Praying the 12 Steps of Recovery for Those in Addiction: Steps One Through Three

It is my prayer you do not know anyone caught in addiction. If you do, however, I would encourage you to pray. The Bible tells us, "With God, nothing will be impossible." (Luke 1:37) God's power for possibilities was demonstrated throughout Scripture, and continues to be exhibited today in the lives of people just like you and me. There is hope. He is our Hope. (Psalm 71:5)

Today I begin sharing with you some meditations that have emerged as I pray through the 12 Steps of Recovery for those in addiction. I pray you will be blessed:

STEP 1) We admitted we were powerless over our addiction - that our lives had become unmanageable. 

The Principle of HONESTY

“And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t.” Romans 7:18 

Lord, I ask that they would grow weary. Weary of pretending, weary of lies, weary of struggling for control. I ask that they would see their life for what it is. Open their eyes, Lord. Remove the blinders placed on them by years of deception. Show them how they have created this life in chaos, and cause them to reject another moment of it. Soften their hearts and bring them to the realization that they have tried and they have failed; their continued efforts and failures prove they are powerless over their addiction. Help them to see the proof. Lord, I ask you to put that admission in their hearts and on their lips. Bring them to a place of admitting their impotence. Bring them to a place of seeing their intentions for what they are, but recognizing their actions have led them to a place of unruliness. Help them to know that only truth will set them free. Transform them with truth. Amen

STEP 2) Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. 

The Principle of HOPE

“He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins." Romans 8:3b

Lord, I ask You to demonstrate Your love for them in such a way they will know You command the wind and waves; that they will know You are not only able but willing to bring them to a saving knowledge of You and bring them to full restoration. I ask that they would see, would hear, would feel the change You are bringing about in their lives. I ask that they would understand only goodness flows from You. Restore their hope, Lord, by drawing their eyes to You. I ask that they would see every blessing as an affirmation of Your love for them and an assurance of Your desire to see their lives redeemed. I ask that they would taste of Your goodness, that it might become an object of their desire and they would rest firmly and resolutely on Your power to transform. Amen

STEP 3) Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood him. 

The principle of SURRENDER

"Then he said to the crowd, 'If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me.'” Luke 9:23

Oh, Lord, I pray they might relinquish their will and their lives to Your care. Lord, I pray they might give up their desires and their willfulness. Turn their backs on all their efforts and all their failed and foolish plans. Give them to know it is their will that has brought them to this point. I ask that Your grace, Your protection, Your power and Your plan might become attractive to them. That in tasting and seeing Your goodness and the transformation it brings, they would decide to surrender to You. Lord, I ask You to bless their minds, clearing them to make good decisions, decisions that lead to life and fullness of life. Lord, I ask You to bring them to a decision to let go and die to all they have wrought, and choose instead to give themselves over to Your care, Your mercy and Your grace. Amen

Steps Four through Six tomorrow.