Contents
- 3rd Step Prayer
- Serenity PrayerThe prayer is: “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. It is almost universally recited at 12-step meetings and is meant to foster acceptance of the will of the Higher Power and encourage serenity amon... More
- GratitudeAddiction is often a product of a sense of incompleteness. The expression of gratitude for the many things in our life can counter that need and improve the lives of the addict immeasurably. Therefore, the cultivation of gratitude is an essential part of the 12-step program. More Motto
- Basic TextThe first basic text was the Big Book of AA, which accompanied the recovery of alcoholics since its publication. Since then every 12-step program has adopted a handful of basic texts which are used for readings in meetings and to guide their members to recovery. Members are expected to bring them to... More Preface
- ServiceAA and other 12-step fellowships do not normally have employees. Instead, members volunteer and take roles necessary for the operation of the different groups and the larger infrastructure of the fellowship. Common roles of service include secretary, treasurer, and chairing meetings. More Prayer
- Service Statement
3rd Step Prayer
Take my will and my life, guide me in my recoveryThe process by which addicts attempt to break the hold a certain substance or behavior has on their lives. This can refer to participation in a wide variety of methods. What they all have in common, is a sense that life is improving and the addict is regaining control. More, show me how to live.
“3rd Step Prayer” -Narcotics Anonymous
Serenity PrayerThe prayer is: “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. It is almost universally recited at 12-step meetings and is meant to foster acceptance of the will of the Higher Power and encourage serenity amon... More
God, grant me the serenityOne of the goals of recovery in 12-steps and many other formats is the attainment of serenity. It is dissatisfaction and disquiet which often drives addictive and destructive behavior and attaining a level of serenity nips cravings in the bud. In 12-step fellowships, this is often cultivated through... More to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.
“Serenity Prayer” -Narcotics Anonymous
GratitudeAddiction is often a product of a sense of incompleteness. The expression of gratitude for the many things in our life can counter that need and improve the lives of the addict immeasurably. Therefore, the cultivation of gratitude is an essential part of the 12-step program. More Motto
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.
“Gratitude Motto” -Narcotics Anonymous
Basic TextThe first basic text was the Big Book of AA, which accompanied the recovery of alcoholics since its publication. Since then every 12-step program has adopted a handful of basic texts which are used for readings in meetings and to guide their members to recovery. Members are expected to bring them to... More Preface
We cannot change the nature of the addictAn individual with an unhealthy dependence on a substance or behavior. An individual remains an addict even years into recovery and must therefore remain active in recovery. Read more about drug & alcohol addiction & withdrawal at Withdrawal Info. More or addiction. We can help to change the old lie “Once an addict, always an addict,” by striving to make recovery more available. God, help us to remember this difference.
“Basic Text Preface Prayer” -Narcotics Anonymous
ServiceAA and other 12-step fellowships do not normally have employees. Instead, members volunteer and take roles necessary for the operation of the different groups and the larger infrastructure of the fellowship. Common roles of service include secretary, treasurer, and chairing meetings. More Prayer
GOD, grant us knowledge
that we may write
according to Your Divine precepts.
Instill in us a sense of Your purpose.
Make us servants of Your will
and grant us a bond of selflessness,
that this may truly be Your work,
not ours —in order that
no addict, anywhere, need die from the horrors of addiction.
“Service Prayer” -Narcotics Anonymous
Service Statement
Everything that occurs in the course of NA Service must be motivated by the desire to more successfully carry the messageThe 12th step advises addicts to “carry the message to alcoholics, and practice these principles in all our affairs.” This involves taking on service work, helping newcomers, being sponsors, and living a full and sober life. More of recovery to the addict who still suffers. It was for this reason that we began this work. We must always remember that as individual members, groups and service committees, we are not and should never be in competition with each other.
We work separately and together to help the newcomerAn individual attending a 12-step meeting for the first time. In most cases, they meet with a veteran member first. More and for our common good. We have learned, painfully, that internal strife cripples our FellowshipThis refers to the members of AA and the bonds of support between them. It is this fellowship that allows addicts to share their stories and accept each other in a world that is not always understanding. More; and prevents us from providing the services necessary for growth.
“Service Statement” -Narcotics Anonymous
Related: What is AA’s 3rd Step Prayer? History, How it Helps & Why It’s Important