Printable Version
The 12 Steps - Back to Basics of Recovery
Step XI - How to Listen to God - Part II
By taking Steps One through Ten, we have removed the blocks that have prevented us from and establishing an intimate, two-way communication with the God of our understanding. Now, it is time to enhance our relationship with the “One who has all power” by listening to and following Divine guidance on a daily basis for the rest of our lives.
On pages 85-88 of the “Big Book,” the authors provide us with clear-cut directions on how to pray and meditate. At the top of page 86, they state: “It would be easy to be vague about this matter. Yet, we believe we can make some definite and valuable suggestions.” Then, they tell us what we are to do at night, in the morning, and throughout the day.
At night, we review our day’s activities. In the first paragraph on page 86, the authors write:
When we retire at night, we constructively review our day. Were we resentful, selfish, dishonest or afraid?
This paragraph contains the third reference to the A.A. test for self-will, which the “Big Book” authors have previously described as an integral part of Steps Four (page 69) and Ten (page 84). They ask us to use this same test to separate self-will from God’s will during our periods of meditation.
Test for self-will
Resent(ment)
Selfish(ness)
Dishonest(y)
Afraid or (Fear)
Test for God’s will
Purity
Unselfishness
Honesty
Love
In order for the messages we receive to be considered God’s will, they must pass all four tests of honesty, purity, unselfishness AND love. Conversely, to be considered self-will, they only have to pass one of the tests of resentment, selfishness, dishonesty OR fear.
In the second paragraph on page 86, the “Big Book” authors provide us with directions for conducting a morning meditation:
On awakening let us think about the twenty-four hours ahead. We consider our plans for the day. Before we begin, we ask God to direct our thinking . . .
We write down the messages (guidance) we receive so we don’t forget them. Afterward we examine them using the test we just described. Then, we share them with others who are committed to the process. We do this because not all of our thoughts come from God. However, with time and practice we will begin to trust “our vital sixth sense.”
Here is where our sponsor or sharing partner can be very helpful. What does another person who is practicing the Eleventh Step think about the guidance we have received?
The “unofficial” guidance book from the 1940’s was a spiral wound, pocket-sized memo pad. I found hundreds of these booklets in various archival collections I examined while conducting A.A. research. I also found guidance written on hotel stationary, envelopes, journals of various sizes and shapes, and assorted scraps of paper. What I learned is that it doesn’t matter what we write our guidance on, just as long as we write it on something.
In the third paragraph on page 86, the “Big Book” authors reveal how the “God consciousness within” is going to reply to our requests for help:
In thinking about our day we may face indecision. We may not be able to determine which course to take. Here we ask God for inspiration, an intuitive thought or a decision. . . . We are often surprised how the right answers come after we have tried this for a while.
According to the “Big Book” authors, God is going to communicate with us through “inspiration, an intuitive thought, or a decision.” If the “One who has all power” is going to provide us with “the right answers,” wouldn’t it be a good idea to jot them down so we can refer to them from time to time?
The “Big Book” authors then explain what we are to do whenever we become troubled or confused. We relax and ask for guidance. Starting with the third paragraph on page 87, the authors tell us:
As we go through the day we pause, when agitated or doubtful, and ask for the right thought or action. We constantly remind ourselves we are no longer running the show, humbly saying to ourselves many times each day “Thy will be done.”
By taking Steps One through Ten, we have removed the blocks that have prevented us from and establishing an intimate, two-way communication with the God of our understanding. Now, it is time to enhance our relationship with the “One who has all power” by listening to