By praying “thy Kingdom come, thy will be done,” we impart Step 11 and Step Three, respectively, turning our will over to Him so that we may decrease and He may increase. We then ask for forgiveness, admitting we have defects of character and are in need of His grace and mercy. This calls to mind the whole of Step Four through Step Nine. Through God’s immeasurable love and sacrifice, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is available to us. We understand it is only through humbly receiving God’s forgiveness that we can extend forgiveness to others. 

We also recognize that resentment and unforgiveness in our hearts could quickly put us on a familiar path of destruction. Therefore, we ask for God’s protection from temptation and evil. We have tried to accomplish this on our own and we have failed. Yet, through our powerlessness to protect ourselves, our Father has revealed to us that He is our ultimate protector. And so we ask Him to lead us under His saving power, going forth with Step 12 and sealed with the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Reflection Questions

• What is God currently doing for you that you cannot do for yourself? Can you recall a time you realized you were being protected by God in the midst of powerlessness?
• Is there someone you still struggle to forgive whom God wants you to hand over to Him with more intentionality and trust?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Isaiah 55:10-11
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 34:4-5, 6-7, 16-17, 18-19
Gospel: Matthew 6:7-15

Reflection by Stephanie N.