Finding Power Through Prayer
Thursday November 15, 2018
What does prayer have to do with recovery, particularly relapse prevention? Step Eleven, one of the maintenance steps of the program of Alcoholics Anonymous helps us understand why prayer matters. In our relationship with God, we seek to improve our conscious contact with Him, to gain the knowledge of His will for us, and have the power to carry it out. Those who have walked for a time in recovery know that it was God’s power and wisdom that brought them through the hard times. They talked with God when troubles arose and He directed them in the way they should go. Now they are enjoying a steady and satisfying existence knowing that God is working all things together for their good.
The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.” (Psalm 91:14-16 NLT)
Early in their earthly relationship with Jesus, His friends wondered how to pray and asked Him to teach them. Jesus responded, This, then, is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. (Matthew 6:9-13 NIV) Each phrase of this prayer indicates that when we talk to God we can share the details of our lives with Him.
We can bring our obsessive thoughts, our temptations, and all our concerns to God. We can talk about how God wants us to "carry the message.” We can express our thoughts about anything. We can also thank God and speak out our love and appreciation for what He and others have done for us.
Prayer: Gracious Father, Thank You for Your forgiveness for the many times I have failed You, myself, and others. I acknowledge that You alone know the road ahead of me and Your power is greater than any challenge I will ever face. Please empower me with wisdom and strength to follow Your principles in all my affairs. I am grateful that You care for me. Amen
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