Understanding Set Aside Prayer in AA: A Comprehensive Guide
Exploring the “Set Aside” prayer within Alcoholics Anonymous reveals a powerful tool for surrender, often found within downloadable AA resources and PDF guides.
This practice establishes a crucial precedent for recovery, setting the tone for humility and openness to a Higher Power’s guidance.
It’s a foundational element, often set down in literature, facilitating connection and addressing ego, as individuals actively choose to relinquish control.
What is a Set Aside Prayer?
The “Set Aside” prayer in Alcoholics Anonymous is a concise, yet profoundly impactful, request for guidance and release from self-will. Frequently encountered within AA PDF documents and shared at meetings, it’s a deliberate act of surrendering personal desires to a Higher Power.
Essentially, it’s a plea to temporarily “set aside” preconceived notions, ego-driven impulses, and the relentless pursuit of control that often fuels addictive behaviors. This isn’t about emptying the mind, but rather creating space for divine inspiration and clarity. It’s a foundational practice, establishing a precedent for humility.
The prayer acknowledges powerlessness, mirroring the first step of AA, and invites a force greater than oneself to direct thoughts, feelings, and actions. It’s a tool to set the tone for a day, a meeting, or any situation where recovery feels threatened. It’s a deliberate choice, a set-to with self-will, and a commitment to a different way of being.
The Core Concept of Surrender in AA
Surrender, at the heart of Alcoholics Anonymous, isn’t about defeat; it’s a proactive acceptance of powerlessness over alcohol and all addictive behaviors. This concept, deeply interwoven with the “Set Aside” prayer – often found in AA PDF resources – is about releasing the illusion of control.
The prayer embodies this surrender, acting as a daily reminder to relinquish self-will and trust in a Higher Power. It’s setting a precedent for a life lived with humility and openness, acknowledging that one’s own efforts are insufficient for sustained recovery. This isn’t a passive act, but a courageous set-to with ingrained patterns.
True surrender allows for grace and guidance, enabling individuals to navigate challenges without the destructive force of ego. It’s about setting aside preconceived notions and allowing a new perspective to emerge, fostering a connection to something larger than oneself. It sets the tone for lasting change.
Historical Context of Set Aside Prayer
The origins of the “Set Aside” prayer within Alcoholics Anonymous aren’t definitively documented, but its roots lie in the Oxford Group, a Christian movement influential in AA’s early development. This group emphasized surrender and seeking guidance through prayer, concepts readily available in AA PDF literature today.
Early AA members adapted and refined existing prayers, including those focused on relinquishing self-will, to address the specific challenges of addiction. The prayer’s emergence represents a set-to against the prevailing cultural emphasis on willpower alone. It established a precedent for spiritual practice as central to recovery.
Over time, variations of the prayer evolved, becoming a staple in AA meetings and personal recovery practices. Its enduring presence reflects its effectiveness in fostering humility and openness, setting the tone for a life guided by principles beyond individual control. It’s a set-in tradition.
The Text of the Set Aside Prayer (Common Versions)
Numerous versions of the “Set Aside” prayer exist, readily accessible in AA PDF resources, each subtly differing yet sharing a core theme of surrender and openness.
Version 1: The Traditional Prayer
The most frequently encountered version, often found within AA’s “Big Book” and numerous AA PDF documents, reads: “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.”
This concise yet profound prayer embodies the essence of surrender, a cornerstone of the Alcoholics Anonymous program. It’s a direct appeal for divine assistance in navigating life’s challenges, particularly those related to addiction and recovery.
The prayer’s structure is deliberate, moving from acceptance of powerlessness over external circumstances to proactive engagement with areas of personal control.
The final plea for wisdom acknowledges the difficulty in discerning between the two, highlighting the need for guidance beyond one’s own limited understanding.
Its simplicity makes it easily memorized and recited, becoming a readily available tool for managing difficult emotions and situations.
This version serves as a foundational practice, setting the stage for deeper spiritual work within the Twelve Steps.
Version 2: A Slightly Modified Version
A common variation, widely circulated in AA PDF resources and meeting handouts, adjusts the phrasing to: “God, grant me the ability to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
This subtle shift replaces “serenity” with “ability,” emphasizing a practical capacity rather than a purely emotional state. Some find this alteration more accessible, focusing on actionable steps rather than passive acceptance.
The core message remains intact: acknowledging limitations, embracing change where possible, and seeking guidance for discernment.
This version often appears alongside the traditional prayer, offering individuals a choice that resonates with their personal preferences and spiritual understanding.
Both iterations serve the same purpose – a daily surrender of will and an invitation for divine intervention.
The slight modification demonstrates the flexibility within AA, allowing for individual adaptation while upholding the fundamental principles of the program.
Analyzing Key Phrases within the Prayer
Examining the “Set Aside” prayer, frequently found in AA PDF guides, reveals potent symbolism. “Accept the things I cannot change” underscores the crucial step of relinquishing control – a core tenet of recovery.
This isn’t passive resignation, but a recognition of personal limitations, freeing energy for constructive action. “Courage to change” highlights the necessity of self-improvement, tackling behaviors fueling addiction.
“Wisdom to know the difference” is perhaps the most challenging aspect, requiring honest self-assessment and reliance on a Higher Power for discernment;
The prayer isn’t a magical formula, but a daily reminder to align one’s will with a greater purpose.
Each phrase invites introspection, prompting individuals to identify areas needing acceptance, change, or guidance.
Analyzing these phrases within the context of the Twelve Steps reveals their direct correlation to surrender, faith, and personal growth.
Why Use a Set Aside Prayer in Recovery?
Utilizing the “Set Aside” prayer, often accessible in AA PDF resources, fosters humility, addressing ego and cultivating openness to guidance for lasting sobriety.
Addressing Ego and Willfulness
The “Set Aside” prayer, frequently found within AA PDF materials, directly confronts the pervasive influence of ego and willfulness in early recovery. Alcoholism often thrives on a sense of self-reliance and control, a stubborn insistence on navigating life on one’s own terms. This prayer isn’t about diminishing self-worth, but rather acknowledging the limitations of personal power when battling addiction.
By consciously relinquishing control – “setting aside” preconceived notions and desires – individuals begin to dismantle the ego’s defenses. This act of surrender, detailed in many AA publications, creates space for a connection with a Higher Power, allowing for guidance and strength beyond personal capabilities. The prayer encourages a shift from “my will be done” to “Thy will be done,” a crucial step in breaking the cycle of self-centeredness that fuels addictive behaviors. It’s a daily practice of humility, recognizing powerlessness and opening oneself to a more hopeful path.
Cultivating Humility and Openness
The practice of utilizing the “Set Aside” prayer, readily accessible in AA PDF resources, is fundamentally about fostering humility and openness to change. Addiction often breeds defensiveness and a rigid adherence to self-will; the prayer actively challenges these patterns. It’s a deliberate act of acknowledging one’s limitations and embracing a willingness to receive help from a source greater than oneself.
This openness isn’t simply a passive acceptance, but an active cultivation of receptivity. As outlined in various AA materials, the prayer prepares the individual to receive guidance, insight, and strength. By “setting aside” personal expectations and judgments, one creates space for a new perspective, allowing for a more honest assessment of oneself and the situation. This fosters a willingness to learn, grow, and embrace the transformative power of the Twelve Steps, paving the way for lasting recovery.
Facilitating Connection with a Higher Power
The “Set Aside” prayer, frequently found within AA PDF guides and literature, serves as a direct conduit for establishing a connection with a Higher Power. It’s a conscious effort to relinquish control and invite divine guidance into one’s life, acknowledging powerlessness over alcohol and the need for external support.
This isn’t necessarily about adhering to a specific religious doctrine; the Higher Power is often understood as a source of strength, wisdom, or love, defined individually. The prayer’s phrasing – “setting aside” preconceived notions – creates a receptive state, allowing for a more profound spiritual experience. AA emphasizes that consistent practice strengthens this connection, fostering trust and reliance on something beyond oneself, crucial for sustained sobriety and a fulfilling life. It sets the precedent for a deeper, ongoing relationship.
How to Effectively Utilize the Set Aside Prayer
Downloadable AA PDFs offer guidance on integrating this prayer into daily life, emphasizing consistent timing and a quiet environment for optimal spiritual connection.
Timing and Frequency of Use
Many individuals find incorporating the Set Aside Prayer into their routine at the start of the day particularly beneficial, establishing a proactive mindset focused on surrender and openness. AA resources, often available as PDFs, suggest utilizing the prayer before meetings, during moments of temptation, or whenever feelings of control arise.
The frequency is deeply personal; some recite it multiple times daily, while others prefer a single, deliberate practice. PDF guides frequently emphasize consistency over quantity, advocating for a sincere and mindful recitation rather than a rote repetition. Experimentation is encouraged to discover what resonates most effectively. Consider pairing it with other spiritual practices, like meditation or journaling, to amplify its impact. Remember, the goal is to cultivate a continuous state of surrender, not simply to check off a box.
Creating a Conducive Environment
Establishing a peaceful and distraction-free space significantly enhances the effectiveness of the Set Aside Prayer. Many find solace in quiet rooms, nature, or any location fostering a sense of calm and connection. AA literature, often accessible as a PDF, suggests minimizing external stimuli – silencing phones, turning off televisions – to promote focused introspection.
Consider incorporating elements that personally evoke serenity, such as soft lighting, calming music, or meaningful objects. PDF resources may offer guided meditations or visualizations to deepen the experience. The environment should feel safe and supportive, encouraging vulnerability and honest self-reflection. It’s about creating a sacred space where you can comfortably relinquish control and open yourself to guidance. Remember, the setting should facilitate, not hinder, your connection with a Higher Power.
Integrating the Prayer into Daily Life
Beyond formal practice, weaving the Set Aside Prayer into daily routines amplifies its impact. Many AA members utilize PDF guides to maintain consistency, reciting the prayer upon waking, before meals, or during moments of stress. This proactive approach reinforces surrender and cultivates a continuous awareness of one’s powerlessness.
Consider setting reminders or associating the prayer with existing habits. PDF resources often suggest journaling after recitation, noting any insights or feelings that arise. The goal isn’t rote repetition, but genuine integration – allowing the prayer’s principles to inform decisions and actions throughout the day. Embrace flexibility; adapt the practice to fit your lifestyle. Consistent, mindful application transforms the prayer from a ritual into a lived experience, fostering lasting recovery.
The Set Aside Prayer and the Twelve Steps
The Set Aside Prayer directly supports the initial steps, often detailed in AA PDF guides, fostering surrender and openness to guidance.
It’s a crucial foundation for admitting powerlessness and making a decision to turn one’s will and life over to a Higher Power.
Step 1: Admitting Powerlessness and the Prayer
Step One of Alcoholics Anonymous centers on acknowledging a lack of control over alcohol – a profound admission of powerlessness. This is where the Set Aside Prayer, frequently found within downloadable AA PDF resources, becomes incredibly potent.
The prayer isn’t a magical fix, but a deliberate act of surrender, a conscious decision to relinquish the illusion of self-will. It’s about honestly recognizing that one’s own efforts have been insufficient to combat the disease of alcoholism.
Many AA members utilize the prayer as a daily practice, a humble request to be freed from obsessive thoughts and destructive behaviors. PDF guides often highlight how this prayer prepares the individual to accept help, paving the way for belief in a Power greater than themselves – a cornerstone of Step Two.
The prayer’s phrasing, often emphasizing the setting aside of preconceived notions and self-reliance, directly mirrors the spirit of Step One’s admission.
Step 2: Belief and the Role of Prayer
Step Two in AA calls for coming to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. The Set Aside Prayer, readily available in AA PDF documents, plays a crucial role in fostering this belief, acting as a bridge between powerlessness and hope.
Through consistent prayer, individuals begin to experience a shift in perspective, opening themselves to the possibility of guidance and support beyond their own limited capabilities. PDF resources often emphasize that this “Higher Power” is uniquely defined by each individual.
The prayer isn’t about blind faith, but a willingness to explore a spiritual dimension and trust in something larger than oneself. It’s a daily practice that cultivates humility and receptivity, strengthening belief over time.
Utilizing the Set Aside Prayer demonstrates action towards belief, a conscious choice to invite a benevolent force into one’s recovery journey.
Step 3: Making a Decision and Surrender
Step Three urges us to make a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. The Set Aside Prayer, frequently found within AA PDF guides, embodies this very act of surrender, providing a tangible method for relinquishing control.
This isn’t a passive acceptance of fate, but an active decision to trust in a Power greater than ourselves, acknowledging our own limitations. PDF materials often highlight the importance of daily practice, reinforcing this commitment.
The prayer’s phrasing – “set aside” – is deliberate, suggesting a temporary laying down of the ego, not a permanent abandonment of self. It’s a conscious choice to allow a Higher Power to guide our actions and thoughts.
Employing the Set Aside Prayer solidifies the decision to surrender, fostering humility and openness to change.
Common Misconceptions About the Prayer
Many misunderstand the Set Aside Prayer, often detailed in AA PDF resources, as a magical fix or empty ritual, neglecting its role in active recovery.
It’s Not About Empty Ritual
The Set Aside Prayer, frequently accessible in AA PDF guides, isn’t merely reciting words; it’s a deliberate act of surrender. It’s a common misconception to view it as a formulaic practice devoid of genuine intention. The prayer’s power resides in the sincere willingness to relinquish control, not in the performance itself.
Simply repeating the phrases without internalizing the concept of surrender renders it ineffective. It’s about actively choosing to set aside one’s own will, ego, and preconceived notions, opening oneself to guidance from a Higher Power.
The prayer serves as a catalyst for humility and honesty, prompting a deeper examination of one’s motivations and desires. It’s a tool to dismantle the self-centeredness that fuels addiction, not a substitute for genuine self-work and engagement in the Twelve Steps.
True benefit arises from consistent, heartfelt application, aligning actions with the prayer’s intention, and seeking support within the AA community.
It Doesn’t Guarantee Instant Results
While the Set Aside Prayer, readily found in AA PDF resources, is a powerful tool, it’s crucial to understand it doesn’t offer immediate solutions. Recovery is a process, not an event, and the prayer is a component within that journey, not a magical fix.
Expecting instant relief can lead to discouragement and abandonment of the practice. The prayer’s effectiveness unfolds gradually, as consistent surrender chips away at ingrained patterns of self-will and control. It’s about cultivating a mindset of openness and acceptance, not demanding immediate outcomes.
Continued effort, alongside working the Twelve Steps and engaging with the AA fellowship, is essential. The prayer prepares the ground for change, but action is required to nurture growth.
Patience and perseverance are key, recognizing that setbacks are a natural part of recovery, and the prayer remains a valuable resource throughout the process.
It’s Not a Replacement for Action
The Set Aside Prayer, often accessible in AA PDF guides, is a vital step, but it’s fundamentally a preparation for action, not a substitute. Simply reciting the prayer without actively engaging in recovery work is insufficient. It doesn’t absolve individuals from the responsibility of making amends, seeking sponsorship, or attending meetings.
The prayer fosters humility and openness, creating space for positive change, but that space must be filled with purposeful effort. It’s about relinquishing control to a Higher Power and then taking constructive steps guided by that connection.
True recovery demands consistent, proactive engagement with the program. The prayer sets the intention, but the Twelve Steps provide the framework for lasting transformation.
Consider it a foundational element, supporting, not supplanting, the necessary work of self-examination and behavioral change.
Finding Resources and Support
Numerous AA PDF resources and online forums offer the Set Aside Prayer, alongside supportive communities and literature for deeper spiritual exploration and guidance.
AA Meetings and Group Sharing
Attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings provides a vital space to experience the Set Aside Prayer communally, often recited at the beginning of gatherings. Sharing personal experiences with the prayer – how it feels, when it’s most helpful, and any challenges encountered – fosters a deeper understanding and connection amongst members.
Many groups readily share AA PDF materials containing the prayer, encouraging newcomers to incorporate it into their daily routines. Hearing others articulate their surrender and reliance on a Higher Power can be profoundly impactful, normalizing vulnerability and reinforcing the core principles of the program.
Group discussions can illuminate different interpretations of the prayer’s phrases, offering diverse perspectives and enriching individual practice. This collective exploration builds a supportive network, demonstrating that seeking help and embracing humility are strengths, not weaknesses, on the path to recovery.
Online Forums and Communities
Numerous online platforms dedicated to Alcoholics Anonymous recovery offer valuable resources related to the Set Aside Prayer, including readily available AA PDF documents. These digital spaces facilitate connection and support for individuals unable to attend physical meetings, or seeking supplemental guidance.
Forums and communities provide a space to ask questions, share experiences, and discuss the prayer’s impact on personal journeys. Members often exchange variations of the prayer, alongside insights into its practical application. This fosters a sense of belonging and shared understanding.
Online resources can also offer downloadable audio recordings of the prayer, aiding in memorization and meditative practice. These communities often establish a precedent for open dialogue, setting the tone for honest self-reflection and mutual encouragement.
AA Literature on Prayer and Spirituality
Alcoholics Anonymous literature extensively explores prayer and spirituality, frequently referencing the Set Aside Prayer, often available within comprehensive AA PDF resources. Core texts like the “Big Book” emphasize surrender and connection with a Higher Power as foundational to recovery, providing context for understanding the prayer’s significance.
Numerous pamphlets and workbooks delve deeper into the practice of prayer, offering guidance on integrating it into daily life. These materials often present various versions of the Set Aside Prayer, alongside personal stories illustrating its transformative power. They set a precedent for consistent spiritual practice.
Exploring these resources establishes a tone of humility and openness, encouraging members to actively seek guidance and relinquish control. The literature consistently reinforces that prayer isn’t a ritual, but a vital component of sustained sobriety.
Set Aside Prayer vs. Other AA Prayers
Comparing the Set Aside Prayer, often found in AA PDF guides, to the Serenity or Lord’s Prayer reveals distinct focuses—surrender versus acceptance and faith.
The Serenity Prayer: A Comparison
While both the Set Aside Prayer and the Serenity Prayer are cornerstones of AA spirituality, readily available in AA PDF resources, they serve different, yet complementary, purposes. The Serenity Prayer, penned by Reinhold Niebuhr, focuses on accepting the things we cannot change, courage to change what we can, and wisdom to know the difference. It’s a plea for discernment and peaceful acceptance of life’s circumstances.
Conversely, the Set Aside Prayer, often utilized before meetings or during personal reflection, centers on actively surrendering one’s will to a Higher Power. It’s a proactive relinquishing of control, acknowledging powerlessness – a core tenet of the first step. AA PDF materials often highlight this distinction. The Serenity Prayer asks for the ability to deal with reality, while the Set Aside Prayer asks for help in releasing the need to control it. Both, however, aim to foster humility and connection with something greater than oneself, ultimately supporting the recovery journey.
The Lord’s Prayer in AA
The Lord’s Prayer, a familiar and deeply resonant prayer across many faiths, finds a significant place within the Alcoholics Anonymous community, often included in AA PDF literature alongside the Set Aside Prayer. While not unique to AA, its themes of forgiveness, seeking guidance, and acknowledging a higher power resonate strongly with the program’s principles.
Unlike the direct surrender emphasized in the Set Aside Prayer, the Lord’s Prayer encompasses a broader range of spiritual needs and requests. AA PDF guides demonstrate how members often adapt or personalize the prayer, focusing on aspects like seeking deliverance from temptation – a constant struggle in early recovery. It’s frequently recited at meetings, offering a shared spiritual experience. Both prayers, however, serve as avenues for connecting with a power greater than oneself, fostering humility, and supporting the ongoing journey of sobriety and spiritual growth.
