Step 11 Prayer & Meditation
Contemplation helps me cultivate, "An unshakable foundation for life" (12x12,Pg.98). "Logically related self-examination, meditation and prayer" works to improve my "conscious contact with God," (Pg.87,¶1,L4). Spirituality is demonstrated by living in the Now with constant awareness of my Higher Power. The Big Book suggests, “We shouldn’t be shy on this matter” (Pg.85,¶3,L30).
- Do I work at prayer and meditation with, “the ‘proper attitude?” (Pg.86,Top¶,L2) The ‘proper attitude’ is on (Pg.55,¶4,L26). "sweeping away prejudice, thinking honestly, and encouraging diligent self-reflection …With this attitude you cannot fail"
- a) Can I apply Step 4-9 on today’s difficulties, “when I retire at night, I constructively review my day, was I Resentful?, Selfish?, Dishonest?, Afraid?” (Step 4), b) “Do I owe and apology?” (Step 9), c) “Have I kept something to myself which should be discussed with another person at once?” (Step 5) d) “Was I kind and loving toward all ...what could I have done better ...was I thinking of myself ...or what I could do for others?” (Step 7), (Pg.86,¶1,L5).
- a) Do I realize drifting, “into worry, remorse or morbid reflection, (a bad attitude), would diminish my usefulness to others” b) Am I willing to, “ask God’s forgiveness and inquire what corrective measures should be taken?” (Step 6), (Pg.86,¶1,L14-16).
- On awakening do, “I think about the 24 hours ahead and consider my plans,” by asking “God to direct my thinking.” (Step 8), (Remember Pg.68,¶3,L23 says; “we ask Him to remove our fear and direct our attention”), “especially asking that it be divorced from self-pity, dishonest or self-seeking motives?” (Pg.86,¶2,L23).
- a) Will I, “employ my mental faculties with assurance, (make
decisions), because God gave me brains,” b) Do I realize, “my thought-life will be placed on a much higher plane, (not self-centred), when cleared of wrong motives?” (Pg.86,¶2,L25).
- If undecided, will I, “be able to determine which course to take by asking God for inspiration, an intuitive thought or a decision,” (God’s will), “relax and take it easy without a struggle?” (trust His guidance),, (Pg.86,¶3,L28).
- Do I sense, “What used to be the hunch or the occasional inspiration gradually becomes a working part of my mind?” (11th Step Promise), (Pg.87,Top¶,L1).
- Do I, “conclude morning meditation by praying I be shown all through the day what my next step is to be, that I’m given whatever I need to take care of problems, ...especially praying for freedom from self-will?” (a healthy prayer life), (Pg.87,¶1,L9).
- Have I, “memorized a few set prayers which emphasize our principles, and asked a few religious people to offer books I may find helpful?” (Pg.87,¶2,L23).
- a) Will I, “pause when agitated or doubtful and ask for guidance?” b) Am I, “constantly reminding myself I’m no longer running the show, by humbly saying many times each day “Thy will be done.” c) Have I, “less danger of excitement, fear, anger, worry, self-pity, or foolish decisions. (excitement blocks God's Presence), (Pg.88,Top¶,L1).
- Have I become, “much more efficient, not tiring so easily, for I’m not burning up energy foolishly as when I was trying to arrange life to suit myself?” (Pg.88,Top¶,L4).
- Am I now, "willing to let God discipline me in this simple way… action and more action. because “Faith without works is dead?” (Pg.88,¶1,L8).
"On (Spiritual) ‘awakening,’ …I ask God to direct my thinking" (Pg.86,¶2,L20), If I pray asking for direction or inspiration without receiving, it’s not God’s fault. It’s usually because I'm willfully clinging to something that blocks me from His will. I need to get brutally honest with myself, and humbly ask again how to spiritually, “fit myself to be of maximum service to God and the people about me” (Pg.77,Top¶,L3).
During nightly review I reflect upon God’s grace to fundamentally affirm all is well. Then I find comfort in meditation by regulating my breathing and repeating this mantra;
(slow inhale)<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< ‘God is in Me ...’
(inhale some more)<<<<<<< ‘like the Ocean ...’
(long exhale)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> ‘... is in a Wave’
Step 11 Prayer & Meditation