“Through the Steps, I took an inventory of old beliefs & habits, and with perseverance, how to tap into an Indomitable Inner Spirit and how to walk forward with new Faith & Trust.”

The practice of contemplation is simply a way of maintaining the fruits of great love and great suffering over the long haul in all situations. To begin to see with new eyes, we must observe—and often be humiliated by—the habitual way we encounter each and every moment. It is humiliating because we will see that we are well-practiced in just a few predictable responses. Few of our responses are original, fresh, or naturally respectful of what is right in front of us. The most common human responses to a new moment are mistrust, cynicism, fear, knee-jerk reactions, a spirit of dismissal, and overriding judgmentalism. It is discouraging to finally see that these are the common ways that the ego tries to be in control, instead of allowing the moment to teach us something new! To let each moment teach us, we must allow ourselves to be at least slightly stunned by it until it draws us inward, toward a subtle experience of wonder. We normally need a single moment of gratuitous awe to get us started—and such moments are the only solid foundation for religious instinct & spiritual journey.

Adapted from CAC Daily Meditations

God will constantly disclose more to you and to us. Ask Him in your morning meditation what you can do each day for the man who is still sick. The answers will come, if your own house is in order. But obviously you cannot transmit something you haven't got. See to it that your relationship with Him is right, and great events will come to pass for you and countless others. This is the Great Fact for us.

Adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous (the Big Book)

Meditation for the Day God is with you, to bless and help you. His spirit is all around you. Waver not in your faith or in your prayers. All power is the Lord's. Say that to yourself often and steadily. Say it until your heart sings with joy for the safety and personal power that it means to you. Say it until the very force of the utterance drives back and puts to naught all the evils against you. Use it as a battle cry. All power is the Lord's. Then you will pass on to victory over all your sins and temptations, and you will begin to live a victorious life. Prayer for the Day I pray that with strength from God I may lead an abundant life. I pray that I may lead a life of victory.

Adapted from Twenty-Four Hours a Day© 1975 by Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved.