"WE ASKED HIS PROTECTION"
Recovery Einstein's Big Book perspective on the AA Daily Reflection for September 8.
When the Big Book says 'We asked His protection and care with complete abandon' [Page 63], it isn't about asking God to keep us safe from external harm. It's about surrendering the illusion that we can manage our own lives. In recovery, we've seen where our best thinking got us—jails, institutions, or death. Asking for protection means praying for the strength to stay out of self-will and to trust a Power greater than ourselves with every detail of our day, just as the Third Step Prayer suggests. This is not a one-time request; it's a daily attitude of turning our will and our lives over to God's care [Page 63], moment by moment. When we do that consistently, we find that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves [Page 84], and that is the real protection—from the bondage of self and the obsession to drink.
In what areas of my life am I still trying to protect myself through my own efforts, rather than asking for God’s protection and care with complete abandon?
Start each day with Einstein's Big Book perspective — a quiet moment before the world gets loud.
This is Recovery Einstein's original Big Book perspective on the day's theme — not the official AA Daily Reflections text. For the official reflection, follow the aa.org link above. Page references are to Alcoholics Anonymous (the Big Book), 4th Edition.
Quick answers
What is the AA Daily Reflection for September 8?
The theme for September 8 is “"We Asked His Protection".” When the Big Book says 'We asked His protection and care with complete abandon' [Page 63], it isn't about asking God to keep us safe from external harm.
In what areas of my life am I still trying to protect myself through my own efforts, rather than asking for God’s protection and care with complete abandon?
When we do that consistently, we find that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves [Page 84], and that is the real protection—from the bondage of self and the obsession to drink. (Big Book: Chapter 5, page 63)