8th Step Prayers
Preparing to make amends takes real courage. Prayer helps a lot.
Addiction creates pain, always, and while using, we invariably commit wrongs. We hurt people, intentionally and otherwise, and we behave selfishly, placing our need to get drunk or high above all else.
And we need to make things right.
The Christian 12 steps are not easy, but for many, the thought and act of making amends creates the greatest apprehension; and for many, it is here where we need the guidance of Christ most. In the 8th of the Christian 12 steps, we make a thorough and honest list of people we've harmed, and we prepare to make amends to them, and it can be a scary thought.
Pray for the courage to do the job right.
AA Big Book 8th Step Prayers
We attempt to sweep away the debris which has accumulated out of our effort to live on self-will and run the show ourselves. If we haven’t the will to do this, we ask until it comes.
Amen
God help me to become willing to sweep away the debris of self will and self reliant living. Thy will be done for this person as well as for me.
Amen
Anonymous 8th Step Prayer
Dear Lord
I've been in the driver's seat
But I sure am a bad driver!
I've caused more than a few "accidents" along the
way
You'd better take the wheel from here on in
Let's go back from where I came
And you can help me make things right
Amen
Editor’s picks
Prayers for Each of the Christian 12 Steps
Overcome addiction with the Christian 12 steps as you also build a deep foundation for a true life in Christ. Working the 12 steps is rarely easy, but through them you reap a glorious reward. Pray for guidance, strength and courage, and find through Christ what you seek.
The Knots Prayer – A Recovery Strength Prayer
A simple prayer to recite whenever fear, guilt, shame or self-doubt threaten to derail your recovery efforts.
A Prayer for Parents of Troubled Teens
The Lord will heal your teen. Let Him. Pray for the strength and wisdom to do all you can do and nothing more. Pray so that you may transform your pain and anger into love, and pray that your teen may soon feel God's healing power.
Prayers for Families of Alcoholics or Addicts
You can do a lot, but only Christ can truly heal. Pray for God's grace and wisdom, pray for an acceptance of your limits and pray that your loved one will feel God's love and get better.
First Step Prayers
Pray for truth and of truth. The first step is a simple admission of our powerlessness, and because what seems so simple sometimes feels so hard, we pray.