Set Aside Prayer: A Guide to Spiritual Clarity and Openness
In the journey of spiritual growth, we often carry the heavy luggage of our own expectations, past experiences, and preconceived notions. We think we know how a meditation should feel or exactly what a divine connection should look like. However, true transformation often requires us to empty our cups before they can be refilled. Please consider the profound impact of the set-aside prayer, a practice designed to help you unlearn what you think you know so you can experience the truth of the present moment.
The set-aside prayer is more than just a sequence of words; it is a psychological and spiritual reset button. It asks the universe, or a higher power, to help us lay down our biases so we can see the world with “beginner’s eyes.” In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the roots of this practice, its application in modern mindfulness, and how you can integrate it into your daily routine to achieve 100% presence.
What is a set-aside prayer?
At its core, the set-aside prayer is an invocation of humility. Originally popularized within 12-step recovery communities (specifically adapted from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous), it has since transcended those boundaries to become a staple for anyone seeking a deeper, more authentic spiritual experience.
The prayer typically follows a structure similar to this:
“Lay aside everything I think I know about myself, my disease, these steps, and especially You; so I may have an open mind and a new experience.”
The Benefits of Using a Set Aside Prayer Daily
Incorporating a set-aside prayer into your morning or evening routine offers several tangible benefits that go beyond simple “positive thinking.”
-
Elimination of Spiritual Plateaus: When we feel stuck in our faith or meditation, it is often because we are repeating the same internal scripts. Setting aside those scripts invites fresh inspiration.
-
Reduction of Ego-Driven Anxiety: Much of our stress comes from believing we must have all the answers. This prayer acknowledges that we don’t, which is incredibly liberating.
-
Enhanced Empathy: By setting aside what we think we know about others, we open the door to hearing them without judgment.
-
Improved Mental Clarity: It acts as a mental “decluttering” tool, sweeping away the noise of the past to focus on the signal of the present.
Step-by-Step: How to Perform a Set-Aside Prayer
To gain the full experience of this practice, follow these steps to ensure you are approaching it with a user-first, intentional mindset.
1. Find a Quiet Space
Physical stillness often precedes mental stillness. Find a corner where you won’t be interrupted for at least five minutes.
2. Identify Your Preconceptions
Before speaking, take a moment to identify what you are currently clinging to. Are you angry? Do you feel like you’ve “heard it all before”? Acknowledge these thoughts.
3. Speak the prayer aloud.
There is power in the human voice. Using the active voice, state your intention to set these things aside.
-
Example: “I am setting aside my stress about work and my old ideas about meditation so I can hear what I need to hear today.”
4. Lean into the Silence
After the prayer, do not rush into a “to-do” list. Sit in the emptiness you have just created. This is where the “new experience” happens.
Common Misconceptions About the Set Aside Prayer
Many people shy away from this practice because they misunderstand its purpose. Let’s clarify a few points:
-
It’s not about forgetting; you aren’t deleting your memories or your expertise. You are simply “setting them on a shelf” for a temporary period so they don’t block new light.
-
It’s not just for “religious” people: Whether you believe in a traditional deity, the “universe,” or simply the power of the human subconscious, the psychological mechanism remains the same.
-
It doesn’t have to be formal: You can perform a set-aside prayer while driving, washing dishes, or sitting in a board meeting.
Comparison: Traditional Prayer vs. Set Aside Prayer
| Feature | Traditional Prayer | Set Aside Prayer |
| Primary Goal | Asking for help/guidance | Asking for an open mind |
| Mental State | Focused on specific outcomes | Focused on receptivity |
| Role of Ego | Often brings our desires to the front | Specifically pushes the ego back |
| Outcome | Comfort or resolution | New perspective and “information gain.” |
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t feel anything after the prayer?
Spiritual practices are like physical exercise; the results are often cumulative. The “feeling” isn’t the goal—the openness is. Even if you feel nothing, you have successfully practiced the discipline of humility.
How often should I use a set-aside prayer?
Many practitioners find that doing it once in the morning sets a positive tone for the day. However, it is particularly useful before a difficult conversation or a new learning opportunity.
Does the wording matter?
No. The “Active Voice” and the intent are what matter. Use words that feel native to your own vocabulary. As long as you are asking to be “emptied” of old ideas, the prayer is effective.
One thought on “Set Aside Prayer: A Guide to Spiritual Clarity”