Praying With Step 4 of AA

STEP FOUR

Yesterday we reflected on the first 3 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and the very same principles in Psalm 34.  Well, as I thought about Step 4 and that dreaded “searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves” we commit to do, it’s no wonder some folks flee at this point.  I mean, if we are being honest, even those who’ve not gone down the trail of active addiction are not to thrilled with exposing all the ways we’ve gone wrong.

We all know that we fail.  It’s looking at not only what we’ve done but why we’ve done it and owning that we have some responsibility for it all.  It’s so easy to blame others but to take a look at our own character defects and the impact our behaviours and attitudes have had on others – now that’s just hard.

Secrets are deadly and they fill us with shame.  When things are brought to the light we see them as they truly are.  They may be ugly but we find our humanity in the middle of it all.  We’re just like everyone else.  God says we are all sinners and so, while we need to do something about the sin, we are not different from others. 

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.  Romans 3:23

When we are sick and go to the doctor, describing our symptoms to him, he provides us with a diagnosis and a treatment plan. It’s why we need to ask God to search our hearts rather than heading off on that journey on our own. 

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts.  Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.  Psalm 139:23-24

We are so glad, God, that You know more about us than we know about ourselves. You have all sorts of things that You want to share with us when we are able to receive from You.  You want to reveal to us those treasures stored up for us simply because You love us.  Help us to let You sort out what’s harmful in our lives so the wonderful things You’ve prepared for us can shine into and through our lives.

No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.  But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets. 1 Corinthians 2:9-10  

Oh Lord, bring Your light into every corner of our hearts.  We know we don’t need to be afraid of Your light because You don’t want to harm us but rather to help us.  Whether we have one day or a lifetime of brokenness to acknowledge and confess, we remember that through Jesus Christ we have forgiveness and healing for every offense committed against us or by us.  We’re so grateful. Amen