The Lord's Prayer
The Ninth Step and the Lord's Prayer
07/Apr/08 Filed in: 9th Step
I had been a member of Al-Anon for about three
years when I heard that the congregation was
planning a Recovery Ministry. I looked forward to
its starting. First, because I knew it would be
beneficial for people within and without our
membership. Second, because I hoped to be on the
receiving end of some Ninth Step work from some
of those folks. They owed it to me.
I've since realized that part of my Ninth Step work of making amends requires me to let go of what I feel those people "owe" me. Forgiving the debts owed to me puts me in a better place when I pray to be forgiven as I have forgiven my debtors.
I still look forward to being on the receiving end of some Ninth Step work—but not because it is owed to me. Instead, I look forward to seeing others progress in their recoveries.
I've since realized that part of my Ninth Step work of making amends requires me to let go of what I feel those people "owe" me. Forgiving the debts owed to me puts me in a better place when I pray to be forgiven as I have forgiven my debtors.
I still look forward to being on the receiving end of some Ninth Step work—but not because it is owed to me. Instead, I look forward to seeing others progress in their recoveries.
—Anonymous