A Non-AA on Prayer

WORDS have always formed pictures in my mind and the words "Alcoholics Anonymous" bring to me the picture of a twofold key--one part unlocks the riches and satisfaction of a deep spiritual life and the other opens wide the manifold blessings and pleasures of a materialistic world. The spiritual side is based upon the principle that there is a Power greater than ourselves to whom we may appeal for help and expect with all sincerity to receive it. To people who have always been exposed to religion in one form or another, this appeal often tends to become mixed up with flowery phrases in lengthy prayers, a murmuring of words that have no meaning beyond the lips. Now I know that prayer, either of petition or thanksgiving, need not be as I have described. Some of my most sincere prayers have come from a heart too full for utterance. There was just a "feeling" there that this Power above could not fail to understand. Then, too, the knowledge that our prayers in this new way of life will not only be heard, but answered, is so comforting. Learning how to do it is a great step forward, indeed. I have found there is a great deal of difference between asking the Almighty for money to pay the bills and to keep the wolf from the door, and asking for the strength and ability to work to earn the money to do those selfsame things. Also, when saying the Lord's Prayer, to emphasize the word Thy, in "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done" helps to put me in the proper mood of humility and slows me down to the point where I can say the rest of the prayer with greater awareness. Then, too, in this matter of doing God's will. . .if we have previously asked in all sincerity to know his will, then the making of a decision comes easier. We can assume that whatever road we take, it must be the right one for our ultimate advantage. If I were asked what one thing had contributed the most to my own peace of mind during the past year, beyond the obvious fact of my husband's sobriety, I would say it was the AA prayer and, for the benefit of the newcomer, I quote: