Step 11
This step to me is the one that most closely relates to the term that we have all heard and that is to "Be born again." When a person is born again, to me it means that they have fully committed themselves to a desire to only do good and are desirous of doing only that which Heavenly Father would have them do. It is a life long commitment to do the Lords will one day at a time. You now understand that through living the commandments of the Lord, your desire is to do those things that bring peace, joy and fulfilment and you understand that nothing of this world can fill your soul with you that peace.
You understand that prayer is a portal to the Lord and that He is there to listen. You understand that as you strive to keep yourself clean and in tune with the promptings of the Holy Ghost, you can be guided on a path that will help you achieve the goal that Heavenly Father sent you on this earth to do. In the Addiction Recovery Manuel it gives a quote form Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Qurorm of the twelve. He says, "The Holy Ghost will protect us against being deceived, by to realize that wonderful blessing, we must always do the things necessary to retain that spirit. We must keep the commandments , pray for guidance, and attend church and partake of the sacrament each Sunday. And we must never do anything to drive away that Spirit. Specifically we should avoid pornography, alcohol, tobacco and drugs and always avoid violations of the law of chastity. We must never take things into our bodies or do things with our bodies that drive away the Spirit of the Lord and leave us without our spiritual protection against deception."
Prayer and meditation are powerful antidotes to fear and depression. Step 11 represents a commitment to improve your relationship with God through a lifetime practice of seeking guidance daily and obeying the commandments. Once again, being born again is a change of heart and soul, and to me, this is what step 11 is talking about. Working on your heart and your soul will bring you the peace that you have desired for so long and it is yours for the taking when you turn your life around, and keep clean from your addiction.
It is my testimony that Prayer is an opportunity for all of us to get closer to our Heavenly Father. I have heard so many friends and associates tell me that they didn't have a relationship with their own fathers, so if this is you, what a great blessing for you to have a genuine relationship with your Heavenly Father. He will never disappoint you as you draw closer to him. He will always be there to listen to the pleadings of your heart. Pray in the morning, pray at night, pray on your meals and for thanks to Him who has given you, your all. Take the time you need to pray and soak in the peace and love that only a loving Father can give to you.
Have a terrific week and practice what you have learned from this step.
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