My Experience of Prayer

“if not members of religious bodies, we sometimes select and memorize a few set prayers which emphasize the principles we have been discussing.” AA Big Book

Step 11 suggests prayer and meditation. The fact that the Big Book contains multiple short prayers, and that the St. Francis prayer can be found in the 12 and 12 – and the fact we repeat the Serenity Prayer again and again at the end of meetings – provides a great starting point for many people.

However, after multiple years it can become boring saying the same few prayers repeatedly. Over time I’ve investigated lots of different types of prayers and found them helpful in different ways. I’ve also written my own.

The easiest prayers to find seem to be Christian prayers. There is a huge treasure trove of these in English language websites. Most of the AA prayers were based on Christianity (even the full version of the Serenity Prayer).

One prayer that is popular, but not for everyone is the Rosary, a Catholic prayer. It actually functions as prayer and meditation. You are meant to say some prayers, then repeat a single prayer multiple times while contemplating parts of the Bible. And then finish with more prayers. If you like such contemplative approaches, then the Catholic church is a treasure trove of other meditative prayers and other poetic ways to pray.

Many of the prayers involve the use of beads, which can be a helpful device. They are a physical reminder of mental attitude (a little like praying on your knees), and just holding them can come to be relaxing and prayerful.

For those who prefer the non-Christian – another option is Buddhist prayers. A simple search online can find many. Kadampa Buddhism (there is a Kadampa centre on Mutley Plain in Plymouth) has a prayer page which I’ve used. Others are available. These prayers can be said with Buddhist beads, which are easy to get hold of as well.

Many of the English versions of the Muslim daily prayers state good spiritual values. Muslims also use prayer beads.

Finally there are plenty of non-denominational prayers online. The key thing is finding prayers that you like, and not to feel obliged to use prayers other people like or which you are uncomfortable with. As I mentioned before, after years of using other peoples’ prayers, I invented a few of my own – which I now say regularly. They are not Christian or Buddhist or Muslim; though I still use some Christian prayers, and will probably at some point use prayers from other religions.

There is also the option of “unstructured prayer” which I’ve tried as well. Just chatting with my higher power, whatever my mood. I’ve not done this so much, but I have done it.

I hope you’ve found this brief description of my experience with prayer helpful. It can be a wonderful way of preparing for the day. relaxing, communicating with a higher power, reducing fear and agitation, and changing attitudes.

“Those of us who have come to make regular use of prayer would no more do without it than we would refuse air, food, or sunshine.” AA Twelve and Twelve

AK, RTR 2021