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"God, I offer myself to thee,
To build with me & to do with me as thou wilt.
Relieve me of the bondage of self,
That I may better do thy will.
Take away my difficulties,
That victory over them may bear witness to those I would help.
Of thy Power, thy Love & they Way of Life;
May I do thy Will always. Amen."
- The Third Step Prayer of Alcoholics Anonymous
As we proceed with grief, anger, fear and cautious optimism with a bruised view of the world, and with broken hearts, it is often difficult to identify God or the things we call miracles. This leads us to the repetitive cycle of being in our heads, and our thoughts racing with anger, depression, and and self-righteousness.
How can we see clearly amidst a storm that seems to shift and change, but continually obstructs our view? How, then, do we connect with our faith in God, as the ocean of grief and fear sweep over us again and again? How are we to be present when that grief of the past, and intense fear of the unknown future are constantly barging in?
When we connect to God, we can see our part and move into the service that will remove our spirit from the shackles that bind us! We open our mind to move toward stopping the madness. We achieve peace and can live more happily and normally when we are of service to others; Now that comes in many forms:
- Checking in beyond social media. Make that call to see how someone is doing.
- Make or buy a meal for someone lonely or food insufficient.
- Smile with your eyes as you pass a stranger on the street; it could change their whole day.
- Remember to Breathe! We often forget to breathe, so when we remember, it becomes a form of prayer. This allows the oxygen that we have blocked to come in so that we can see clearly, and hear God's still, quiet voice.
- Stay where your feet are. It is the only place we have the power to do God's work, and that is Powerful!
- Reach out in whatever ways you can to meet the needs of others. This is how we get relief from our own pain, and how we honor God. Pray with me now.
God of the Highest Love,
As we move into service to others, open our hearts to feel your presence and know that you lead us with your protection. Allow us to achieve justice, no matter how small the victories, and to recognize them and to give You the praise and gratitude owed in them.
Please move our feet in the direction of Your Will, that we may be free of self-will, and so achieve freedom in its purest form. Help us to love others as you love us. Give us the Strength of your eyes, hands and heart as we work to make the world as it should be. Help us to identify You in all things, great & small, and to call them all Miracles.
In your many names, we pray. Amen.
PRAYER SUBMITTED BY:
LOLA SHAHDADI (She/her/hers)
ASL interpreter for FMCC
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