The prayer people call the “10th Step Prayer” turns those instructions into words you can say in the middle of the day.
Historical Context
The Big Book also suggests a review at night: were we resentful, selfish, dishonest or afraid? Do we owe an apology? Catholics will recognise the evening examen that St Ignatius taught: look back over the day with God, give thanks, notice where you went wrong, and resolve to do better tomorrow.
The 10th Step Prayer
God, remove the selfishness, dishonesty, resentment and fear
that have cropped up in me right now.
Help me to discuss this with someone immediately,
and to make amends quickly if I have harmed anyone.
Help me stop fighting anything and anyone.
Show me where I may be helpful to someone else.
Help me react sanely; not cocky, and not afraid.
How can I best serve you? Your will, not mine, be done.
Amen.
An Evening Review Prayer
God, thank you for today and for my sobriety.
Show me where I was resentful, selfish, dishonest or afraid.
Show me whom I owe an apology, and help me make it tomorrow.
Show me what I did well, so I can do it again.
Forgive me, and give me rest.
Amen.
A Prayer for Prompt Amends
God, I was wrong today.
Give me the humility to say so quickly, before pride argues me out of it.
Let my apology be simple and honest,
and let me leave the outcome with you.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- The moment you notice resentment, fear or dishonesty rising.
- Every night before sleep, as a review of the day.
- After an argument, before you send the next message.
- Before calling your sponsor about something that happened.
Scripture Connection
“Let not the sun go down upon your wrath.” — Ephesians 4:26
Paul’s advice is the same as the Big Book’s: deal with it today. Anger and wrongs carried overnight turn into resentment, and resentment is exactly what Step Ten exists to catch early.
Related prayers
For the next step, prayer and meditation, see the 11th Step Prayer. For a resentment that won’t go, the Resentment Prayer, and to start meetings, the Set Aside Prayer.