Whew . . . we are on the eleventh step! It’s a perch from whence we can see how far we’ve come, knowing that, step by step, day by day, we have more to learn, do, and be. By now, we know GOD may still be a mystery, but He is the foundation and life in our program of recovery. (If this is still a stumbling block, dear reader, maybe review Chapter 4 of the Big Book: To the Agnostic?)
When I first came around the steps, I was a skipper: I did Steps 1, 2, & 3, and skipped right over to Step 12, figuring I needed to tell others how well the program worked.
A couple of dry drunks and emotional meltdowns that burned those I love proved I was in fact stumbling over acceptance of God’s sovereign control and my illness – which is KEY to recovery. (See AA Big Book, Chapter 16, page 407)
The Eleventh Step is also a wide place to camp when I am busting to share with folks whose lives seem in a downward spiral, or if I think God could use some help.
Refresher: An AA member in a meeting I attend developed a way to start working the Twelve Steps with AA literature. Again, on this step, I have added my suggestions, too. Remember we are making progress – not aiming for perfection.
STEP ELEVEN: SOUGHT THROUGH PRAYER AND MEDITATION TO IMPROVE OUR CONSCIOUS CONTACT WITH GOD- AS WE UNDERSTOOD HIM, PRAYING ONLY FOR KNOWLEDGE OF HIS WILL FOR US AND THE POWER TO CARRY THAT OUT
- Practice meditation twice a day this week and read in the AA Big Book, pages 85-88.
- Also read Step 11in the Twelve and Twelve.
- Make an “Image Book” and look at it every day.
And I may I add, join a step study – or a meeting that discusses the 12 & 12. Keep and open mind as you hear folks discuss their adventures in meditation and prayer. And let me share again a prayer to pray:
God, I offer myself to Thee To build with me & to do with me as Thou wilt. Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do Thy will. Take away my difficulties, that victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of Thy Power, Thy love & Thy way of life.
The God of my understanding is revealed in Jesus Christ – who is infinite and personal; who having passed up the opportunity to anesthetize His pain, can understand my impulse to get away from pain. (Matthew 27:34) I need to stay in touch with Him to make sense of life and the gift sobriety is.
How about you, dear reader? What are you learning about meditation and prayer?
Love in Christ,
Sober and Grateful
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