O CHRIST OUR REDEEMER, who ministered freedom to those ensnared in the lies of the devil, and healing to those broken by the awful burden of sin’s heavy toll: Look with your same compassion upon all of these who have lost their health and freedom through the mortal menace of substance abuse, painful injury comforted through helpful drugs that became brutal taskmasters causing self-loathing dependency, and other manifestations of addiction; granting your suffering children a glimpse of the glory of your mercy and the ever-present offer of your everlasting forgiveness; removing the phantom fears that seize them in the night and the repulsive shame that degrades them in the day; granting your strength to overcome addiction’s beguiling powers with the greater power of Calvary’s love; and giving the Father’s grace, an abundance of the Spirit’s patience, Christ-inspired understanding and love to their parents, spouses, family, physicians, nurses, counselors, teachers, clergy, friends, and all who courageously cross over the safe lines of self-preserving distance to break the spell of addiction and bring hope and healing. For these we pray, O Jesus our Savior. Please, Lord. Let them be free again. Amen.
—M.A. Milton
