The following two posts are found at
At the age
of 28 Matt Talbot had his conversion experience which changed not only his life
but the lives of so many others. Matt’s conversion was also his
home-coming.
A conversion experience is always
a home-coming:
- turning away from an addiction,
- being reconciled
with our family,
- forgiving an old hurt,
- going to confession after a
long absence.
Once we are there
we look back and wonder at our resistance.
Here was something that we needed
in order to live, and yet we did not recognise it;
the truth of ourselves
demanded it, and yet we did not accept to do it.
Now, Lord, by your grace, we know that your Word has been made
flesh
and found a home in us.
Lord, be with all
those who are homeless and alone tonight.
Amen
Today, we pray with one voice,
asking that each of those suffering from the spiritual death of addiction will
be liberated from the bonds of compulsion and craving; that the hold of these
harmful behaviors will be released forever.
We call to you, Lord Jesus, that like the
Prodigal Son, that our brothers and sisters, held in the grip of death by
addiction, will be able to return to a life free from harmful
dependence.
Matt Talbot was led out of the despair of dependence, by
living and working in prayerful devotion. He was dedicated to helping others.
Through abstinence, prayer, the Sacraments, and reading of the Word, he was
saved. Today, we ask that each of the addicted be led out of the shadows and
into the light of hope.
With the example of this humble servant, and all
the Saints who have struggled and prevailed, we ask that our plea for sobriety
be heard, and that the energy needed for recovery will be available to all who
seek Your help.
Show us the way out of addiction. Lead us to a new life
of Faith.Teach us, through the example of Matt Talbot, the discipline of
living addiction free lives.
Send each of those who suffer from addictive
behavior the strength and courage needed to overcome dependence. Inspire us to
seek abstinence and sobriety in our day to day lives, to live as Matt Talbot
lived, by the light of Your Holy Spirit, and the guidance of Your redeeming
grace, as we seek recovery. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
