8 Worship Songs For Recovery And Freedom (Breaking Every Chain)
Recovery is not just for those in 12-step programs; it is the daily reality of every believer being sanctified. We are all recovering from the effects of sin, whether that manifests as addiction, pride, fear, or shame. 2 Corinthians 3:17 promises, “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
Worship songs for recovery serve as spiritual weapons. They help people break agreement with the lies of the enemy and declare their liberation in Christ. These songs are essential for creating an environment where chains can fall and people can walk out of the darkness.
Why These Songs Break Strongholds
We selected these songs because:
- They are declarative. They speak directly to the problem (addiction, fear) and command it to leave in Jesus’ name.
- They focus on identity. Recovery often starts with remembering who we are—children, not slaves.
- They celebrate grace. They remind us that freedom is a gift we receive, not a status we earn.
8 Songs To Declare Your Freedom
- I Speak Jesus – This is one of the most powerful songs for recovery ministries. The bridge explicitly names “every addiction” and “every stronghold,” declaring that they must break at the mention of Jesus’ name. It is a direct confrontation of the enemy.
- Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) – By adding the chorus “My chains are gone, I’ve been set free,” this version of the classic hymn connects the theology of grace with the experience of liberation. It is an anthem for anyone who has been held captive.
- No Longer Slaves – “I’m no longer a slave to fear.” This song identifies the root of many addictions—fear and orphanhood—and replaces it with the Spirit of adoption. It is a song of identity restoration.
- Death Was Arrested – “My chains broke off, I’m a prisoner no more.” This song personifies the victory of the gospel. It describes the moment Jesus intervened in our spiritual death sentence and set us free.
- Who You Say I Am – “Who the Son sets free, oh is free indeed.” This high-energy anthem is perfect for celebrating the reality of freedom. It reminds the church that their past does not define them; God’s Word defines them.
- Thank You Jesus For The Blood – We are free because we have been washed. This song centers recovery on the blood of Jesus, which is the only power strong enough to cleanse a conscience from dead works.
- Glorious Day – This song captures the “before and after” of salvation. It describes running out of the grave and leaving the “heavy weight” behind. It is pure, unadulterated joy for the redeemed.
- Great Things – “You freed us from the chains of darkness.” This upbeat opener reminds the church that God is a deliverer by nature. It sets a tone of victory right from the start of the service.
Example Recovery Setlists
Setlist 1 (Breaking Chains)
- Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) – Starts with a familiar declaration of grace.
- Death Was Arrested – Celebrates the moment of release.
- I Speak Jesus – Moves into active prayer against strongholds.
Setlist 2 (Walking In Freedom)
- Glorious Day – High energy celebration of new life.
- Great Things – Focuses on God’s power to save.
- No Longer Slaves – Ends with a strong stance on identity.
How To Use These Songs In Your Church
- Create an altar moment. Freedom songs often stir up deep emotions. Be prepared to invite people forward for prayer, especially during songs like No Longer Slaves.
- Share a testimony. Before singing Thank You Jesus For The Blood, have someone share a 60-second story of how Jesus set them free from addiction or despair.
- Sing it loud. Freedom isn’t quiet. Encourage your congregation to sing out. Sometimes the physical act of shouting praise breaks the heavy atmosphere.
Next Steps
Plan a “Freedom Sunday” or a special ministry night. Use this list to craft a journey that takes people from the reality of their struggle to the victory of the Cross. Let the chains fall.
By Ethan Joyce, WorshipChords Editorial Staff
More Worship Resources:
Worship Songs Trending Now
- Promises Chords by Maverick City Music - Aaron Moses, Dante Bowe, Joe L. Barnes, Keila Marin, Lemuel Marin, and Phillip Carrington Gaines
- Run To The Father Chords by Cody Carnes - Cody Carnes, Matt Maher, and Ran Jackson
- How Great Is Our God Chords by Chris Tomlin - Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash, and Jesse Reeves
- Our God Chords by Chris Tomlin - Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash, Jesse Reeves, Jonas Myrin, Lincoln Brewster, Matt Redman, and Shane Barnard
- No Longer Slaves Chords by Bethel Music, Jonathan Helser - Jonathan David Helser and Melissa Helser
- Nothing Else Chords by Cody Carnes - Cody Carnes, Hank Bentley, and Jessie Early
- Great Are You Lord Chords by One Sonic Society, All Sons & Daughters - All Sons and Daughters, David Leonard, Jason Ingram, Leslie Jordan, and One Sonic Society
- It Is Well With My Soul Chords by Brian Doerksen/Harry Doerksen - Horatio Spafford and Philip Paul Bliss
- Build My Life Chords by Housefires, Passion, Pat Barrett, Brett Younker - Brett Yonker, Karl Martin, Kirby Kaple, Matt Redman, and Pat Barrett
- Cornerstone Chords by Hillsong Music - Edward Mote, Eric Liljero, Hillsong, Jonas Myrin, Reuben Morgan, and William Batchelder Bradbury
- O Praise The Name Chords by Hillsong Worship - Benjamin Hastings, Dean Ussher, Hillsong Worship, and Marty Sampson
- No One Like The Lord Chords by Bethel Music, Jenn Johnson - Aliyah Stamper, Eniola Abioye, Jenn Johnson, Jonathan Stamper, Lindy Cofer, and Nathan Carter
- Do It Again Chords by Elevation - "There Is A Cloud" - Album, Chris Brown, Elevation Worship, Mack Brock, Matt Redman, and Steven Furtick
- Holy Spirit Chords by Bryan and Katie Torwalt, Jesus Culture - Bryan Torwalt, Francesca Battistelli, Jesus Culture, Kari Jobe, and Katie Torwalt
- Revelation Song Chords by Kari Jobe - Chris Tomlin, Jennie Lee Riddle, Kari Jobe, and Passion Band
- Shout To The Lord Chords by Darlene Zschech - Darlene Zschech
- Blessed Assurance Chords by Elevation Worship - Chris Brown, Fanny Jane Crosby, Mack Brock, and Phoebe Palmer Knapp
- Same God Chords by Elevation Worship, Jonsal Barrientes - Brandon Lake, Chris Brown, Pat Barrett, and Steven Furtick
- Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) Chords by Chris Tomlin - Chris Tomlin, Edwin Othello Excell, John Newton, John P. Rees, and Louie Giglio
- The Lion And The Lamb Chords by Leeland - Brenton Brown, Brian Johnson, and Leeland Mooring
