Post 59
For the past two-plus weeks, my life has slowed waaaay down. Attempting a tricky back-hand move on the tennis court netted (no pun intended) a "sprained foot" and lots of elevated-foot rest. Gradually, improvement has come - from puffy sasquatch paw to a semi-swollen human foot. So there has been plenty of time to continue the endless sorting of materials in my home office. (See the May 2014 GRM Blog " at www.grmumc.org ).
As the days pass by - and many faith-based articles from magazines, books, and seminary class papers are reviewed - it clearly has come to me: my recovery is not just about the healing from an injured foot. Rather, these forced recliner-sitting sessions daily bring me to a place where I meet and re-meet the Divine. Continuously, others' faith experiences remind me that this time of recovery can be/is a holy time, one of reflection, prayer, meditation, and discussion. Often, in fact, hours seem like minutes - and by evening, the day has a satisfying fullness to it.
During this time, I have thought often of the four Steps (in the Twelve Steps to Recovery of GA and Gam-Anon that specifically address need for a Higher Power of our own understanding. Each Step builds a momentum toward full recovery; and all four of these Steps enhance the efforts put forth in the working of other Steps.
Here are the four Steps:
Step 2: Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to a normal way of thinking and living;
Step 3: Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of this Power of our own understanding;
Step 7: Humbly asked God (of our understanding) to remove our shortcomings;
Step 11: Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for the knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
Indeed, both Gamblers Anonymous and Gam-Anon have been described as spiritual programs in the recovery field!
Re-reading Step 11, I am reminded of a "thought" that came to mind a few days ago. So often, people ask me, How can I know how to pray within God's will? Is it sufficient just to pray "not my will but Thine." Yes, of course. Yet, can there be an added dimension to our prayers that will help us to understand more about praying in God's will?
Allow me to offer a suggestion.
(1) Let us begin with the acceptance that prayer can take the form of simply talking to God (one's Higher Power) ... talking about what is happening in a person's life - the highs and the lows ... and everything in between, particularly issues that need to be addressed in prayer. A good time to do this is at the end of the day.
(2) During the next day, watch for/be open to divine promptings ... word(s), images, concepts, concerns. Voice these in simple prayer form - including "in Your will" with each.
(3) Again, say simple "talking" forms of prayers in the evening, as you did the night before.
(4) Continue, the next day, to be aware of divine promptings. Be watchful and prayerful throughout the day.
Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for the knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out. Amen!
Blessings,
Rev. Janet Jacobs
Founding Director
Gambling Recovery Ministries
For more information on problem gambling recovery issues, go to www.grmumc.org .
Also, visit www.gamblersanonymous.org and www.gam-anon.org for further details on the Twelve Steps to Recovery.
