Higher Power Concepts
This Step involves turning your will and life over to a Higher Power.
Step 3
This common AA phrase encourages focusing on the present day.
One Day at a time
This Step involves making a searching and fearless moral inventory.
Step 4
This prayer asks for serenity, courage, and wisdom.
Serenity Prayer
This Tradition states “principles before personalities” directly.
Tradition 12
AA describes this as a Higher Power “of your own” this.
understanding
Many members keep this written record of things they’re thankful for.
gratitude list
This Step involves admitting wrongs to God, yourself, and another person.
Step 5
This Step focuses on prayer and meditation to improve conscious contact.
Step 11
This principle means treating others fairly regardless of personal feelings.
tolerance
This Step involves coming to believe a Power greater than yourself could restore you to sanity.
Step 2
Practicing gratitude helps shift focus away from this negative mindset.
resentment
This Step focuses on making a list of people harmed.
Step 8
This daily practice often involves quietly listening rather than speaking.
meditation
This principle involves admitting when you’re wrong.
humility
This phrase means your Higher Power doesn’t have to match anyone else’s belief system.
“God as we understood Him”
This action—helping others in recovery—is often said to build gratitude.
service
This Step involves making direct amends wherever possible.
Step 9
This nighttime practice reviews your day’s actions and intentions.
nightly inventory
This principle supports putting the group’s welfare ahead of individual ego.
unity
This concept emphasizes relying on spiritual guidance rather than self-will.
surrender
This Step includes the phrase “continued to take personal inventory,” often tied to gratitude awareness.
Step 10
This term describes harms that can’t be fixed directly, often addressed through changed behavior.
What are living amends
This concept means being aware and present in the current moment.
mindfulness
This phrase means focusing on shared recovery goals instead of personal conflicts.
“common welfare comes first”