Today we pray the fourth day of our Novena to Matt Talbot for Alcoholics. Like yesterday we begin with:
PRAYER FOR THE ADDICTED
God of mercy, we bless You in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who ministered to all who come to Him. Give Your strength to N., Your servant, bound by the chains of addiction. Enfold him/her in Your love and restore him/her to the freedom of God’s children. Lord, look with compassion on all those who have lost their health and freedom. Restore to them the assurance of Your unfailing mercy, and strengthen them in the work of recovery. To those who care for them, grant patient understanding and a love that perseveres. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Endurance is a recurring personal theme for me recently. Focusing on the person that is the subject of your prayer, however, what might they be enduring as they are going through the suffering they are experiencing?
Despair, probably. The despair of never being free from their addiction and never being able to enjoy life without their drug of choice.
Imagine the darkness they are in. You have most likely been there as well. Remember it and pray that they will see through it as you did. Reach out if you can and connect with them. Give them the hope they lack. You’ve been through it and they can, too.
If you, however are the one that is there, know that it does get better with perseverance. There is nothing so unique about your sufferings now that will make you an exception.
Others have made it through the darkness, I did.
We conclude the daily novena with:
Official Prayer for the Canonization of Blessed Matt Talbot
“Lord, in your servant, Matt Talbot you have given us a wonderful example of triumph over addiction, of devotion to duty, and of lifelong reverence of the Holy Sacrament. May his life of prayer and penance give us courage to take up our crosses and follow in the footsteps of Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Father, if it be your will that your beloved servant should be glorified by your Church, make known by your heavenly favours the power he enjoys in your sight. We ask this through the same Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.”
The source of these prayers is Circle of Prayer – Matt Talbot Intercedes for Alcoholics .
My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)