Give us this day our daily bread.

Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭11

The Big Book (AA’s text) version of this reads, “what we really have is a daily reprieve contingent on the maintenance and growth of our spiritual condition.”

An apt reminder of exactly where we stand:

We’ve only got one day in front of us.

Our sobriety is a reprieve; it’s healthy not to think in terms of being cured.

We are responsible.

So long as I stay out of poison ivy, I’ll not break out in a rash. It doesn’t mean I’m cured; I’ve just found a way out that if I’m wise, I’ll guard.

The idea of growing our spiritual condition should be top of mind all day, every day. If this is the key to living one day at a time, then what exactly do we do?

Is there a formula?

Well, yes, yes there is.

For centuries, Christians have followed some general guidelines to do exactly this, and as I’ve tried to follow suit, I realize that like the tenants of AA, they’re simple but not easy:

Read and study scripture

Pray and fast

Be attentive through the day of where to be of service

Spend time in fellowship with others to build one another up

Share hope with others

Sound familiar?

It’s no coincidence that the habits recommended in early sobriety line up with some of the spiritual guidelines of the faith.

Keep it simple.

God, help me follow the path already blazed.