It's So Easy

The Big Book editing squad has been up to mischeif again. You see, until the other day, the following passage from page 85 read:

"Be careful not to let up on the spiritual program of action and rest on your laurels. We are headed for trouble if we do, for alcohol is a subtle foe. We are not cured of alcoholism. What we really have is a daily reprieve contingent on the maintenance of our spiritual condition. Every day is a day when we must carry the vision of God's will into all of our activities. "How can I best serve Thee — Thy will (not mine) be done." These are thoughts which must go with us constantly. We can exercise our will power along this line all we wish. It is the proper use of the will."

Now it reads:

"It is easy to let up on the spiritual program of action and rest on our laurels. We are headed for trouble if we do, for alcohol is a subtle foe. We are not cured of alcoholism. What we really have is a daily reprieve contingent on the maintenance of our spiritual condition. Every day is a day when we must carry the vision of God's will into all of our activities. "How can I best serve Thee — Thy will (not mine) be done." These are thoughts which must go with us constantly. We can exercise our will power along this line all we wish. It is the proper use of the will."

Just to be sure it wasn't just my Big Book, I checked a couple other people's books as well. The same changes were made. Even the pdf version on the AA site has the new version. I'm telling you, men and/or women sneak into homes all the time to make changes to this thing. Beware. ;)

So they're trying to tell me that it's EASY to let up on the spiritual program of action. Unfortunately, I have no laurels to rest on. I can't magically extract spirituality from July 2, 2002 or April, 2003 or August 21, 2004. I've tried and failed.

I can't be lazy or take a spiritual holiday and expect to stay on an even keel. My mind drifts toward insanity too easily. Today is a day I have to carry the vision of God's will into activity (action!), praying "Thy will be done" as often as I might.

Quick options: Stay connected or die. Hmm. Which to choose?

A Prayer Upon Awakening

God, direct my thinking as I consider my plans for today. Let all my thoughts be divorced from self-pity, dishonest or self-seeking motives.

When I face indecision, please remind me to ask you for inspiration: an intuitive thought or decision. Help me to surrender and not struggle, to relax and take it easy.

Make clear to me absurd actions and ideas I may encounter when I presume unceasing inspiration.

Through the day, please show me what my next step is to be. Please provide whatever I need.

I ask especially for freedom from self-will, that I never make a request for myself only. Let me make requests only if others will be helped.

Thank you, my God, for your guidance and help.

(A Prayer Upon Awakening, by Daniel K.,
adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous pgs. 86-87)

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This is the original "A Prayer Upon Awakening" prayer based solely on pages 86 and 87 of the Big Book. I've since revised it to include other morning petitions that are listed elsewhere in the book. Yes, I wrote this. Feel free to print it out for yourself, but please don't post it elsewhere without contacting me for permission. It is protected under international copyright law.