Ok, so if you've been reading this board, you know I'm newly sober. I've been to AA meetings for a couple weeks now, in two locations. I also went to mtgs briefly about 2 years ago. Back then, the mtg I went to was a women's mtg at a church. At the conclusion of each mtg, we said The Serenity Prayer.

But now, the meetings (6 outta 7) ended in The Lord's Prayer. I am reeeaaaallly uncomfortable with it. Of course, I stand, and hold hands in a circle, but stay silent. I am a spritual person, but my higher power is not a "Father who art in Heaven".

I have always been interested in diversity and inclusion of all peoples race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religious backgrounds, etc. It's something very important to me and close to my heart. (Just look at all the bumper stickers on my car!)

So, this Lord's Prayer thing feels so sad to me. I feel like these great meetings end on such a sad, exclusionary note. Like I am only welcome to join the family if my higher power is that one they are talking about.

Has anyone else struggled with this, and figured out a way to deal with it?

For now, I just consider that part of the meeting is for them, and I am saluting them and their sobriety.

emmy

P.S. It would be appreciated if this thread didn't become a slamming AA thread, since attending AA meetings is really helping me stay sober. Thanks.