Prayer is like a hassle free, less time and energy consuming, easier and better version of journaling with the same results! (Definitely not knocking journaling though, which I still love and strongly advocate for to this day). Anyway, this connection between prayer and journaling really helped to reframe prayer in a new light for me, and I couldn’t wait to put it into action. Needless to say, it worked — and my newfound perception of prayer has worked wonders for my coming to believe.

I agreed, honestly, more out of politeness than conviction. I was dubious. But as you can probably guess, I absolutely loved it.

That weekly prayer meeting has become a highlight of my week. It has helped propel my spiritual life to a place I never thought possible. The accountability alone has been transformative — it acts like a physical bridge to the spiritual, keeping me connected even when I don’t feel like it. We share what we’re hearing, encourage one another, and discern guidance together. It helps me stay close to my Higher Power when my motivation runs low.

That same week, I went to my home group feeling eager to share these new revelations about faith and prayer. Normally, it’sa smaller meeting where everyone has plenty of time to talk. But just my luck, it was a full house, packed with people, all eager to share. I didn’t get a chance. I shrugged it off and didn’t think much of it.

What amazes me is the chain of events that could only have been possible through my Higher Power’s guidance. If I hadn’t watched that show that week, if I hadn’t missed my share, if I hadn’t mentioned it afterward to that specific fellow, if I hadn’t received that invitation — I might never have found this prayer group and the fruits it has borne in my spiritual life. I came to believe, and so can you.

After the meeting, while standing around in casual post—meeting conversation, something prompted me to mention that I hadn’t gotten to share. The fellow I was talking to was genuinely interested and encouraged me to share right then and there. Somewhat sheepishly, I did. After listening, she told me she had just started a weekly prayer meeting with another fellow and invited me to join.

Do not be discouraged. No one among us has been able to maintain anything like perfect adherence to these principles. We are not saints. The point is, that we are willing to grow along spiritual lines. The principles we have set down are guides to progress. We claim spiritual progress rather than spiritual perfection.

Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 60 9