Prayer and the 12 Step Programme
A prayer familiar to almost everyone is The Lord’s Prayer and I can relate the central part of this to the 12 Step programme and recovery from addiction.
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power,
and the glory
for ever and ever. Amen
“ Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us”
In step 4
In step 4, we identify our character defects which cause us to ‘sin’ and we try and deal with these or ask for them to be removed. We list our resentments (against those we may perceive have sinned against us) and we identify our part in the situations that have arisen. We make amends to people we have wronged and we are freed of the burden of resentments and wrongs. In this way, we forgive those who sin against us.
I always find it difficult to get the balance right between forgiving everyone and being considered a bit of a mug and a walkover, and doing the right thing – especially by myself. In the end, I would air on the side of being forgiveness, and thought less of than carrying my anger and resentments. As has been said, carrying a resentment is like drinking a cup of poison and expecting the other person to die.
Prayer
Another part of the Church Of England Communion service which resonates with me is towards the end, in the final prayer when we pray:
May we who share Christ’s body live his risen life;
we who drink his cup bring life to others;
we whom the Spirit lights give light to the world.
This is a good image for me – to live as a good person, to bring life (carry the AA message) to others, and to be a positive shining example to others. One of the best things that can be said about anyone, I believe, is that they are an inspiration. Although this can bring a great burden in terms of expectations placed upon us, what an achievement this is!
The Haynes Clinic is an alcohol and drug rehab clinic which offers detox and counselling for people with addictions. We follow the 12 Step Programme which is not religious.
Call 01462 851414 for free and confidential advice.
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A prayer familiar to almost everyone is The Lord’s Prayer and I can relate the central part of this to the 12 Step programme and recovery from addiction.
