Pride

 False pride is like rubbing two wet sticks together trying to start a fire.  “I can do this on my own,” is what such pride says.  I don’t need any other power.  It is false hope and blind powerless expectations.  Many an addict has tried to control their life in this way.  Others of us try to get things done while avoiding any sense of a need for help.  Prayer is the dropping of the two wet sticks and saying, “God, I need you.  I cannot do this on my own.”  And then when the inspiration of Ultimate Reality comes, remember to say “Thank you.”