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.

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