The Set Aside Prayer is a powerful tool in AA, helping members release preconceptions and embrace recovery with an open mind.
1.1 What is the Set Aside Prayer?
The Set Aside Prayer is a heartfelt invocation used in Alcoholics Anonymous to help members release preconceptions and biases. It asks for guidance to set aside everything one thinks they know about themselves, others, and recovery, seeking an open mind and new experiences. This prayer fosters humility and willingness, encouraging individuals to approach their journey with fresh perspective and sincerity.
1.2 Importance of the Set Aside Prayer in AA
The Set Aside Prayer holds significant importance in AA as it encourages members to let go of biases and preconceptions, fostering an open mind essential for recovery. By surrendering what they think they know, individuals can approach the 12-Step program with humility and willingness. This prayer promotes spiritual growth, helping members stay receptive to new ideas and experiences, which are crucial for long-term sobriety and personal transformation.
Origin and Background
The Set Aside Prayer originated within AA to help members approach meetings with an open mind and willingness, aligning with the 12-Step principles and fostering humility.
2.1 Historical Context of the Prayer
The Set Aside Prayer emerged within Alcoholics Anonymous as a tool to foster openness and humility. It encourages members to let go of preconceptions about themselves, their recovery, and spirituality. Rooted in the 12-Step philosophy, the prayer reflects AA’s emphasis on surrender and willingness to change. Its origins are tied to the broader AA tradition of using prayer to seek guidance and clarity, making it a meaningful part of meetings and personal reflection for many members.
2.2 How It Relates to the 12-Step Program
The Set Aside Prayer aligns with the 12-Step program by encouraging humility and openness, key principles of AA. It supports Steps 1-3 by helping members surrender preconceptions and embrace spiritual guidance. The prayer fosters willingness to explore new perspectives, aligning with Step 12’s focus on spiritual awakening. It complements the program’s emphasis on self-reflection and growth, serving as a tool to prepare members for the transformative work of the Steps.
Structure and Wording of the Prayer
The prayer is concise, beginning with a request to set aside preconceptions about oneself, others, and recovery, and ends with a plea for truth and openness.
3.1 Key Phrases and Their Meanings
The prayer begins with a request to “set aside everything I think I know” about oneself, others, and recovery, emphasizing humility and openness. It asks for “an open mind and a new experience”, reflecting a desire for spiritual growth. The phrase “help me see the Truth” highlights the pursuit of clarity and divine guidance. These phrases collectively encourage letting go of preconceptions to embrace new perspectives and deeper understanding in recovery.
3.2 Variations of the Set Aside Prayer
While the core message remains consistent, variations of the Set Aside Prayer exist. Some versions emphasize spiritual growth, while others focus on personal relationships or addiction. The prayer may be shortened or adapted to suit individual or group needs. Despite variations, the essence of humility, openness, and seeking truth remains central. These adaptations reflect the flexibility of the prayer in supporting diverse recovery journeys and personal spiritual practices.
How to Use the Set Aside Prayer
Recite the prayer at meetings or in personal time to foster openness and humility. Use it before discussions or meditation to clear preconceptions and seek guidance.
4.1 When to Recite the Prayer
The Set Aside Prayer is often recited at the start of AA meetings to encourage an open mind and humility. It can also be used before discussions, during personal meditation, or any time one feels the need to let go of preconceptions. Reciting it regularly helps individuals approach recovery with a fresh perspective and a willingness to learn, fostering spiritual growth and connection to the program.
4.2 Reflecting on the Prayer in Meetings
Reflecting on the Set Aside Prayer in meetings encourages members to embrace humility and openness. Many groups discuss its meaning, sharing insights on letting go of biases. This reflection fosters a deeper connection to the prayer’s message, promoting spiritual growth and unity among attendees. It also helps individuals apply the prayer’s principles to their personal recovery journey, enhancing its impact and relevance in their lives.
Downloading the Set Aside Prayer PDF
The Set Aside Prayer PDF is easily accessible online, often available on the official AA website or trusted recovery resources, providing a convenient written copy for reflection and sharing.
5.1 Where to Find the PDF Version
The Set Aside Prayer PDF can be found on the official AA website or through trusted recovery resources and platforms. Many AA literature sites offer free downloads, ensuring easy access to this powerful prayer. Additionally, it is often included in collections of AA prayers available online. Searching with keywords like “Set Aside Prayer PDF” or “AA prayers download” yields quick results, making it simple for members to obtain a copy for personal use or sharing.
5.2 Benefits of Having a Written Copy
A written copy of the Set Aside Prayer offers convenience and accessibility, allowing members to refer to it anytime. It aids in personal reflection and meditation, deepening the connection to the prayer’s message. A physical or digital copy also serves as a daily reminder to stay open-minded and focused on recovery. Sharing the PDF with others can inspire and guide fellow AA members in their journey, making it a valuable resource for personal and collective growth.
The Role of the Set Aside Prayer in Recovery
The Set Aside Prayer supports recovery by fostering an open mind, helping members release biases and preconceptions. It encourages humility and surrender, key principles in AA’s 12-step journey.
6.1 Overcoming Biases and Preconceptions
The Set Aside Prayer helps individuals release deeply held biases and preconceptions, fostering humility and openness. By letting go of assumptions about themselves, others, and recovery, members can embrace new perspectives. This surrender allows for a deeper connection to AA’s principles and spiritual growth, making the recovery process more effective and meaningful. It encourages a willingness to explore fresh ideas, free from the limitations of preconceived notions.
6.2 Fostering an Open Mind
The Set Aside Prayer encourages individuals to approach recovery with humility and willingness, fostering an open mind. By letting go of preconceived notions, members become more receptive to new ideas and spiritual principles. This openness allows for a deeper understanding of AA’s teachings and personal growth. The prayer’s emphasis on setting aside biases creates a mindset ready to embrace change and spiritual guidance, enhancing the recovery journey;
Comparison to Other AA Prayers
The Set Aside Prayer uniquely focuses on letting go of preconceptions, differing from the Serenity Prayer’s emphasis on acceptance and the Third Step Prayer’s surrender theme.
7.1 Similarities with the Serenity Prayer
Both the Set Aside Prayer and the Serenity Prayer emphasize spiritual growth and surrender. They encourage mindfulness, acceptance, and reliance on a higher power, fostering inner peace and clarity. While the Serenity Prayer focuses on accepting life’s challenges, the Set Aside Prayer seeks to release preconceptions, both guiding individuals toward humility and openness. Their shared goal is to help individuals stay grounded in their recovery journey and embrace change with grace.
7.2 Differences from the Third and Seventh Step Prayers
The Set Aside Prayer differs from the Third and Seventh Step Prayers in its focus on mental openness rather than surrender or transformation. While the Third Step Prayer emphasizes turning one’s will over to God, and the Seventh Step Prayer seeks the removal of shortcomings, the Set Aside Prayer uniquely targets preconceptions and biases. It is specifically used to create a receptive mindset, distinguishing it from the more action-oriented Third and Seventh Step Prayers, though all share the common theme of relying on a higher power.
Broader Applications Beyond AA
The Set Aside Prayer extends beyond AA, benefiting other 12-step programs and personal or spiritual growth. Its universal message fosters an open mind and humility in daily life.
8.1 Use in Other 12-Step Programs
The Set Aside Prayer is widely used in various 12-step programs, such as Narcotics Anonymous and Overeaters Anonymous. Its universal message of humility and openness resonates with individuals seeking recovery from diverse addictions. By helping participants release preconceptions, it fosters a mindset conducive to growth and spiritual exploration, making it a valuable tool beyond AA. This adaptability underscores its relevance in broader recovery communities.
8.2 Adaptation for Personal or Spiritual Growth
Beyond addiction recovery, the Set Aside Prayer is a meaningful tool for personal and spiritual growth. It encourages individuals to let go of biases, fostering humility and openness. By seeking a deeper understanding of oneself and their connection to a higher power, it aids in personal reflection and spiritual exploration. This prayer’s universal message makes it accessible to anyone seeking self-awareness and inner peace, regardless of their background or beliefs.
The Set Aside Prayer is a transformative tool, fostering humility and openness. Its timeless message aids in recovery and personal growth, encouraging a deeper connection with spirituality.
9.1 Final Thoughts on the Set Aside Prayer
The Set Aside Prayer is a powerful tool for fostering humility, openness, and spiritual growth. By encouraging individuals to release preconceptions, it creates space for new insights and perspectives. Its universal message transcends specific circumstances, making it applicable to various challenges. Regular reflection on the prayer can deepen one’s understanding of recovery and strengthen their connection to a higher power, ultimately enriching their journey toward sobriety and personal transformation.
9.2 Encouragement to Practice the Prayer
Embrace the Set Aside Prayer as a daily practice to cultivate humility and openness. Regular use can deepen your recovery journey and enhance spiritual growth. By setting aside biases, you create space for new insights and perspectives. Encourage others to adopt this prayer, fostering a collective mindset of willingness and acceptance. Its universal message makes it a valuable tool for personal and collective transformation in AA and beyond.