Getting to Know your Higher Power
My Higher Power wants me to talk to tell him what is on my mind, in my own words directed at Him, and to feel open and free to let him into my life by telling him what is going on, what I am wanting, how I want to be of service and what are my strengths, my struggles and my victories. In addition, He wants me to be open to asking for help and guidance.
Any relationship must be fostered by clear communication in order for it to grow and for intimacy and trust to develop. We share with each other to get to know each other better and in the case of your Higher Power---we do this through prayer and meditation.
Praying is an act of surrender. I am surrendering my thoughts and my concerns over to the care of God, as I understand God. I often will acknowledge life on life’s terms, accepting reality and then turning it over in my prayers. I often ask God to guide me to do His Will, and not my own, because I want to be of service and I ask God for instruction on how to do more of this. I want to be kept spiritually fit.
When I pray, it centers me. I am able to move in the direction of being focused despite whatever fear, stress or anxiety happens to be at play. If it is the beginning of my day--it is a clean slate on which to open the door to God and let Him in.
Praying becomes an accountability partnership with my Creator. I ask for God’s help and then I take his Guidance as it comes. This could be an intuitive thought, this could be God working through other people, a conversation, an inspiration. I partner up with God to help me do the next right thing. It’s a program of action.
One special way I get closer to my higher power is through writing prayers. I will start with a piece of fresh paper and pen and get silent. I will breathe deep a few times and then I will start writing. Writing a prayer is a lot like writing a letter to God. It is friendly and conversational. I speak to God as if he were a close friend, because he actually is. I trust Him. I pour out my desires, my hopes and my dreams, my concerns, my aspirations, my desire to do God’s will instead of my own. I place a lot of what I learned by working the twelve steps incorporating this into my prayers.
After I’m done writing a prayer, I will read it outloud in a silent place. This is me praying that written prayer--hearing it now with my physical voice being heard by my higher power. Saying your prayer out loud is very important. It consecrates it. Makes it concrete. Anoints it with your physical voice. You are talking to God.
It takes some time getting used to . To be fluid and flowing with the conversations that you have with your Higher Power. Remember that it is progress not perfection. Our HP appreciates your efforts to develop and grow your relationship with Him. We let someone get to know us by talking to them.. By telling them who we are and what is going on.
Another great act is to read or share your prayer with someone in program or someone close to you or your sponsor. When someone reads it, or listens to you read it you are letting them in to pray with you. They are reading the words that you have spoken to your Higher Power. These are sacred and it is a real grace and blessing to be the recipient of someone sharing their prayer with you. It creates intimacy also. It is letting someone into your spirituality. It is an invitation for them to join you in prayer.
If you keep praying then you will be amazed at the intimacy you will get over time with your Higher Power. Keeping the conversation flowing with God will show you that you are not alone. Ever.
Amen.
Some sample written prayers:
God,
May I respond quickly to your voice and guidance. Let me do your will. I want to always remember your presence and love you surround and fill me up with. Comfort me in the times I feel triggered. Show me and direct me to be of service to others. I want to help people. Quiet my mind. Teach me how to be disciplined in thinking what I want , rather than the opposite. Let me carry your vision in everything that I do. Show me your presence during my meeting with my sponsor. I want to be focused and receptive to follow direction and absorb and act on the awareness this meeting will bring. Take away all obsession and compulsion. I rest these at your feet. Do with me as Thou Wilt. I embrace this glorious day. Amen
God,
Grant me the courage to change the things I can change. Place both of my feet into recovery, into the positive healing of the program.I know you have great plans for me, God; grow my trust in you. Guide me to use the tools I have learned. Place me in a position of neutrality. Help me fulfill my non-negotiables that keep me centered and happy and more connected to you, God, so that I can better carry your message through inspiration and love. Work through me. Discipline my mind to live in the precious energy of the present.
Allow me time to revitalize through rest. I want to schedule in short maps throughout the week,.and to go to bed early. I intuitively want the gift of taking care of myself on every level. Place me in the position of helping others. To reach out my hands to embrace others spiritually, in honor of the way you hold my hands and talk to me throughout the day. Thank you for the capacity to hear you, to feel your sacred presence. Thy Will, not mine, be done. Put me in alignment with your will. Love me to the end of time.
Amen.
God,
Inspire me to place my will into your hands, into your loving care, into your best intentions. Give me freedom and joy as I open up to be of service in a multitude of ways. Let my love for others shine through everything that I do. Inspire me to do the very best that I can. Speak to me clearly so I can hear you and take in all that you want me to know. I want to be your student. I know you are the author of harmony, not confusion. Guide me into this harmony you constantly create. Thy Will, not mine, be done. Help get me to the pool. I love you, God. Let me absorb your equanimity and show me peace in the present where I will reside.
Amen.
