The Set Aside Prayer - Meaning and Use in Recovery

The Set Aside Prayer is a powerful and widely used prayer in Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12 step recovery programs. It is often used at the beginning of meetings, during step work, or before reading recovery literature.

The prayer is simple, but its message is profound:

“God, please set aside everything I think I know about myself, my disease, these steps, and especially You, so that I may have an open mind and a new experience with all these things. Please help me to see the truth.”

At its core, the Set Aside Prayer is about willingness - the willingness to let go of old ideas and remain open to change.

What Is the Set Aside Prayer?

The Set Aside Prayer is not found in the Big Book itself, but it has become a widely accepted and meaningful part of recovery culture. Many groups and individuals use it as a way to prepare for step work, meetings, and personal reflection.

It encourages a mindset of openness, humility, and readiness to learn — all essential elements in recovery.

What Does the Set Aside Prayer Mean?

The message of the Set Aside Prayer is centered on letting go of assumptions, expectations, and past beliefs that may block growth.

In recovery, this can include:

• Old ideas about ourselves and our identity
• Misunderstandings about addiction and recovery
• Resistance to the 12 steps or spiritual principles
• Preconceived notions about a Higher Power

By setting these things aside, we create space for new understanding, insight, and personal growth.

Why the Set Aside Prayer Is Important in Recovery

One of the biggest obstacles in recovery is the belief that we already know what works — or that we do not need to change. The Set Aside Prayer directly addresses this by encouraging openness and willingness.

This mindset is especially important when:

• Beginning step work
• Attending meetings with a closed or skeptical mindset
• Struggling with resistance or frustration
• Trying to grow spiritually

By approaching recovery with an open mind, individuals are more likely to experience meaningful change.

How to Use the Set Aside Prayer

The Set Aside Prayer can be used in a variety of ways as part of a daily recovery routine:

• Before reading the Big Book or other recovery literature
• At the beginning of step work
• Before or during meetings
• As part of daily meditation or reflection

Many people find that repeating the prayer regularly helps shift their perspective and reduces resistance to new ideas.

Keeping the Message Close

Because the Set Aside Prayer is often used daily, many people choose to keep it nearby as a reminder to stay open and willing.

Having a physical reminder - such as a wallet card or bookmark - can make it easier to return to this mindset throughout the day.

The Set Aside Prayer is a reminder that recovery begins with willingness. By letting go of what we think we know, we open ourselves to new experiences, deeper understanding, and lasting change.

Explore More AA & Recovery Readings

• Acceptance Is the Answer - Understanding the message from page 417 of the Big Book
• St. Francis Prayer - A prayer often used in recovery for guidance and service
• Serenity Prayer - A foundational prayer for peace and acceptance in recovery
• AA Promises - What the promises mean and how they unfold in sobriety
• AA 12 Steps - A simple explanation of the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous

Frequently Asked Questions About the Set Aside Prayer

Is the Set Aside Prayer in the Big Book?

No, the Set Aside Prayer does not appear in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. It is a widely used recovery prayer that has developed through AA practice and tradition.

When should you use the Set Aside Prayer?

The prayer is often used before meetings, step work, or reading recovery literature, but it can be used anytime you want to approach something with an open mind.

What is the purpose of the Set Aside Prayer?

Its purpose is to help individuals let go of preconceived ideas and remain open to new understanding and personal growth in recovery.