The AA morning prayer is a crucial part of many people’s recovery journey within Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). It sets the tone for the day, helping individuals align their thoughts and actions with the will of their Higher Power. This prayer is a practice that allows members to let go of self-will and surrender to a higher purpose, often seeking strength, guidance, and peace.
The Role of Prayer in Alcoholics Anonymous
In AA, prayer is a powerful tool used to cultivate spiritual growth and maintain sobriety, which is a cornerstone of the 12-step program. The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous emphasizes the importance of prayer, and AA members often integrate prayers like the Third Step Prayer and the Eleventh Step Prayer into their daily routines. These prayers help members navigate challenges by asking for guidance and strength from a Higher Power, reminding them to take recovery one day at a time.
The AA Morning Prayer
One of the most well-known AA morning prayers is the Third Step Prayer, which is found in the Big Book:
“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.”
This prayer calls upon God (or a personal Higher Power) to help individuals surrender their self-will and instead follow Thy will. By asking for relief from self-centeredness, selfish motives, and self-pity, AA members seek to live a more useful and compassionate life.
Why is the Morning Prayer Important in Recovery?
Starting the day with the Third Step Prayer or another AA morning prayer helps individuals stay grounded and focused on recovery. It reminds them to surrender their will to a Higher Power and to face each day with humility and openness. This prayer can be particularly helpful in moments of indecision, when self-centered thinking might lead to poor choices or relapse. By turning to God, AA members ask for guidance in dealing with the challenges of sobriety and life in general.
The Serenity Prayer: A Common AA Morning Prayer
Another widely used AA prayer is the Serenity Prayer, which also serves as a morning prayer for many members:
“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.”
This prayer, which emphasizes serenity, courage, and wisdom, is frequently recited in AA meetings and serves as a reminder to let go of control over things outside one’s power. It is a key component in the philosophy of taking life one day at a time and can be especially useful when dealing with difficult emotions or situations.
The Eleventh Step and Daily Prayer
AA’s Eleventh Step encourages members to seek through prayer and meditation to improve their conscious contact with God, praying for knowledge of His will for them and the power to carry that out. This step highlights the importance of a daily prayer routine, whether in the morning or at night. The Eleventh Step Prayer helps members focus on the spiritual side of recovery:
“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… 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.”
Also known as the Prayer of St. Francis, this prayer helps individuals shift their focus from their own desires and self-seeking motives toward a life dedicated to helping others and living in accordance with God’s will.
The Power of Letting Go
In AA, the concept of “letting go” is vital. The AA morning prayer, whether it’s the Third Step Prayer, the Serenity Prayer, or the Eleventh Step Prayer, encourages members to let go of their own self-will and trust in a Higher Power. This surrender is essential in overcoming addiction, as it helps individuals focus on living according to a new, spiritually guided path rather than their own selfish ends.
Incorporating Prayer into Daily Life
The AA morning prayer isn’t just about saying words; it’s about setting an intention for the day. It is a reminder for AA members to trust in their Higher Power, stay humble, and act as instruments of peace and service to others. For those in recovery, morning prayers can be a lifeline during difficult times, providing both comfort and clarity.
Conclusion
The AA morning prayer is a powerful way for members to start their day by aligning their thoughts and actions with the will of a Higher Power. Whether it’s the Third Step Prayer, the Serenity Prayer, or the Eleventh Step Prayer, each helps individuals focus on their spiritual growth and sobriety, trusting in God’s guidance one day at a time. By letting go of self-will and following Thy way of life, AA members can move forward in their recovery, living with purpose, peace, and a renewed sense of well-being.
For more information on Alcoholics Anonymous or to explore treatment options for yourself or a loved one, contact Recreate Behavioral Health.
