"Call it by whatever name you like, that which gives one the greatest solace in the midst of the severest fire is God".
Mahatma Ghandi

Our Stories

Add your own 11th Step prayer story.
Letting Go
1 year 8 weeks ago

My name is Lois and by the grace of God I'm maintaining a 152 pound weight loss and in my 23rd year in OA. Although my prayer practice has been strong in gratitude and seeking God's will and making gestures of surrender, the meditation part of this step has not been a consistent practice. Just before I attended the CP workshop in Hartford, Ct. November 13 of this year I was studying books by John Kabat-Zinn, so I have been searching.... I know I'm a novice in CP but it doesn't daunt my excitment. I have clear instructions that make sense to me.

trek to a bench
1 year 35 weeks ago

12 Step Centering Prayer Spring Retreat May 2010

Marionist Retreat Conference grounds in Eureka, Mo just outside St. Louis

My trek to a bench started with a high moisture level and beautiful light

 

 

 

 

The bench for the time

 

 

can and will
1 year 38 weeks ago

I grew up in a world of "should" and "can't." The journey to "may, can, and will" has been long in terms of chronology. I started placing my behind on a cushion each morning nearly 20 years ago. The journey has been counter intuitive - the action which has produced the most change is non-action and the thinking that has made the most difference has been no-thinking. But in terms of distance the journey is incredibly short.

Open to the Promises of Recover
1 year 45 weeks ago

Welcome! My name is Jim M and I am a recovering addict and alcoholic from St. Louis. It feels great to be posting a bit of experience, strength and hope on this new website and hope that it becomes a safe place for people to share their 11th Step experiences with others so we can learn and grow. I took an Introductory Workshop to Centering Prayer in 1996 when I was ten years sober and knew intuitively that the practice was what I had been looking for to experience spirituality on a deeper level and to be open to the promises of recovery.

Receiving Serenity
2 years 24 weeks ago

While serenity still comes and goes in my life, centering prayer (as one of my 11th step practices) has added a depth to my serenity that I hadn't experienced before and has also made it easier for me to return to a peaceful state after I have lost it.

Another benefit I have noticed is a deeper appreciation for and understanding of the wisdom contained in the 12 steps and traditions. When I work the steps now, I feel connected to and helped by my higher power. It's as if I have an internal sponsor available to me 24-7.