What Is The AA Morning Prayer?

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) members use spiritual tools, such as relying on a higher power of their understanding, and group support, such as AA meetings, for successful recovery.

Several AA prayers have been used throughout the history of the 12-step program, such as the St. Francis prayer, the Serenity Prayer, and prayers related to each of the 12 steps.

As people progress in AA, they may start incorporating these prayers into their daily lives. A common way that members start their day is with the AA morning prayer.

Read on to learn what the AA morning prayer is, its meaning, and how it allows members to let go of their indecision and self-seeking motives for strengthened sobriety.

The AA Morning Prayer: Serenity, Courage, And Wisdom

The AA morning prayer encapsulates the essence of the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) philosophy and is often said as AA members start their day.

The prayer in its entirety states:

“God, direct my thinking today so that it be 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.
Amen.”

Understanding The Morning AA Prayer

The morning prayer serves as a guiding light for people in recovery. It embodies the principles of acceptance, courage, and wisdom.

By addressing self-pity, dishonesty, and fear, the prayer highlights the importance of personal growth and spiritual guidance.

This daily ritual within AA reinforces a commitment to sobriety, providing a foundation for members to face life’s challenges with resilience and a clear, sober mind.

How AA Members Incorporate The Morning Prayer Into Their Daily Routine

The morning prayer acts as a compass, helping AA members begin each day with a commitment to acceptance, courage, and wisdom.

For some, it’s part of a larger spiritual practice that includes a night prayer, promoting reflection and gratitude.

This daily connection with a higher power nurtures a spirit of forgiveness and self-improvement, reinforcing the AA principle of “one day at a time.”

Many AA members also find guidance and motivation through AA literature like “the big book,” titled Alcoholics Anonymous, and the AA Grapevine, the international journal of AA.

Variations And Adaptations Of The AA Morning Prayer

The structure of AA allows its members to explore personalized ways to seek guidance from a higher power, allowing for differences in ways of reciting the morning prayer.

There are many variations and adaptations of the prayer, such as including the third step prayer, sixth step prayer, and tenth step prayer.

In these prayers, people may address their higher power with “my creator” and add:

“thy love and thy power”
“thy way of life”
“channel of thy peace”
“his will”
“own selfish ends”
“a single defect of character”
“the way of my usefulness”

These adaptations emphasize the process of spiritual growth and the pursuit of a life free from addiction that focuses on being useful to others.

The Significance Of Daily Prayer In Alcoholics Anonymous

Daily prayer holds profound significance within AA. It’s not just a ritual; it’s a cornerstone of recovery.

These prayers help members connect with a higher power and reinforce their commitment to sobriety.

Daily prayer instills discipline, mindfulness, and spiritual reflection, promoting personal growth and resilience throughout recovery.

It also provides a source of guidance, comfort, and serenity in times of struggle, offering a tangible way for members to seek the strength needed to maintain a sober and fulfilling life.

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Published on January 18, 2024

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff