Theo Nash
Alcoholics Anonymous is a well-known program that helps people recover from alcoholism and alcohol addiction. The program is based on the 12-step model, which was first introduced by the organization's founders in the 1930s. An important part of the recovery process is the third step prayer, which is meant to help addicts surrender their will to a higher power and find relief from the bondage of self. The prayer goes as follows: 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!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Surrender to God | God, I offer myself to Thee |
| Submission to God's will | To build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt |
| Relief from bondage of self | Relieve me of the bondage of self |
| Freedom from difficulties | Take away my difficulties |
| Witnessing to others | That victory over them may bear witness to those I would help |
| Power of God | Of Thy Power |
| Love of God | Thy love |
| Way of life | Thy way of life |
| Obedience to God | May I do Thy will always |
| Prayer for guidance | I pray to keep my connection with You Open and clear from the confusion of daily life |
| Freedom from self-will, rationalization, and wishful thinking | Freedom from self-will, rationalization, and wishful thinking |
| Positive thoughts and actions | I pray for the guidance of correct thought and positive action |
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What You'll Learn
Surrendering to God
The third step prayer typically begins with an acknowledgment of God or a Higher Power. In this prayer, the individual expresses their willingness to offer themselves completely to this higher power. It is a recognition that one's life has become unmanageable due to addiction and that a power greater than oneself is needed to restore sanity and clarity.
The prayer continues with a request for relief from the bondage of self and one's difficulties. This is a crucial aspect of surrendering to God. The individual recognizes that their self-will and addictive behaviors are obstacles to their recovery. By surrendering to a higher power, they seek freedom from these destructive patterns of thinking and acting.
Through this prayer, individuals in Alcoholics Anonymous ask for guidance in doing God's will rather than their own. They recognize that their attempts to control their lives have led to chaos and addiction. By surrendering, they seek to align their actions with divine principles and find a new way of living.
Additionally, the prayer often includes a request for strength and wisdom. As individuals surrender to God, they ask for the power to overcome their difficulties and witness to others about God's power and love. This step is not just about personal transformation but also about becoming a testament to the healing power of the divine.
The act of surrendering to God in the third step prayer is a pivotal moment in the recovery journey. It represents a shift from self-reliance to reliance on a higher power. Through this prayer, individuals acknowledge their limitations and embrace a spiritual path toward healing and freedom from addiction. This step sets the foundation for continued growth, self-discovery, and a deeper connection with the divine.
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Relieve me of self-bondage
The Third Step Prayer of Alcoholics Anonymous is a plea to a higher power to relieve the individual of self-bondage, or self-will, which is seen as an obstacle to recovery. This prayer is part of a twelve-step program, and it reads:
> 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!
The prayer acknowledges that the individual is powerless over their addiction and that their life has become unmanageable. By asking for relief from self-will, the person is seeking freedom from their own desires and thoughts that have led them into addiction and prevented them from finding a way out. This is a recognition that their own will has been detrimental and that a higher power's will should guide them instead.
Self-bondage, in this context, refers to the individual's enslavement to their own self-destructive thoughts, behaviours, and desires. This includes the rationalizations and wishful thinking that keep them trapped in addiction. By asking for relief from self-bondage, the person is recognizing that they need to be freed from these mental constraints in order to heal and move forward.
The prayer is a powerful expression of surrender and a request for guidance and strength. It demonstrates a commitment to the recovery process and a recognition that the individual cannot overcome their addiction alone. By asking for relief from self-will, the person is opening themselves up to a higher power's influence and direction, which is believed to be crucial for lasting recovery.
The act of reciting and reflecting on this prayer can provide a sense of peace and purpose for individuals struggling with addiction. It helps them to shift their focus away from their own limited perspective and towards a higher power's plan, which can bring comfort and hope during difficult times.
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Removing difficulties
The Third Step Prayer of Alcoholics Anonymous is a plea to God to relieve the speaker of their difficulties, so that they may better serve God's purpose and be a testament to God's power and love.
The prayer begins with an offering of oneself to God, acknowledging God's power and the speaker's willingness to submit to God's will. This submission is presented as a way to break free from the "bondage of self", which can be understood as the speaker's recognition that their sense of self, or ego, has been a hindrance to their recovery. By surrendering their sense of self to God, the speaker is asking for help in removing the obstacles that stand in the way of their spiritual progress and their ability to help others.
The reference to "bondage" suggests a sense of captivity or imprisonment, implying that the speaker feels trapped by their difficulties and is seeking liberation from them. These difficulties could include the challenges and struggles associated with addiction, as well as any personal obstacles that may be hindering their recovery. By asking God to "take away my difficulties", the speaker is expressing a desire for relief and a recognition that they cannot overcome these challenges alone.
The prayer also emphasizes the speaker's desire to be of service to others. By overcoming their difficulties, they hope to bear witness to God's power, love, and way of life. This aspect of the prayer reflects the importance of helping others in the Alcoholics Anonymous program. By sharing their own struggles and victories, they can inspire and guide others on their journey to recovery.
Furthermore, the prayer highlights the speaker's trust in God's ability to remove these difficulties. By submitting to God's will and seeking freedom from self-will, the speaker is aligning themselves with God's power and love. This alignment is crucial in the recovery process, as it provides a sense of strength, guidance, and purpose. Through meditation and prayer, the speaker seeks to maintain a clear and open connection with God, free from the distractions and confusion of daily life.
Overall, the Third Step Prayer is a powerful expression of surrender, trust, and service. By offering themselves to God and seeking relief from their difficulties, the speaker is taking a crucial step in their recovery journey. This prayer reflects the spiritual principles of Alcoholics Anonymous, emphasizing humility, faith, and a commitment to helping others.
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Witnessing to others
The act of witnessing to others is an embodiment of this prayer in action. By sharing their stories and experiences, AA members become living proof of the Higher Power's ability to bring about positive change. Each person's journey through addiction and recovery is unique, and by bearing witness to their own struggles and triumphs, they can offer hope and inspiration to those who are still suffering.
Through their testimonies, AA members demonstrate that recovery is possible and that the Higher Power is ever-present and willing to help those who seek it. This act of sharing one's story becomes a powerful tool for helping others recognize the presence and influence of the Higher Power in their own lives. It also reinforces the individual's commitment to their own recovery and spiritual growth.
When AA members openly discuss their experiences, they create a sense of community and camaraderie within the group. This sense of belonging can be incredibly empowering for those in recovery, as they realize they are not alone in their struggles. Additionally, witnessing to others can help break the stigma and misconceptions surrounding addiction, fostering greater understanding and empathy within the broader community.
The third step prayer serves as a reminder that by surrendering to the Higher Power and seeking relief from their difficulties, AA members are empowered to help others. Their willingness to share their stories and offer support to those in need becomes a testament to the transformative power of the AA program and the Higher Power's love and guidance. This aspect of service to others is a fundamental principle of AA, and it reinforces the ongoing spiritual awakening and progress that individuals experience throughout their recovery journey.
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Thy will be done
The Third Step Prayer of Alcoholics Anonymous is a plea for guidance and a commitment to surrendering one's self-will to a higher power. It reads:
> "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!"
In this prayer, the individual acknowledges their willingness to submit to God's will and to be guided by a higher power. The phrase "Thy will be done" reflects a recognition that the higher power's plan is greater than one's own desires or self-will. This surrender is a pivotal aspect of the recovery process, as it empowers the individual to let go of their ego and embrace a higher purpose.
By reciting "Thy will be done," the person in recovery expresses their desire to be relieved of the "bondage of self." This bondage refers to the chains of addiction, selfishness, and self-destructive behaviors that have held them captive. They are asking for freedom from the confines of their own limited perspective and the strength to overcome their difficulties.
Furthermore, "Thy will be done" signifies a request for guidance in navigating life's challenges. It is an appeal for clarity and direction, recognizing that the higher power's will is ultimately beneficial and loving. This phrase also serves as a reminder that the power to overcome addiction and achieve lasting recovery lies beyond oneself.
The Third Step Prayer encourages individuals battling addiction to place their trust in a higher power and to align their actions with divine guidance. It is a powerful tool for fostering humility, openness, and a willingness to embrace a new way of life, free from the destructive patterns of addiction.
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Frequently asked questions
The third step prayer for Alcoholics Anonymous is: "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!".
The third step prayer is part of a twelve-step programme for recovery from addiction.
The prayer is a request for guidance and a commitment to surrendering one's will to a higher power, recognising the limitations of the self and seeking freedom from self-will, rationalisation, and wishful thinking.
The higher power referred to in the third step prayer is God, though the concept of a higher power can be interpreted personally and may vary for different individuals in Alcoholics Anonymous.
