The Alcoholics Anonymous Set Aside Prayer is a quiet but powerful prayer used by many people walking the road of recovery. It is not about having perfect words. It is about having an honest heart. This prayer helps a struggling soul pause, breathe, and come before God with humility. In Alcoholics Anonymous, healing begins when a person admits they cannot do it alone. The set aside prayer invites us to lay down pride, old thinking, and fear, and to ask God for fresh truth.
For many in recovery, this prayer becomes a daily surrender. It gently reminds us that God can guide us better than our own understanding.
What Is the Alcoholics Anonymous Set Aside Prayer?
The set aside prayer alcoholics anonymous members often pray is a prayer of willingness. It asks God to help us set aside everything we think we already know about ourselves, our addiction, our recovery, and even about God Himself. This does not mean rejecting faith. It means admitting that our thinking has sometimes led us into pain.
In AA recovery, openness is essential. The set aside prayer for alcoholics anonymous recovery helps soften a hardened heart. It creates space for learning, healing, and spiritual growth. Many people pray it before meetings, before step work, or when they feel stuck and confused.
Full Alcoholics Anonymous Set Aside Prayer
Short Set Aside Prayer (Most Common Version)
God, please set aside everything I think I know about myself, my addiction, my recovery, and You. Help me walk today with an open mind and a willing heart. Remove pride, fear, and resistance from me. Show me the truth I need to see, and guide me gently in the right direction. Amen.
Long Version of the Set Aside Prayer
God, today I come before You honestly. Please set aside everything I think I know about myself, my struggles, my recovery, and my understanding of You. I admit that my own thinking has often led me into confusion and hurt. Remove pride, fear, and stubbornness from my heart. Give me humility, clarity, and a teachable spirit. Help me see truth with open eyes and follow You with trust. Lead me into healing, freedom, and lasting recovery, one day at a time. Amen.
Many people in recovery find daily strength and peace through the Serenity Prayer, which shows how the Serenity Prayer helps those in addiction recovery.
Why Is the Set Aside Prayer Important in AA Recovery?
The 12 step set aside prayer matters because addiction thrives on control, denial, and self-reliance. Many people entering Alcoholics Anonymous believe they already know what will work. This prayer gently breaks that mindset.
The set aside prayer alcoholics anonymous recovery principle aligns closely with Steps One through Three. It encourages surrender instead of struggle. When a person becomes willing to let go of ego and old beliefs, real change can begin. This prayer helps the heart become teachable and the spirit open to God’s guidance.
Heavenly Father, I come to You today knowing that my own understanding has not always led me well. Please set aside everything I think I know about myself, my addiction, and my recovery. Open my mind to new truth and gentle correction. Remove fear, pride, and stubborn thoughts from my heart. Teach me to listen, to learn, and to trust You again. As I continue this Alcoholics Anonymous recovery journey, guide me with patience, clarity, and peace. Amen.
Origin of the Set Aside Prayer
The set aside prayer origin is not found word-for-word in the AA Big Book. Instead, it grew through AA speakers, meetings, and shared recovery experiences. Its foundation is spiritual, rooted in humility and openness rather than authorship.
Over time, the prayer became widely used because it reflects the heart of AA recovery: honesty, surrender, and trust in a Higher Power. Many members continue to pass it on because of its simplicity and depth.
Is the Set Aside Prayer AA Approved?
Many people ask, is the set aside prayer AA approved? Officially, it does not appear in AA literature. However, it is widely accepted and respected throughout Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.
AA traditions allow freedom in prayer as long as it supports recovery and unity. Because this prayer reflects AA’s spiritual principles, it has become a trusted part of many recovery journeys.
What Is Rule 62 in AA?
Rule 62 in AA means: Don’t take yourself too seriously. It reminds members to practice humility, patience, and grace. Recovery is not about perfection. Rule 62 encourages laughter, balance, and honesty while staying focused on healing.
What Is the AA Page 552 Prayer?
The AA Page 552 prayer refers to the Third Step Prayer in the Big Book. It is a prayer of surrender, offering one’s will and life to God. This prayer closely reflects the same spirit as the set aside prayer trusting God rather than self.
What Is the Prayer for Being Set Apart?
The prayer for being set apart asks God to transform the heart and renew the mind. In recovery, it reflects the desire to live differently than before. It aligns with the biblical truth of being changed from the inside out and walking in a new way of life.
What Is the AA Page 86 Prayer?
The AA Page 86 prayer is a daily inventory prayer. It is often prayed in the morning or evening, asking God to direct thoughts, remove selfish motives, and keep the heart honest throughout the day. This prayer supports daily spiritual discipline in recovery.
12 Step Set Aside Prayer Explained
The 12 step set aside prayer helps individuals approach each step with humility. Before working the steps, many pray this prayer to release assumptions and fears. It reminds them that recovery is not about knowledge alone, but about surrender and obedience.
Set Aside Prayer – Drop the Rock Meaning
In recovery language, “drop the rock” means letting go of emotional burdens like resentment, shame, and guilt. The set aside prayer drop the rock meaning encourages people to stop carrying what weighs them down and to trust God with their pain.
Conclusion
The Alcoholics Anonymous Set Aside Prayer is a simple prayer with deep power. It teaches surrender, honesty, and trust in God during recovery. When prayed sincerely, it helps soften the heart and open the mind to healing. Recovery is a journey, and this prayer gently reminds us that God walks every step with those who are willing to let go and begin again.