Set Aside Prayer in AA Big Book: A Powerful Tool for Breaking Free from Addiction

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The set aside prayer in the AA big book is a powerful tool in helping individuals recover from alcohol addiction. It serves as a reminder to put aside our own will and ego, and instead, rely on a higher power for guidance and strength in our journey towards sobriety. This prayer has become an integral part of the AA program and is recited by members before meetings, during meditation, and whenever they feel the need to surrender control.

As we begin our journey towards recovery, it is important to acknowledge that we cannot do it alone. Addiction is a complex disease that requires a holistic approach to healing. The set aside prayer encourages us to let go of our past mistakes, resentments, and fears, and trust in a power greater than ourselves to guide us towards a better life.

Many individuals who struggle with addiction often feel powerless and hopeless. However, the set aside prayer provides a sense of hope and comfort, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles. By surrendering our will and trusting in a higher power, we can find the strength and courage to overcome our addiction and live a fulfilling life in sobriety.

Moreover, the set aside prayer helps individuals in recovery to cultivate a sense of humility. It allows us to acknowledge that we are not perfect and that we need help to overcome our addiction. This humility is essential in the recovery process, as it enables us to seek support from others and be open to learning from our mistakes.

Another aspect of the set aside prayer is its emphasis on living in the present moment. Addiction often stems from our inability to cope with the past or anxiety about the future. By setting aside these worries and focusing on the present, we can find peace and clarity in our minds, allowing us to make healthier choices and live a more meaningful life.

Furthermore, the set aside prayer encourages individuals in recovery to be open-minded and willing to try new things. It reminds us that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to recovery and that we should be open to exploring different paths towards sobriety.

In addition, the set aside prayer serves as a tool for self-reflection. It allows us to examine our thoughts and behaviors and identify areas where we need to improve. This self-awareness is crucial in the recovery process, as it enables us to take responsibility for our actions and make positive changes in our lives.

As we recite the set aside prayer, we are reminded of the importance of community in the recovery process. We are encouraged to seek support from others who are also on the journey towards sobriety and to be of service to those in need.

Finally, the set aside prayer teaches us to have faith in ourselves and in a higher power. It reminds us that we are capable of overcoming our addiction and living a fulfilling life in sobriety, as long as we are willing to let go of our past and trust in the guidance of a higher power.

In conclusion, the set aside prayer is a powerful tool in the AA program that helps individuals in recovery to let go of their ego and trust in a higher power. It encourages humility, self-reflection, and community, and teaches us to live in the present moment and have faith in ourselves and in a higher power. By reciting this prayer regularly, we can find the strength and courage to overcome our addiction and live a more meaningful life in sobriety.


Introduction

Set Aside prayer is a vital aspect of the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) program. It is used to help individuals overcome their addiction to alcohol. The prayer is an essential tool in the Big Book, which is the basic text of AA. It is a powerful prayer that is often recited at the beginning of AA meetings. The Set Aside prayer is a way of asking for help from a higher power to overcome the addiction.

The Origin of the Set Aside Prayer

The Set Aside prayer is not the creation of any single individual. It is a prayer that has been passed down through generations of AA members. The prayer was first introduced in the Big Book in 1939. The book was written by Bill W. and Dr. Bob, the founders of AA. The Set Aside prayer was created to help members set aside their egos and personal prejudices so that they could receive help from a higher power to overcome their addiction.

The Meaning of the Prayer

The Set Aside prayer is a simple but powerful prayer. It is a way of asking for help from a higher power to overcome addiction. The prayer asks that the individual be set aside from their ego, their fears, their prejudices, and their desires. The prayer is a way of surrendering to a higher power and acknowledging that the individual cannot overcome their addiction on their own.

How the Prayer Works

The Set Aside prayer works by helping individuals to let go of their ego and personal biases. It is a way of surrendering to a higher power and acknowledging that there is something greater than oneself. The prayer helps individuals to become more open to the idea of receiving help from a higher power. It is a way of letting go of control and allowing a higher power to guide one's life.

How to Use the Prayer

The Set Aside prayer is a simple prayer that can be used at any time. It can be recited at the beginning of AA meetings or at any other time when an individual feels the need to surrender to a higher power. The prayer should be recited with sincerity and conviction. It is important to let go of one's ego and personal biases when reciting the prayer.

The Benefits of the Prayer

The Set Aside prayer has many benefits for individuals who are struggling with addiction. The prayer helps individuals to become more open to the idea of receiving help from a higher power. It is a way of surrendering to something greater than oneself and acknowledging that there is a need for help. The prayer helps individuals to become more humble and less self-centered. It is a way of letting go of control and allowing a higher power to guide one's life.

The Role of Faith in the Prayer

The Set Aside prayer is a prayer that requires faith. It requires faith in a higher power and the belief that this power can help one overcome addiction. The prayer is a way of surrendering to a higher power and acknowledging that there is something greater than oneself. Faith is an essential aspect of the AA program and is necessary for individuals to overcome addiction.

The Importance of Humility in the Prayer

The Set Aside prayer is a prayer that requires humility. It requires individuals to let go of their egos and personal biases. It is a way of acknowledging that one cannot overcome addiction on their own and that they need help from a higher power. Humility is an essential aspect of the AA program and is necessary for individuals to overcome addiction.

Conclusion

The Set Aside prayer is a powerful tool in the AA program. It is a way of asking for help from a higher power to overcome addiction. The prayer requires individuals to let go of their egos and personal biases and surrender to a higher power. The prayer helps individuals to become more open to the idea of receiving help from a higher power. It is an essential aspect of the AA program and is necessary for individuals to overcome addiction.


Understanding the Importance of Set Aside Prayer in Recovery

Addiction is a disease that affects not only the individual but also their loved ones. It can destroy relationships, cause financial instability and impact mental and physical health. The road to recovery is a long one and requires a strong support system and commitment to change. One powerful tool that has helped many in their journey towards sobriety is the set aside prayer.The set aside prayer is a simple prayer that asks for help in setting aside resentments, fears, old ideas, and beliefs that may be hindering one's progress in recovery. It is a practice that requires humility, open-mindedness, and a willingness to let go of control. In this article, we will explore the origins of the set aside prayer in AA's Big Book, steps to practicing it in daily life, and the benefits it offers in overcoming addiction.

The Origins of the Set Aside Prayer in AA's Big Book

The set aside prayer is mentioned in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and is often used in 12-step meetings as a helpful reminder to let go of old ways of thinking and behaving. The prayer is recited before starting the fourth step, which involves taking a fearless and searching moral inventory of oneself.The set aside prayer is also mentioned in the chapter Into Action where it is stated, We had to ask ourselves why we shouldn't apply to our human problems this same readiness to change our point of view. We were having trouble with personal relationships, we couldn't control our emotional natures, we were a prey to misery and depression, we couldn't make a living, we had a feeling of uselessness, we were full of fear, we were unhappy, we couldn't seem to be of real help to other people - was not a basic solution of these bedevilments more important than whether we should see newsreels of lunar flight?The set aside prayer is a reminder that in order to move forward in recovery, we must let go of old ideas and beliefs that are no longer serving us. It is a call to action to be open-minded and willing to change.

Steps to Practicing Set Aside Prayer in Daily Life

Incorporating the set aside prayer into daily life can be a powerful tool in overcoming addiction. Here are some steps to practice it:1. Take a moment to pause: When faced with a challenging situation, take a moment to pause and reflect. This allows you to step back and gain perspective on the situation.2. Say the prayer: Recite the set aside prayer to yourself or out loud. The prayer goes, God, please help me set aside everything I think I know about myself, my disease, these steps, and especially you, so I may have an open mind and a new experience with all these things, please let me see the truth.3. Let go of control: Let go of the need to control the situation or the outcome. Trust that things will work out as they are meant to.4. Practice gratitude: Focus on what you are grateful for in your life. This helps shift your mindset from negative to positive.5. Be open-minded: Approach situations with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Recognize that there may be other ways of thinking and doing things.6. Practice forgiveness: Let go of resentments and forgive yourself and others. This helps to release negative emotions and promotes healing.

Benefits of Set Aside Prayer in Overcoming Addiction

The set aside prayer offers several benefits in overcoming addiction. Here are some of them:1. Promotes open-mindedness: The set aside prayer encourages individuals to be open-minded and willing to change. This is a crucial mindset to have in recovery as it allows for personal growth and development.2. Reduces stress and anxiety: Letting go of the need to control situations and outcomes reduces stress and anxiety. This promotes a sense of calm and peace.3. Helps to overcome negative self-talk: The set aside prayer helps to let go of negative self-talk and beliefs that may be hindering one's progress in recovery.4. Promotes forgiveness: Letting go of resentments and forgiving oneself and others is essential in promoting healing and moving forward in recovery.5. Increases spiritual connection: The set aside prayer is a tool for spiritual growth and connection. It allows individuals to connect with a higher power and seek guidance and support.

How Set Aside Prayer Helps to Let Go of Resentments and Fear

Resentment and fear are two emotions that can hinder one's progress in recovery. The set aside prayer helps to let go of these emotions by promoting forgiveness, open-mindedness, and trust. Here's how:1. Forgiveness: Letting go of resentments and forgiving oneself and others is essential in promoting healing and moving forward in recovery. The set aside prayer reminds individuals to let go of old resentments and seek forgiveness.2. Open-mindedness: The set aside prayer promotes open-mindedness and a willingness to change. This allows individuals to let go of old beliefs and ideas that may be hindering their progress in recovery.3. Trust: Letting go of fear and trusting that things will work out as they are meant to be is an important step in overcoming addiction. The set aside prayer promotes trust in a higher power and the universe.

Incorporating Set Aside Prayer in Your Meditation Routine

Meditation is a powerful tool in promoting mental and emotional well-being. Incorporating the set aside prayer into your meditation routine can further enhance its benefits. Here's how:1. Find a quiet space: Find a quiet and peaceful space where you can meditate comfortably.2. Set aside time: Set aside a specific time each day for meditation and stick to it.3. Say the prayer: Recite the set aside prayer before starting your meditation practice.4. Focus on breathing: Focus on your breath and allow yourself to relax and let go of any tension or stress.5. Practice gratitude: Focus on what you are grateful for in your life. This helps shift your mindset from negative to positive.6. Let go of control: Let go of the need to control the outcome of your meditation practice. Trust that things will work out as they are meant to be.

The Role of Set Aside Prayer in Building Stronger Relationships

Addiction can destroy relationships and cause deep wounds that may take time to heal. The set aside prayer can play a role in building stronger relationships by promoting forgiveness, open-mindedness, and trust. Here's how:1. Forgiveness: Letting go of resentments and forgiving oneself and others is essential in promoting healing and moving forward in relationships.2. Open-mindedness: The set aside prayer promotes open-mindedness and a willingness to change. This allows individuals to let go of old beliefs and ideas that may be hindering their relationships.3. Trust: Letting go of fear and trusting that things will work out as they are meant to be is an important step in building stronger relationships. The set aside prayer promotes trust in a higher power and the universe.

How to Use Set Aside Prayer to Overcome Negative Self-Talk

Negative self-talk is a common issue among those in recovery. The set aside prayer can help overcome negative self-talk by promoting forgiveness, open-mindedness, and trust. Here's how:1. Forgiveness: Letting go of resentments and forgiving oneself is essential in promoting healing and moving forward in recovery.2. Open-mindedness: The set aside prayer promotes open-mindedness and a willingness to change. This allows individuals to let go of old beliefs and ideas that may be contributing to negative self-talk.3. Trust: Letting go of fear and trusting that things will work out as they are meant to be is an important step in overcoming negative self-talk. The set aside prayer promotes trust in a higher power and the universe.

Set Aside Prayer as a Tool for Spiritual Growth and Connection

The set aside prayer is not only a tool for overcoming addiction but also for spiritual growth and connection. It allows individuals to connect with a higher power and seek guidance and support. Here's how:1. Promotes humility: The set aside prayer promotes humility, which is a crucial aspect of spiritual growth.2. Increases awareness: The set aside prayer increases awareness and helps individuals to see things from a different perspective.3. Promotes trust: The set aside prayer promotes trust in a higher power and the universe, which is essential for spiritual growth and connection.

Sharing the Power of Set Aside Prayer with Others in Recovery

The set aside prayer is a powerful tool in overcoming addiction and promoting spiritual growth and connection. Sharing its power with others in recovery can be beneficial for all involved. Here's how:1. Introduce the prayer: Share the set aside prayer with others in recovery and how it has helped you in your journey towards sobriety.2. Practice together: Practice the prayer together in group meetings or during one-on-one sessions.3. Discuss its benefits: Discuss the benefits of the set aside prayer and how it can be incorporated into daily life.4. Encourage others: Encourage others to try the set aside prayer and to share their experiences with it.In conclusion, the set aside prayer is a powerful tool in overcoming addiction and promoting spiritual growth and connection. Its benefits are numerous, including promoting forgiveness, open-mindedness, and trust. By incorporating the set aside prayer into daily life and sharing its power with others in recovery, individuals can experience a profound transformation in their lives.

Set Aside Prayer AA Big Book: A Point of View

Introduction

The Set Aside Prayer is a significant part of the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) program, as outlined in the Big Book. It is a prayer that asks individuals to set aside their preconceived notions, biases, and prejudices about themselves, others, and the program itself. Instead, it encourages them to be open-minded, willing, and receptive to the teachings of AA.

Pros of Set Aside Prayer AA Big Book

1. Encourages Open-Mindedness: The Set Aside Prayer helps people to let go of their ego and become more receptive to new ideas and perspectives. This is especially important in recovery, where individuals may have been resistant to change in the past.2. Promotes Willingness: The prayer encourages individuals to be willing to try new things and take action towards their recovery. This is crucial for success in the AA program.3. Builds Trust: By setting aside their biases and prejudices, individuals can build trust with their sponsors, peers, and the program itself. Trust is essential in AA as it creates a supportive and safe environment for recovery.

Cons of Set Aside Prayer AA Big Book

1. Can be Challenging: Letting go of one's preconceived notions and biases can be difficult, especially for those who have been stuck in their ways for a long time.2. May feel Forced: Some individuals may feel like they are being forced to set aside their beliefs, which can lead to resentment and resistance.3. Not a One-Size-Fits-All Solution: While the Set Aside Prayer works for many individuals, it may not work for everyone. People have different needs and approaches to recovery, and it is essential to find what works best for each individual.

Comparison Table: Set Aside Prayer vs. Traditional Prayer

| | Set Aside Prayer | Traditional Prayer || --- | --- | --- || Definition | Asks individuals to set aside their biases and preconceptions about themselves, others, and the program itself | A prayer that asks for guidance, strength, and support from a higher power || Purpose | Encourages open-mindedness, willingness, and trust | Seeks comfort, peace, and guidance from a higher power || Focus | Self, others, and the program | Higher power || Used in AA | Yes | Yes || Used in other contexts | No | Yes |

Conclusion

The Set Aside Prayer is an essential aspect of the Alcoholics Anonymous program, as it encourages individuals to be open-minded, willing, and receptive to new ideas and perspectives. While it may not work for everyone, it is a valuable tool for building trust and promoting success in recovery.

Set Aside Prayer AA Big Book: A Tool for Sobriety

Dear visitors, we hope that this article on the Set Aside Prayer in the AA Big Book has been helpful to you. The Set Aside Prayer is a powerful tool for those in recovery from addiction. It allows us to set aside our preconceived notions and prejudices and open ourselves up to a new way of living.

As we travel along the path of recovery, we encounter many challenges and obstacles. The Set Aside Prayer can help us overcome these challenges by allowing us to let go of our old ways of thinking and embrace new ideas and perspectives.

One of the most important things to remember about the Set Aside Prayer is that it is not a one-time fix-all solution. It is a practice that must be incorporated into our daily lives. By making it a part of our daily routine, we can begin to see positive changes in our attitudes and behaviors.

Another important aspect of the Set Aside Prayer is its ability to help us connect with a higher power. Whether we believe in God, a universal energy, or something else entirely, the Set Aside Prayer can help us tap into that power and find the strength and guidance we need to navigate the challenges of life.

The Set Aside Prayer is also an excellent tool for developing humility. Humility is a key component of recovery, as it allows us to admit our mistakes, learn from them, and grow as individuals. By setting aside our own ideas and biases, we can become more open to feedback and constructive criticism.

One of the greatest benefits of the Set Aside Prayer is its ability to help us develop compassion and empathy for others. By setting aside our own prejudices and judgments, we can begin to see the world through the eyes of others and understand their experiences and struggles. This can lead to greater understanding, forgiveness, and healing in our relationships with others.

It is important to remember that the Set Aside Prayer is not a substitute for professional help or treatment. If you are struggling with addiction or mental health issues, it is important to seek the help of a qualified healthcare professional. However, the Set Aside Prayer can be a valuable tool to supplement your treatment and support your ongoing recovery.

In conclusion, we hope that this article has helped you understand the importance of the Set Aside Prayer in the AA Big Book. Whether you are in recovery from addiction or simply looking to improve your life, the Set Aside Prayer can help you let go of old ways of thinking and embrace new ideas and perspectives. By incorporating this practice into your daily routine, you can begin to see positive changes in your attitudes and behaviors and move towards a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

Thank you for visiting our blog, and we wish you all the best on your journey towards sobriety and personal growth.


People Also Ask About Set Aside Prayer AA Big Book

What is set aside prayer in AA?

The set aside prayer is a prayer that is used in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings to help individuals set aside their own biases and prejudices while they work through the 12-step program.

Where can I find the set aside prayer in the AA Big Book?

The set aside prayer can be found in Chapter 5 of the AA Big Book, which is titled How It Works.

What does the set aside prayer mean in AA?

The set aside prayer in AA means that individuals are encouraged to set aside their own preconceived notions and beliefs about themselves and the world around them in order to fully commit to the 12-step program and achieve sobriety.

How do you say the set aside prayer in AA?

The set aside prayer in AA goes as follows: 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 is the purpose of the set aside prayer in AA?

The purpose of the set aside prayer in AA is to help individuals let go of their own ego and biases so that they can fully commit to the 12-step program and achieve sobriety. By setting aside their preconceived notions and beliefs, individuals can fully embrace the program and make meaningful progress towards recovery.

Can the set aside prayer be used outside of AA?

Yes, the set aside prayer can be used outside of AA as a general prayer or meditation to help individuals let go of their own biases and prejudices in order to achieve personal growth and development.

Is the set aside prayer mandatory in AA?

No, the set aside prayer is not mandatory in AA. While it is often used in meetings and encouraged as part of the 12-step program, individuals are free to approach the program in a way that works best for them.

Can non-believers use the set aside prayer in AA?

Yes, non-believers can use the set aside prayer in AA as a way to set aside their preconceived notions and biases in order to fully commit to the 12-step program and achieve sobriety. The prayer can be seen as a form of meditation or mindfulness practice rather than a religious prayer.

Summary

  • The set aside prayer is a prayer used in AA to help individuals set aside their own biases and prejudices while working through the 12-step program.
  • The prayer can be found in Chapter 5 of the AA Big Book.
  • Its purpose is to help individuals let go of their ego and biases so they can fully embrace the program and make meaningful progress towards recovery.
  • The prayer is not mandatory in AA, and non-believers can still use it as a form of meditation or mindfulness practice.