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In most 12 step programs including Narcotics AnonymousNA is the second-largest 12-step program. Formed in 1953, it is designed to help those who wish to recover from drug addiction., prayers and mottos are a big part. Below, you’ll find the most common prayers and mottos used in the Narcotics Anonymous programThis refers to any official course of treatment for addiction. This could be anything from in-patient facilities, to 12-step programs to harm-reduction programs..
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., 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...
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... 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. 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... 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.; and prevents us from providing the services necessary for growth.
“Service Statement” -Narcotics Anonymous
NA Prayer FAQs
The NA 3rd Step Prayer is a prayer from Narcotics Anonymous, a 12-step programA 12 step program includes 12 steps of recovery to help those struggling with substance addictions or behavioral addictions. The 12 steps are also used in programs dedicated to helping loved ones of addicts. 12 step programs include 12 step meetings where members go to share their experience strengt... for individuals recovering from drugA name for a wide variety of chemical substances capable of altering the function of your mind and body in significant ways. These can include over the counter prescriptions, alcohol, and controlled substances. Most drugs are either physically and/or psychologically habit-forming. addiction. The prayer goes as follows:
“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.”
At the end of NA (Narcotics Anonymous) meetings, in most places, the group will often recite a short prayer like the Serenity Prayer. Afterwards, the standard closing phrase is “Keep comingA saying often used in 12-step meetings. It refers to the benefits of continuous attendance at meetings and the benefits of engagement with the fellowship. back, it works if you work itA common 12-step saying, often used at the end of meetings. “Working it” refers to the steps. The idea behind the saying is that if you follow the 12-steps, you will be able to maintain recovery and healthy life..”
Related: What is AA’s 3rd Step Prayer? History, How it Helps & Why It’s Important
