Your Guide To Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Prayers

As the most popular Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting prayer, the Serenity Prayer is a staple of AA meetings across the globe. However, many people do not realize that the prayer is actually older than AA itself.

Reinhold Niebuhr, a prominent American theologian, is credited with writing the original version of the Serenity Prayer in the early 1930s.[1] Although he wrote it decades prior to the formation of AA, it quickly became a cornerstone of the 12-step program. In fact, as described by AA founder Bill W. in the Big Book, spiritual growth, not willpower alone, is key to achieving lasting sobriety.[2]

This prayer contains three major themes: acceptance, courage, and knowing the difference.

Acceptance refers to learning to let go of control over issues outside of your realm of influence. This does not necessarily mean you agree or approve of a situation; it simply means letting go of trying to fix things you have no ability to change.

Courage refers to having the confidence and strength to change patterns in your thoughts, behaviors, and relationships. Without courage, making the necessary changes in order to maintain sobriety would be nearly impossible.

Wisdom to know the difference is perhaps the most difficult aspect of recovery. That is because it requires identifying exactly which aspects of your life deserve acceptance versus action. This is a question that will require consideration and contemplation multiple times throughout the recovery journey.

What is Important About the AA Prayer?

The AA prayer is important for a number of reasons. First, as a spiritual tool, one of many in the 12-step program, prayer promotes humility and gratitude. Humility is defined as recognition that you are not perfect and need assistance. Gratitude helps promote feelings of appreciation and thankfulness toward others and toward a Higher Power. Both of these qualities assist individuals in achieving long-term sobriety.

Second, for many AA members, praying connects them with a Higher Power. The Big Book defines a Higher Power as “whatever name you choose to give to the force in nature.” Each individual can interpret this definition however they see fit. As a result, while some may view a Higher Power as the traditional God of Christianity or Islam, others may see a Higher Power as nature or their own inner light. Regardless, using a prayer to establish a connection to something larger than oneself reduces reliance on self-will and increases opportunities for positive changes and personal growth.

Third, AA encourages spiritual development in a non-denominational manner. There are no religious requirements for AA membership.[3] Members are encouraged to develop their own relationship with their Higher Power. This allows members from diverse religious backgrounds and those with no formal religious affiliation to participate freely in the program.

Finally, while prayer may seem unrelated to physical dependence on substances, it is not. While physical withdrawal symptoms diminish after a short period of abstaining from drugs or alcohol, psychological withdrawal symptoms continue much longer.[4] Prayer can act as a tool to calm anxieties and fears that may occur due to cravings or feelings of guilt and shame.

What Common Prayers Are Used at AA Meetings?

While there is no single type of prayer that is mandatory at AA meetings, many different types of prayers are used depending on the local customs, traditions, and comfort levels of members. Some common examples of AA meeting prayers include:

1.) Serenity Prayer: The Serenity Prayer is arguably the most well-known prayer among AA members. Many AA groups open or close meetings with a recitation of this 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.”

2.) Lord’s Prayer: Some AA groups use the Lord’s Prayer as a means of providing a familiar frame of reference for many Christians. “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” (Matthew 6:9-13, ESV)

3.) Silent reflection or a moment of silence: Another option for those who do not want to recite a traditional prayer, some AA groups allow attendees to remain silent for a moment. This option provides flexibility for those attending meetings who may not feel comfortable with traditional prayers.

4.) Responsibility Statement: At the end of many meetings, groups use a statement called the Responsibility Statement. The purpose of this statement is to emphasize that we are all responsible for our actions, individually and collectively. This emphasizes the importance of fellowship and mutual support.

Regardless of which method is used, the ultimate goal remains the same: to provide an opportunity for participants to grow spiritually and emotionally.

Do All Groups Use the Same Type Of Prayer?

No. Like anything else related to AA meetings, whether or not an AA group uses prayer is determined by the group itself and depends on its culture and customs. If you attend an AA meeting and notice that they do not use prayer, it should not discourage you from participating; consider it a variation in style.

What Are AA Step Prayers?

There are specific prayers associated with various steps in the 12-step program, such as the First Step Prayer and Fifth Step Prayer.[5] These prayers are designed to encourage adherence to certain principles associated with each step. They are optional, but for many AA members, they serve as additional reminders of the principles outlined in each step.

What is the First Step Prayer?

“Dear Lord, I admit that I am powerless over my addiction. I admit that my life is unmanageable when I try to control it. Help me this day to understand the true meaning of powerlessness. Remove from me all denial of my addiction.”

What is the Third Step Prayer?

“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.” – Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 63

What is the Fifth Step Prayer?

“Higher Power (or God), My inventory has shown me who I am. Yet I ask for Your help in admitting my wrongs to another person and to You. Assure me, and be with me, in this Step, for without this Step I cannot progress in my recovery. With Your help, I can do this.

Amen.” Alcoholics Anonymous, ch. 5

Finding Support Beyond AA Meetings

AA meetings, prayer, and the 12-step community can provide valuable encouragement and connection throughout recovery, but some people need additional support to stop drinking safely and begin building a stable foundation for sobriety. Depending on the severity of alcohol use and physical dependence, professional detox or addiction treatment may be an important part of that process.

At Agape Detox Center, we help individuals take the first steps toward recovery in a supportive environment while also recognizing the value that community-based resources can provide after treatment. Recovery can involve many different sources of support, and finding the combination that works for you is what matters.

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