortunately, prayer also addresses these issues. Some research suggests that regularly praying can lead to mental health benefits. In some cases, prayer has been found to reduce anger, feelings of aggression, anxiety, and depression. ^1,2 Prayer can offer some relief for someone in early recovery who may be experiencing these emotions frequently as they adjust to a new lifestyle.

Self-Reflection

Another advantage of prayer for addiction recovery is its promotion of daily self-reflection. We see this often in clients who recently completed one of our faith-based addiction recovery programs and are new to recovery. These individuals are often still trying to figure out how to navigate their sobriety.

Life can be overwhelming, drug triggers can be everywhere, and there are both good and bad days. However, prayer in recovery allows people to properly manage these distractions and get through difficult moments. As it says in 1 Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” This moment of pause can help individuals in recovery better recognize their emotions and responses to distractions, as well as learn how to react better in the future.

Routine

Many people in recovery benefit from having a set routine in place. In fact, this is something we recommend to all patients in our Christian-based recovery programs. A schedule keeps them going when they may otherwise get complacent with their sobriety. It also leaves less room for boredom.

One of the many benefits of praying every day in recovery is that it helps keep a routine. Whether you pray when you first wake up or right before bed, these few minutes of prayer can help you get back into your routine when you may have otherwise started to stay away from the healthy routine you originally created.

Physical Health Benefits

There may also be some physical health benefits of prayer for sobriety. Research has found correlations between positive religious coping, like praying, among hospitalized patients with improvements in physical health.3 For people in recovery whose bodies are still healing from the damaging effects of drugs and alcohol, praying may help them remain patient, hopeful, and consistent through this process.

Better Self Control

One of the most important benefits of prayer for addiction recovery is its association with better self-control.4 Studies have found that people assigned to pray on a daily basis were found to have better self-control over their drinking habits and drink considerably less than the control group.5 This increased sense of self-control can further reduce the risk of relapse.

Prayer for the Addicted & Recovery

While most substance abuse treatment programs address the physical damage of drug or alcohol abuse, the person’s spiritual state may be put on the back burner. At our residential Christian-based rehab, we believe that prayer is an important part of the recovery journey.

Below are some prayers and Bible verses for addiction recovery that may offer you or a loved one some much-needed support.

The Serenity Prayer by Reinhold Niebuhr

The Serenity Prayer is as follows: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” This prayer focuses on releasing your need for control and leaving things in God’s hands. It emphasizes the importance of humility, courage, and wisdom, which are great things to keep in mind during recovery.

1 Corinthians 10:13

What better prayer to use than a bible verse? In 1 Corinthians 10:13, Paul wrote, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” This prayer is often linked to addiction recovery because it reminds us that regardless of the temptation we succumb to, God will always provide us with a way out. However, you must decide to recover and stay sober.

1 Corinthians 6:12

Another well-known Bible verse that can be used as a recovery prayer is 1 Corinthians 6:12, which reads, “‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say--but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’ -- but I will not be mastered by anything.” Simply put, this prayer emphasizes that just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should. You may have access to drugs and alcohol, but that doesn’t mean substance abuse is beneficial. The verse also warns against allowing something to take hold of you, as addiction does to so many.

Jeremiah 17:14

“Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me, and I will be saved, for You are the one I praise.” This verse can be very helpful for individuals in recovery who are looking for the strength to continue working to get clean. It can be seen as a prayer for addicts. It also complements the 12 steps of recovery.

John 14:27

“Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.” Anything having to do with addiction can be terrifying, especially if an overdose has occurred. It can also be a scary time for parents, spouses, and siblings who have witnessed a loved one struggle with drug or alcohol abuse. This verse can offer comfort to both.

How Can Individuals Express Gratitude And Seek Guidance Away From Addiction Through Prayer?

Expressing gratitude and seeking guidance away from addiction through prayer is a transformative practice that can deeply influence one's journey toward recovery. Here’s a thoughtful approach to crafting such a prayer:

Opening with Gratitude

Begin by acknowledging the divine love and support you have received. This sets a positive tone and connects you with a sense of greater love. For example:

"Dear Lord, I thank You for Your unwavering presence in my life, and for the unconditional love that uplifts me.”

Seeking Divine Guidance

After expressing thanks, it’s important to openly ask for divine help in overcoming addiction. This could be articulated by:

- Praying for strength to resist temptations and guidance to stay on the path of recovery.

- Asking for wisdom to understand the root causes of your addiction and seeking clarity to see the way forward.

Requesting Healing and Liberation

In the heart of the prayer, request specific intervention to break free from the chains of addiction:

- "Please heal my body from the damages of addiction and clear my mind from the fog of cravings.”

- Invoke divine power to break the bondage of addiction and to provide protection against relapse.

Committing to Change

Conclude your prayer with a commitment to change and an expression of gratitude for future victories:

- Promise to use your renewed life as a testament to divine grace.

- Affirm your dedication to sharing your journey and the strength you’ve gained with others who might be struggling.

Closing with Faith

End your prayer with a reaffirmation of your faith and trust in divine power:

“In your compassionate name, I trust in my healing and in your providence. Amen.”

By praying in such a manner, individuals can utilize their faith as a powerful tool in their recovery process, acknowledging their gratitude for divine support while actively seeking freedom from addiction.

How can people seek deliverance from addiction through prayer at the church?

Through Prayer at Church When confronting the challenges of addiction, many find solace and support through prayer within the church community. This journey involves both personal and communal spiritual practices that contribute towards healing and liberation.

Turning to Prayer for Support

Prayer serves as a powerful tool for those battling addiction. It provides a way to communicate their struggles and seek strength beyond themselves. Church members often gather to pray collectively for those affected, lifting their concerns to a higher power and asking for healing and protection.

1. Confession and Forgiveness: In church, individuals are encouraged to confess their struggles with addiction. This confession is not just a verbal acknowledgment but an act of trust in the divine power for forgiveness and cleansing, as promised in many religious texts.

2. Spiritual Intervention: Through prayer, individuals ask for the Holy Spirit to work within them—convicting, guiding, and motivating towards repentance. This spiritual intervention is key to breaking free from the cycle of addiction, allowing individuals to align their desires with their spiritual goals.

3. Personal and Communal Healing: Prayers at church often focus on both personal relief and community support. This dual approach ensures that those struggling are not facing their battles alone but are surrounded by a community that cares and intervenes spiritually on their behalf.

Implementing Practical Steps

Inspired by Faith Prayer also leads to actionable steps within the church environment:

- Support Systems: Churches can organize support groups or partner with local addiction recovery programs. These groups provide a network of accountability, guidance, and ongoing counsel.

- Educational Workshops: Many churches host workshops that teach how to deal with addictions, set healthy boundaries, and sever harmful relationships—all in a spiritually supportive environment.

- Fostering Healthy Relationships: Prayer groups and church activities help cultivate new, healthy relationships that reinforce one’s commitment to recovery.

Emphasis on Divine Strength and Hope

Importantly, church teachings often highlight that no challenge is too great with spiritual backing. This reinforces a sense of hope and resilience. Praying for divine strength to bolster one's weak points can lead to profound inner change and a renewed spirit, essential for overcoming addiction.

In essence, seeking deliverance from addiction through church-based prayer involves a blend of heartfelt supplication, community support, and practical steps guided by faith. This holistic approach not only addresses the spiritual and emotional aspects but also encourages practical strategies to ensure lasting freedom from addiction.

Addiction Recovery Help

If you have yet to get started on the road to recovery, stop waiting. Our Christian drug rehab offers various addiction treatment programs to support full-term physical and mental recovery. For more information about our services, call Faith in Recovery today at 888-280-4763 or send us your contact information, and one of our admissions specialists will reach out to you.

Sources:

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