10/17/23 ODAT Prayer and Meditation – Wait Until Step 11?
Enigmatic said
Oct 17, 2023
Today's writer acknowledges the value of the spiritual learning that builds when one studies the 12 Steps one at a time, in order.
Special consideration is given to Step 11, however, regarding prayer and meditation. That is an activity that can be worked at any time and brings great benefits at any time we choose to engage in it.
Prayer and meditation are spiritual endeavors that take us above our problems, where we can find real peace.
Reminder - Spend just five minutes each day in prayer and meditation for our mind and serenity to benefit by this connection with a higher power.
"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." - Step 11 --------------------- I've never been much of a prayer guy, and had never meditated before I found Alanon. The gift of desperation changed all of that for me, as I became willing to do whatever it took to escape my insanity.
Early on in Alanon, Serenity prayer, without the word 'God' at the beginning, became my first tool that I still use daily. Taking the time to think about what that prayer meant, the areas it impacted, became the start of my meditation.
Meditation on the program and spiritual concepts, by far, have led to the greatest spiritual growth and peace in my life, by far. Once again, so grateful for the reminders and wisdom of the program
Lyne said
Oct 18, 2023
Thanks Paul for your service and great share. I have a daily practice of praying each morning. It started long before program and alanon just seems to enhance my belief system in a power greater than myself. I often lean into HP for help, guidance, venting. And you may think I'm crazy, but sometimes I get the answer I need!
I did the Steps twice with my sponsor, and whenever I got stuck she would have me do a Step 4. The first time she suggested that, I thought maybe she didn't know what she was doing, but that really helped me so much. I would dissect a problem using guidelines from Step 4. I love this program. :)
Today's writer acknowledges the value of the spiritual learning that builds when one studies the 12 Steps one at a time, in order.
Special consideration is given to Step 11, however, regarding prayer and meditation. That is an activity that can be worked at any time and brings great benefits at any time we choose to engage in it.
Prayer and meditation are spiritual endeavors that take us above our problems, where we can find real peace.
Reminder - Spend just five minutes each day in prayer and meditation for our mind and serenity to benefit by this connection with a higher power.
"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." - Step 11
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I've never been much of a prayer guy, and had never meditated before I found Alanon. The gift of desperation changed all of that for me, as I became willing to do whatever it took to escape my insanity.
Early on in Alanon, Serenity prayer, without the word 'God' at the beginning, became my first tool that I still use daily. Taking the time to think about what that prayer meant, the areas it impacted, became the start of my meditation.
Meditation on the program and spiritual concepts, by far, have led to the greatest spiritual growth and peace in my life, by far. Once again, so grateful for the reminders and wisdom of the program
I did the Steps twice with my sponsor, and whenever I got stuck she would have me do a Step 4. The first time she suggested that, I thought maybe she didn't know what she was doing, but that really helped me so much. I would dissect a problem using guidelines from Step 4. I love this program. :)