When I entered recovery, I heard phrases like, “This is a spiritual program, not a religious one.” Those words made me cringe at first because I thought I already knew God but I quickly realized how blind I had been. My relationship with God wasn’t built on trust, surrender, or humility—it was built on my own flawed understanding. Recovery has taught me what it means to pray in God’s will. This didn’t happen overnight. It took time, working the Steps, surrendering my illusions of control, and developing a heart posture of humility. Through this process, my identity shifted. I began to truly see who God is—not a genie or an angry judge but a loving Father who calls me His child.
Today, I experience a God who whispers His will into my heart. I believe I can hear His voice, not because of anything I’ve done but because He calls me His own. When I didn’t know how to discern His voice, I turned to Scripture, where God’s promises gave me the confidence to trust Him. The Word of God is more than a book—it’s a tool for hearing His will and aligning our hearts with His. Now when I pray, it’s not about making wishes but about seeking alignment with God’s plan. I ask, “Lord, what is Your will?” and I trust that He hears me. I don’t always get the answers I want but I’ve learned that His plans are always for my good. The confidence I have in Him today isn’t built on rules or rituals but on a real, living relationship with the God who loves me.
If you’re struggling to hear God’s voice or feel like your prayers are going unanswered, I encourage you to spend time with His Word and ask for His will to be done. Trust that He hears you, and He will guide you in His perfect time.
Reflection Questions
- How do you view your relationship with God? Do you see Him as a loving Father guiding you or as someone who should grant your wishes if you follow the rules?
- Have there been moments in your life when you felt your prayers went unanswered? Looking back, can you see how God may have been working in ways you didn’t expect?
Daily Mass Readings
First Reading: 1 John 5:14-21
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 149:1-2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9b
Gospel: John 3:22-30
Reflection by Paola P.