Resources
Two Way Prayer Basics (Workshop Handouts)
How to Listen to God: An Original Oxford Group Pamphlet by Chaplain John Batterson
This short pamphlet is perhaps the best piece of Oxford Group literature succinctly explaining the Two Way Prayer practice. It was written in the late 1930’s and circulated in Akron, Ohio.
How to Practice Two Way Prayer - Builds on the above “Original Pamphlet” providing a step-by-step guide to the prayer practice in a more modern format.
The Four Absolutes in Twelve-Step Recovery - Places the Four Absolutes in their historical context connecting them to many of the 12 Steps.
What Is a Psychic Change or Spiritual Transformation - Describes the psychic change the Big Book says is necessary for recovery.
Other Helpful Articles
Finding a Prayer Partner - Gives practical suggestions for finding an effective prayer partnership with another person also practicing Two Way Prayer.
Starting a Two Way Prayer Zoom (or in person) Meeting - This sample meeting format can be used to start a Two Way Prayer meeting. The format is “suggested only” and groups should determine the format that bests suit their members.
Does the Oxford Group Still Exist? - Traces the Group’s history from its origins in the 1920’s when it was known as “A First Century Christian Fellowship” to its present day successor known as “Initiatives of Change.”
Two Way Prayer: A Lost Tool for Practicing the 11th Step - This 2017 article was published in Alcoholism Quarterly. It grounds Two Way Prayer in its historical context and presents outcome data from a study of its effectiveness in a peer-support setting.
Effectiveness of Two Way Prayer Meditation - A more detailed published outcome study (2021) on the effectiveness of the practice in residential treatment settings.
What Is the Oxford Group by “The Layman with a Handbook” - This short classic provides a helpful outline of key Oxford Group principles and practices. Written in 1933 and widely distributed in its day, it gives a succinct overview of the Four Absolutes the Group borrowed and made part of their program.
Books on Oxford Group and Pioneer AA History
Two Way Prayer was essential to Oxford Group and AA’s pioneer members. The books below will give you a better understanding and appreciation of the spiritual movement out of which AA emerged in the late 1930’s. Both Bill Wilson and Doctor Bob gained their sobriety through the Oxford Group and Bill credits the Group with teaching him no fewer than ten of the Twelve Steps.
Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers by Anonymous
A great place to begin studying early AA history. Published by AA, it focuses on how the program emerged and grew in the Midwest under the direct influence of Dr. Bob and the AA pioneers.
Turning Point: A History of Early A.A.’s Spiritual Roots and Success by Dick B.
Dick B. researched and authored over 40 books on the beginnings of AA. This work provides the best of his research in a single volume. The author may get a bit preachy for some readers, but at 750 pages, there’s no better source for the documents critical to understanding Oxford Group and AA’s history.
For Sinners Only by A. J. Russel
Written in 1932 by a famed English newspaperman who set out to debunk the Oxford Group but stayed to become one of its strongest advocates. Well written and insightful of key principles, it gives an insider’s account of the Group and its leader Dr. Frank Buchman.
Not God: A History of Alcoholics Anonymous by Dr. Ernest Kurtz
Published in 1979, this work began as a Harvard doctoral dissertation. It’s one of the best researched sources of remembrances, correspondence, and literature that contributed to the start of AA. It’s a must read for anyone exploring AA history. Lots of footnotes but crammed with helpful and hard to find documentation.
Bill W. My First Forty Years by Bill Wilson
This not well known gem is the closest thing we have to an autobiography by AA’s Cofounder. Begun as a series of tape recordings “to set the record somewhere near straight,” it’s a chance for the reader to experience Bill’s early life and childhood traumas. It fills in the gaps detailing events leading up to his conversion experience that one could wish had made it into the Big Book. Sadly, the taping stopped shortly after Bill’s recollection of his “hot flash” at Town’s Hospital.
Pass It On: The Story of Bill Wilson and How the AA Message Reached the World
This 1984 AA authorized biography of Wilson contains great source materials and belongs on the shelf of any serious student of AA history. Chapter 16 relates some of Bill’s experimentation with psychic phenomena that might not make it past the AA censors of today.
On the Tail of a Comet: The Life of Frank Buchman by Garth Lean
Written by an early and life-long member of the Oxford Group, this definitive biography of Frank Buchman traces the life and career of the Oxford Group founder giving readers a view of his life from the inside. Contains surprisingly little on the Group’s giving birth to Alcoholics Anonymous.
Books on Two Way Prayer
Seeking and following God’s will and guidance was central to Oxford Group members and should be no less important to members of 12-Step Fellowships today. Here’s a selection of books that help explain the lost prayer practice and may help put it to work in your life.
Good Morning: Quiet Time, Morning Watch, Meditation, and Early A.A. by Dick B.
This slim volume by the late Dick Burns is the best book for tracing the history and practice of Two Way Prayer. It makes clear that “listening for guidance” or Two Way Prayer was part of a larger morning practice called Quiet Time. That included confession, meditation, prayers of petition and thanksgiving along with the reading of scripture or other “guided” books.
God Calling by Two Listeners, edited by A.J. Russell
Most AA’s are familiar with the 1954 classic meditation book “Twenty Four Hours a Day”. Not so widely known is that the collection of meditations that helped millions of alcoholics over the years are largely the Two Way Prayer writings of two Oxford Group women in England. Their writings bring Two Way Prayer to life.
How to Listen to God: Overcoming Addiction Through Two-Way Prayer by Wally P.
The author tells the story of James Houck, an alcoholic Oxford Group member who found sobriety in 1934, one day after Bill Wilson. James remained sober through the Group and in his later years traveled the country with Wally P. leading AAs through the Group’s practices of Surrender, Sharing, Restitution, and Guidance. Wally is also the well-known author of Back to Basics.
Books on Meditation
Two Way Prayer forms only a part of a daily Quiet Time spent in the presence of God. In addition to reading and praying, meditation practices enhance our connection to the sacred. Most of us find it best to meditate prior to, and sometimes in place of, Two Way Prayer, but there are no strict rules for this. Here are some books, both from the East and the West, that may be of help in developing a meditation practice that’s best suited for you.
The Contemplative Heart by James Finley
The author spent several years in a Trappist monastery practicing meditation under the famous monk Thomas Merton. Finley recognizes the deep yearning so many of us have to find our “home” in God from which we feel estranged. His book introduces the reader to a set of simple meditative practices that help us overcome this sense of “homelessness.”
A Gradual Awakening by Stephen Levine
In this classic introduction to meditation practice, this acclaimed poet and meditation teacher unlocks some of the mystery that often surrounds this subject. Written in an easy to understand style, it’s filled with practical guidance and advice that make it ideal reading for a morning Quiet Time as it introduces a technique attributed to the Buddha himself.
Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening by Cynthia Bourgeault
This book is perhaps the best introduction to the Centering Prayer techniques pioneered by the Trappist monk Fr. Thomas Keating. The author grounds her work in ancient Christian traditions, while bringing them to new life tailored for the circumstances of our times.
The Breath of God by Swami Chetanananda
These brief, poetic collection of 130 short readings offer a gentle but effective introduction to some of the deep relaxation and meditation practices developed within the Kundalini branch of Hinduism. It’s a great companion to morning meditation as it focuses on the many pains, and sufferings we each face in our lives.
Books on Depth Psychology
Depth psychology had barely begun as a science when Rowland Hazard was sent by Carl Jung to go in search of “a psychic change” as recorded in the Big Book. The study of the human ego and its relationship to the True Self and “the Great Reality within” has progressed significantly since that time. As we open ourselves to the unconscious through prayer and meditation, many of us have found that a basic understanding of the dynamics of depth psychology is helpful to our spiritual growth.
Inner Work by Robert A. Johnson
This author can best introduce readers to the world of depth psychology pioneered by Carl Jung. He provides ways for accessing and working with the unconscious that include dream work, active imagination, and shadow work. Johnson’s other books include: Transformation, Owning Your Own Shadow, He, Owning Your Inner Life, Ecstasy, and Inner Gold. Each is worthy of study. Johnson is a gentle teacher, storyteller, and spiritual guide.
Jung’s Map of the Soul by Murray Stein
This work by one of today’s most prominent Jungian analysts and teachers is another excellent source to begin the study of Jung. A bit more complex but also more complete than Johnson’s book referenced above, Stein explains the unconscious realm in terms beginners can comprehend and begin putting to good use in their lives. There’s a reason it’s been reprinted nearly twenty times!
The War of the Gods in Addiction by David Schoen
A set of letters was exchanged between AA Cofounder Bill Wilson and C.J. Jung shortly before Jung’s death in 1961. In this book a Jungian analyst, experienced in recovery work, explores the deeper nature and workings of addiction as seen through the lens of these letters.
Books on Religion
Religion has been on a steady decline of late, particularly among the young; but it appears the hunger for spirituality in our time has never been greater. The Big Book says, “Be quick to see where religious people are right. Make use of what they offer.” The following books may help in overcoming some “old ideas” on this subject.
The World’s Religions by Houston Smith
This work is the definitive classic for introducing the essential elements and teachings of the world's major faiths, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, as well as regional native traditions. With sales of over two million copies since it first appeared in 1958, the author boils each faith down to its essence cutting through the doctrines and dogmas that tend to separate while explaining how each religion tries to provide its wisdom to solving the many problems of “the human condition.”
Invitation to the Great Experiment by Thomas E. Powers
Tom P. had Bill Wilson for his sponsor and helped Bill in writing several important AA books including the 12 & 12 and AA Comes of Age. This work is Tom’s lasting gift to those in recovery hoping to benefit from religious sages of both East and West while adhering to our 12 Step programs and following Dr. Bob’s directive to, “keep it simple!” Tom describes himself as a “spiritual mongrel” drawing nourishment for his spiritual life from wherever it can be found. This 1958 book is expensive on the web but can be obtained affordably through www.AllAddictsAnonymous.org It’s well worth tracking down!
Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time by Marcus Borg
Many in recovery have rejected the Christian faith in which they were raised or, even more often today, were never introduced to. This scholar examines the life and teachings of the historical Jesus presenting a contemporary faith that welcomes critical intelligence. Many Oxford Group members faced similar problems with religion. Their movement began as “A First Century Christian Fellowship,” an effort to get back to basics and find a faith that worked.
Breathing Underwater: Spirituality and the Twelve Steps by Father Richard Rohr
Richard Rohr is a Franciscan friar known to many in 12-Step recovery. In this book he traces the gospel principles present within the Twelve Steps showing how we all suffer from addiction in its many forms. His free, daily meditations are available through his Center for Action and Contemplation here: https://cac.org/category/daily-meditations
Begun in the year 2000, founder Jim M. has assembled perhaps the very best collections of AA archives and recovery related information you will find on the Internet. Wander on his site for weeks on end as he makes available books, articles, tapes, films, and videos related to all aspects of recovery. Jim truly brings “service work” to a whole new dimension.
AA historian and author Glenn C. has researched and authored dozens of books and hundreds of articles on AA’s early history. His website contains scores of free articles on many of AA’s pioneer members.
Compiled and maintained by an active AA group in North Carolina, this site is a great resource for those wanting to take the 12 Steps as suggested by some of the AA pioneers.
James R. has developed a website offering keen insights into AA’s original program and early history. His site contains links to some Oxford Group classics as: Soul Surgery by Howard Walter, What Is the Oxford Group - by a Layman with a Notebook, and I Was a Pagan by V.C. Kitchen.
Center for Action and Contemplation
Fr. Richard Rohr is a favorite among many in 12-Step recovery. This site introduces his work aimed to making God more real and relevant to today’s spiritual seekers. Be sure to sign up for Richard’s daily meditations. They’re free and guaranteed to enhance your spiritual education.
This progressive group continues the pioneering Centering Prayer work begun by Fr. Thomas Keating. Tools are available here to help de-mystify meditation techniques that can, at first, seem difficult and foreign. The site can link you to workshops, meetings, and support networks.
Many people in recovery find the Buddhist approach to meditation a rewarding addition to their spiritual practice. This site includes both introductory and advanced materials you will find helpful. It also includes links to local and on-line meditation groups from around the world.
A study of depth psychology can open the inner world for spiritual seekers in search of wholeness. Dr. Murray Stein takes seriously both the workings of the mind and the workings of the spirit. He’s a leader in making the concepts of Carl Jung more widely available to those on a spiritual journey.
Historical Archive of Two Way Prayer Newsletters
November - December 2024 TWP Holiday Edition
September - October 2024 Does God Really Speak?
July - August 2024 Prayer Partners Growing in Spiritual Intimacy
May - June 2024 The Four Absolutes Revisited
March-April 2024 Rocketed to a Fourth Dimension
January-February 2024 Our 11th Step: Lost and Found
November-December 2023 Sharing Our Story: Our History
September-October 2023 Sharing Our Stories
July-August 2023 Step12: Carrying the Message
April-May 2023 Step 11: Finding & Following God’s Will
February-March 2023 Step 10: Watching My Ego
December-January 2023 Steps 8 & 9 Maybe More Than Meets the “I”
October-November 2022 Steps 6 & 7: Aim for Perfection, Settle for Progress
August-September 2022 Steps 4 & 5: Paying the Price of Admission
June - July 2022 Step 3: A Life Time Commitment
April - May 2022 Step 2: Simpler Than You Think
February - March 2022 Step 1: In Praise of Hopelessness
December - January 2022 A Light in Our Darkness
November - December 2021 Continuance: A Daily Dose of the Divine
October - November 2021 Conversion: Recovery’s Never Ending Journey
August 2021 Having Conviction Not Being Convicted
June 2021 Confession: Truth Telling Saves Lives
May 2021 Confidence: Showing Us the Way Out
April 2021 Love: God’s Real Answer to Addiction
March 2021 Unselfishness: Escaping the Ego’s Prison
February 2021 Purity: An Absolute Worth Keeping?
January 2021 Honesty in a Culture of Lies
December 2020 Does God Really Speak?
November 2020 Finding Spirituality
October 2020 The Four Absolutes
September 2020 Finding Hope
August 2020 Staying connected with Two Way Prayer
July 2020 A New Freedom
June 2020 Summer Sobriety: Whats happening with Two Way Prayer
April 2020 Big changes for Two Way Prayer
Donations
Two Way Prayer is a non-profit (501 (c)(3) and fully volunteer run. Help us bring this life changing prayer practice to more in recovery. Your gift, large or small as God may guide, will help change lives.