Praying With The First Steps of AA

FIRST STEPS

The Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous have been an enormous help to millions of people who have struggled not only with alcohol but a variety of other substances and addictive habits from  food addiction to pornography, gambling or anger issues.  The list is long. 

The steps are set out in a particular order for good reasons.  The first three are a package that really seem to go together and they really do echo numerous references in the Bible where these principles are laid out.

Step One - We first admit that we are powerless over something and that our life has become unmanageable. 

The Bible tells us: 

For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.  Romans 7:18

Step Two - Then we embark on a journey where we come to believe that a power greater than ourselves can restore us – yes us – to sanity (although we’re not even sure what sanity looks like.) 

It is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.  Philippians 2:13

Step Three - Finally, we made a decision to turn our will and our life over to the care of God as we understood Him. 

God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  John 3:16

It’s only in the presence of real care that we can dare to be ourselves and let down our guard, own our pain and insecurities, and find the help that we need. 

And then hundreds of years before any of those words were written and thousands of years before the Twelve Steps of AA were produced we find such common experience in Psalm 34.  It strikes me every time I read it.  It fills me with hope and reminds me to call out to God and seek God’s help today, no matter how strong or weak I feel.  Here are just the first few verses:

I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me.  He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles.  Psalm 34:4-6

Thank you so much God, that when we were helpless we found help by calling out to You.  We’re grateful that we don’t have to pretend to be strong and have all the answers but to simply come to You for whatever we need.  We can freely admit that we are powerless and that are lives are unmanageable without You.

You took us one tiny step at a time from not knowing You to not trusting You hardly at all, to the point where we knew that we’d always find a welcome and comfort and loving support.  Thank You so much for You saving help.  We have hope today because we can live in Your care and know safety as we follow Your will.  Amen

Well aren’t we grateful for these practical steps and for the care of God every day.

Well, we’ll look at other steps in the coming days.  Stay tuned and have a great day.