Prayers

Below is a collection of some traditional 12 step prayers, rewritten prayers by members of our community, and the opening refuge / closing prayer of our meetings. May they be of benefit to you on your journey.

Taking Refuge in the Triple Gem 

I take refuge in the Buddha.

I commit myself to being mindful, to being conscious in every aspect of my life.  I won’t shut out parts of myself: when I’m cheering my favorite team, I’ll try to feel the energy in my body; when I’m fighting my way through traffic, I’ll try to open my heart to the other drivers and to my own suffering in this moment; when I’m craving an escape, a drink, a drug, another life, I’ll try to be gentle but firm with myself, to show compassion for my own desire and resolve to stay with my sobriety.  And, finally, I will practice meditation daily and find ways to strengthen my practice through retreats, study, and self-examination. 

I take refuge in the Dharma.

I commit myself to looking for the truth of the way things are and fulfilling those insights, to living by the principles that I have come to understand: impermanence, karma, suffering, that all things are without an independent self. I can’t hang on to anything, because it is impermanent; I will try to practice letting go.  I am responsible for my own karma; I will try to practice skillful living in words and actions. I recognize that life is inherently difficult; I will try to help others who suffer and be gentle with my own pain.  My sense of self is a delusion; I will try to act less self-centered and to find ways to serve others. 

I take refuge in the Sangha.

I commit myself to compassion, loving-kindness, generosity, and a moral life; I commit myself to supporting and being supported by the community of the spirit.  I will regularly attend gatherings and 12 step meetings to fulfill this commitment.  I will work toward the development of a greater and more diverse community.  I will remember to be grateful to all that makes this life and this practice possible, to the bounty of nature, the bounty of this tradition, and the bounty of my own life.

 

Closing Prayer

May any benefits gained from this discussion and meditation practice be shared with all beings, in all directions.

May all beings be healed of their difficulties.

May all beings be strengthened and supported as they walk the path of recovery towards enlightenment.

May all beings cultivate the courage and the capacity to leave the tender kindness and compassion of their heart exposed.

May all beings suffering from alcoholism, addiction and compulsive behavior, inside and outside of these rooms, be relieved of their suffering.

May all beings be granted the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, the courage to change the things we can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

And may we all realize the awakened life together.

 

Third Step Prayer - Original Version from Big Book

"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!"

 

Rewritten Third Step Prayers

"Living beings are numberless, I vow to help them all to cross over the sea of suffering, the sea of birth and death.

Though afflictions are endless... afflictions such as difficult moods, aversion, greed, confusion... though these afflictions seem inexhaustible and endless, I vow to penetrate and to cut through them all.

Dharma doors are measureless, I vow to cultivate them all.

Though the Buddha Path is unsurpassed I vow to realize it."

- Evan G.

 

 

"I give up my life so you can transform me, and my suffering, so I can serve you

Take away my suffering and everyone will see my happiness, and this will show how powerful and loving you are and that your way is the path to happiness and joy

I will make your way my way always, giving my life to you every second of everyday."

- Carolynn L.

 

 

"Samsara do what you do, Dukkha too!

For the ties that bind are our teachers.

We dream of Four truths.

Causes and Conditions no longer our master, we arise as from a deep sleep.

Our awakening disturbs the sleep of others.

Us becoming One."

- Scott H.

 

 

May I act today with an open heart, an open mind and a sense of humor. May I practice compassion, loving-kindness and acceptance toward others and toward myself. May I reach out to help others, always remembering that we are all in this together.

- Rick L.

 

 
"God, guide me to be all of the person I am meant to be."
 
- Everett E.
 

 

"Dear God:
Take my life and let me live serenely for today. Open my mind to happy thoughts. Take away my self-pity, I don't want it. Take away my ill-will towards others.

Make it possible for me to feel joy, love, and compassion and allow me to live again. Help me to accept what is, to hold my tongue, to do my daily tasks, to let go with love.

Take away my worries about the future. Make me realize that in your hands everything will be provided, that I have no
control over anything but myself, that today is precious and will soon be gone. Help me to remember that all the hatred and pains that is directed at me is the hatred and pain the other person is feeling toward themselves.

Thank you for your willingness to accept my burdens and lighten my load.

Amen"

- Mike A.
 
 
 

"To all of the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and Protectors, please guide me and protect me along the path.

May I remain open to the Universe throughout my many rebirths. May I acknowledge it as being workable and interact with it through my basic goodness. May I tread the path with compassion, courage and warriorship. May I remain inspired to put the teachings to work.

In this I offer myself to be reborn until all sentient beings have found freedom from samsara and the cycle of rebirth.

May all beings be free from suffering and the root of suffering."

- Mark R.

 

7th Step Prayer

“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 you bidding. 

Amen.”

 

Rewritten 7th Step Prayers

"Liberation of suffering is my intention...

May I follow the 5 precepts...

Thru effort, concentration, action and mindfulness may my shortcomings not stand in the way of offering compassion and understanding to others."

Scott H.