PRAYING TO BE OPEN TO CO-OPERATING

CO-OPERATION

We live in a world today that encourages us to get our own way and forge our own destiny.  For those who have suffered in active addiction, many of us had our character shaped by isolation and getting our own way in whatever way we could. 

Now it can be challenging to live in agreement with people who have ideas and ways of doing things that are different from our way.  For healthy relationships to be formed and our sobriety sustained we need to develop the character quality of co-operation.

Live in harmony with each other.  Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people.  And don’t think you know it all! 

Romans 12:16

Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.  Ephesians 4:3

When we co-operate, we work together towards a common goal.  It doesn't mean we all do or say the same thing.  We each have our distinctive personality and role to play but we take time to listen to one another, to support each other, and together find a way to make things better for everyone concerned. 

Heavenly Father, we want to be those who can co-operate and learn from one another.  We know that means we will sometimes have to let go of our usual way of thinking and behaving and try something new. 

Help us to learn how to grow and get past easily hurt feelings and approval seeking.  If we need to lay down attitudes or offensive ways of speaking, we ask for the grace to make that kind of adjustment as well. 

You made us to live in co-operation with one another.  Forgive us for the many ways we have been hard to get along with, holding out for our own opinion and desiring that our will be done. 

We ask for Your Holy Spirit to teach and guide us in all our ways.  We trust You, God to strengthen and encourage us as we learn these new positive and life-giving ways of interacting with others.  Amen