How to Start a Two Way Prayer GroupHow to Start a Two Way Prayer Group
Father Bill W.
Father Bill W. explains why early AA placed such importance on prayer and meditation and shares 12 practical suggestions for starting a small Two Way Prayer group. The episode focuses on structure, leadership, and intimacy to help people in recovery deepen their spiritual practice and eventually pass it on to others.
27:57•8 Jun 2026
How to Start a Two Way Prayer Group Without Losing Your Nerve
Episode Overview
- Early AA treated morning prayer and meditation as essential, while meetings were seen as helpful but not vital.
- Two Way Prayer groups work best as small, invitation-only gatherings held outside official 12-step fellowships.
- A clear leader is needed at first to maintain structure, protect intimacy, and ensure everyone has a chance to share.
- Members come prepared with a Two Way Prayer writing from the week, and brief, respectful crosstalk focuses on how it touches others personally.
- Groups are meant to train people in the practice so they can eventually start their own groups and pass it on.
“Prayer and meditation in the early days were considered more important, more vital than were meetings.”
What drives someone to seek a deeper experience of 12-step recovery than just “meeting makers make it”? Father Bill W. speaks directly to people who sense that something is missing and are curious about reviving the early AA practice of Two Way Prayer. Speaking as an Episcopal priest sober since 1972, he shares his experience of running a Two Way Prayer group for several years and why he thinks it can change lives.
He walks through a historical report by Frank Amos, showing that early AA pioneers treated morning devotions and prayer as *vital*, while meetings were seen as “important, but not vital.” As he puts it, “prayer and meditation in the early days were considered more important, more vital than were meetings.” From there, he lays out 12 practical suggestions for anyone thinking about starting a group.
You’ll hear why he suggests keeping groups small (around 8–12 people), by invitation only, and separate from official 12-step meetings to respect the traditions. He explains the difference between a meeting and a prayer group, why having a clear leader at first is crucial, and how group structure, ritual, and confidentiality help people feel safe enough to share deeply.
Father Bill also talks about the rhythm of weekly meetings, why Zoom can sometimes work better than gathering in person, and how “three-way prayer” happens when someone else’s guidance from God speaks straight to your own heart. This episode is ideal for people in 12-step fellowships who’ve been around a while, feel a bit stuck or bored, and are hungry for a more direct spiritual connection. Curious whether you’re being nudged to start something like this yourself?
He suggests you pray about it, give it time, and see where you’re guided next.
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