I call what follows a liturgy of renewal, for it is designed to help facilitate and mark the beginning of a renewed life for people making the transition back into "the world" after having spent 21-days in an intensive inpatient substance abuse recovery program.
John Bradshaw, a former minister and a popular figure in the substance abuse recovery field, describes one of the reasons for why people start using alcohol and drugs in the first place as there being "a hole in the soul." In his book, The Restless Heart, Ron Rolheiser, suggests that loneliness and restlessness may be a natural state for human beings, who being separated from God, ache and yearn until reunited with the Divine. Substance abuse may be but one of many misguided ways of trying to cope with our estrangement from God, a route fraught with its own dangers and problems.
Spirituality is very much a part of the recovery process, especially programs that use a "12-Step" approach based upon the model developed by Alcoholics Anonymous. This approach explicitly asks the sufferer to start relying upon a Higher Power, take steps to undo some of the harm caused others in the past, and to commit to a new way of life.
My own experience with the inpatient substance abuse recovery process is that in addition to providing new tools for dealing with life and new hope it also provides an opportunity to start or renew the journey on the spiritual path. But, as the day approaches when it's time to leave inpatient programs, patients sometimes feel afraid about the prospects ahead of them. The liturgy that follows is intended to build upon the recovery work already begun and to provide a spiritually-oriented venue in which to start the transition back into "the real world," a world full of both temptations and opportunities for spiritual growth and renewal.
The
Preparation
Ideally the "candidate" for this ritual should begin preparing about seven days before the actual ceremony. In consultation with the person's primary counselor, chaplain, 12-step sponsor, or other mentor, the candidate takes a look at what happened in the past as a result of their substance abuse, what they've been experiencing while in the program, and what they hope for in their life in the future. For those who express themselves well in writing, this could be condensed into the form of a story or mini-biography, emphasizing those aspects the person feels are most important. For those who express themselves best via other means (verbally, through music, and so forth), they could be asked to prepare a talk, bit of music, poetry, and so forth, that will tell their story during the ritual.
Selection of the Respected Ones
The person should also identify and recruit three individuals to play important roles during the ritual (the person might need to get help from a mentor with this). One respected person (who must also be invested in the candidates renewal) from the person's old life, one respected person who has been a positive influence on their recovery while in the program, and one respected individual who symbolizes what is hoped for in the future.
The Liturgy
[This liturgy can be a "free-standing" ritual, done by itself, or incorporated into a community worship service. Unless otherwise reserved, the various readings can be read by any number of the people present.]
(An area where the ritual will take place is clear except for a small table, with a small cloth and a votive candle.)
INTRODUCTORY WORDS
(The minister, chaplain, presider, or facilitator, makes a few introductory comments about the purpose of the ritual and it's importance to the candidate.)
THE INVOCATION
(The three respected individuals and candidate approach the table. The candidate lights the votive candle to open the ceremony.)
First elder (from past): O God, we ask that you bless what we do here today.
2nd elder (positive influence from the present): O Christ, we ask that you pour out your love for us and that you walk with us as we journey from darkness to light.
3rd elder (person representing what is hoped for): O Holy Spirit, we ask that you inspire us with your wisdom, and that you light our path.
(The candidate and elders take their seats).
THE READINGS
First reading/presentation: (The candidate reads a selection from his/her story/biography, or else makes a verbal presentation about his/her life, reads a meaningful poem, plays a special tune, or makes another type of presentation).
First psalm reading: Ps 6: 1-2; 6
O Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger, or discipline me in your wrath. Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am languishing … I am weary with my moaning; every night I flood my bed with tears.
2nd Reading: Ex 13: 3; 21
Moses said to the people, "Remember this day on which you came out of Egypt, out of the house of slavery … The Lord went in front of them in a pillar of cloud by day, to lead them along the way, and in a pillar of fire by night, to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night.
2nd Psalm Reading: Ps 7: 1
O Lord, my God, in you I take refuge; save me from all my pursuers, and deliver me ….
3rd Reading: Rom 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God &endash; what is good and acceptable and perfect.
GOSPEL & ACCLAMATION
Gospeller: May the Lord be in my heart and on my lips that through my heart the love of God may shine forth and through my lips his spiritual powers be manifest.
Gospel: Lk 15: 4-10
Alleluia! The reading is taken from the Gospel according to Luke: Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulder and rejoices. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.' Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
This is the Gospel of the Lord.
REDEDICATION & RENEWAL CEREMONY
Testimonials of the elders
(The three elders and minister proceed to a place near to the votive candle.
Each of the three elders comments upon the steps the candidate is taking to renew his/her commitment to a positive way of life, one talking about things from the past that are changing, one talking about the good things the candidate has been doing in the recovery center, and one talking about steps the candidate is taking toward a better future.
Consecration. Brief explanation of anointing with oil as an ancient practice going back thousands of years, and an act designed to consecrate or set people or things aside for special purposes. Here we consecrate the head, heart, and hands to help prepare the candidate for renewal in his/her life.
The candidate is then asked to join the elders and minister near the votive candle and to kneel. The elders hold their hands over the head of the candidate while the minister leads a short prayer and then proceeds to sign the candidates head, heart (not touching the clothing) and hands with the consecrated oil. The elders keep their hands extended over the head of the candidate while the anointing is occurring.
(Head - signing forehead)
Priest/Minister. With this oil we bless and consecrate your mind and your consciousness, that you might grow in wisdom, and that you achieve a deep understanding and respect for yourself and others, and the way to true happiness.
(Heart - signing in front of the person's heart)
Priest/Minister: With this oil we bless and consecrate your heart, that your heart may be opened to giving and receiving love and compassion. May you also find the courage and patience you will need as your transformation unfolds.
(Hands - with palms up, the minister draws a circle on the hands with the oil)
Priest/Minister: With this oil we bless and consecrate your hands. May it be that these hands are strengthened that they might accomplish all the good things that will be necessary in your life.
CLOSING
The candidate is asked to rise. The members of the congregation are invited to congratulate the candidate and to exchange hugs or other signs of Peace.
Concluding prayer