Reclaiming Prayer
To some, prayer is seen as a religious act of placing one’s hands together, getting on one’s knees and talking to God.
The word 'prayer' used to make me cringe. It carried the baggage of my childhood—forced kneeling, fear of hell, and a God who was basically a judgmental parent with a magnifying glass. I thought prayer was a performance where I had to get the words right or be punished. For a long time in Al-Anon, I just didn't pray. I couldn't stomach the hypocrisy.
Step Eleven allowed me to dismantle that old structure and build something new. I learned that prayer isn't about posture; it's about connection. I can pray while driving, while crying in the shower, or while walking the dog. I don't have to be on my knees; I just have to be honest. Reclaiming prayer meant realizing that God isn't waiting to catch me in a mistake; He is waiting to catch me when I fall. I don't have to use religious words. 'This sucks, please help' is a perfectly complete prayer.
Today, I will take a few moments to honestly speak to my Higher Power, wherever I am and in whatever words come most naturally. I will focus on what I need in that moment.
