Welcome to this guided two-way prayer practice.
Two-way prayer originated in early recovery communities as a daily method for conscious contact with a higher power.
It's a way of asking for direction and then listening.
Before we begin,
You're welcome to use whatever word feels most comfortable to you.
That word may be God,
Goddess,
Spirit,
Creator,
Higher power,
Or great mystery.
I'll use the word spirit in this practice,
But you're invited to translate that into the language that resonates most for you.
To begin,
Sit comfortably,
Relax your body,
Release any tension in your shoulders,
Soften your jaw,
And take one slow breath in and a long breath out.
Feel your feet on the floor.
Feel your body supported beneath you.
Let your attention settle into this moment.
Now,
Say silently or aloud,
Spirit,
Please direct my thinking today.
Free it from self-pity,
Dishonesty,
And self-seeking motives.
Now,
Choose a question that feels most alive right now.
Write that question at the top of your page.
Now begin writing.
If it helps,
You might want to begin your response with a phrase that allows you to feel connected to a loving and wiser presence.
You're also welcome to simply write your own name.
Begin in whatever way you feel spoken to with love by a power greater than yourself.
And then write everything that comes.
Don't edit,
Don't filter,
And don't argue.
Keep your pen moving.
And we'll pause for writing now.
When the flow slows,
You can stop writing.
Now we test what you've written.
Ask,
Is this completely honest?
Is it pure in motive?
Is it unselfish?
Is it loving?
Anything rooted in blame,
Superiority,
Fear,
Harshness,
Or ego does not pass the test.
So circle what reflects honesty,
Purity,
And unselfishness and love.
Choose one clear action from what you've written.
Clarity deepens when we act on what has been shown to us.
And as we close this two-way prayer practice,
We thank spirit for directing our thinking.
We ask spirit to give us the courage to carry out what has been shown to us.
Now begin to bring your awareness back to your body.
Notice your breath again.
And notice the surface that's supporting you.
If your eyes have been closed,
Slowly blink them open.
Take one deep breath in.
Hold it at the top.
And exhale fully.
Notice the room around you.
And feel the steadiness beneath you.
And when you're ready,
You're welcome to move into your day with what you received.
Take care.
