#356 - On the 11th Step of Christmas... (12 Steps) | Mark E. Shaw

#356 - On the 11th Step of Christmas... (12 Steps) | Mark E. Shaw

What drives someone to seek a life without alcohol? In this captivating episode, Mark E. Shaw takes listeners on a reflective journey through the 11th step of the 12-step programme, offering a biblical perspective on addiction recovery. Known for his deep understanding of both scripture and addiction, Mark breaks down the spiritual nuances of the 11th step, which encourages prayer and meditation to improve one's conscious contact with God.

He challenges the traditional interpretation by highlighting how true spiritual growth stems from biblical prayer and abiding in Christ, rather than generic spirituality. Mark shares his insights into how the original creators of the 12 steps were influenced by meditation practices that he argues are not biblically sound. Instead, he advocates for a prayerful relationship with God, where one can pray without ceasing and find guidance through scripture.

With light-hearted humour and a touch of festive spirit, Mark also introduces a unique rendition of the "Twelve Days of Christmas," cleverly adapted to include elements of the 12 steps. Listeners will find themselves questioning their own beliefs about addiction recovery and spirituality as Mark discusses how true transformation comes from aligning one's desires with God's will. By integrating faith with recovery, he offers a hopeful message that it's possible to find strength and purpose beyond addiction.

Whether you're on your own recovery journey or supporting someone who is, this episode provides both encouragement and food for thought. Curious about how spirituality can influence addiction recovery? Dive into this engaging episode for an eye-opening perspective.