When AA’s co-founder Bill W. wrote a fuller explanation of the step years later, he chose a prayer to anchor it, and he did not write it himself. He chose the Prayer of St Francis, “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.” That is why it is now known in recovery as the 11th Step Prayer.
Historical Context
The prayer carries Francis’s name but was not written by him; it first appeared anonymously in France in 1912. It is entirely in his spirit, though, and it suits Step Eleven perfectly: it asks to be changed into someone who gives, rather than for anything to be given.
The Prayer of St Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.
A Morning Prayer for Step Eleven
God, before this day starts, direct my thinking.
Keep me from self-pity, dishonesty and self-seeking.
When I don’t know what to do, give me an intuitive thought or a decision.
I ask only to know your will for me today, and the power to carry it out.
Amen.
An Evening Prayer for Step Eleven
God, thank you for today.
Where I followed your will, thank you.
Where I followed mine, forgive me and show me what to put right.
Keep me sober tonight and bring me to tomorrow.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- Each morning, before planning the day.
- In meditation, praying the St Francis prayer slowly, one line at a time.
- When agitated or doubtful during the day.
- At night, as a review.
- On 4 October, the feast of St Francis.
Scripture Connection
“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10
Step Eleven adds meditation to prayer, and this is the shortest instruction for it in Scripture. Prayer is talking to God; meditation is being still enough to hear.
Related prayers
Many Franciscan prayers are gathered on the Franciscan Prayer page. In recovery, see also the 3rd Step Prayer and the 10th Step Prayer.