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Post by SunnyGirl on Jun 8, 2009 12:09:19 GMT -5
A prayer for each of the 12 steps
~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.
~Second Step Prayer~
Heavenly Father, I know in my heart that only you can restore me to sanity. I humbly ask that you remove all twisted thought and addictive behavior from me this day. Heal my spirit and restore in me a clear mind.
~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! (Page 63 - A. A. Big Book)
~Fourth Step Prayer~
Dear God, It is I who have made my life a mess. I have done it, but I cannot undo it. My mistakes are mine, and I will begin a searching and fearless moral inventory. I will write down my wrongs, but I will also include that which is good. I pray for the strength to complete the task.
~Fifth Step Prayer~
Higher Power, 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, and I do it.
~Sixth Step Prayer~
Dear God, I am ready for Your help in removing from me the defects of character which I now realize are an obstacle to my recovery. Help me to continue being honest with myself and guide me toward spiritual and mental health.
~Seventh Step Prayer~
My Creator, I am now willing that you should have all of me, good and bad. I pray that you now remove from me every single defect of character which stands in the way of my usefulness to you and my fellows. Grant me strength, as I go out from here to do your bidding. Amen (Page 76 - A. A. Big Book)
~Eighth Step Prayer~
Higher Power, I ask Your help in making my list of all those I have harmed. I will take responsibility for my mistakes, and be forgiving to others as You are forgiving to me. Grant me the willingness to begin my restitution. This I pray.
~Ninth Step Prayer~
Higher Power, I pray for the right attitude to make my amends, being ever mindful not to harm others in the process. I ask for Your guidance in making indirect amends. Most important, I will continue to make amends by staying abstinent, helping others, and growing in spiritual progress.
~Tenth Step Prayer~
I pray I may continue: To grow in understanding and effectiveness; To take daily spot check inventories of myself; To correct mistakes when I make them; To take responsibility for my actions; To be ever aware of my negative and self-defeating attitudes and behaviors; To keep my willfulness in check; To always remember I need Your help; To keep love and tolerance of others as my code; And to continue in daily prayer how I can best serve You, my Higher Power.
~Eleventh Step Prayer~
Higher Power, As I understand You, I pray to keep my connection with You open and clear from the confusion of daily life. Through my prayers and meditation I ask especially for freedom from self-will, rationalization, and wishful thinking. I pray for the guidance of correct thought and positive action. Your will Higher Power, not mine, be done.
~Twelfth Step Prayer~ Dear God, My spiritual awakening continues to unfold. The help I have received I shall pass on and give to others, both in and out of the Fellowship. For this opportunity I am grateful. I pray most humbly to continue walking day by day on the road of spiritual progress. I pray for the inner strength and wisdom to practice the principles of this way of life in all I do and say. I need You, my friends, and the Program every hour of every day. This is a better way to live.
_ _ _ _ _ _
MORNING-PRAYER
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. I ask all these things that I may be of maximum service to you and my fellow man. AMEN
This is a version of what is in the Big Book, p. 86
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Post by SunnyGirl on Jul 20, 2009 12:16:47 GMT -5
Al-anon PrayersThe Serenity PrayerGod 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 PrayerOur 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, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever...Amen From page 214 and 215 in "As We Understood" Dear GodI am powerless and my life is unmanageable without your help and guidance. I come to you today because I believe that You can restore and renew me to meet my needs today. Since I cannot manage my life or affairs, I have decided to give them to You. I put my life, my will, my thoughts, my desires and ambitions in Your hands. I give You all of me: the good and the bad, the character defects and shortcomings, my selfishness, resentments and problems. I know that You will work them out in accordance with Your plan. Such as I am, take and use me in Your service. Guide and direct my ways and show me what to do for You. I cannot control or change my friends or loved ones, so I release them into Your care for Your loving hands to do with as You will. Just keep me loving and free from judging them. If they need changing, God, You'll have to do it; I can't. Just make me willing and ready to be of service to You, to have my shortcomings removed, and to do my best. Help me to see how I have harmed others and make me willing to make amends to them all. Keep me ever mindful of thoughts and actions that harm myself and others, and which separate me from Your light, love and spirit. And when I commit these errors, make me aware of them and help me to admit each one promptly. I am seeking to know You better, to love You more. I am seeking the knowledge of Your will for me and the power to carry it out. --Anonymous A Prayer for Today Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; And where there is sadness, joy. O, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console; To be understood, as to understand; To be loved, as to love. For it is in giving that we receive. It is in pardoning that we are pardoned. And it is in dying to self that we are born to eternal life. --St. Francis of Assisi
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Post by Lin on Aug 19, 2009 7:04:20 GMT -5
I love the prayers for each step. I never saw them before. Do you know if they are "conference approved literature"?
LIN
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Post by SunnyGirl on Aug 19, 2009 11:36:38 GMT -5
Mornin Lin.... When I posted these prayers I did not do any research on whether they were "Conference Approved" or not. I just thought they were beautiful and wanted to share them. After reading your question I did a little research and I am posting a link to a web site that is: NARANON FAMILY GROUPS • CALGARY • ALBERTA • CANADA www.naranon.ca/stepprayers.htmThis is not the site I found them on but the prayers are the same, although there are a couple extra or alternative prayers on this link. I often times find information on recovery that doesn't fall under the criteria of "Conference Approved" but I put it on the boards because I found it usefull... I guess this falls under take what you like and leave the rest On another site I found 12 prayers for 12-steps of Alanon.... The person who shared them did state they were NOT "Conference Approved"..... I suppose I should post this warning when sharing information. Hugs, Cherie
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Post by SunnyGirl on Apr 16, 2010 22:34:06 GMT -5
Dear God,
I am powerless and my life is unmanageable without your help and guidance. I come to you today because I believe that You can restore and anew me to meet my needs today.
Since I cannot manage my life and affairs, I have decided to give them to You. I put my life, my will, my thoughts, my desires and ambitions in Your hands.
I give You all of me: the good and the bad, the character defects and shortcomings, my selfishness, resentments and problems. I know that You will work them out in accordance with Your plan.
Such as I am, take and use me in Your service. Guide and direct my ways and show me what to do for You. I cannot control or change my friends or loved ones, so I release them into Your care for Your loving hands to do with as You will. Just keep me loving and free from judging them. If they need changing, God You'll have to do it; I can't.
Just make me willing and ready to be of service to You, to have my shortcomings removed, and to do my best. Help me to see how I have harmed others and make me willing to make amends to them all. Keep me ever mindful of thoughts and actions that harm myself and others, and which separate me from Your light, love and spirit. And when I commit these errors, make me aware of them and help me to admit each one promptly.
I am seeking to know You better, to love You more. I am seeking the knowledge of Your will for me and the power to carry it out. Lord, teach me patience, and remind me that it is hard work, but well worth the labor. Guide me in all I do to remember that waiting is the answer to some of my prayers, and that when I need You, You will be there to help me.
- - Amen
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Post by SunnyGirl on Apr 22, 2010 21:40:09 GMT -5
PETTINESS PRAYER Keep us, oh God, from pettiness. Let us be large in thought, in word, in deed. Let us be done with fault finding & leave off self-seeking. May we put away all pettiness & meet each other face to face, without self-pity & without prejudice. May we always be patient, never hasty in judgement & always tolerant. Teach us to put into action our better impulses, straightforward & unafraid. Let us take time for all things; make us calm, serene & gentle. Grant that we may realize it is the little things in life that create differences, That in the big things of life we are as one and may we strive to touch and to know the great common heart of us all. And oh God, let us not forget to be kind. ~ Amen ~ www.naranon.ca/pettinessprayer.htm
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Post by SunnyGirl on Apr 27, 2010 16:08:13 GMT -5
Heavenly Father
I believe that You can do all things I believe that I cannot understand Your workings, but I trust that in all things there is meaning and purpose. I believe in Your infinite compassion and love I believe that you can heal the sick and raise the dead I believe that you fill my heart with your purpose and that I am unworthy of this gift, but I accept it gladly. I believe that although my loved one suffers now, that he will see the light of your love and when he does, I believe that You will heal him I ask for humility I ask for the wisdom to serve you in all things I believe in You and I pray that my loved one will soon feel Your Grace
Amen
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Post by SunnyGirl on Apr 29, 2010 21:59:45 GMT -5
Grant Me TodayGrant me today . . . Courage to change . . . and grow Belief . . . that I am deserving Strength . . . to do what is right Hope . . . fill my heart and spirit Love . . . for my recovering self Patience . . . with myself and others I put one foot in front of the other As I heal and reclaim my own life by: Abby Willowroot © 2008 Dear Lord, I am powerless over my addictions dysfunctions. Grant me today, the ability to turn my troubles, my will and my life over to your loving care. I trust in you to completely restore my brokenness into wholeness, insanity to saneness willfulness into willingness and fear into courage. Lighten my load and free me from all bondage that I may walk through this day in freedom and in peace. by: S.O. Brennan ©1992-2009 MY LORD GOD, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think that I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road though I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone. by Thomas Merton When Prayers Seem Unanswered I asked God for strength that I might achieve. I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey. I asked for help, that I might do greater things. I was given infirmity, that I might do better things. I asked for riches, that I might be happy. I was given poverty, that I might be wise. I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men. I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God. I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life. I was given life, that I might enjoy all things. I got nothing that I asked for but everything I hoped for. Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered. I am, among all men, most richly blessed. - - unknown
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Post by SunnyGirl on May 8, 2010 15:34:49 GMT -5
"God grant me the laughter to help me see the past with perspective, face the future with hope, and celebrate today - - without taking myself too seriously." Borrowed from: Julie God I Trust and Humbly Rely on You For My Courage and Strength I Beg of Thee Remove my Fear Direct My Attention To What You Would Have Me Do That I may Demonstrate Your Power To Those I would Help By: Matching Calamity with Serenity Great Spirit who is everywhere and in everything. All your names are great. May everything be just as it should be. Let me hear, see, do and understand exactly what I should just for today. You take the wheel. I need a break! Thank You! - -unknown The courage prayer -- it took me a lot of courage when I first started praying it: Dallas "God, I am entirely ready and willing to let go of every single thought, perception, belief or idea that I have ever learned or thought about you -- Please help me to absolutely let go of every single thought, perception, belief or idea that I have ever thought about you -- And, the one's that I presently think about you Please remove those ideas and concepts and beliefs and understanding -- and replace them with the Truth about You. If it is possible... help me to know You through my own personal experience with You -- Rather than to know You based upon the the ideas and beliefs and experiences of others. If it is possible... Please reveal Yourself to me -- so that I can have my own personal concept and understanding of You -- and with an understanding that has meaning to me. Amen.
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Post by BW on Aug 28, 2010 15:35:38 GMT -5
God Let me set asid everything I know about You Me this program and about these steps For a vitally new awareness And honest understanding Of You God And of me And of this [rogram And of these steps May I seek your power to direct my mind May I not Lean upon my own understanding Amen
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Post by SunnyGirl on Nov 30, 2010 13:43:17 GMT -5
The 23rd Psalm
The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name' sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: For thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; Thou annointest my head with oil; My cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever. -- KJV
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Post by SunnyGirl on Jan 8, 2011 17:29:59 GMT -5
Morning Prayer When little things would irk me, and I grow Impatient with my dear ones, make me know How in a moment joy can take its flight And happiness be quenched in endless night. Keep this thought with me all the livelong day That I may guard the harsh words I might say When I would fret and grumble, fiery hot, At trifles that tomorrow are forgot - Let me remember, Lord, how it would be If these, my loved ones, were not with me. Author Unknown
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Post by SunnyGirl on Jun 2, 2011 20:53:17 GMT -5
Daily Acceptance Prayer
I accept myself completely. I accept my strengths and my weaknesses, my gifts and my shortcomings, my good points and my faults.
I accept myself completely as a human being. I accept that I am here to learn and grow, and I accept that I am learning and growing. I accept the personality I've developed, and I accept my power to heal and change.
I accept myself without condition or reservation. I accept that the core of my being is goodness and that my essence is love, and I accept that I sometimes forget that.
I accept myself completely, and in this acceptance I find an ever-deepening inner strength. From this place of strength, I accept my life fully and I open to the lessons it offers me today.
I accept that within my mind are both fear and love, and I accept my power to choose which I will experience as real. I recognize that I experience only the results of my own choices.
I accept the times that I choose fear as part of my learning and healing process, and I accept that I have the potential and power in any moment to choose love instead.
I accept mistakes as a part of growth, so I am always willing to forgive myself and give myself another chance.
I accept that my life is the expression of my thought, and I commit myself to aligning my thoughts more and more each day with the Thought of Love. I accept that I am an expression of this Love. Love's hands and voice and heart on earth.
I accept my own life as a blessing and a gift. My heart is open to receive, and I am deeply grateful. May I always share the gifts that I receive fully, freely, and with joy.
Unknown
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Post by SunnyGirl on Jun 2, 2011 20:57:56 GMT -5
May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half truths, superficial relationships, so that you will live deep within your heart. May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression and exploitation of people so that you will work for justice, equality and peace. May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation and war, so that you will reach out your hand to comfort them and change their pain into joy. And may God bless you with the foolishness to think that you can make a difference in the world, so that you will do the things which others tell you cannot be done. - - unknown
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Post by BW on Jul 9, 2011 23:15:19 GMT -5
thank You for posting these
I just have to share this one that I keep beside my bed
Dear God
So far today, God, I've done alright. I haven't gossiped, haven't lost my temper, haven't been greedy, grumpy, selfish or overindulgent. I'm really glad about that.
But in a few minutes, God, I'm going to get out of bed and from then on I'm probably going to need lots of help!
Thank You Lord for your help. Amen
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Post by caressa on Jul 11, 2011 21:00:03 GMT -5
Love it, haven't heard it for a long time. Have it on one of my sites, can't remember which one. Thanks for the reminder.
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Post by SunnyGirl on Jul 21, 2011 13:59:17 GMT -5
O God, grant me a faith that is willing to suffer. Let me listen to my losses. Let me learn from them. Let me squeeze love out of the pain. Let me know that love asks all of me. All I have. All I am. All I can or will be. Love demands my best.
O God, you are the author of all love. Let me absorb the perfection of your love. Let me funnel that love on a waiting world. Let me make peace in all I say and do. -Amen
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Post by SunnyGirl on Aug 20, 2011 14:34:45 GMT -5
Harmony Prayer
"Lord, may we remember Joy is maintained, or joy is regained Through living in harmony With the people and environment Of our world."
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Post by SunnyGirl on Sept 28, 2011 14:57:31 GMT -5
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Post by BW on Dec 3, 2011 3:35:35 GMT -5
All things are opened by prayer. They could shut up Paul from preaching, but this could not shut him up from praying. ~ E. M. Bounds
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