12th Step Prayer: Free Printable and Wallet Cards
A 12th Step prayer asks God to use what He's done in you to help someone who is still suffering. The book doesn't give one set prayer for Step Twelve, so we wrote a short one below, plus a prayer to say on the way to a Twelfth Step call.
Step Twelve has two halves: carry the message, and practice these principles in all your affairs. These prayers cover both. Print the page, keep a card in your wallet, and pray before you pick up the phone or walk in the door.
Download free PDFFree. No email, no sign-up. A printable PDF, letter size, 3 pages: the prayers, a sheet of wallet cards, and Scripture.
The Twelfth Step Prayer
Lord, You've given me a new life I didn't earn. Don't let me keep it to myself. Lead me to someone who is still suffering, and give me the right words, or the sense to just listen. Keep me humble, and help me practice these principles at home, at work and everywhere I go. Amen.
Original prayer, Steps & Scripture. Free to print and share.
Before a Twelfth Step call
God, I'm going because You sent me, not because I have the answers. Speak through my story. Help me listen more than I talk. Keep me sober and safe, and let this person see You, not me. The results are Yours. Amen.
Before you go
- Bring another sober person with you. Don't go alone.
- Tell your sponsor where you're going.
- Bring a meeting list and your phone number to leave behind.
- Share your own story. Don't lecture or argue.
- If the person is shaking, seeing things, confused or very sick, get them to a doctor or the ER. Withdrawal can be dangerous.
- If anyone is in danger, leave and call 911.
Wallet cards
- The Twelfth Step Prayer Lord, You've given me a new life I didn't earn. Don't let me keep it to myself. Lead me to someone who is still suffering, and give me the right words, or the sense to just listen. Keep me humble, and help me practice these principles at home, at work and everywhere I go. Amen.
- Before a Twelfth Step call God, I'm going because You sent me, not because I have the answers. Speak through my story. Help me listen more than I talk. Keep me sober and safe, and let this person see You, not me. The results are Yours. Amen.
How to use it
- Read the chapter Working With Others (starting on page 89 of Alcoholics Anonymous) in your own copy.
- Pray the Twelfth Step prayer each morning, and ask God to put someone in your path.
- Pray the short prayer on the way to any call, visit or meeting where you'll share.
- Afterward, call your sponsor and talk it over, whatever happened. Your job is to carry the message, not to make anyone get sober.
Safety first. If you drink heavily every day, stopping suddenly can be dangerous. Talk to a doctor before you quit.
Scripture to go with it
“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
“And he did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.””
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Both prayers are original to Steps & Scripture. Page numbers are from the fourth edition of Alcoholics Anonymous. Steps & Scripture is not affiliated with Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.
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Common questions
Is there an official 12th Step prayer?
No. The book gives prayers for Steps Three and Seven, but not for Step Twelve. Many people pray the Prayer of St. Francis or write their own. The one here is original to Steps & Scripture.
What is a Twelfth Step call?
It's when someone in recovery goes to talk with a person who is still drinking and wants help. The chapter Working With Others, starting on page 89 of Alcoholics Anonymous, explains how. It's best done with another sober person, never alone.
What if the person doesn't get sober?
That isn't on you. You carried the message, and that work kept you sober today. The results belong to God. Pray for them, and stay available.
Can I print copies for my group?
Yes. Print as many as you like and share them freely.
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