What Is the AA Prayer

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is an international support group for those facing alcohol abuse and addiction. This organization creates a supportive environment where members can frequently gather to share their personal stories and address their struggles with alcoholism. Beyond providing encouragement to newcomers who might not have a support system, members highlight the importance of a higher power in their path to recovery. To aid in this journey, they adhere to twelve spiritually guided steps and routinely recite the AA prayer.

What is the AA Prayer?

There are several prayers associated with Alcoholics Anonymous. In fact, each step in the 12-step program contains a special prayer to inspire members throughout their journey to sobriety. However, the prayer most commonly associated with Alcoholics Anonymous is the “Serenity Prayer.” [1]

The Serenity 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]

This prayer was authored by Dr. Reinhold Niebuhr, a Lutheran theologian, and first published by his student in the 1930s.[2] However, the original was much longer.

The Original Serenity Prayer

“O God and Heavenly Father, grant to us the serenity of mind to accept that which cannot be changed, courage to change that which can be changed, and wisdom to know the one from the other through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.”

Why Do Members of Al-Anon Use This Prayer?

Alcoholics Anonymous meetings provide an opportunity for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction to gain a better understanding of their addiction and motivation to overcome it.

The serenity prayer contains three virtues that assist with these goals:[2]

• Serenity: Focusing on the here and now to accept what is and avoid having anxiety about the future.
• Courage: Acknowledging the bravery needed to push past one’s comfort zone and experience change. It also means acknowledging the divide between what one can and must do.
• Wisdom: Being wise in identifying what can and can’t be changed. By practicing wisdom, one knows when to accept a situation and when to be courageous in changing it.

The serenity prayer perfectly ties in with the essence of the 12 steps, which reflect the need to recognize a higher power, walk in bravery, accept what is, and be courageous in changing what can be.

They are, in summary, as follows:[3]

• Steps 1-3: Recognizing that one cannot fight this battle or overcome self-defeating attitudes without the help of a higher power. AA literature points to a powerlessness that can only be overcome with His will, not ours.
• Steps 4 & 5: Recognizing how self-seeking behavior affects others.
• Steps 6-8: Recognizing the need to treat people better and make amends for wrongdoings, especially to one’s loved ones.
• Steps 9 & 10: Shedding one’s self-serving ways by being of service to others.
• Steps 11 and 12: Finding meaning in life, which often provides a foundation for bettering oneself.

Note: These steps are explained in detail in Alcoholics Anonymous’ Big Book. [4]

Where Did the AA Prayer Originate From? 

Although the Serenity Prayer is most commonly attributed to Dr. Reinhold Niebuhr, its origins have been widely contested.[2] For years, it was mistakenly linked to St. Francis of Assisi, but it is now accepted as part of Dr. Niebuhr’s work. However, despite its origins, the prayer was not originally intended for AA use and did not appear in AA literature until 1941. This was when member Jack C. discovered it in an obituary in the New York Herald Tribune.[5]

Why is the AA Prayer a Necessary Part of Recovery?

“Never had we seen so much AA in so few words.” – William Griffith Wilson (Bill W.)

The serenity prayer is known as the cornerstone of Alcoholics Anonymous. This is because it perfectly summarizes its framework for recovery. Although it isn’t an obligation for every member to recite it, they are encouraged to do so as a reminder of their acceptance, courage, and newfound wisdom. It is also a spiritual tool that helps members connect to a higher power for guidance throughout their journey to sobriety. Additionally, it serves as a reminder that they are never alone in their journey, even if they feel they are.

Overall, the message of the serenity prayer is that God desires what is best for us. Even if we make mistakes, we can overcome them through acceptance and a willingness to change.

For more information on how to overcome your struggles with alcohol abuse with a 12-step framework, call Engage Wellness Acton today.

You don’t have to go through addiction alone; we’re here to help.

Frequently Asked Questions