So often, in recovery, we can get lost in cycles of negative thinking that spiral out of control. Our thinking can get so negative that we steal our power and defeat ourselves before we even get out of bed in the morning. The best way to deal with negative self-talk is to pay attention to what’s going on in our heads, stop when we notice negative thoughts, and consciously replace them with more productive thoughts.
You can replace these thoughts with a prayer, a request of strength from your higher power, or an affirmation (a positive counter-thought). Here are some prayers and thoughts that may help as you work toward your sobriety goals:
Prayers
- God, give me the strength to resist today. With Your help, I am stronger than my addiction. With Your help, all things are in my power.
- God, help me understand the pain I have caused others so I can rectify that pain and find healing for us both. Give us a spirit of love and mutual respect.
- God, I have been hurt by others, but I know that holding on to that pain keeps me sick. I give up my right to retribution. I forgive them now and forever, releasing me from the burden of carrying this pain. God bless them that hurt me and give me love for them and peace forevermore.
- God, I have been weak, but that isn’t who I am. Please help me step into the man or woman I am meant to be. Help me serve Thee and those around me. Help me turn my story into my strength. Help me touch others and help them find Thee and Thy healing.
- God, I am Thy child. I am made in Thy image. You have promised to guide us. You have promised to lift us. You have promised to forgive us. I claim these promises today and give myself to Thee.
- Father, teach me to be a parent. I have not been the parent I needed to be, but I want to be better. I want my children to look up to me the way I look up to you. I want them to trust me and know that when they need me, I’ll be there for them.
Affirmations
- I am a child of God, made in His image. The God of the cosmos does not waste time on junk. If He thinks I’m worth saving, worth dying for, what higher authority is there?
- No matter how dark today is, I am one step closer to the light. No night lasts forever.
- If I can’t last the day, I’ll focus on the hour. If I can’t last the hour, I’ll focus on the minute. If I can’t last a minute, I’ll focus on this second, which is already past. I made it.
- Anyone can fall on hard times. It takes courage and strength to overcome them. I will show the world my courage and strength. I will rise, even on the days when I don’t think I can. I will rise when it’s hard, when I’m tired, when I feel weak. I will rise until it gets easier and the habit of success is ingrained in my soul.
- I will be patient when making reparations. People have a right to their feelings.
- As I heal myself, I will heal my life as far as I am able. If there are losses that are unrecoverable, I won’t let that stop my progress. I will continue to move forward and build a brighter, healthier future for myself.
- I will take care of my whole body. The better my body feels, the easier it will be to manage my addiction.
- I will connect daily with my higher power. I will gain strength, insight, and peace through that connection.
The trick to prayer and affirmations is intensity and repetition. The more feeling we put in our voice, the more energy in our body, and the more our subconscious mind will absorb the message.
Last Thoughts
Are you a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints looking for an LDS Drug Treatment Center? Do you want help from people who will understand your beliefs and values and draw on gospel principles to guide you throughout your recovery journey? We have faith-based recovery programs near St. George, Salt Lake, and Vernal as well as a women’s drug and alcohol rehab in Idaho. We can guide you using a Christ-centered 12-step program offering medical detoxification, private therapy, group therapy, and classes to teach better coping skills. And don’t forget our alumni groups, Band of Brothers and Sober Sisters.
If you’re ready to make a change and find healing for yourself and your family, don’t wait. You and your loved ones have suffered enough. You can contact us at 855-736-7262.