Question: Do you know of a recovery prayer I could use for a group of interfaith retreat guests including some who would not classify themselves as believers of any type of higher power? These people are all in recovery from alcoholism or drug addiction or sexual abuse or trauma and other horrible things and they are all searching for a spiritual outlet, though not necessarily an organized religion outlet?

Ken Sneed Says...:

I hold the belief that since prayer is communication with God, there is no special prayer for a specific event, there is just prayer for whatever the event happens to be.  That's what makes all prayer special.

Give thought to including talking to God about the faith of those who express no faith.  He won't cram faith down their throats if they're not open to it, but he can take advantage to any small amount of openness they may have in their hearts.  With that open window, even a little faith can make a significant difference. 

Pray for the strength of the believer. Pray for the unbeliever to allow the possibility of God to be their "higher power." Pray for those who believe in another god to grasp the love of God.  Pray for all that that their faith in God, as they understand Him, will stand in the gap as they struggle to find peace and healing in His hands.

It doesn't have to be long. It doesn't have to be eloquent. You just have to talk to God about the problems that group struggles with, just as every man and woman struggles with his or her own pet sins: each person's own addiction.

When you don't know how to pray, trust God's spirit to help you:

                                                                                      --Romans 8:26

Question: I’ve found a lot of inspiration from the prayers in the AA Big Book. Can you recommend another good selection of recovery prayers that might be inspirational to a drug addict taking things one day at a time and needing all the help from above he can get?

Ken Sneed Says...:

I would encourage you to read the book of Psalms and pray those to God.  The ones that David prayed when in distress and went to God for help with his problems are great ways for you to pray for help with your addiction.  The "enemies" & "wicked" that he prayed about are personifications of the temptations you wrestle with on a regular basis.