The Set Aside Prayer has become a powerful tool for many people in recovery programs, especially those involved in twelve-step groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). This prayer is recited at the beginning of meetings, step work, and reading sessions to help individuals approach their journey with an open mind, free from preconceived notions or judgments. Although the specific wording of the Set Aside Prayer is not found directly in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, the principles behind it are deeply rooted in its teachings. In this article, we’ll explore the meaning, purpose, and applications of the Set Aside Prayer, as well as why it has been a critical resource for people seeking growth and healing.
What is the Set Aside Prayer?
The Set Aside Prayer is a short but meaningful prayer often used in twelve-step recovery programs. It is a request for help in releasing any preconceived beliefs about oneself, others, or the process of recovery. By reciting this prayer, individuals express a willingness to let go of their assumptions and open themselves up to new ideas and experiences. The prayer is as follows:
“Dear God, please help me set aside everything I think I know about myself,
my disease, this book, the twelve steps, and especially about you, God,
so that I may have an open mind and a new experience with all these things.
Please help me to see the truth.”
This simple prayer asks for divine guidance to develop a mindset that is receptive to change, willing to listen, and ready to embrace a new understanding. It aligns with the core values of humility, openness, and trust in a higher power, all essential aspects of the twelve-step process.
Purpose and Benefits of the Set Aside Prayer
The Set Aside Prayer benefits are particularly helpful for individuals who may be struggling with addiction or challenging personal issues. Many people find it difficult to release old habits, ideas, and assumptions that no longer serve them. By saying this prayer, they are asking for help in setting aside these old ideas and making space for new insights.
The purpose of the Set Prayer is to create a blank slate where individuals can approach each step of recovery with fresh perspectives. Often, people enter recovery with strong beliefs about themselves or what their journey should look like. These preconceptions can act as barriers, preventing them from fully engaging with the process. The Prayer encourages them to approach their recovery with humility and openness, creating an environment that fosters learning, growth, and self-discovery.
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How the Set Aside Prayer Aligns with Twelve-Step Teachings
The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous contains several references that align with the principles of the Set Aside Prayer, though it doesn’t mention the prayer by name. For example, on page 42, the Big Book states, “It meant I would have to throw several lifelong conceptions out of the window.” This line reflects the same call to let go of long-held beliefs and embrace a new way of thinking, which is at the heart of the Prayer.
The Big Book also emphasizes the importance of humility and a willingness to set aside prejudice. On page 46, it notes, “We found that as soon as we were able to lay aside prejudice and express even a willingness to believe in a power greater than ourselves, we commenced to get results.” This sentiment is echoed in the Prayer, where individuals ask for help in setting aside preconceived notions so they may better connect with a higher power.
Mindset Shift: Moving from Judgment to Acceptance
One of the central benefits of the Set Aside Prayer is that it helps people transition from a mindset of judgment to one of acceptance. Many individuals in recovery struggle with negative self-perceptions or judgments about the recovery process itself. They may believe they already know what is best for them, or they may doubt the effectiveness of the twelve steps. The Prayer encourages them to approach the recovery journey with an open mind, allowing them to see things in a new light.
For example, individuals who enter recovery might believe that they are too broken to be helped or that certain steps won’t work for them. The Prayer helps them to let go of these limiting beliefs and be open to new possibilities. By asking to “set aside everything I think I know,” they are acknowledging that they don’t have all the answers and are willing to learn from others and from their higher power.
Practicing Humility and Letting Go
The Set Aside Prayer also fosters humility, an essential trait in any journey of self-improvement. Practicing humility means acknowledging our limitations and being open to seeking guidance from others or a higher power. In many ways, humility is the opposite of arrogance. When we are humble, we can recognize that we don’t know everything and that we need help from others to succeed.
Letting go is another crucial aspect of the Prayer. By asking to set aside old beliefs, individuals practice the art of release, which allows them to make room for new insights and experiences. The ability to let go of old habits, thought patterns, and self-perceptions is essential for growth. In the context of twelve-step recovery, letting go is often linked to accepting the things that cannot be changed, as expressed in the Serenity Prayer. By regularly practicing the Prayer, individuals can strengthen their ability to let go of the past and embrace a future filled with possibility.
Key Teachings in the Set Aside Prayer
| Key Concept | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Openness | Encourages individuals to approach recovery with a fresh perspective. |
| Humility | Reminds people of the value of accepting that they don’t have all the answers. |
| Letting Go | Helps individuals release old beliefs that may be limiting their growth. |
| Seeking Truth | The prayer asks for help in finding a deeper, more authentic understanding. |
| Trust in a Higher Power | Encourages belief in something greater than oneself, fostering connection. |
Set Aside Prayer and the Importance of Belief in a Higher Power
A unique feature of the Prayer is its appeal to a higher power, which may be understood differently by each person. This flexibility allows people to approach the prayer in a way that aligns with their beliefs. For some, a higher power may mean God, while for others, it could represent the collective wisdom of the group or an inner sense of peace and guidance.
The Prayer encourages a willingness to believe in something beyond oneself. This openness to spirituality can provide comfort and strength, especially during times of doubt. Studies have shown that belief in a higher power can contribute positively to recovery by fostering a sense of purpose and resilience. The Set Aside Prayer, by inviting individuals to seek guidance from a higher power, offers a path to deeper self-discovery and healing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Set Aside Prayer?
The Prayer helps individuals in recovery to let go of preconceived notions and approach the process with an open mind and a willingness to learn.
How is the Prayer used in twelve-step programs?
It is often recited at the start of meetings, before reading the Big Book, or at the beginning of step work, encouraging an open-minded approach.
Why does the Prayer mention “everything I think I know”?
The prayer emphasizes letting go of assumptions about oneself, the process, and even one’s understanding of a higher power, making space for new insights.
Can I adapt the Set Aside Prayer to my beliefs?
Yes, the Prayer is flexible and can be tailored to each individual’s understanding of a higher power and personal beliefs in recovery.
Conclusion
The Set Aside Prayer plays a crucial role in helping individuals in recovery remain open, humble, and willing to grow. It serves as a reminder that in order to heal, we must be willing to let go of preconceived notions and embrace new possibilities. By regularly practicing this prayer, individuals can develop a mindset of openness and a willingness to accept help from others and from a higher power. This mindset is not only essential for recovery but also for continued personal growth and fulfillment.
The practice of saying the Prayer before reading the Big Book, beginning step work, or at the start of meetings reinforces the importance of humility and openness in the recovery journey. The prayer encourages individuals to approach each step without judgment, allowing them to see the truth and to grow into the best versions of themselves.
In a world where we often feel pressured to have all the answers, the Set Aside Prayer reminds us of the power of humility, trust, and the willingness to learn anew.
