Looking at the AA Prayers for Sick People and Other Step Prayers
The Serenity Prayer is one of the most well-known in all of Alcoholics Anonymous. It asks God to grant the serenity to “accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
Beyond this, many prayers are associated with the 12 steps of recovery. This includes the AA Prayer for the Sick Man. Keep reading to learn more about what this prayer means, the other 12 steps, and how Purpose Healing Center can help you be ready to take these important steps in recovery.
The Purpose of Prayers in Alcoholics Anonymous
People in Alcoholics Anonymous rely on prayers as a source of comfort. It promotes inner peace and a connection to something greater than yourself. Prayers also give you strength to overcome addiction, something you may have tried to do on your own in the past and struggled with.
What is the Sick Man’s Prayer: The Fourth Step Prayer
The Sick Man’s Prayer is used during the fourth step of the program. During work of Step 4 in AA, you take a moral inventory and an honest look at the things you must change.
The AA Prayer for the Sick Man says, “We asked God to help us show the same tolerance, pity, and patience that we would cheerfully grant a sick friend. When a person offended us we said to ourselves, ‘This is a sick man/woman. How can I help him/her?’ God save me from being angry. Thy will be done.”
This prayer goes along with the AA attitude that contempt prior to investigation is close-minded, and that it is the mission of each AA member to carry the message of recovery to those still sick and suffering.
What Does the Sick Man’s Prayer Mean?
Feelings of anger and resentment are common in recovery and in doing a 4th step inventory of fear and resentments. However, they are not beneficial to the healing process.
Same Tolerance for a Sick Friend
This line preaches empathy towards others as we would have for a friend who is sick.
Person Offended
This refers to a person who has engaged in some type of wrongdoing toward you.
God Save Me
Spirituality is a focus of Alcoholics Anonymous because you surrender yourself to a greater power. This gives you strength as you navigate the big changes brought by the program.
The Angry Man’s Prayer
Alcoholics Anonymous also has prayers for anger that may be used during the Fourth Step. These are meant to free you from the burden of resentment. For example, “God of peace and patience, help me in this moment of anger to slow down and invite you to guide both my character and conduct.”
First Step Prayer
This beginning step and the First Step Prayer is about acknowledging alcoholism. It emphasizes that you have a problem and that there is a better way to live.
A common prayer during First Step work goes as follows, “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
The Second Step of AA is about having faith and belief in something greater than yourself. Even when you are weak, this greater power provides strength.
“God, I know in my heart that only you can restore me to sanity. I humbly ask that you remove all twisted thoughts and addictive behavior from me today. Heal my spirit and restore in me a clear mind.”
Third Step Prayer
During the Third Step, we make the conscious decision to turn our lives over to a Higher Power and lead a spiritual life.
“I offer myself to Thee to build with me and do with me as thou wilt. Take away my difficulties, that victory over them may bear witness to those I would help with Thy power, Thy love, and Thy way of life. May I do Thy will always!”
Fifth Step Prayer
This step is about admittance of any wrong-doing and acceptance of what has happened in the past. You admit this to your Higher Power, yourself, and those who you have wronged, so that you can move forward.
“My inventory has shown me who I am, yet I ask for Your help in admitting my wrongs to another person and You. Assure me and be with me in this step, for without this step I cannot progress in my recovery.”
Sixth Step Prayer
Through the Sixth Step, you ask for help in removing all the things considered defects of character to be a better person going forward.
“Dear God [of your understanding], 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
This step also involves humbly asking for help and forgiveness for wrongdoings.
“My Creator, I am now willing that you should have all of me, the good and the bad. I pray that you now remove from me every single defect of character which stands in the way of usefulness to you and my fellow. Grant me strength, as I go from here out to do your bidding.”
Eighth Step Prayer
This Step 8 work is important for making amends, healing relationships, and healing yourself, even when it causes pain to reflect on the past.
“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
The Ninth Step of prayer involves asking for guidance in making amends, except when doing so is a selfish act that would cause pain in others’ lives.
“I pray for the right attitude to make my amends being ever mindful not to harm others. I ask for your guidance in making indirect amends. Most importantly, I will continue to make amends by staying abstinent, helping others, and growing in spiritual progress.”
Tenth Step Prayer
The Tenth Step challenges you to admit wrongdoings as they occur and hold yourself accountable going forward.
“I pray I may continue to grow in understanding and effectiveness, to take daily inventories, to correct mistakes when I make them, and to take responsibility for my actions. I pray to be aware of self-defeating attitudes and behaviors, to keep willfulness in check, to remember that I need your help, to keep love and tolerance toward others as my code, and to continue in daily prayer how I can best serve You.”
Eleventh Step Prayer
During this work of the 11th Step, we ask that our Higher Power continue to heal as we continue down the path of sobriety.
“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 for freedom from self-will, rationalization, and wishful thinking. I pray for the guidance of correct thought and positive action.”
Twelfth Step Prayer
The Twelfth Step involves practicing the principles and what we have learned in the program. Recovery is an ongoing process.
“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 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.”
Prepare Yourself for the 12 Steps at Purpose Healing
No matter where you are in your recovery journey, the 12 steps of AA as laid out in the Big Book lay a framework for recovery. They are helpful for dealing with unresolved issues through recovery like fear, forgiveness, and self-reflection. These prayers offer solace when times are tough for your mind and spirit.
When paired with a solid foundation for recovery, like the one you’ll find at Purpose, you can develop a sense of control over your life. Letting go of negative behaviors, hatred, and resentment becomes possible, leaving room for joy and wellness.
Contact us today to find out how we can help.
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