How are Alcoholics Anonymous meetings started and finished?
In my city, all our AA meetings start with a moment of silence, followed by the “Serenity Prayer.” Then someone reads, “How It Works,” “The Twelve Traditions,” and some read, “The Promises.” Then the chairperson will read a paragraph or two from some AA literature, usually the “Big Book”, and then he or she will comment on it. Then the chairperson opens the meeting up for discussion on the topic he or she read. After everyone shares or an hour passes, the chairperson will close the meeting with this statement: “Would all who care to join me in a closing prayer.” We all stand, hold hands and say either the “Lord’s Prayer” or the “Serenity Prayer” again. Then some go and some linger to fellowship.
