Day 88 – Step Work
Come unto the Father in the name of Jesus Christ for direction and power through private prayer and meditation; receive and study your patriarchal blessing
Over the course of recovery, many of us learned to arise early and seek a period of quiet solitude for study and prayer. If you haven’t done so already, schedule time for prayer and meditation, perhaps in the morning. During this time you can put God first, before anyone or anything else in the day. Kneel if you are physically able. Pray, often aloud, to the Father, seeking the Spirit to guide you (see Romans 8:26). Then study, using the scriptures and the teachings of modern prophets to guide your meditation. Review your patriarchal blessing often. Prayerfully ponder the guidance you find in it. (If you have not received a patriarchal blessing, talk with your bishop about obtaining one.)
Have your daily morning assignments helped prepare you for this “way of life?” How?
Yes, I think so. I haven’t always been perfect but have made a consistent effort to get the step work done in the morning. If feels good to put this at the first of my priority list. I look forward to continuing this process and focusing on whats most important.
What have been the main challenges in arising early and putting God FIRST in your life?
The main challenges have been other meetings or exercise. I get up for basketball, today at 5:50, and on at least one day a week I have a meeting at 7:30 in the morning. Motivating myself to get up before that has been difficult. Also, having a new baby about 5 weeks ago has also taken it’s toll on my motivation to get up early.
I will continue trying and hope to continue to work on my habits.
Will you continue practicing this principle, as well as to strive for progress and improvement?
Yes, I will continue to work on this and make it a priority in my life.
Writing will once again be a powerful tool of self expression and appraisal as you record your thoughts and feelings in a journal. You can also record impressions of counsel, comfort, and wisdom that come through the Holy Ghost.
How has journaling helped prepare you for this aspect of steps 10-11?
I’ve really loved journaling. I feel it’s been one of the ways I communicate with Heavenly Father. Sometimes, when I sit down to write, I’m not even sure what I feel or what I’m going to say; but, as I start writing with a question in mind, things just start coming and I get answers I never expected. The new baby and my feelings about helping out and the internal conflict were one example of that.
I’m grateful for this discovery and look forward to continuing to practice journaling as a way to connect with myself, with my Heavenly Father, and with Becky.
Will you sincerely strive to make your journal entries more meaningful and more consistent?
Yes, I’m excited to continue to write and to share what I’m learning with Becky and with others who are trying to rid their lives of addictions.
When this precious time of private meditation has ended, do not cease to pray. Silent prayer, in the depths of your heart and mind, will become your way of thinking throughout your days. As you interact with others, as you make decisions, as you deal with emotions and temptations—counsel with the Lord. Invite and seek His Spirit to be with you continually, that you might be guided to do the right thing. (See Psalm 46:1; Alma 37:36–37; 3 Nephi 20:1.)
Meditate throughout the day on the scriptures and other inspired literature; continue to pray
In many ways, step 11 is a natural continuation of your efforts in step 10 to stay aware of the truth in your life. As you plan your days, go about your activities, and retire to bed at night, let your heart be drawn out in prayer to God continually. One idea is to take a thought from what you have read in your morning studies and meditate upon it frequently during your daily activities. This practice will help you keep your mind in tune with truth.
By nature, we all tend to be undisciplined, yet by looking to Jesus Christ and the example He has set, you will find the humility to continue submitting to the Father. Like the Savior, you will be able to say sincerely “Thy will be done” (Matthew 26:42) throughout the day. The Light of Christ will guide you and prepare you to receive the companionship of the Holy Ghost. The companionship of the Holy Ghost will become more constant, and your ability to recognize and testify of truth will increase.
We begin to understand more fully the counsel “Pray always, lest ye enter into temptation.” What does this mean to you?
I agree with this and understand this so much more now. Especially depending on where I am, I can be praying all the time. Prayers to help me avoid temptation, prayers to help me keep my chin up and not lust, prayers to help me stay away from the dark thoughts that can sometimes slip in.
I’m so grateful and aware of the power of prayer now in my life. I want to always be talking with Heavenly Father and let Him know the thoughts and intents of my heart.
How does it apply to steps 10-11 as a “way of life?”
Prayer being a “way of life” is what has to happen if I want to continue living my life in recovery. Prayer, to me, is one of the main ways I submit my will to Him. Without prayer, I’m prideful and have the feelings that I’m doing everything on my own. With prayer, I’m showing Him that I’m willing to reach out and rely on Him to help me through temptation, trial, and sinful tendencies.
I’m so grateful to understand this a little more today.
Will you practice this one day at a time?
Absolutely. I’ve already said at least 2 or 3 personal prayers this morning – one to thank Him for a good nights sleep and to bless me to play well, one after I was done playing – for having a good time and being a good sport, and one after I dropped off the car and saw a woman that I’m pretty sure was wearing tight running clothes (I’m not sure though because I prayed not to look and was helped to not look, which I’m grateful for).
One day at a time!
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