Summary: <br> At a recent meeting, the topic was Step 11. I most often share about my difficulties in creating a regular program of prayer and meditation. But at this meeting, I picked the second part of the step “Praying only for knowledge of God’s will…” The question that I face when I consider that phrase is, “how do I know if something is God’s will or just mine?”<br> <br> <br> <br> Apparently, I last talked about this question in <a href="/61">Episode 61</a> “Intuition or God’s Will?”<br> <br> <br> <br> One tool that I try to remember to use when faced with this question is to ask myself “What is my motive?” I was guided to this question by a program friend some years ago. An acquaintance had had a horrible experience, and I was thinking about calling them to let them know I cared. But, I also had enough Al-Anon experience to know that I really ought to check this out with someone else, first. So I called a program friend, and described what I was considering. This friend then asked me “What is your motive?”<br> <br> <br> <br> That made me stop and think. What was my motive? Did I really think that I could provide support? Or was I just trying to make myself feel better about not being able to actually do anything about the situation? Was I close enough to my acquaintance to even talk to them about their experience? <br> <br> <br> <br> In the end, I decided that this idea came from my will, with the motive of making myself feel better, and did not call. Years later, I still think that was the right decision.<br> <br> <br> <br> There are other situations in which I ask myself, “what is my motive?” Listen to hear about them.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> * <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Readings and Links<br> <br> <br> <br> We read from <a href="https://therecoveryshow.com/book-courage-to-change">Courage to Change</a>, January 18.<br> <br> <br> <br> Feedback?<br> <br> <br> <br> What is your experience using the question, “What is my motive?” Please send a voice memo or email to <a href="mailto:feedback@therecovery.show">feedback@therecovery.show</a>, or call our voice mail line at 734-707-8795.<br>
