The last three steps of recovery are considered to be steps of maintenance, meaning they are to be continually practiced once the first nine steps have been thoroughly worked. A life of recovery is just that: it is life-giving and life-permeating. The last three steps -- inventory and action, foundation, and outreach -- ensure recovery remains woven into the fabric of one's life just as work and play, eating and rest. Prayer is essential to supporting the construction of that tapestry.
STEP 10) Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
The Principle of PERSEVERANCE
"For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith." Romans 12:3
Dear Lord, this path I pray they will one day walk, is a hard path. There will be no "I've arrived" moments until they hear the words, "Well done," coming from Your lips. This is a path of self-inventory and discipline they will need to walk every minute of every day. It will not be easy, and the rewards may not seem as monumental and forthcoming as they did so early on in the journey; but Lord, I ask You to give them strength to persevere and eyes to see the rewards of recovery. They are there, everyday. I ask that, with a renewed mind, they see themselves critically but dearly loved and not abandoned. I ask that as their shortcomings -- old and new -- are revealed to them, You would embolden them to promptly admit them and take whatever action they are able, to make it right. I ask You to reveal Yourself to them again and again, showing them that You -- the powerful, the good, the eternal -- are always with them. You are the God from whom all blessings flow, and with whom nothing shall be impossible. Amen
STEP 11) Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
The Principle of SPIRITUALITY
"I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." John 15:5
My Lord, I have found there is nothing better than You. May they know that as well. May they thirst after You as a castaway searches for fresh water; may they seek after You as a pauper seeks the means to eat; may they long for You as a prisoner longs for fresh air and open skies. I ask that they would want only Your will for them; that they would be assured of Your love for them and Your plans to see them prosper. Lord, help them to walk in Your grace and goodness, and never desire to "go it alone". Give them the certainty when they ask, You will give them all they need to obey and serve You, and fix that petition in their hearts and minds. You will remain with them, You will lead them, You will comfort them when they fall, and You will give them power over temptation -- and they must rely fully on Your presence, direction, comfort and power. Remind them You came not to condemn them, but to save them, and Your salvation is the only true emancipation. Amen
STEP 12) Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
The Principle of SERVICE
"Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." Philippians 2:4
Oh Lord, here we are at a place in their recovery that seems to me so far into the future; but time is of no consequence to You. Your plan for each of us is perfect. It is so difficult for my eyes to see where they are now and envision them counseling and caring for others, but You, O Lord, are our hope and vision. I know they need not walk in fear or loneliness, for You will be with them every step of the way. I am asking You to prepare every place their feet will land and prepare their hearts and minds as they walk. They will not shed one tear or struggle one day without Your knowledge. It is Your comfort, Your trustworthiness, Your presence throughout this journey that will prompt them to selflessly serve others. I pray they will identify with You and identify with those around them who are struggling, that they might bring Your light to them. I pray their quest to humbly serve You by serving others would be a lifelong quest; and Your strength, which breaks the chains of addiction will not only break theirs, but the chains of many others through their service. Amen
I pray this has blessed you and the lives of those for whom you seek restoration and health.
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