Many believe the 11th Step Prayer is a crucial element in the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) program, helping individuals strengthen their spiritual bond. Rooted in meditation and prayer, the step encourages recovering addicts to seek a deeper connection with their inner power. A lot of people connect it to the St. Francis 11th Step Prayer, a powerful prayer that is a symbol of selflessness, humility, and divine direction.
Understanding the 11th Step of Alcoholics Anonymous
“Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.“
This step emphasizes the importance of the spiritual aspect in the recovery process. Unlike earlier steps, which focus on self-inventory, surrender, and resolving issues, the 11th Step centers on constant spiritual care.
Through the practice of 11th-step meditation and prayer, people gain awareness of calm, clarity, and direction. Connecting to a higher power helps them navigate obstacles and stay committed to abstinence.
The Origins of the Prayer
It’s important to note that the eleventh Step prayer in the AA Big Book does not include a specific prayer. However, many people in the AA community use prayers like the St. Francis Prayer to reflect the spiritual principles of this step.
St. Francis Prayer
Attributed to St. Francis of Assisi the prayer is an incredibly powerful affirmation of love, service, and selfless service. Although it was not originally intended to be an AA prayer, it fits exactly with the tenets of Alcoholics Anonymous..
Here is the most widely used prayer of the 11th step. version for AA that was inspired by St. Francis:
“Lord I beg You to make me a channel to Thy peace.
Where there is hatred, I can be able to bring love
In the event of a mistake, I will offer forgiveness.
In the event of a conflict, I can create harmony;
Where there is an error I could bring the truth.
in the event of doubt, I will be able to bring faith
If there is a sense of despair, I will provide hope
in the places where there are shadows, I can provide light
Where there is sadness, I will bring joy.
Lord Grant that I look for comfort rather than be comforted
to comprehend, rather than be understood
more to love than to be loved.
Self-forgetting is the way that one discovers.
By forgiveness, one can be forgiven.
When one dies, one awakens into Eternal Life.“
The Role of 11th-Step Prayer and Meditation in Recovery
Prayer and meditation are a part of the 11th phase of Alcoholics Anonymous to help strengthen the spiritual bond of those who are recovering. Prayer is a method of expressing your gratitude to a higher authority and meditation is a method of listening.
Benefits of the Prayer and Meditation
- Reduces anxiety and stress: Meditation helps calm the mind and decrease anxiety and stress, as well as preventing emotional relapse.
- Improves the spiritual connections: Meditation and regular prayer build faith and increase your spirituality.
- Improves self-awareness. Reflection in silence allows better decision-making and emotional control.
- Enhances the clarity and focus of your mind: The calmness of your mind helps you stay alert and resist impulse-driven behaviors.
- Encourages humility and gratitude: The 11th Step of AA Prayer promotes a spirit of service and gratitude towards others.
How to Practice Prayer and Meditation
1. Set a Time and Place
Find a calm, peaceful space to meditate and pray. Take time every morning or at night to reflect and connect to the higher energy.
2. Begin with the 11th Step Prayer
Start your practice by repeating your 11th-step prayer from Alcoholics Anonymous or a personal prayer that resonates with you. Pay attention to the meaning of each word you repeat it.
3. Engage in Meditation
After you have prayed, you should remain in a quiet and peaceful place. Put your head in a corner, concentrate on your breathing, and let thoughts flow and disappear without judgment. If your thoughts wander, slowly bring them back to your breath, or an affirmation such as “peace” or “serenity.”
4. Reflect on Gratitude
Spend a few minutes reflecting on the things that you are grateful for. It helps you focus on the positive instead of negative thoughts and promotes an optimistic mindset.
5. Seek Guidance
Request wisdom and strength to tackle everyday problems. Be open to the insights that might come from your meditation.
6. Finish with a Promise
Finish your exercise by affirming your commitment to sobriety and serving others.
Personalizing the 11th Step Prayer
While the St. Francis 11th Step Prayer is extensively used, anyone can make the prayer of their choice. Making it personal prayer’s 11th step will allow for a deeper connection with the spiritual side of one’s life.
“Higher Power, grant me clarity and strength today. Help me seek love instead of resentment, hope instead of fear, and faith instead of doubt. Guide me to be of service to others and to live according to Your will. May I listen to your wisdom and act with humility and grace. Keep me sober and grounded in the present moment.