I think that it is important for each person to discover God and develop their relationship with God kind of spontaneously on their own, rather than have it be too directed by other people. There are some general suggestions in Step 11, and in Steps 2 and 3. They seem to be about our being willing to listen to God as He guides us. The Serenity Prayer is a good one. The 'make me a channel of your peace' prayer is a good one. But, since I've been in the program, I basically just talk to God and try to listen. Like yesterday,,,  I had a hard day,,,  and I did Step 11 "What do you want me to do, God?" and "what is going on here?" and "why? why? why?"   His answers weren't so clear. but I'm remembering to do my best at each moment,,, and hope that He is working it all out.

I have heard some people suggest a morning prayer,  "Please",,,  and a night prayer, "Thank you"

Those are some of my thoughts,,,  how it looks from here.  Take what you need and leave the rest.

amanda

Hi Francesco,

No real advice, the 'Help' in a.m. and 'Thank You' at night, as Amanda had spoken of, does work.

In my first year, I had a copy of the 24 Hour Book, which includes a Thought for the Day, Meditation for the Day, followed by a Prayer for the day.  I used that little tiny book, almost desperately, in my first year, would pick up and read it before starting even my coffee. I needed something real simple to understand, and this book tied the Thought, Meditation, and Prayer all together.  One small page for each day of the year. Would keep it handy and refer to it, read several times in the early morning, so as to fully digest all of it.

Over the years, I misplaced or lost this book, and recently purchased another, from Hazelton.

Here is an example, today April 5,

Thought for the Day

People ofter ask what makes the A.A. Program work. One of the answers is that A.A. works because it gets people away from themselves as the center of the universe. And it teaches them to rely more on the fellowship of others and on strength from God.  Forgetting ourselves in fellowship, prayer, and working with others is what makes the A.A. program work. Are these things keeping me sober?

Meditation for the Day

God is the great interpreter of one human personility to another.  Even personalities who are the nearest together have much in their natures that remains a sealed book to each other.  And only as God enters and controls their lives are the mysteries of each revealed  to the other. Each personality is so different.  God alone understands perfectly the language of each and can interpret between the two.  Here we find the miracles of change and the true interpretation of life.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may be in the right relationship to God.  I pray that God will interpret to me the personalities of other people, so that I can understand them and help them.

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Francesco, in my first year, I did not do a lot of talking about the fellowship and the steps, had my ears open and was in a receiving mode.  My body and head were in a detoxification process, maybe something that you are not experiencing, with coming in at such an early age. Only you know how you are doing.

But I do recall the desperate need for some Good Orderly Direction, during this Detox, and this little book was the answer for me. I felt a little grounded by it, or maybe a LOT Grounded by the readings, I let them take first place in my thoughts thoughout the day.

So God Bless, and wishing you so much good, in this your Early Recovery.

We are all here for you. Very different in age, but just like the above thought, and Prayer, we can come together, in this fellowship, with our common interest of Recovery.  I hope that you have some 'Young people' meetings where you maybe can find the similarities you are looking for. Listening and finding people that you can connect with, when you hear them telling 'your story'  is a very big part of this program.  That's of course,  just my opinion.

A Big Hug, Toni

-- Edited by Toni Baloney at 09:31, 2006-04-05

is this the book you refer to ?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0894868349/qid=1144248125/sr=1-8/ref=sr_1_3_8/202-5098750-0587026

It is a great day! And you seem to be seeking. That is so great to hear. For prayer, I just kept asking people I thought might know. Most suggestions lead me to the ones in the books. Those seem tailor-made for us. The one you mentioned, I say in the morning. Then I read the daily in the book Daily Reflections, (Available at most meetings.) I got alot from Toni's suggestions, (above,) as I try to keep my thought/prayer life in the 'seek' mode. Always looking for ways I can do better. I always revisit our books 12x12 and The Big Book. Keep up your Quest! You will Find! -paul

Phil wrote:

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Yup..thats the book... Some of the posts put on the board are from the www.hazelden.com site.... including the 24 hour a day book...plus Daily reflections etc... Take what yu want..and leave the rest....Have a good day....

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went to my meeting and could not get the book as they could not find the key to the room it was in! doh. where can i get one from ? any official aa websites?