When I came in only one local group "Dry Dock" used the lords prayer. I believe that group was part of a collection of dry dock groups around the world. I was at another dry dock meeting in Wellington last year and they had the same format. As far as I know the Lord's prayer was used from the very first meetings and I think the serentity prayer, being a little more secular in nature, later became more common as some groups sought to comply with the 3rd tradition, making it clear that you did not have to be a Christian to join AA. AA did afterall come from Christian roots for the most part. A funny thing about taking this journey through the steps is that ,while many of us in the begining felt some antipathy towards anything Christian in origin, as we emerged on the otherside we found ourselves much more tolerant and accepting of things like Christian prayers. For myself I have found I can learn much from the great religions, and they have contributed much to AA.
I have no idea Dale. Most groups in my area close the meeting with the "Serenity Prayer". Some, however, close the meeting with the Lord's Prayer - uncommon though. Maybe some trivia buff would know.
A Letter From Bill W. Regarding The Lord's Prayer In A.A. From the A.A. Archives in New York
April 14, 1959 Dear Russ,
Am right sorry for my delay in answering. Lois and I were a long time out of the country and this was followed by an attack of the marathon type of flu that has been around here in New York. We are okay now, however, but I did want to explain my delay.
Now about the business of adding the Lord's Prayer to each A.A. meeting.
This practice probably came from the Oxford Groups who were influential in the early days of A.A. You have probably noted in AA. Comes of Age what the connection of these people in A.A. really was. I think saying the Lord's Prayer was a custom of theirs following the close of each meeting. Therefore it quite easily got shifted into a general custom among us.
Of course there will always be those who seem to be offended by the introduction of any prayer whatever into an ordinary A.A. gathering. Also, it is sometimes complained that the Lord's Prayer is a Christian document. Nevertheless this Prayer is of such widespread use and recognition that the arguments of its Christian origin seems to be a little farfetched. It is also true that most A.A.s believe in some kind of God and that communication and strength is obtainable through His grace. Since this is the general consensus it seems only right that at least the Serenity Prayer and the Lord's Prayer be used in connection with our meetings. It does not seem necessary to defer to the feelings of our agnostic and atheist newcomers to the extent of completely hiding our light under a bushel.
However, around here, the leader of the meeting usually asks those to join him in the Lord's Prayer who feel that they would care to do so. The worst that happens to the objectors is that they have to listen to it. This is doubtless a salutary exercise in tolerance at their stage of progress.
So that's the sum of the Lord's Prayer business as I recall it. Your letter made me wonder in just what connection you raise the question.
Meanwhile, please know just how much Lois and I treasure the friendship of you both. May Providence let our paths presently cross one of these days.
Devotedly yours, Bill Wilson
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God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.
Great find Steve! I think you may have ended the debate.
Pretty much all the meeting I remember going to in the Mid West and South USA end with the Lords prayer. My wife is Jewish from NYC where they normally end With the serenity prayer. The lords prayer bothered her a first, but she has come to accept it.
When in Rome...
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Rob
"There ain't no Coupe DeVille hiding in the bottom of a Cracker Jack Box."
