What is the Third Step Prayer?
The Third Step Prayer is a prayer used in Alcoholics Anonymous. The Third Step Prayer is a part of the Third Step in AA, which states, “[We] made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.” AA members recite the Third Step Prayer to demonstrate their commitment to the Third Step, as well as their commitment to recovery and their acceptance of God’s (or a Higher Power’s) guidance. AA members usually say the prayer with their sponsor when they begin the Third Step. AA is a 12-step program that aims to help people dealing with alcohol addiction recover and achieve sobriety. Note: While the Third Step Prayer refers to “God,” you do not need to be a member of a certain religion or even be religious to say or practice this prayer. AA does not claim to be a religious organization—“God” can refer to a divine Higher Power, the Universe, your AA community, or simply something that is bigger than yourself. The Third Step Prayer is on page 63 in Alcoholics Anonymous: The Big Book.
What is the purpose of the Third Step Prayer?
To give up your control and turn to God for help and guidance. The Third Step Prayer represents your understanding that you need assistance from God or a Higher Power. It signifies you giving up your control and offering your life and will to God because He can help you on the road to recovery. Many new AA members find it hard to give up their control and accept that they need help from a Higher Power and their community, so don’t feel alone if you’re having a hard time with this part of the Third Step. Talk to your AA sponsor and attend meetings to get support if you’re struggling with the Third Step. Meditating, journaling, or reciting the prayer can help you understand the message, get comfortable with surrendering control, and develop a desire to change.
To reject selfishness and self-centeredness. The Third Step Prayer asks you to be vulnerable and acknowledge your limitations and shortcomings. It then helps you let go of things that are holding you back from your sobriety journey. The prayer gets you to acknowledge that you cannot achieve recovery by yourself—God and a supportive community can and will help you. The Third Step in AA is the first step that is active rather than reflective; it’s completely normal if you find it difficult to get started. Remember that no one expects you to get the step right away—recovery isn’t linear and no one is perfect. It’s just important that you are willing to change and accept help from God and other AA members. Just start with small steps, like attending meetings and building trust with your sponsor.
To reframe challenges as opportunities to grow and change. The Third Step Prayer asks you to view overcoming obstacles as a way to transform your life for the better. This helps you affirm your desire to live your life according to your new values and demonstrates your commitment to sobriety. This can be a difficult step, as the Third Step Prayer is about looking at the big picture and learning how to accept change. Acknowledging your feelings, practicing self-care, and giving gratitude are all helpful ways to build resiliency and overcome obstacles.
To connect with, help, and inspire others. Saying the Third Step Prayer helps you see that your journey and the challenges you face can bring you closer to other AA members. The prayer encourages you to build a supportive community that helps each other out. It reminds you that sharing your story can inspire others to seek help and start their journey to recovery. A big part of the Third Step Prayer is understanding that recovery not only helps you, but it also helps others around you. It is also another reminder that you’re not alone—others have walked your path before you and will follow your journey after you.
To affirm your commitment to recovery and sobriety. The Third Step Prayer can be a helpful way to center yourself and remind yourself of your goals and purpose: to recover and achieve sobriety. It serves to remind you that a Higher Power and your community are there to help you, especially if you’re having a tough day. Many people continue to recite the prayer throughout their recovery journey for motivation, inspiration, and reflection. Prayer can be a helpful tool as you navigate your recovery journey. Prayer can lower stress, help you feel more positive, and help you feel less alone. If you’re new to praying or spirituality, Holy Bible expert Olivia Woodford suggests you “express gratitude” for God and what you have in your life. Then, she says to think about praying “like building a relationship like you would with another person…talk to [God],” “check in” with Him, “and after you've talked…just listen…to see what's present.”
Breaking Down the Meaning of the Third Step Prayer
“God, I offer myself to Thee—to build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt.” The first part of the Third Step Prayer proclaims your decision to devote yourself to God. You agree to surrender your control to Him and ask Him to lead you on the right path to recovery. This marks your first steps in trusting in God, acknowledging that He knows what’s best for you, and believing in His ability to build you up into a new, sober person. This part of the prayer does not mean you are a passive bystander in your recovery. It simply means that you understand that a Higher Power can help you recover. You are still in charge of taking the steps that lead you to sobriety.
“Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do Thy will.” The second part of the prayer asks God to free you from selfishness. You are acknowledging that your past beliefs and decisions may have been self-centered and hurting you and the people around you, as well as contributing to your addiction. By freeing yourself from your past self, you understand that you are better able to follow God’s guidance.
“Take away my difficulties, that victory over them may bear witness…” The third part of the Third Step Prayer gives God the power to relieve hardships in your life and signifies your trust in Him to help you reach sobriety. You are also acknowledging that you want to transform your life. You understand that the challenges you face and your ability to overcome and recover from addiction can inspire and help others to do the same.
“May I do Thy will always!” The final part of the prayer affirms your decision to serve and follow God. You are committing yourself to the path of recovery and cementing your desire to change for the better. The final line also acts as a reminder that God and your community are by your side to support and guide you.
How to Use the Third Step Prayer
Recite the prayer in the morning after you wake up. Beginning your day with the Third Step Prayer is a great way to set an intention to trust in God and His ability to support you in sobriety. It can remind you that you are not alone—God is leading you on the right path and helping you overcome addiction. Set your intention further by reciting affirmations, too. For instance, you might repeat, “God will give me strength” or “I choose to trust God.”
Pause throughout the day to say the prayer. If work, school, or life in general is making you feel overwhelmed, take a moment out of your busy day to recite the Third Step Prayer. This can help you feel grounded and reaffirm your decision to give up your control to God. The prayer can also remind you to live and make decisions according to your desire to achieve sobriety. For instance, repeat each line slowly to yourself or even meditate for a few minutes while saying the prayer.
End your day with the Third Step Prayer. Reciting the prayer before you go to bed is a great way to reflect on your day and understand how the words helped you progress on your recovery journey. You can also use it to express your gratitude to God for His guidance and support in your sobriety. For example, journal about your day after reciting the prayer. You might write about challenges you faced and how you overcame them or how you made decisions that aligned with your commitment to recovery.
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