Novena of Renewal: Seeking Saints’ Intercession in Addiction Recovery
A LGBTQ+ friendly Novena for Recovery
Early recovery can be a profoundly challenging and perplexing journey. If you've walked this path, you understand the importance of fellowship and camaraderie. Peer to peer support is essential. In moments of struggle and transformation, we turn to the power of prayer as a source of comfort and guidance. We develop spiritual practices that can serve as guides and foundations for life's challenges in recovery. This is where the transformative potential of novenas comes into play.
What is a novena?
A novena is a nine-day cycle of prayer. The term comes from the Latin word “novem” meaning nine. Novenas are unique in that the prayer cycle holds the same prayer intention and is often prayed to a saint who can empathize with our situation or who serves as a particular example of faithful Christian living. I chose to create a novena using a multitude of saints who might speak to queer persons in early recovery. This novena would be particularly appropriate for someone brand new to recovery or returning after a relapse or slip.
Why pray to saints?
Praying to, or asking for the intercession of saints, is a cherished practice in Christian traditions. We turn to saints because they're like beacons of inspiration, living examples of Christian faith and virtue. These saints aren't just historical figures; they're seen as friends in high places with a direct line to the Divine.
We ask for their prayers much like we'd ask a trusted friend for support during tough times. Moreover, each saint tends to specialize in certain areas, like Saint Anthony helping us find lost items or Saint Francis caring for animals and the environment. This practice fosters a sense of unity among believers, reminding us that we're part of a spiritual family that spans generations and cultures. It's a tradition that's been cherished for centuries, a way to honor the saints who've left their mark on the faith.
Why Write a Special Novena for LGBTQ+ Christians in Recovery?
The answer to this question is as unique as each individual's recovery journey. LGBTQ+ Christians in recovery face distinct challenges, celebrate unique triumphs, and navigate a path unlike others. Crafting a novena tailored specifically for this community is an affirmation of our experiences. It acknowledges that every journey toward healing is deserving of dedicated support and spiritual guidance. It acknowledges there are no two identical recovery journeys.
In this novena we will familiarize ourselves with nine saints who exemplify qualities that offer us hope, strength, and unique spiritual experiences.
Their stories resonate not just with our struggles but also with our aspirations and our quest for authenticity. Through their narratives, we find not just inspiration but divine guidance. Each day of this novena will be a meaningful and reflective experience, offering heartfelt prayers and contemplative reflections that will gently and persistently guide you along your unique path towards healing and renewal. Each day’s prayers end with a charge for continued action.
Day 1: St. Augustine’s Transformation
"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." - Psalm 51:10 (NIV)
Introduction:
In this journey of recovery, we hold Saint Augustine as an example, a beloved figure in Christian history. His transformation resonates with our own struggles and hopes. Before his conversion, Augustine's life was a tapestry woven with the threads of worldly pleasures and an unceasing quest for intellectual and bodily fulfillment. He dwelled in the realm of human desires, wrestling with inner turmoil and an insatiable longing. His journey mirrors our own, marked by moments of triumph and the relentless pursuit of meaning.
Saint Augustine once said, "You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You."
Prayer:
Dear Saint Augustine, as we commence our recovery journey, we seek your intercession. Your life before conversion reminds us that even amidst our pursuit of earthly desires and inner battles, there exists the potential for transformation—a renewal of heart and spirit.
Lord of transformation, through Saint Augustine's intercession, grant us the courage to confront our past, acknowledge our mistakes, and seek your grace for renewal. As we navigate the early stages of recovery, bestow upon us the strength to confront our inner struggles with unwavering determination and faith. Remind us that even in our darkest moments, your divine light can pierce through, illuminating our path toward recovery and healing.
May Saint Augustine's journey be a beacon, guiding us through turbulent times and towards transformation and renewal. With humility, we seek your favor as we take these initial steps towards renewal. Amen
Charge for Continued Action:
Reflect upon Saint Augustine's journey and draw inspiration to take meaningful action. Extend your hand to those grappling with similar struggles, offer your support, and let compassion guide you. Strive for authenticity in your recovery journey, understanding that you possess the potential for profound transformation and renewal through divine grace.
Glory to the Creator,
Redeemer, and Sustainer,
As it was in the beginning,
Is now, and ever shall be,
World without end. Amen.