The path to recovery is more than a single, simple formula, a pill you take to get better, or a to-do list you accomplish. It is more like the spiritual path than many realize. This is not to belittle the science and medical care that goes into addiction treatment (particularly the detox and residential stages). However, recovery and spirituality can go hand in hand. We have seen incredible things when they do.
Recovery and Spirituality and Renewal
God is all about renewal, and recovery is, in essence, the same. Transformation comes from coming in contact with the creator of everything.
(In this article, we will use God to describe this person and power, but you can feel free to use “higher power” or whatever helps you come in contact with God.)
“LORD, my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.” This is a mantra for recovery, especially early recovery. But this is so important for us in our recovery and spirituality journey. We must remember. We must remember God’s faithfulness. We must remember the change brought by God in our lives.
Remember the miracle of renewal that happened when we called on him.
God Is Faithful in Recovery
Maybe you have not experienced it yet, but when we call on God in recovery, he comes to our side. He heals us despite us sometimes. So we pray the prayer of remembrance: I called to you, and you came. This is important because recovery is filled with good and bad times.
But we can have faith in the fact that he has renewed us before and will do it again.
Miracle of Spiritual Community
Now, our miracles might not look like the supernatural we read about in the Bible, but that doesn’t mean they are not miracles (though sometimes they can).
Sometimes, God’s biggest miracles come from “breaking the bread” and then feeding the multitude. Or, even more subtly, he shows himself in other human beings—the miracle of community.
Belonging makes a difference. Being held accountable works. Having someone to call when we are in that broken and afraid state is a lifesaver. This is the spiritual path, and it runs parallel to the path of recovery.
When we step into the journey of faith and do it in a community of believers, we open ourselves to “the taking in and letting go” of life in recovery. The walk of faith. This steady beat of the drum moves us along our daily path of recovery and spirituality.
Prayer in recovery
Fortunately, prayer is an important part of a spiritual walk. It is fortunate because prayer is a foundation for lasting recovery.
In prayer, we find unconditional love, support, and guidance. We are present to the touch that grounds us in the moment and helps us remember the healing and how it brings us a clearer sense of who we are.
Prayer is where we surrender. And surrender is the building block of healing from addiction. We are renewed when we stop trying to control our healing and allow the healer to be the source of our transformation. Of course, this all takes place in prayer.
In prayer, we align with God’s will—God’s will to be for us. Remember, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).
Science of Prayer
If you are still unconvinced or simply are a person of faith who also likes to see the science behind the faith, here are some proven ways prayer can help your recovery journey.
Stress Reduction: Prayer activates the parasympathetic nervous system, counteracting the “fight-or-flight” response and promoting feelings of calm. This can be helpful in managing cravings and emotional triggers.
Increased Self-Awareness: Repetitive prayer or meditation practices enhance focus and introspection. This helps identify negative thought patterns and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Meaning and Purpose: Prayer helps feel a sense of purpose and meaning in life, which can motivate change.
Positive Reinforcement: Repeating affirmations or prayers can positively impact brain chemistry. Similar to mantras, they can boost motivation and self-belief.
Worship in Recovery and Spirituality
The coolest part? Every act of self-care, therapy session, and moment of choosing recovery over relapse is an act of worship. Romans 12:1 tells us to “present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God.”
See yourself not as broken but as a beautiful work in progress, being remade by a loving force. When you worship in recovery, your challenges become strengths. Your transformation becomes a testimony.
Recovery is a lifelong journey, and so is your faith. The beauty is actually in walking it every day. Looking back at how far you have come will be incredible, but it will be the icing on the cake.
Christian Rehab Center in Orange County, CA
Are you looking for a place to find healing from addiction in a Christian environment? Covenant Hills Treatment Center offers Christ-centered addiction treatment. Call us today to discover why that makes a difference in so many lives: 800-662-2873.
