Step 11 in 12-Step recovery programs (like AA/Al-Anon) is about deepening your spiritual connection through prayer and meditation to find guidance (God's will) and the strength (power) to live it, moving away from self-centeredness towards a spiritual path for serenity and clarity, focusing on "conscious contact with God as we understood Him". It's a continuous maintenance step for ongoing spiritual growth, using practices like journaling and quiet reflection to listen for answers and build a stronger inner life, rather than just asking for things.
11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
12 STEPS - Step 11
Open meetings are available to anyone interested in Alcoholics Anonymous' program of recovery from alcoholism. Nonalcoholics may attend open meetings as observers. 11th Step Meeting – At this open meeting, attendees seek through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understand Him.
A few ways to tackle the 11th step of AA are:
Below are a few ways you can incorporate the 11th step of AA in your addiction recovery.
The step emphasizes daily spiritual practices to nurture mindfulness and clarity, transforming one's thoughts and actions to align with recovery goals. Incorporating Step 11 into daily life involves setting aside time for personal reflection, which can take various forms depending on individual beliefs and preferences.
In Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) philosophy, the only two "sins" (or spiritual mistakes) are interfering with the growth of another human being and interfering with one's own growth, as described in the Big Book. These concepts focus on hindering spiritual and personal development, both in oneself and others, rather than specific moral transgressions.
Doubts and challenges will arise in Step 11 AA, as in all parts of recovery. Don't get discouraged. Your higher power is there to give you support and comfort. Stay committed to your prayer and meditation practice.
“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.” (12&12 p. 41) These simple yet profound words soon became a mantra that resonated deeply within my soul.
After his divorce from Angelina Jolie in 2016, Pitt turned to Alcoholics Anonymous, where he found connection, structure, and support in a way he hadn't expected. “Men sharing their experiences, their foibles, their missteps… and a lot of humor with it. I thought it was a really special experience.”
“Lord, make me a channel of thy peace—that where there is hatred, I may bring love—that where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of forgiveness—that where there is discord, I may bring harmony—that where there is error, I may bring truth—that where there is doubt, I may bring faith—that where there is despair, I ...
It offers the following nighttime prayer:
“God, forgive me where I have been resentful, selfish, dishonest, or afraid today. Help me to not keep anything to myself but to discuss it all openly with another person — show me where I owe an apology and help me make it. Help me to be kind and loving to all people.
Through prayer and meditation, Step 11 helps you develop the tools to stay grounded, even when life becomes challenging. It encourages you to seek clarity and purpose, rather than relying solely on willpower. Many people in recovery find that consistent spiritual practice becomes a key source of strength.
One of the widely recognized frameworks to understand addiction is the 4Cs – Craving, Compulsion, Control, and Consequences. In this article, we delve into these components, shedding light on how they define addiction and what can be done to address them.
The Spiritual Principle of Commitment plays an important part of the Eleventh Step. We continue to pray and reach out to our Higher Power. During this time, it is also suggested that we learn how to meditate. Many addicts and alcoholics agree that prayer is asking God and meditation is listening for the answer.
Journaling is yet another powerful tool. Writing down your thoughts and feelings can facilitate a deeper connection with your inner self and help clarify your recovery goals. It offers a tangible way to reflect and gain insight into your personal journey.
Tips for Working Step 11
Set aside specific times for prayer/meditation to increase the likelihood of engaging consistently. Journal about the “conversations” that result from your prayer/meditation with a higher power. Ask a spouse or loved one to join you in daily prayer/meditation.
Prayer is an active or creative expression; meditation focuses on stillness. Prayer often concerns specifics in the outer world of physicality; meditation is connected to the inner world. In prayer, the mind is engaged in creative articulation; in meditation the mind leans towards tranquility.
The 11th Step Prayer is: “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.”
In Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), "Rule 62" is a humorous but profound guideline that advises members to "Don't take yourself too damn seriously," encouraging a lighter, more humble approach to recovery and life, emphasizing fun, laughter, and not letting ego disrupt the group or the journey, as explained in AA Cleveland and Experience Recovery. It's a reminder that recovery isn't about being gloomy but finding joy and that even small achievements don't warrant excessive pride, promoting self-effacement and community harmony.
Pg. 76 “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.
What if I don't believe in God? Step 11 is adaptable. Focus on connecting with your inner strength, the universe, or any concept of a higher power that resonates with you.
Step Eleven in Alcoholics Anonymous. Step 11: “Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.”
During the first year of recovery, AA and other 12-step programs advise against dating, or at the very least concentrating on healing for the first 6-8 months. You may be able to assist by limiting your contact with the recovering alcoholic during this time as much as it hurts you to do so.