RECOVERY TOOL--PRAYER

Step 11 of the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous encourages us to improve our conscious contact with God through meditation and prayer. What is prayer? Simply put, prayer is talking with God. 

By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me— a prayer to the God of my life.  (Psalm 42:6 NIV)

God created us for relationship with Him. Friends are people who like each other and who enjoy sharing activities and spending time together.  They share their thoughts and feelings with each other during good times and in times of struggle.  Texts or emails often complement the sharing.  In other words, friends get to know one another and become familiar with each other’s lives.  They trust one another with their life experiences.  Through God’s infinite knowledge He knows all about us and asks us to open the door of our hearts and allow Him to come in so we can talk and share with one another as friends.  That’s prayer. 

Jesus says: “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20 NIV)

Prayer includes listening to God as we read the Bible. We pray when we ask for understanding of what we are reading and observing in His word.  We can talk to God about happenings in our day, tell God about our needs, thank God for life's simple pleasures and even seek His guidance when we bring our frustrations and complaints before Him.  When we fail, we can bring our guilt and shame to God and receive His forgiveness and healing.  All of this is done through prayer.  This interaction with God helps our friendship with God deepen and grow 

God promises in His word, “Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear. (Isaiah 65:24 NIV)

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, Thank You that I am Your precious child and the smallest detail of my day is important to you.  You are a good Father and I want to improve my conscious contact with You.   Help me to seek Your counsel in every detail of my life.  Amen