Part of the Alcoholics Anonymous prayer series. Start here if you’re brand new to AA and wondering about the role of prayer in recovery. Updated: March 16, 2026 | Reading time: 8-10 minutes
AA Prayers: The Quick Answer
AA prayers are short, simple prayers that anonymous members in alcoholics anonymous use throughout their recovery journey. You don’t have to be religious to use them—they’re about personal relationships with something higher power, humility, and asking for help. The most famous is the serenity prayer, but there are many others. Some are spoken at aa meetings, some are daily prayer practices, and some are tied to specific step prayers in the twelve steps. The first step prayer begins the journey, while the eleventh step deepens your intuitive thought and god’s help.
Quick Assessment
Why does your prayer life keep falling flat?
It's usually one of four things — and each one needs a completely different strategy to break through. This 2-minute assessment tells you exactly which pattern is blocking you.
Bottom line:AA prayer tools help people stay focused on recovery, find inner peace, and remind themselves they’re not alone in this journey. Daily life and spiritual guidance integrate through these practices. The real help comes when you practice these prayers from your whole show moment of surrender, experiencing positive change as you work through the anonymous program.
Beginner’s Guide: AA Prayers at a Glance
Nervous about prayer in AA? Here’s what you actually need to know. This table answers the questions every newcomer has:
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The real answer: You never have to say any prayer in AA. But many people find them helpful. You can stand silently, listen, or say them—all are welcome. No one is watching or judging.
Where Do AA Prayers Come From?
Many AA prayers have their roots in the Big Book, published in 1939.
The story of AA prayer starts in 1935 when alcoholics anonymous began. Two men—Bill W. and Dr. Bob Smith—created a program to help people recover from alcoholism on the first time they tried a heavenly father approach. They knew that spiritual growth and spiritual guidance were important to healing, but they wanted AA to work for everyone, regardless of religious background. Only requirement was desire to stop drinking. The main purposes were to create real community and open mind to god’s help.
In 1939, AA published what’s called the “big book” (officially titled Alcoholics Anonymous). This book contains the twelve steps, stories from group members in recovery, and daily prayer resources along with the aa literature on the book of james approach to divine master principles. The prayers in the Big Book became the foundation for AA prayer traditions. They’re designed to be simple, non-denominational, and focused on asking for help and finding inner peace—not on any specific religious belief. The full serenity prayer and longer prayer versions show how tolerance of others and fellow man compassion emerge from spiritual life centered on a higher power.
Many recovery prayers used in AA today come directly from the Big Book. Others developed over time as AA communities grew and adapted practices to fit their needs. What’s important to know: these prayers have been tested by millions of people over 80+ years. Spiritual experience and spiritual awakening are real. They’re proven tools that work. Whether you encounter the second step prayer, fifth step prayer, or sixth step prayer, you’ll discover that absolute control isn’t the goal—spiritual belief in something greater is, and versions of the serenity prayer remind us that open mind creates positive change in aa programs.
The 5 Most Important AA Prayers
Prayer is a cornerstone of recovery for many in AA.
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.”
What it does: This is the most famous AA prayer. It’s said at almost every meeting. It teaches acceptance, action, and discernment—three pillars of recovery. When you’re in early recovery, life feels chaotic. This prayer gives you a framework for deciding what to do and what to let go of.
When you hear it: Opening or closing of meetings, during tough moments in recovery.
2. The 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.”
What it does: This prayer is central to Step 3, where people decide to turn their lives over to a higher power (however they understand it). It’s about surrender and trust. You’re saying, “I can’t do this alone. I need dear lord help.”
Why it matters: Many people in early recovery try to white-knuckle their way through. This prayer reminds you that asking for god’s help is strength, not weakness. The dear god approach, using intimate language in prayer, shows how personal prayer and open mind create positive change.
3. The 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.”
What it does: Step 7 is about asking for help with defects of character—those personality traits and habits that got people into trouble. This seventh step prayer is asking not to be perfect, but to improve and become more useful to others. It’s about recognizing wrong-doing of others as a mirror for our own growth, and seeking god’s forgiveness so we can extend tolerance of others.
The mindset: You’re acknowledging flaws and asking for help to change them. That’s honest and powerful.
4. The Fear Prayer
“We turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understand Him. We will to do His will always.”
What it does: This short prayer is used when fear, worry, or anxiety suddenly hits. You say it, take a breath, and refocus. It’s practical and portable—you can use it anywhere, anytime. When you’re afraid today, this becomes your lifeline, connecting you to god’s help in the moment.
Why newcomers love it: It’s short enough to remember in a panic, and it works. Dear lord language keeps it intimate, and the simplicity means anyone with an open mind can access it.
5. The Prayer of Saint Francis
“Lord, make me a channel of Thy peace—that where there is hatred, I may bring love—that where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of forgiveness—that where there is despair, I may bring hope—that where there are shadows, I may bring light—that where there is sadness, I may bring joy. Lord, grant that I may seek rather to comfort than to be comforted—to understand than to be understood—to love than to be loved. For it is by self-forgetting that one finds. It is by forgiving that one is forgiven. It is by dying that one awakens to eternal life. Amen.”
What it does: This prayer shifts focus from yourself to others. It’s about becoming someone who helps, comforts, and brings peace. In recovery, this prayer reminds you that healing comes through helping fellow man and group members. It’s rooted in tolerance of others and the union theological seminary tradition of compassion.
When people use it: Often used in reflective moments or personal prayer practice. Some aa meetings close with it, and it’s part of aa literature and spiritual belief systems worldwide.
If you’ve never prayed before, the idea of praying in AA might feel uncomfortable. That’s completely normal. Here’s how to ease into it:
Day 1-2: Just Listen
Show up to a aa meeting or group member gathering. Sit quietly. Listen to the serenity prayer and full serenity prayer traditions. You don’t have to say anything. Just observe. Notice how people pray—some whisper, some are silent, some say it aloud. There’s no “right way.” You’re just getting comfortable with the real help that comes from first time attendance.
Day 3-4: Whisper Along
At the next aa meeting, whisper the serenity prayer along with everyone else. You don’t have to get every word—the book or a card is usually available. Just say what feels natural. This isn’t about perfection. Dear lord acceptance and tolerant view of your own learning process is part of positive change.
Day 5: Try the Fear Prayer Alone
If anxiety hits during the week, try the Fear Prayer alone at home or in your car. Say it twice. Notice if you feel different. Many people report feeling calmer just from saying it once.
Day 6-7: Find Your Favorite
Read through the prayers above. Which one resonates? Maybe it’s the Serenity Prayer. Maybe it’s something else. Pick one and say it out loud, alone, three times. Don’t overthink it. Just notice what happens.
Remember: Prayer in AA is not about being religious or having fancy words. It’s about asking for help, finding peace, and connecting with something bigger than your addiction. If you’re struggling to believe or pray, that’s okay too. Many AA members started exactly where you are.
Many people learn about AA prayers at their first meeting. There’s no pressure—you can participate at your own pace.
Frequently Asked Questions About AA Prayers
Do I have to be religious to pray in AA?
No. AA is explicitly non-religious. You don’t have to believe in god in the traditional sense. “Higher Power” means whatever works for you—the group, nature, science, or yes, God. Many agnostic and atheist aa members find these daily prayers helpful without religious belief. The serenity prayer has universal appeal beyond traditional religious people. Absolute control over your beliefs isn’t required—only tolerance of others‘ faith and an open mind to what god’s help might mean for you.
What if I don’t feel comfortable praying out loud?
You never have to. Plenty of AA members say prayers silently or just listen. Meetings typically have moments of silence. Some people stand with the group and say nothing. That’s completely acceptable and respected.
Can I make up my own prayer?
Absolutely. Many aa members write personal prayers from their bottom of my heart and dear lord experiences. Some use prayers from their faith tradition and religious leaders they trust. The traditional AA prayer resources in aa literature are shared, tested tools, but recovery is personal. Use what works for you. Morning prayer, evening prayer, or daily prayer practices all matter in building positive change and spiritual life.
How often do people pray in AA?
It varies. Some people pray during meetings (opening and closing). Some pray daily at home. Others use prayer in specific moments—when fear hits, during a step, or before sleep. There’s no required frequency. Do what feels right to you.
Will AA pressure me to pray?
No. AA’s traditions explicitly state that participation is voluntary. You’ll never be forced to pray, read, speak, or participate in any way. This is one of AA’s strengths—everyone moves at their own pace.
Is prayer scientifically proven to help with addiction?
Research shows that spiritual practices and community support significantly improve recovery outcomes. Prayer may help through reducing stress, creating structure, building community, and providing hope. Whether it’s the prayer itself or the intention behind it, the results speak for themselves—AA has an 80+ year track record of helping millions.
What’s the difference between the AA prayers and the ones in church?
AA prayers are designed to be universal and non-denominational. They focus on acceptance, humility, help, and service—not specific religious doctrine. Many are in the Big Book (1939). Church prayers often come from specific faith traditions. Both can be valuable; AA prayers are simply designed to work for people of all beliefs (and no belief).
Crisis & Support Resources
If you’re struggling with addiction or in crisis, help is available:
SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 (free, confidential, 24/7)
Eljoh Hartzer is combining theology and art to nurture faith journeys across generations. She is a Masters-level Practical Theologian with the University of Stellenbosch. She is also a writer and editor in the niche of Christianity and children's content and she illustrates children's books. Eljoh resides in the Swartland area in the Western Cape province of South Africa.
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