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Brent Carlson's avatar

As an alcoholic I was ruled by self, self will run riot. After years in AA and then learning what my real problem was from Dr Harry Tiebout, did I finally have a cure for my disease. I drank to cure my alcoholism, to get away from my narcissistic, omnipotent ego that speaks to me in my own voice. I will note here that I also like the effects of alcohol and can’t from a physical perspective stop after the first drink.

So now armed with knowledge of my problem I can go on with the steps

.Step1. Admitted I was powerless over alcohol and my life had become unmanageable. This means if I drink I won’t stop but more importantly my life had become unmanageable (the important part is it’s my thinking sober or drunk that is unmanageable.

Step 2. came to believe a power greater than myself could restore me to sanity (soundness of mind). This means to pray until we know the prayer will come true. I do this I read manuscript on when and how to pray. I also studied intensely Emmet Fox to learn how to pray. Now that I believe in a power greater than myself can help me in this dimension. I suggest starting with Emmet Fox, the Golden Key and then to Sermon of the Mount”. And finally the Lords Prayer.

step 3. Turn our will and our lives over to the care of God. This requires constant contact with God. My prayers are not “parroted like I used to say it”. My prays are for guidance and to be with me. And of course the best prayer of thanking him for the good things in my life.

One last thing I’d I will mention is the need to maintain a moment to moment relationship with God. The vultures (my ego) are standing over me when I wake up. The good thing is I can’t have God (love and humility) and this ego (constantly judging myself and others) in my thoughts at the same time. So when I see I start to have hateful, condescending thoughts I turn to God. This is moment to moment. I love life in the now (the present because the past is over and the future never arrives.

I will leave you on a positive side. Jesus gave us the Lord’s Prayer. In the first words dispels all the racial and ethnic division. He stays the pray Out Father. He didn’t say My Father but our Father. We are all children of God.

God I offer myself to thee, to do with me as you will.

Remove me from the bondage of self that I may better do Thy Will

Take away my shortcomings that victory over them may bear witness to those who still suffer of Thy Power, Thy Love and Thy way of Life.

May I do Thy will always

Amen

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Pirate Studebaker's avatar

Great discourse. Thank you. I know what you've laid out in this article is true. It's so difficult to explain to others who don't know God is All. It's just a knowing that permeates everything. It all comes back to Him.

Even when I exercise free will and make mistakes. That's why I pray for knowledge of His will and the power to do it.

Jesus did IT and I'm so grateful. All Glory to God.

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