Praying to Saints, those that have passed on before us, is a practice in many churches, most famously in the catholic faith. The saints symbolize hope and can be a powerful intercessor for addicted people.
Finding support groups to pray with increases recovery success rates. But when we are alone, and when substance abuse and the chains of addiction bind us, praying to be released from unhealthy physical desires and bring us good health calls upon the grace of God to heal us.
As creatures of God and his children, we aren’t defined by our addictions and our struggles to defeat the addictions; the love of Jesus Christ grants us grace. And for those who struggle with the enslaving bonds of addiction, deep faith in the miracles of the Saints of addiction recovery is a symbol of hope.
Along with prayer, you can use the power of prayer books like Catholic devotionals, holy oil, and a prayer coin to break the enslaving bonds of addiction.
Who are the Saints of Addiction Recovery?
Maximilian Kolbe Prayer for Addiction (Patron Saint of Alcoholics)
Saint Maximilian Kolbe is the most well-known patron saint of addiction. He was a war hero; he laid down his own life to save the life of a family man. St. Maximilian Kolbe was a Polish Franciscan friar and priest. Kolbe was also a martyr of World War II. He was kept as a prisoner in the Auschwitz concentration camp.
Below are prayers said to St. Maximilian Kolbe, the Saint of Addiction Recovery:
Family and Friends Prayer for the Addicted Saint Maximilian Maria Kolbe, your life of love and labor for souls was sacrificed amid the horrors of a concentration camp and hastened to its end by an injection of a deadly drug. Look with compassion upon (name) who is now entrapped in addiction to drugs and whom we now recommend to your powerful intercession. Having offered your own life to preserve that of a family man, we turn to you with trust, confident that you will understand and help. Obtain for us the grace never to withhold our love and understanding, nor to fail in persevering prayer that the enslaving bonds of addiction may be broken and that full health and freedom may be restored to him/her whom we love. We will never cease to be grateful to God, who has helped us and heard your prayer for us. AMEN
Prayer of 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 (name) 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
More prayers to Saint Maximillian can be found on the Kolbe Mission website.
Saint Augustine
Even in modern times, the writings of St. Augustine are a beacon of light for many because of how relatable, effective, and powerful they are. His feast day is August 28.
Holy Spirit Prayer of St. Augustine Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, That my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, That my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, That I love but what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, To defend all that is holy. Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, That I always may be holy. AMEN
Mark Ji TianXiang (Patron for Recovery from Drug Addiction)
The St. Mark Ji TianXiang was a doctor in 19th-century China. He was a devout Catholic and a doctor, and he did a lot of charity work by treating the poor for free. He became ill and started taking opium. He developed an addiction and shamed his family.
Due to his opium addiction, he was told that he could not receive the sacraments until he left his addiction behind and confessed.
St. Mark Ji was imprisoned during the Boxer Rebellion in 1900. Among the fellow prisoners were his family members. St. Mark Ji Tianxiang asked to be the last one to die, so none of his family or friends had to die alone. He was canonized in 2000 by Pope John Paul II. His feast day is on July 7.
Prayer to the Patron Saint of Persons with Addiction Disorder O HOLY MYSTERY OF LOVE, St. Mark Ji Tianxiang's radical accompaniment and understanding of the complexities of the human condition remind us that we are more than a collection of symptoms. We are called to work with You, in our own imperfect way, to achieve wholeness. Recommit us today to serve you earnestly With our hands, our eyes, our thoughts, and our hearts. All you Holy Men and Women, pray for us. AMEN.
Patron Saint Mary of Egypt (Patron Saint of Penitents)
The Saint Mary of Egypt prayed to the Virgin Mary statue in a church courtyard. She had tried to enter the church three times but could not. A force kept her out.
Saint Mary of Egypt prayed to the Virgin Mary, asking to be let into the church and that she would renounce all earthly things. God and her repentance led her to lead the rest of her humble life in a penitential manner. For all addicts, she is the true beacon of hope. Her feast day is on April 1. You can get her recovery rosary and start your repentance today.
Prayer for Purity Oh Sweet Mary, Mother of God, you gave birth to the Word made Flesh, Jesus Christ. Overlook my impurity and have compassion on me as I gaze upon your loveliness. Our good God, Who came forth from your spotless womb, became man to call sinners like me to repentance. Help me, Ever Virgin Mary, and allow me to see the Holy Cross on which your Son suffered and shed His Precious Blood for the redemption of mankind. Pray that I will remain pure and never again give in to the temptations of this fallen world. All loving Mother, may God be glorified to receive the conversion of contrite souls who turn to you for help. Mary most pure, lead me by the hand along the path of repentance and open for me the doors to Christ your Son, that I may maintain my resolve to change my heart and live a holy life. AMEN
Other Prayers
Other people of God can be added to our list of patron saints. They are well known for their battles with addiction. These include the venerable Matt Talbot, St. Matthias, St. Monica, and St. Camillus de Lellis. Find your patron, pray to the divine, and ask for strength to live a life of sobriety.
St. Jude Prayer God of life, You made me in Your perfect image, to live in Your love and to give You glory, honor and praise. Open my heart to Your healing power. Come, Lord Jesus, calm my soul just as you whispered "Peace" to the stormy sea. St. Jude, most holy Apostle, in my need I reach out to you. I beg you to intercede for me that I may find strength to overcome my illness. Bless all those who struggle with addiction. Touch them, heal them, reassure them of the Father's constant love. Remain at my side, St. Jude, to chase away all evil temptations, fears, and doubts. May the quiet assurance of your loving presence illuminate the darkness in my heart and bring lasting peace. Amen.
Matt Talbot Prayer Lord, you give us the example of Venerable Matt Talbot as a man who seemed completely lost and beyond your grace. In a single moment, you pierced his heart and changed his mind, leading him back to you. Jesus, I pray for this same conversion and transformation for (Mention Name Here) in your perfect will and timing and for your greater glory. Amen.
A Prayer to St. Monica Dear St. Monica, troubled wife and mother, many sorrows pierced your heart during your lifetime. Yet you never despaired or lost faith. With confidence, persistence and profound faith, you prayed daily for the conversion of your beloved husband, Patricius, and your beloved son, Augustine. Grant me that same fortitude, patience, and trust in the Lord. Intercede for me, dear St. Monica, (Mention your request here…) and grant me the grace to accept his will in all things, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Saint Monica, Patron Saint of Alcoholics, pray for us. Amen.
Prayer of Healing for Alcoholics O Glorious Saint Matthias, in God's design it fell upon you to take the place of the unfortunate Judas who betrayed his Master. You were selected by the twofold sign of the uprightness of your life and the call of the Holy Spirit. Obtain for us the grace to practice the same uprightness of life and to be called by that same Spirit to wholehearted service of the Church. Help us remember that Jesus chose you, like us, not for what you were but because of what you would become through His grace. Please help all who struggle with the addiction of alcoholism to experience this same grace and come to live in the serenity and joy of a life surrendered to God. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.