If you are searching for the 11th Step Prayer PDF, ( 11th Step Prayer PDF – Meaning, Full Prayer, and Free Download Guide ) you are likely looking for a printable version of this powerful recovery prayer used in the Twelve Step program. The Eleventh Step focuses on prayer and meditation, helping individuals strengthen their spiritual connection and seek guidance in daily life.
In this article, you’ll find the full prayer text, its meaning, spiritual significance, and how you can download or print it in PDF format for personal use.
What Is the 11th Step Prayer?
The 11th Step Prayer comes from the Twelve Step program of Alcoholics Anonymous and appears in the book Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions (page 99).
Step 11 states:
“Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.”
The prayer traditionally associated with this step is widely known as the Prayer of St. Francis.
Full 11th Step Prayer Text Lyrics
Lord, make me a channel of thy peace–that
where there is hatred, I may bring love–that
where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of
forgiveness–that where there is discord, I may
bring harmony–that where there is error, I may
bring truth–that where there is doubt, I may
bring faith–that where there is despair, I may
bring hope–that where there are shadows, I may
bring light–that where there is sadness, I may
bring joy. Lord, grant that I may seek rather to
comfort than to be comforted–to understand,
than to be understood–to love, than to be loved.
For it is by self-forgetting that one finds. It is by
forgiving that one is forgiven. It is by dying that
one awakens to eternal life.
Amen
What is the 11th Step?
The 11th Step states: “Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.”
While the first ten steps focus on cleaning up the past and maintaining the present, the 11th Step is about growth and maintenance. It’s the “maintenance step” that keeps the spiritual connection alive.
Why Use a PDF Version?
In the digital age, distractions are everywhere. Having a dedicated 11th Step Prayer PDF on your phone or printed on your nightstand helps you:
- Avoid Distractions: You don’t need to browse the web (and get distracted by notifications) to find the words.
- Consistency: It acts as a visual cue to start your morning or end your night.
- Accessibility: You can practice your meditation even when you’re offline or in areas with poor service.
The 11th Step Prayer (St. Francis)
While the “Big Book” provides specific directions for meditation, the Prayer of St. Francis is the most widely adopted text for this step.
“Lord, make me a channel of thy peace—that where there is hatred, I may bring love—that where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of forgiveness—that where there is discord, I may bring harmony—that where there is error, I may bring truth—that where there is doubt, I may bring faith—that where there is despair, I may bring hope—that where there are shadows, I may bring light—that where there is sadness, I may bring joy.”
How to Practice the 11th Step Daily
The “Big Book” of Alcoholics Anonymous suggests a two-part approach to this step:
| Time of Day | Focus Area | Goal |
| Morning | Direction | Ask for freedom from self-will and for inspiration. |
| Throughout the Day | Pause | When agitated or doubtful, ask for the right thought or action. |
| Night | Review | Constructively review your day without falling into morbid reflection. |
Tips for Better Meditation
- Find a “Quiet Place”: Even five minutes of silence before reading the prayer can change your physiology.
- Focus on the Breath: If your mind wanders (and it will), gently bring it back to the words of the prayer.
- Keep it Simple: You don’t need to be a “spiritual giant” to do this. Just showing up is 90% of the work.
Download Your 11th Step Prayer PDF
If you are looking for a clean, printable version of this prayer to keep in your wallet or on your fridge, search for a “minimalist 11th step prayer printable” to find a design that resonates with you.
Morning: The Prayer for Inspiration
Before you start your day, sit quietly and ask for direction.
The Prayer:
“God, please direct my thinking; especially ask that it be divorced from self-pity, dishonest, or self-seeking motives. Under these conditions, my thought-life will be placed on a much higher plane when my thinking is cleared of wrong motives.”
The Meditation:
- Invision the Day: Go over your plans for the day ahead.
- Ask for Guidance: In moments of indecision, ask for an intuitive thought or a decision.
- Relax: Take it easy. Don’t struggle. You will be surprised how the right answers come after a few days of this practice.
Throughout the Day: The “Pause”
When we are agitated, doubtful, or facing a difficult situation.
The Prayer:
“Thy will be done.”
The Action:
- Pause: Stop for a moment and breathe.
- Request: Ask for the right thought or action.
- Release: Constantly remind yourself that you are no longer “running the show.” This keeps you from burnout and frustration.
Evening: The Review
At the end of the day, constructively review your actions.
The Inventory (Ask yourself these questions):
- Was I resentful, selfish, dishonest, or afraid?
- Do I owe an apology?
- Have I kept something to myself which should be discussed with another person at once?
- Was I kind and loving toward all?
- What could I have done better?
- Was I thinking of myself most of the time? Or was I thinking of what I could do for others?
Important Note: Be careful not to drift into worry, remorse, or morbid reflection, for that would diminish your usefulness to others. After making your review, ask God’s forgiveness and inquire what corrective measures should be taken.
Helpful Affirmation
“I pray only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.”
