Prayers

The Twelve Steps encompass a sequence of transformative actions and attitudes that members are earnestly encouraged to embrace on their path to recovery. Within the context of AA, the term “prayers” commonly alludes to specific expressions, affirmations, and contemplative thoughts that constitute integral components of the program.
Serenity Prayer
GOD, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.
AMEN
The Lord’s Prayer
OUR FATHER, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever.
AMEN
Saint Francis Prayer
LORD, make me a channel of thy peace, that where there is hatred, I may bring love; that where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of forgiveness; that where there is discord, I may bring harmony; that where there is error, I may bring truth; that where there is doubt, I may bring faith; that where there is despair, I may bring hope; that where there are shadows, I may bring light; that where there is sadness, I may bring joy.
LORD, grant that I may seek rather to comfort than to be comforted; to understand, than to be understood; to love, than to be loved. For it is by self-forgetting that one finds. It is by forgiving that one is forgiven. It is by dying that one awakens to Eternal Life.
AMEN
Morning Prayer
GOD, direct my thinking today so that it is divorced of self-pity, dishonesty, self-will, self-seeking and fear. God inspire my thinking, decisions and intuitions. Help me to relax and take it easy. Free me from doubt and indecision. Guide me through this day and show me my next step. God, give me what I need to take care of any problems. I ask all these things that I may be of maximum service to you and my fellow man (in the name of the Steps I pray.)
AMEN
First Step Prayer
GOD, Creative Intelligence, Universal Mind, Spirit of Nature or Spirit of the Universe my name is ______ , and I’m a real alcoholic… I need your help today.
AMEN
Second Step Prayer
GOD, I’m standing at the turning point right now. Give me your protection and care as I abandon myself to you and give up my old ways and my old ideas just for today.
AMEN
Third Step Prayers
God, I offer myself to Thee — to build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt. Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do Thy will. Take away my difficulties, that victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of Thy Power, Thy Love, and Thy Way of life. May I do Thy will always! AMEN
Fourth Step Prayers
I am to sit quietly when in doubt, asking only for direction and strength to meet my problems as He would have me. Never am I to pray for myself, except as my requests bore on my usefulness to others. Then only might I expect to receive. But that would be in great measure.
Fifth Step Prayer
God, I thank you from the bottom of my heart that I know you better. Help me become aware of anything I have omitted discussing with another person. Help me to do what is necessary to walk a free man at last.
AMEN
Sixth Step Prayer
God, help me become willing to let go of all the things to which I still cling. Help me to be ready to let You remove all of these defects, that Your will and purpose may take their place. AMEN
Seventh Step Prayer
“I humbly offered myself to God, as I then understood Him, to do with me as He would. I placed myself unreservedly under His care and direction. I admitted for the first time that of myself I was nothing; that without Him I was lost. I ruthlessly faced my sins and became willing to have my new-found Friend take them away, root and branch.”
Eighth Step Prayer
“We attempt to sweep away the debris which has accumulated out of our effort to live on self-will and run the show ourselves. If we haven’t the will to do this, we ask until it comes.”
God, help me to become willing to sweep away the debris of self-will and self-reliant living. Thy will be done for this person as well as for me.
AMEN
Ninth Step Prayer
God, give me the strength and direction to do the right thing no matter what the consequences may be. Help me to consider others and not harm them in any way. Help me to consult with others before I take any actions that would cause me to be sorry. Help me to not repeat such behaviors. Show me the way of patience, tolerance, kindliness, and love, and help me live the spiritual life.
AMEN
Tenth Step Prayers
God, remove the selfishness, dishonesty, resentment, and fear that has cropped up in my life right now. Help me to discuss this with someone immediately and make amends quickly if I have harmed anyone. Help me to cease fighting anything and anyone. Show me where I may be helpful to someone else. Help me react sanely; not cocky or afraid. How can I best serve You – Your will, not mine be done.
AMEN
Eleventh Step Prayer
As we go through the day, we pause when agitated or doubtful, and ask for the right thought or action. We constantly remind ourselves we are no longer running the show, humbly saying to ourselves many times each day, “Thy will be done.”