12-Step Prayers, Recovery Quotes, & Slogans

For many people, 12-step groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) play an important role in addiction recovery.

Most of these groups teach specific prayers, recovery quotes, and slogans to motivate members on their recovery journeys.  

12-Step Prayers

Almost all 12-step meetings start and end with the Serenity Prayer, written by theologian Reinhold Niebuhr: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.”

In addition, each of the twelve steps has an accompanying prayer. These prayers include:

First Step Prayer

“Dear Lord, I admit that I am powerless over my addiction. I admit that my life is unmanageable when I try to control it. Help me this day to understand the true meaning of powerlessness. Remove from me all denial of my addiction.”

Third Step Prayer

“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!”

Sixth Step Prayer

“Dear God, I am ready for Your help in removing from me the defects of character which I now realize are an obstacle to my recovery. Help me to continue being honest with myself and guide me toward spiritual and mental health.”

Seventh 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 your bidding.”

Ninth Step Prayer

“Higher Power, I pray for the right attitude to make my amends, being ever mindful not to harm others in the process. I ask for Your guidance in making indirect amends. Most important, I will continue to make amends by staying abstinent, helping others, and growing in spiritual progress.”

Eleventh Step Prayer

“Higher Power, as I understand You, I pray to keep my connection with You open and clear from the confusion of daily life. Through my prayers and meditation I ask especially for freedom from self-will, rationalization, and wishful thinking. I pray for the guidance of correct thought and positive action.”

Some groups also associate the Eleventh Step with the Prayer of Saint Francis:

“Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light;

Where there is sadness, joy.

O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek

To be consoled as to console,

To be understood as to understand,

To be loved as to love;

For it is in giving that we receive;

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

It is in dying to self that we are born to eternal life.”

12-Step Recovery Quotes

Some people find the above prayers too formal or spiritual. Luckily, most 12-step groups also provide simple, inspirational quotes, such as:

“Although we are not responsible for our disease, we are responsible for our recovery.”

“Courage isn’t having the strength to go on. It is going on when you have no strength.”

“May I always remember that the power within me is far greater than any fear before me. May I always have patience, for I am on the right road.”

“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.”

“You can’t think your way into a new way of living. You have to live your way into a new way of thinking.”

12-Step Slogans

Slogans are short sayings that highlight the basic principles of 12-step programs. Popular slogans include:

“Before engaging your mouth, put your mind in gear.”

“Bring the body, and the mind will follow.”

“Cultivate an attitude of gratitude.”

“Don’t quit before the miracle happens.”

“Don’t use no matter what.”

“Easy does it.”

“Fake it till you make it.”

“Is your program powered by Will Power or Higher Power?”

“It’s a simple program for complicated people.”

“Let go and let God.”

“Meeting makers make it.”

“One day at a time.”

“Progress, not perfection.”

“Recovery doesn’t happen overnight.”

“Recovery is a journey, not a destination.”

“Seven days without a meeting makes one weak.”

“Stick with the winners. Win with the stickers.”

“Take what you need and leave the rest.”

Many 12-step group members write these slogans on notecards and place them around the house. Others put the notecards in a box or bowl and read a new one each morning. These practices can motivate you to stay sober and actively involved in your 12-step program. 

To learn more about addiction treatment, please contact an Ark Behavioral Health specialist. We offer personalized, evidence-based treatment services, including support groups, therapy, and medical detox.