As I experience ministry to addicts and their families, I am convinced that we are all addicts... addicted to sin. Addiction recovery contains many great lessons for all our struggles to follow God's Will. This Sunday at my church we will focus on how to comfort and care for those that struggle with addiction. I just wanted to share this prayer of confession that we will be using this Sunday as we explore how to best care for friends in the crisis of addiction.
Prayer of Confession
(Adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous 12 Steps)
Liturgist: If we say that we have no sin, then the truth is not in us. Let us confess our sin and seek God’s redeeming forgiveness together:
Gracious God, we admit that we are powerless over sin. We have come to believe that only Your Power, far greater than our own, can restore us to righteousness. We turn our will and our lives over to Your care. As we make a searching and fearless inventory of ourselves, we admit this day the wrongs we have done. We are ready for You to remove these defects of character and this we humbly ask. We are ready to make amends wherever needed or helpful. We pray that You will help us to maintain our humility and move us to confession often. Draw us to an improved conscious contact with You, give us knowledge of Your Will and the power to carry out this Divine Will. And Lord, help us carry this transforming message of spiritual awakening and grace to all the ends of the earth. Amen.
Liturgist: Hear the Good News…. You are forgiven! You are not alone. You are loved.
