Nightly Review Prayer
As the topic for today’s meeting I have chosen the 10th step nightly review prayer which can be found in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, page 86 paragraph 2.
God, help me to constructively review my day. Where was I resentful, dishonest, or afraid? Do I owe an apology? Have I kept something to myself which should be discussed with another person at once?
Though I am sober 31 years and thought I had made progress in a relationship with my only brother, I see now that hurdles exist to keep us from contact, much less closeness.
My brother happens be very wealthy and I badly could use money to pay the bills encountered in senior care, but he is unwilling to help at least for now. As a result, 31 years or not, I am angry and hurt with the not much of an attitude of patience, tolerance and love.
In a fit of anger yesterday I sent him an unkind e-mail; last night I knew I owed an apology, but I was not able to sit down and write one until early this morning. I have since sent it to him.
It truly doesn’t matter whether he sends me money or not; I can’t live with myself if I send an email, make a phone call, or other move berating anyone. I have a powerful AA conscience.
Was I kind and loving toward all? Most days I don’t get angry at anyone; nothing is that important, and I try to look at my part in every situation, an action that allows me to see where I contributed to the problem or I may have even caused it.
What could I have done better? This is not easy to answer, and I may not have one at the moment. But if it happens again I may want to investigate ways for me to act differently.
Was I thinking of myself most of the time? Or thinking of what I could do for others, or what to pack into the stream of life? I think as human beings we think first of ourselves; it is simply survival. Then if I turn my thoughts toward others it shows I am growing up or at least having a better day.
Please forgive me for my harms today and let me know corrective measures I should take. Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. I have heard it said that we are lucky to have this program and that most people could use it. What I think is we forget is that most people, normal people, often do the things we suggest in AA more naturally. But this is not true of all AA members not of all normal people of course.
Personally I feel blessed to have the 12 steps to help me live a more comfortable life.
How about you? Does this prayer play a role in your everyday actions? How has the use of such ideas been a help to you? Please review the prayer and share with us.