"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. May I do Thy will always!"
Where Does It Come From?
The 3rd Step Prayer is an important part of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and can be found on page 63 of the Big Book, which is a key text in AA's recovery program. The prayer has been around since AA's early days and is meant to help individuals connect with a higher power as they work through the 12 steps of recovery. It's one way to take the 3rd step and turn over one's will and life over to the care of a Higher Power, as they understand it.
What Is the 3rd Step Prayer?
The 3rd Step Prayer is a cornerstone of the AA program, encapsulating the essence of the third step: making a decision to turn one's will and life over to the care of a higher power. This prayer serves as a bridge between acknowledging powerlessness and embracing a new way of life. Within its lines, individuals find solace and strength in their surrender, seeking guidance and serenity as they navigate the challenges of recovery. More than just words, the prayer encapsulates the transformative journey from self-reliance to spiritual awakening.
Rewriting the 3rd Step Prayer
The 3rd Step Prayer, originally written in a particular style, can be adapted to feel more relatable and personal. For instance, instead of the original phrasing, you might say something like: "God, I give myself to you. Use me as you see fit. Help me let go of my need to control, so I can follow your guidance. Take away my fears and selfishness, so I can show others your strength, love, and the path to a better life."
How Does the 3rd Step Prayer Help One Take the 3rd Step?
When you're in the process of taking the 3rd step in AA, the 3rd Step Prayer can be a big help. This prayer gives you a way to talk to a higher power, like a friend who can guide you. It helps you let go of the need to control everything on your own. By saying the prayer, you're saying you want to stop being afraid and selfish, and you want to be a good example for others. It's like asking for support in changing your life and being a better person. This prayer can make it easier to embrace change and let go of what's been holding you back.
What are the 3rd step promises?
"All sorts of remarkable things followed. We had a new Employer. Being all powerful, He provided what we needed, if we kept close to Him and performed His work well. Established on such a footing we became less and less interested in ourselves, our little plans and designs. More and more we became interested in seeing what we could contribute to life. As we felt new power flow in, as we enjoyed peace of mind, as we discovered we could face life successfully, as we became conscious of His presence, we began to lose our fear of today, tomorrow or the hereafter. We were reborn." Alcoholics Anonymous p.63
The 3rd Step AA Chip
At the heart of your AA journey, the 3rd Step Commemorative Silver and Gold AA Medallions stand as remarkable symbols. Plated in sterling silver and 24K gold, these medallions embody the very essence of your recovery.
With meticulous craftsmanship, they boast intricate 3D graphics and feature the enduring "AA 3rd Step Prayer" on the back. On the front, phrases like "Unity, Service, Recovery" and "Clean House, Trust God, Help Others" encapsulate the guiding principles.
Get yours here:
3rd Step Commemorative Silver and Gold AA Medallions
