Two Way Prayer: A Lost Tool for Practicing the 11th Step

ABSTRACT

Two Way Prayer formed an essential part of Oxford Group and early Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) spiritual practices. Pioneer AA members considered it more essential for recovery than attendance at meetings; however, it was gradually lost as a component of contemporary 12-Step programs. The article gives an overview of its history and provides a model for a more contemporary form of its practice. Initial evaluation suggests promising outcomes among a sampling of youth and adults engaged in a peer-support group for drug and alcohol recovery. The article includes a discussion of its use with individuals not having a religious conception of spirituality.

KEYWORDS:

• 12-Step spirituality
• prayer and meditation
• quiet time
• Two Way Prayer
• Oxford Group
• 11^th Step

Acknowledgments

This study was completed as part of a fellowship provided by the Hope and Healing Institute of Houston, Texas. The authors thank the following individuals for their guidance, direction, and support in completing the study: Scott Basinger, PhD, the Institute’s founder and former dean at Baylor College of Medicine Neuroscience Department. Clayton T. Shorkey, PhD, LCSW, senior professor at the University of Texas School of Social Work and Director of the Social Work Component of the South Southwest Addiction Technology Transfer Center, and Tiffany Allen, MSSW, University of Texas School of Social Work.