Examining the Third Step Prayer

 

The 12 Steps is a program originally developed by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) for faith-based alcohol addiction treatment. It is meant to help recovering alcoholics progress through the different phases of recovery. .

It is believed that only after completing all 12 steps of the program can these people achieve lasting sobriety. The focus of the 12 Steps program includes principles like submitting to a higher power and making amends with those who may have been wronged by the addict. Like addiction Bible studies, church groups, and daily devotionals, the 12 Steps have been an effective means of facilitating addiction recovery for many. 

What Is the Third Step Prayer?

The third step of Alcoholics Anonymous states, “(We) made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.”¹ At this point in the 12 Steps program, the person in recovery is submitting themselves to God’s power and allowing Him to direct their life. This step in the program is also accompanied by The Third Step Prayer written below.    

“God, I offer myself to Thee – To build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt. Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do Thy will. Take away my difficulties, that victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of Thy Power, Thy Love, and Thy Way of Life.”

The Third Step Prayer Explanation

The third step of the 12 Steps program is important because it involves action. While in Step Two, participants are asked to recognize that a power greater than themselves could help them in recovery, in Step Three, they are making the conscious decision to let this greater power guide them.

The origins of the 3rd step prayer can be traced back to a 1976 publication titled "How To Be a Winner," authored by Harold Hill. The book aimed to integrate Christian principles into daily life in a way that was engaging and accessible, avoiding a dogmatic tone. The Alcoholics Anonymous community adopted this prayer during the 1980s when it became a regular element of their recovery program.

What is the Purpose of the Step 3 Prayer in Addiction Recovery?

The purpose of the Step 3 Prayer in the context of addiction recovery is to signify a conscious decision to surrender one's will and life to a higher power, typically God. By reciting this prayer, individuals in recovery acknowledge their need for divine guidance and assistance in overcoming their addiction. The prayer serves as a commitment to letting go of self-centeredness and allowing God to direct their path toward lasting sobriety. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of seeking help not only for oneself but also to be a source of inspiration and support for others on a similar journey to recovery.

This prayer begins with an acknowledgment of the inability to control one's life, which has led to pain and suffering through addiction. It is a heartfelt appeal for the release from the destructive patterns that have dominated their lives, opening a path toward empathy and service to others. This surrender is not only a statement of acceptance but also an expression of trust and love towards the Higher Power, believing that this power has a greater plan and possesses greater wisdom.

In this light, the Step 3 Prayer fosters a profound connection between the individual and their chosen Higher Power. It serves as a framework for open and honest communication, which is crucial for building a genuine spiritual relationship. This ongoing dialogue with the Higher Power is intended to guide the individual toward making better choices and fostering a life of service and recovery.

Moreover, the daily recitation of this prayer is encouraged as a practice of spiritual fortitude, continually reminding individuals of their commitment to recovery and their reliance on a Higher Power. This practice is integral to maintaining the spiritual progress made in recovery and ensuring that the principles of the 12-step program are actively lived out.

In conclusion, the Step 3 Prayer is a pivotal element in the recovery process, marking the transition from a life of addiction to one of spiritual renewal and active service. It is not about adhering to a specific religious doctrine, but rather about embracing a journey towards spirituality that supports recovery from addiction. Through this prayer, individuals find the strength to help themselves and others, creating a community of support and hope. Moreover, the daily recitation of this prayer is encouraged as a practice of spiritual fortitude, continually reminding individuals of their commitment to recovery and their reliance on a Higher Power. This practice is integral to maintaining the spiritual progress made in recovery and ensuring that the principles of the 12-step program are actively lived out. Additionally, frequent recitation of the Third Step Prayer helps those in recovery develop a consistent habit of turning to their Higher Power for guidance and strength. By regularly invoking this prayer, individuals reinforce their daily commitment to a spiritually guided recovery, gradually embedding this vital connection into the fabric of their everyday lives, thus fostering a continuous reliance on spiritual support throughout their journey in recovery.

What Are The Key Components And Meanings Of The Third Step Prayer?

The Third Step Prayer is a fundamental part of the 12 Steps of Recovery, embodying the surrender of self to a higher power and a commitment to spiritual growth. This prayer consists of several key components, each bearing deep significance:

1. Surrender to God: The opening of the prayer, "God, I offer myself to Thee," signifies the individual's willingness to surrender their will and life to the care of God as they understand Him. This is a pivotal step in recovery, marking the move from self-reliance to trust in a higher power.

2. Prayer for Liberation from Self-Centeredness: The request, "Relieve me of the bondage of self," reflects the desire to be freed from the limitations and problems caused by being overly self-focused, which is often a root issue in addiction.

3. Desire to Serve and Do God’s Will: The phrase, "that I may better do Thy will," indicates a commitment to align one's actions with the will of God, rather than personal desires. This represents a shift in motive and purpose in the individual's life.

4. Transformation Through Trials: By asking, "Take away my difficulties, that victory over them may bear witness," the individual seeks not only personal relief but also hopes that overcoming these challenges will serve as a testament to God's power, love, and way of life to others.

5. Personal and Communal Benefit: The concluding part of the prayer implies that overcoming personal difficulties isn't just for the individual's benefit but also serves to inspire and aid others who are struggling, reinforcing the interconnectedness emphasized in recovery communities.

Each element of the Third Step Prayer is designed to foster a deeper dependence on and relationship with the spiritual aspect of one’s life, which is seen as essential for meaningful and sustained recovery from addiction. This prayer, therefore, is not only a personal affirmation but a communal promise to actively pursue spiritual growth and help others do the same.

Why Is The Third Step Prayer Important In Addiction Recovery?

The Third Step Prayer is a significant element within the 12-step program, often adopted by those recovering from addiction. This prayer forms part of the third step in the program, which involves a commitment from the participants to turn over their will and lives to the care of God as they understand Him. This is a pivotal moment in recovery because it signifies a willingness to seek spiritual guidance and relinquish control, acknowledging that personal efforts alone are not sufficient to overcome addiction.

The prayer itself is a supplication for freedom from self-centeredness and for divine assistance in overcoming personal hardships. By asking for difficulties to be removed, the hope is that the individual's triumphs will serve as a beacon of God's power, love, and way of life to others. Reciting this prayer regularly, such as each morning, reinforces the individual's commitment to this new path and continually reminds them to seek spiritual strength in facing daily challenges.

In essence, the Third Step Prayer is crucial because it nurtures a daily practice of spiritual reflection and reliance, which can fundamentally change how a person in recovery approaches their challenges and interacts with others. This spiritual commitment is seen as essential in not only supporting the individual’s own recovery journey but also in empowering them to assist others with similar struggles.

How to Memorize the Third Step Prayer

To effectively memorize the Third Step Prayer, which holds significant importance in 12-step recovery programs, you can utilize resources such as Brad Yates' video tutorial. Brad Yates has created a guide that focuses on the memorization techniques for the Third Step Prayer, and watching his video can provide you with strategies and tips to help you memorize it easily. This prayer is commonly recited at 12-step meetings, making it essential for participants to learn it well.

“God, I offer myself to Thee”

The AA Third Step Prayer is the embodiment of this decision as the prayer’s opening line is the person openly offering their life over to God for guidance.

“To build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt”

The second line is the person acknowledging that they are no longer in control of their own life. At this point, they have let God take the reins.

“Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do Thy will.”

At this point, the person in prayer is admitting to a selfish past where their bondage to their own selfish desires has blinded them to a way to live a life that can also help others. Instead of continuing down this path, the person is relinquishing this control to God so they can do better.

"Take away my difficulties, that victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of Thy Power, Thy Love, and Thy Way of Life.”

Here, the person in prayer once again asks God to take control but also vows to help others in recovery reach this same kind of realization and way of life. Keeping others in mind, the struggles to lasting recovery can be used to help others in similar situations find lasting sobriety as well.

The Third Step Prayer is recited at the start of the Third Step, but many people choose to repeat it throughout their recovery to remind themselves of its lessons.

At Faith in Recovery, the 12 Steps are just one of many faith-based addiction therapies that we utilize during treatment to help our patients on their spiritual journey to lasting recovery. If you or someone you care about is looking to take the first step to sobriety with God’s guidance, we want to help.

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To get more information about enrolling in our program, call us today at 888-280-4763.d.

Sources:

1. Alcoholics Anonymous - The Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous