For many in recovery, the 3rd step is a pivotal point on the road to lasting sobriety. This simple prayer, found in the Bible’s book of Romans, has become a cornerstone of 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. By working the 3rd step, addicts and alcoholics learn to surrender their lives and wills over to a Higher Power of their understanding.
While simple, reciting the Third Step Prayer can positively transform one’s sobriety journey. Here are five ways to consistently use the 3rd step prayer to drastically improve and strengthen recovery.
1. Helps Let Go of Self-Will
One of the most difficult challenges for those newly in recovery is letting go of self-will. For so long, addiction drove everything by one’s desires and cravings. Breaking free from that cycle and embracing a new way of living grounded in spiritual principles rather than self-reliance is no easy task. The 3rd Step Prayer aa serves as a daily reminder and reinforcement of this crucial surrender of self-will: “Take my will and my life, Guide me in my recovery, Show me how to live.”
By saying these words each morning, one consciously releases control and hands decision-making to God. Over time, this consistent practice helps ingrain a new mental paradigm where one’s addict self is set aside, and a power greater than oneself is trusted to show the path. Letting go of ego and self-will is the key to long-term recovery, and no tool aids in that process more succinctly than reflecting on the Third Step Prayer.
Many find this stepping out of self-will to be one of the biggest obstacles to sobriety in early recovery. Our egos don’t want to surrender! But those who work the 3rd step quickly find new freedom from the bondage of their thinking.
2. Instills Calm During Cravings and Difficult Times
Active addiction thrives off impulsiveness, recklessness, and living entirely in the moment. But in recovery, maintaining one’s sobriety requires patience, sober thinking, delayed gratification, and an ability to withstand difficult emotions without acting out. The Third Step Prayer provides a proven coping strategy for these trying situations.
When a craving hits, negativity creeps in, or life presents challenges, reciting the prayer inserts an element of stillness, acceptance, and faith. By praying “to build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt,” you are putting your life in God’s hands. It’s the ultimate act of surrender and an admission that, on your own, you haven’t been able to overcome addiction through self-knowledge and willpower alone.
Rather than panicking or reacting desperately in the heat of the moment, one instead takes a breath and turns the situation over for divine guidance. Time and again, those who call upon their Third Step Prayer in this way report feeling an immediate sense of peace and clarity that sees them successfully through a trigger without relapsing.
3. Strengthens Spiritual Beliefs and Faith
Dealing with addiction often shatters one’s sense of meaning, purpose, and connection to a higher power. Early recovery then demands rebuilding a framework of spiritual principles to anchor one’s new way of living. Repeatedly affirming the Third Step Prayer is pivotal in deepening one’s spiritual understanding and faith.
By committing to aligning themselves with God’s will daily, believers find their relationship with their Higher Power ever expanding. Over weeks and months, once abstract concepts of faith and spirituality crystallize into a profound, felt knowledge. Believers draw immense hope, strength, and serenity, knowing that a power greater than themselves stands with them in the good times and bad. Dependence on this divine support grows to a point where recovery and life are unimaginable. Consistent Third Step Prayer practice immeasurably enhances and nourishes one’s recovery spirituality.
4. Prayer Provides Power and Love
Not only does the 3rd step prayer state that overcoming difficulties will bear “witness to Thy Power,” but it also adds “Thy Love.” So, the prayer taps into the Power and Love you gain access to through a spiritual solution to addiction.
No alcoholic or addict has the power to stay sober on their own willpower and sheer force of discipline. Our addiction is far too powerful and cunning for that approach to work long-term. By turning your will and life over through the 3rd step, you get access to a Power much greater than human power to stay sober a day at a time.
Just as crucial as power, this daily Third Step practice fills the soul with the purity of unconditional love. After years steeped in behaviors stemming from self-hate, people with an addiction learn to doubt their basic lovability. But sincerely feeling a higher power’s love and acceptance renews this core sense of worth. Feeling loved as one is, flaws and all melts away insecurity and fuels compassion for self and others.
5. Prayer Fosters Growth and Positive Change
The Third Step Prayer presents a snapshot of someone embarking on a new journey, aware that change needs to happen but open and willing to be guided better. Growth does not come easily or instantly; it comes through small daily actions over time. Each time one recites “Guide me in my recovery, show me how to live,” they re-commit to the transformational recovery process and make themselves available for positive change. Amazingly, this surrender attitude sets powerful growth forces into motion when coupled with working on other recovery program aspects.
Believers find old destructive patterns and weaknesses fading away naturally as healthier ways of thinking, behaving, and interacting replace them. Personal development happens gradually but surely. Troubled areas of life that seemed immovable for years improved remarkably. New strengths, wisdom, and even joy emerge surprisingly.
Key Takeaway
From its calming effect during cravings to nurturing gratitude, faith, and growth – the Third Step Prayer proves a powerful tool in any recovery arsenal when prayed or reflected on consistently. Science backs its efficacy with studies finding reduced relapse rates and improved well-being among program participants who made spiritual practices like the Third Step central to their recovery program.
For those just starting or those with many years clean and sober, returning to this simple prayer daily renews a commitment to principles over personalities, humility over ego, and surrender over self-will. It is the quiet companion that has journeyed with millions to a safe harbor and freedom from addiction. For anyone dedicated to living fully in recovery, connecting intimately with their Higher Power through the Third Step Prayer will undoubtedly strengthen, guide, and transform their sobriety experience immeasurably.
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Source: Vietnam Insider