Step 8 AA Prayer: Preparing for Reconciliation

Step 8 of the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) program is a step toward healing relationships: “Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.” Following Step 7, where individuals humbly ask God to remove their shortcomings, Step 8 focuses on accountability and the willingness to seek reconciliation with those who have been affected by past actions.

The Step 8 AA Prayer helps prepare the heart for this important process. It encourages self-awareness, courage, and humility, emphasizing the importance of being willing to take responsibility for harm caused and to approach amends with a spirit of grace and sincerity.

The Serenity Prayer and Step 8

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change.”

Step 8 aligns with the Serenity Prayer as it calls for acceptance of past actions and their impact on others. It also requires the courage to take responsibility and the wisdom to approach amends with discernment and care.

Scriptural Connection:

• Matthew 5:23-24: “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”
• Romans 12:18: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
• Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

A Step 8 AA Prayer for Willingness

Heavenly Father,

I come to You with a heart seeking reconciliation and healing. Help me to see clearly those I have harmed through my actions or inactions. Grant me the humility to acknowledge the pain I’ve caused and the courage to make amends where possible.

Lord, prepare my heart to approach this process with sincerity and grace. Teach me to be kind and compassionate, reflecting Your forgiveness in my actions. May Your Holy Spirit guide me as I take these steps toward restoring relationships and living in peace.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Practical Reflections and Activities

1. List Creation: Spend time prayerfully creating a comprehensive list of individuals you have harmed, as guided by the Step 8 AA Prayer. Include specific actions or behaviors that caused harm.
2. Journaling Prompt: Reflect on how your actions impacted each person on your list. Write down any emotions or insights that arise as you prepare for reconciliation.
3. Seek God’s Guidance: Pray daily for willingness and discernment in approaching each person on your list. Ask for wisdom in how to address each relationship with care.
4. Scripture Meditation: Meditate on Matthew 5:23-24, considering the importance of reconciliation in your spiritual journey.

Testimony: The Healing Power of Willingness

One individual shared their experience with Step 8: “Making my list was overwhelming at first. It brought back memories I wanted to forget. But as I prayed for willingness, I felt God softening my heart. I began to see this step not as punishment but as an opportunity for healing and restoration. Taking responsibility for my actions gave me a sense of peace I hadn’t felt in years.”

Encouragement for Step 8

Step 8 is a courageous step toward healing and restoration. The Step 8 AA Prayer offers spiritual grounding as you prepare to make amends. This step is not about self-condemnation but about acknowledging the impact of your actions and taking responsibility in a spirit of humility and grace.

Building on the humility of Step 7, Step 8 invites you to trust in God’s guidance as you prepare for reconciliation. Remember, this process is about progress, not perfection. Trust that God is working through you to restore peace and heal relationships.

Next Step: Move forward to Step 9: Making Direct Amends. Learn how to approach the act of reconciliation with courage and compassion.