A Liturgy For A Person Suffering From Addiction Or From Substance Abuse

The problems of addiction and substance abuse are among the most severe problems facing our culture today. Whereas some worshiping communities have remained silent about members who may be faced with these problems, worship services, such as the one outlined here, that identify the problem, offer prayers on behalf of those who suffer, and proclaim the hope that Christ embodies may be important occasions for healing and renewed commitment for those who suffer and for the whole community.

Gathering for Worship

(When the community has gathered, a suitable song may be sung. After the singing, the minister says:)

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,

(All make the sign of the cross and reply:)

Amen.

(A minister who is a priest or deacon greets those present in the following or other suitable words, taken mainly from sacred Scripture:)

The Lord be with you.

All: And also with you.

(A lay minister greets those present in the following words:)

Let us praise God our Creator, who gives us courage and strength, now and forever.

Amen.

(In the following or similar words, the minister prepares those present for the blessing:)

God created the world and all things in it and entrusted them into our hands that we might use them for our good and for the building up of the church and human society. Today we pray for [Name], that God may strengthen him/her in his/her weakness and restore him/her to the freedom of God's children. We pray also for ourselves that we may encourage and support him/her in the days ahead.

Reading of the Word of God

(A reader, another person present, or the minister reads a text of sacred Scripture:)

Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the second letter of Paul to the Corinthians 4:6–9: We are afflicted, but not crushed.

For it is the God who said, "?Let light shine out of darkness,?" who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.

(These texts may also be read:)

Isaiah 63:7–9—He has favored us according to his mercy.

Romans 8:18–25—I consider the sufferings of the present to be as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed in us.

Matthew 15:21–28—Women, you have great faith.

(As circumstances suggest, one of the following responsorial psalms may be sung or said, or some other suitable song.)

Psalm 121

I lift up my eyes toward the mountains;

whence shall help come to me?

My help is from the Lord

who made heaven and earth.

May he not suffer your foot to slip;

may he slumber not who guards you:

Indeed he neither slumbers nor sleeps,

the guardian of Israel.

The Lord is your guardian; the Lord is your shade;

he is beside you at your right hand.

The sun shall not harm you by day,

nor the moon by night.

The Lord will guard you from all evil;

he will guard you life.

The Lord will guard your coming and your going,

both now and forever.

[or]

(v. 2) Our help is from the Lord who made heaven and earth.

[or]

Psalm 130:1–2, 3–4, 5–6, 7–8

[or]

(v. 5) My soul trusts in the Lord.

(As circumstances suggest, the minister may give those present a brief explanation of the biblical text, so that they may understand through faith the meaning of the celebration.)

Intercessions

(The intercessions are then said. The minister introduces them, and an assisting minister or one of those present announces the intentions. From the following those best suited to the occasion may be used or adapted, or other intentions that apply to the particular circumstances may be composed.)

Minister: Our God gives us life and constantly calls us to new life; let us pray to God with confidence.