Introduction to the Litany of the Lost Prayer
The Litany of the Lost is a prayer that seeks divine assistance for all who feel lost—whether physically, spiritually, emotionally, or mentally. It is often connected to St. Anthony of Padua, the patron saint of lost things, and is prayed by those searching for guidance, redemption, or restoration.
Many people in recovery turn to prayer as a source of strength, and the Litany of the Lost resonates deeply with those walking the path of sobriety, especially within the framework of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). This prayer acknowledges loss—not just of material things, but of peace, trust, self-respect, and spiritual connection. For those in recovery, it serves as both an acknowledgment of past pain and a plea for guidance in rebuilding a sober life.
In AA, we recognize that addiction is a disease of mind, body, and spirit. We admit in Step One that we have lost control, that we are powerless over alcohol, and that our lives have become unmanageable. The Litany of the Lost aligns with this surrender, offering a way to express those deep losses to God and ask for help in restoring what we can—our sanity, our integrity, and our faith.
Each line of the prayer reflects the different things that addiction can take away:
- “For those of us who have lost our peace of mind” speaks to the restless, irritable, and discontented nature of alcoholism.
- “For those of us who have lost our self-respect” echoes the shame and guilt many of us carry into the rooms of AA.
- “For those of us who have lost our sobriety” reminds us that relapse can happen, but there is always a way back.
- “For those of us who have lost our trust in others” acknowledges the broken relationships that so many in recovery are working to heal.
Praying this litany is a way to humbly ask for spiritual guidance and support, much like Step Eleven encourages us to seek through prayer and meditation. It is a reminder that we are not alone, that our Higher Power hears us, and that restoration is possible, one day at a time.
Just as St. Anthony is the patron of lost things, this prayer can help those in recovery seek and find the things addiction once stole—peace, faith, purpose, and love. By turning to prayer alongside working the Twelve Steps, we invite grace into our journey, trusting that what is truly meant for us will be restored in God’s time.
The Litany of the Lost Prayer
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
For those among us who have lost our health,
St. Anthony, pray for us. (Repeat after each line.)
For those among us who have lost peace of mind,
For those who no longer have a home,
For those struggling without financial security,
For those grieving the loss of a loved one,
For those whose dreams have faded,
For those who feel their talents slipping away,
For those who have lost the passion they once had,
For those who have stumbled in their sobriety,
For those who struggle with doubt and faith,
For those who have lost their self-worth,
For those who feel they have lost perspective,
For those mourning the loss of innocence,
For those longing for independence,
For those experiencing discord in their families,
For those witnessing unrest in their communities,
For those who have lost trust in others,
For those who feel distant from virtue,
For those without shelter,
For those without work,
For those suffering any personal loss—St. Anthony, pray for us.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
— Have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
— Have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
— Grant us peace.
Let us pray.
Loving God, in Your kindness, You have given St. Anthony as a guide for those who seek what is lost. Hear his prayers as he intercedes for us, and grant what we need to grow closer to You. Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.