Alcoholics Anonymous Seventh Step Prayer

The Alcoholics Anonymous Seventh Step Prayer: A Journey of Surrender and Self-Discovery

The Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) program is renowned for its twelve-step approach to recovery from alcohol addiction. Central to this process is the Seventh Step prayer, a pivotal moment of surrender and self-reflection that marks a significant turning point for many individuals seeking sobriety. This prayer is not a magical cure, but rather a powerful tool for honest self-assessment and a commitment to a higher power, paving the way for lasting change. This article will delve deep into the meaning and significance of the AA Seventh Step prayer, exploring its nuances and providing a comprehensive guide for those unfamiliar with the process. We will examine its practical application, address common questions, and highlight its role within the broader context of the AA program.

Understanding the Context: The First Six Steps

Before diving into the specifics of the Seventh Step, it's crucial to understand its place within the overall AA framework. The first six steps lay the groundwork for this critical moment of surrender. They involve:

1. Admitting Powerlessness: Recognizing that alcohol has become an uncontrollable force in one's life.
2. Believing in a Power Greater Than Ourselves: Acknowledging the need for a higher power, which can take various forms depending on individual beliefs.
3. Making a Decision to Turn Our Will and Lives Over to the Care of God (as we understood Him): This is a crucial step involving the conscious decision to relinquish control.
4. Making a Searching and Fearless Moral Inventory of Ourselves: This involves honestly examining one's past actions and their impact on others.
5. Admitting to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs: This step requires courage and vulnerability, sharing one's shortcomings with another person.
6. Being Entirely Ready to Have God Remove All These Defects of Character: This step represents a willingness to accept help and guidance in addressing personal flaws.

These preceding steps build a foundation of self-awareness and humility, preparing the individual for the transformative experience of the Seventh Step.

The Seventh Step Prayer: A Moment of Surrender

The Seventh Step prayer, often recited humbly and privately, focuses on humbly asking a higher power to remove shortcomings. While there is no prescribed wording, the essence of the prayer centers on this act of surrender and a willingness to accept guidance. A common rendition of the prayer 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 lie in obeying Thy will. Let me do Thy will always."

This prayer encapsulates several key elements:

• Humility: The prayer starts with a recognition of dependence on a higher power, acknowledging our limitations and need for assistance.
• Surrender: The phrase "I offer myself to Thee" signifies a complete relinquishment of control, trusting in a power greater than oneself to guide the path to recovery.
• Willingness: The prayer expresses a desire to cooperate with the higher power, accepting its guidance and direction in overcoming personal flaws.
• Removal of Defects: The prayer requests help in removing "defects of character"—those negative traits that have contributed to the addiction and hindered personal growth.
• Doing God's Will: The prayer ultimately aims to align one's life with the will of a higher power, seeking guidance in all aspects of life.

Beyond the Words: The Deeper Meaning

The Seventh Step prayer is more than just a recitation; it's a profound act of spiritual and emotional surrender. It's a recognition that one cannot overcome addiction alone and a willingness to accept help from a higher power, whatever that may mean to the individual. The prayer facilitates:

• Self-Reflection: The process of preparing for and reciting the prayer encourages deep introspection and self-examination, fostering a better understanding of one's strengths and weaknesses.
• Emotional Release: The act of surrendering control and expressing vulnerability can be emotionally cathartic, releasing pent-up feelings and anxieties.
• Spiritual Connection: For many, the Seventh Step is a catalyst for a deeper connection with their spirituality, whatever form that takes.
• Acceptance: The prayer encourages acceptance of oneself, flaws and all, as a necessary step towards personal growth and transformation.

Practical Application: Steps to Take

The Seventh Step isn't simply a prayer to be recited once; it's a process that requires careful consideration and ongoing commitment. Here are some steps to help in its practical application:

1. Preparation: Spend time in quiet reflection, honestly assessing your character defects identified in Step 4. List specific behaviors, attitudes, and thought patterns that have contributed to your addiction.
2. Prayer and Meditation: Take time to recite the prayer, allowing the words to resonate within you. Meditate on its meaning, allowing yourself to feel the emotions associated with surrender and trust.
3. Seeking Guidance: If you're struggling with specific aspects of the prayer or the process, seek guidance from your sponsor, a trusted friend, or a spiritual advisor.
4. Action: The prayer is not a passive act. It's a catalyst for action. Use the prayer as a starting point for positive change in your life. Actively work to address the defects identified in Step 4.
5. Ongoing Commitment: The Seventh Step is not a one-time event. It's an ongoing process of self-reflection, surrender, and growth. Continue to pray and work towards living in accordance with the principles of the AA program.

The Seventh Step and the Subsequent Steps

The Seventh Step lays the foundation for the remaining steps in the AA program. By surrendering to a higher power and actively working to overcome character defects, individuals are better prepared to make amends (Step 8), make direct amends to those they have harmed (Step 9), and continue to make amends where necessary (Step 10). Steps 11 and 12 focus on maintaining sobriety through prayer, meditation, and ongoing service to others. The Seventh Step is a crucial bridge connecting the self-examination of the early steps with the active work of repairing relationships and maintaining sobriety in the later steps.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What if I don't believe in God? The "higher power" in the AA program is not necessarily a traditional deity. It can be anything that provides strength, guidance, and support—nature, a community, or even a set of principles. The key is to find something larger than yourself that you can rely on.

• What if I find it difficult to surrender control? Surrender is a process, not an event. It takes time and practice. Start small, focusing on surrendering control in one area of your life before moving to others. Seek support from your sponsor or other members of the AA community.

• What if I'm afraid of what might be revealed during this process? This fear is completely understandable. The process is designed to support you through these difficult emotions. Remember that you're not alone, and your sponsor or other members of the AA community are there to help you.

• How do I know if I've successfully completed the Seventh Step? There is no magic formula or definitive test. The success of the Seventh Step is measured by your willingness to surrender, your continued efforts to address your character defects, and your overall progress in your recovery journey.

• What if I relapse after completing the Seventh Step? Relapse is a part of recovery for many people. It doesn't negate the value of the Seventh Step. View it as an opportunity to learn and grow, and seek support to get back on track.

Conclusion: A Journey of Transformation

The Alcoholics Anonymous Seventh Step prayer is a powerful tool for self-discovery and transformation. It's not a quick fix or a magical solution, but a crucial step in a long-term journey towards sobriety and personal growth. By humbly surrendering to a higher power and actively working to overcome character defects, individuals can pave the way for a healthier, more fulfilling life. The journey may be challenging, but the potential rewards are immense – a life free from the grip of addiction and the opportunity to experience true peace and serenity. Remember, the Seventh Step is a cornerstone of the AA program, fostering a crucial shift in perspective and setting the stage for lasting change. The process requires honesty, courage, and a willingness to trust in a power greater than oneself—a journey toward a more meaningful and fulfilling life.