Walking Together: A Prayer for Healing and Hope

Today our community gathered for a prayer walk in support of those who are healing from substance use disorder and for the families and loved ones who walk alongside them. Different churches throughout Scottdale offered scripture, prayer, and encouragement at their locations, lifting up those who are impacted and declaring that no one walks this road alone.

At The Reformed Church, we were reminded in scripture:

Isaiah 43:1–3a

But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

2 Corinthians 5:17–20

So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

Together, we prayed for transformation — that the way our community sees substance use disorder might shift. That we would no longer look through the lens of shame, but through the truth that every person is a beloved child of God, worthy of dignity, compassion, and the chance for new life.

A Personal Journey

This work is close to my heart. Substance use disorder has been present in my family for generations. Both of my parents came from homes impacted by addiction, but when they came together, they made a decision: to provide my brothers and me with a substance-free home that was loving and stable. Because of their courage and care, we were able to break the cycle of alcohol and drug use that marked our family line.

When I first entered ministry, one of the earliest organizations I became involved in was a group I helped form in Apollo called Residents Against Illicit Drugs (RAID). We worked to educate the community about the prevalence and dangers of drugs in our area. At each meeting, we kept a count of overdoses, and we prayed for every life lost. We held a vigil where lanterns were released in memory of each person, and we offered workshops that provided free Narcan to families.

The work was powerful, but over time I struggled with some of the leadership’s stance. Too often, the tone became one of judgment rather than compassion. I knew in my heart that true healing could only come through love and dignity, so I stepped away. But the mission of supporting those impacted by substance use disorder has never left me.

In fact, my very first funeral as a pastor was for a young man who had died of an overdose. His family was devastated and ashamed, and his sister — who was a dear friend — asked me to do the service because she trusted that I would celebrate his life rather than dwell on the suffering that ended it. That funeral cemented for me the importance of offering compassion and hope in the face of heartbreak.

When I came to Scottdale, I was thrilled to be invited into the work of the Abundant Life Task Force. I have happily supported their efforts, from hosting a Service of Hope at our church to participating in events like today’s prayer walk. Each gathering reminds me that healing is not only possible, it is happening all around us when communities choose to respond with grace.

Breath Prayer for the Journey

As part of today’s walk, we shared breath prayer cards — a simple spiritual practice that can be used by anyone, anytime. Breath prayers are short phrases prayed in rhythm with our breathing, helping us to embody prayer not only with our words but with our whole being.

Breathe in: God’s love is with me

Breathe out: I release fear and shame

Breathe in: Healing is possible

Breathe out: No one walks alone

This practice can be done during a daily walk, in a quiet pause at work, or whenever life feels overwhelming. It is a way of remembering that God is as close as the air we breathe, and that we do not carry our burdens alone.

We are deeply grateful to the Abundant Life Task Force and the churches of the Scottdale Area Association of Churches who stood side by side today. Together, we are choosing to see, to love, and to hope.

At The Reformed Church, we continue to proclaim our simple truth:

Love First. Always.