Step Eleven and the Principle of Spirituality
“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.” — Step Eleven of the Twelve Steps
Step Eleven is daily connection. After clearing away much of the past, we now build a simple rhythm of prayer and meditation that keeps us spiritually fit. The guiding principle is Spirituality: a lived relationship with a Power greater than ourselves, practiced in quiet, consistency, and willingness. This Step is practical. It gives us words to pray, questions to ask, and a way to listen.
Directions for Taking Step Eleven
- Read the Big Book in first person: pages 85 to the bottom of 88. Step Eleven is described here.
- Prayer (Big Book p. 86, paragraphs 1–2): Use “When we retire at night” and “Upon awakening” as your morning and evening prayers. Read them aloud each day this week and keep the practice going.
- Meditation (Big Book p. 86 paragraph 3 through p. 87 paragraph 1): Follow the simple guidance given for quiet consideration and listening.
- Read Step Eleven in the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions (12×12): note anything you want to try this week.
- Commit to sit 5–10 minutes daily for prayer and meditation. Keep it simple. Show up.
- Act in love and kindness: be sincere and authentic with everyone you meet today.
- Word practice: look up and reflect on the meanings of Spiritual, Connection, Conscious, Meditation, Prayer.
Why This Step Matters
Step Eleven keeps us in contact with guidance instead of guesswork. We stop running on self-will and begin asking for direction and strength. Over time this daily contact builds calm, clarity, and usefulness. We become more responsive than reactive. We notice promptings to help, pause, or apologize. Spirituality becomes practical—something we do, not just something we think about.
How to Practice: A Simple Daily Rhythm
Morning — “Upon Awakening” (Big Book p. 86)
- Read the “Upon awakening” paragraph aloud in the first person.
- Ask for knowledge of the next right actions and the power to carry them out.
- Plan your day lightly, pausing to ask for guidance as needed.
Midday — Pause and Listen
- When agitated or doubtful, pause. Breathe.
- Ask: “What would You have me be and do right now?”
- Take the next helpful action with humility and kindness.
Night — “When We Retire at Night” (Big Book p. 86)
- Read the nightly paragraph aloud and review your day.
- Where were you resentful, selfish, dishonest, or afraid? Where were you helpful and honest?
- Admit wrongs, make notes for amends or corrections tomorrow, and thank your Higher Power.
Meditation: Quiet Listening (Big Book p. 86–87)
Sit comfortably for 5–10 minutes. Let your mind settle. If thoughts race, return to a simple word like “peace” or “be still.” Ask for guidance and listen. If helpful thoughts come, jot them down. If nothing comes, rest in the quiet. The practice is the point—showing up daily builds conscious contact.
Living the Principle of Spirituality
Spirituality grows through small faithful actions: showing up, asking, listening, and serving. Keep it simple. Pray for direction, watch for your part, and move through the day with kindness. When you lose the connection, pause and begin again. Progress, not perfection.
Suggested Practice for the Week
- Read Big Book pages 85–88 in the first person each morning.
- Use the morning and night prayers on page 86 daily. Say them out loud.
- Schedule a 5–10 minute sit for meditation. Put it on your calendar.
- Carry a note card with two questions: “What is Your will?” and “Please give me the power to do it.” Check it at least twice a day.
- End the week by writing one paragraph on how your conscious contact changed your choices.
Final Thoughts
Step Eleven is simple: ask, listen, and act. Read the prayers, sit in quiet, and keep the connection open. Spirituality becomes real as we practice it—one morning, one pause, and one night at a time.