Just For Today – August 24 – Seeking God’s Will

“We learn to be careful of praying for specific things.”
Basic Text, page 45

The Nature of Prayer in Addiction

In our active addiction, prayer was often a last-ditch effort to escape the consequences of our actions. We did not seek knowledge of God’s will or the strength to carry it out. Instead, our prayers were desperate pleas for miracles, hoping for immediate fixes to the messes we created. This self-centered approach to prayer was symptomatic of our broader struggle with control and impulsivity.

The Shift in Recovery

As we enter recovery and begin practicing the Eleventh Step, our approach to prayer and spirituality changes. The Eleventh Step encourages us to seek through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, asking only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out. This represents a significant shift from our previous mindset.

Embracing Surrender

The key to this transformation is surrender. We realize that the only way out of the trouble we have made for ourselves is through surrender to a Power greater than ourselves. This surrender involves letting go of our own ideas of how things should be and seeking guidance from our Higher Power.

Learning Acceptance

In recovery, we learn acceptance. We use prayer and meditation not to demand specific outcomes but to seek understanding of how to face the circumstances that come our way. This process involves:

• Stopping the Fight: We stop resisting the natural flow of life and surrender our need to control every outcome.
• Seeking Knowledge: In our prayers, we ask for the knowledge to understand God’s will for us.
• Listening for Answers: We remain open and receptive, listening for the quiet assurances and subtle guidance that often come without fanfare.

Finding Peace in Surrender

“Just for today: I will surrender my expectations, look to my Higher Power for guidance, and accept life.”

This affirmation reminds us that peace can be found in accepting the ebb and flow of life. By surrendering our expectations and looking to our Higher Power for guidance, we align ourselves with a greater plan and find serenity in the process.

Practical Steps for Seeking God’s Will

1. Daily Prayer and Meditation: Set aside time each day for prayer and meditation. Use this time to seek a deeper connection with your Higher Power and ask for guidance.
2. Let Go of Specific Outcomes: Avoid praying for specific things or outcomes. Instead, focus on seeking knowledge of God’s will and the strength to carry it out.
3. Be Receptive: Remain open to the answers that come. They may not be dramatic or immediate but often arrive as quiet assurances.
4. Practice Acceptance: Embrace life as it comes, trusting that your Higher Power is guiding you. Let go of the need to control every detail.
5. Reflect and Adjust: Regularly reflect on your prayers and meditation. Adjust your approach as needed to stay aligned with the principles of the Eleventh Step.

The Benefits of Surrendering to God’s Will

• Inner Peace: By accepting life’s natural flow, we find inner peace and reduce stress.
• Guidance and Clarity: Seeking God’s will provides clarity and direction in our lives.
• Spiritual Growth: Regular prayer and meditation deepen our spiritual connection and growth.
• Resilience: Acceptance of life’s ups and downs builds resilience and strength.
• Fulfillment: Aligning with God’s will leads to a more fulfilling and purposeful life.

Conclusion: The Path to Serenity

Seeking God’s will through prayer and meditation is a transformative practice in recovery. It shifts our focus from demanding specific outcomes to embracing acceptance and surrender. This approach brings peace, guidance, and a deeper connection to our Higher Power.

Just for today, commit to seeking God’s will. Surrender your expectations, embrace acceptance, and find serenity in the guidance of your Higher Power.