I
sit in a quiet place every morning and first review, through recited prayers
that ask me, where have I brought hatred in lieu of love and so on? I'm
speaking of what is called the Saint Francis prayer that has been adopted by
the AA program as the Eleventh Step Prayer. The prayer walks my consciousness down
a list of positive affirmations but stops me where I know in my heart I haven't
met the standards described in it. This is not an exercise made to create guilt
or remorse… though there are times when these are appropriate… but these words are
employed to raise my consciousness towards action. Sometimes that action is
merely to cease negative, self-centered, fear that lurks in wait behind all
these trespasses. Making a mental note to take care of these matters, I can usually
sit in peace. However, sometimes I am to sit until a higher consciousness
directs my attention to the necessary action to take concerning this matter blocking
the flow of serenity. True meditation is not an escape from these troubles but
a most positive and productive way to start my day free of anxiety and doubt. I
know I am doing well once I have cleared the slate and sit with the monkey
chatter in my mind finally put to peace afterwards. A short plea of this kind is the Serenity Prayer:
Lord, grant me the
serenity to accept the things I cannot change;
the courage to change
to change the things I can;
and the wisdom to
know the difference.
geo 4,803
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