Having admitted complete defeat; having admitted to our innermost self that we were alcoholic; having come to the understanding that human power could not overcome our alcoholism; having begun to trust in God as a solution to our problem -- we were now at Step Three. Step Three occurred when we decided, when we made a final choice, to turn our will (which is our thoughts) and our life (which is our behavior) over to the care of God. Going forward we make a final choice that our thought process will no longer be propelled by our human instinct but rather by the will of God.
We get down on our knees and bow our heads praying, "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!"
This is an important and critical step for the beginning of the transformation of our thought process, which is essential and must occur, if we are to recover from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body. However, this is only the beginning. Now that we have taken a Third Step we must complete the remaining steps so that the transformation of our thought process is complete. Once completed, we can receive the full benefits of the Third Step Prayer. We can trust in God for not only a solution to our addiction but as a solution to all of our problems.
Written by Armand
E
Written by Armand
E
For me, it is vital to understand that the word "transformation" means far more in Recovery than simply not drinking and attending meetings, as important as those factors are. Transformation is an active process, a pursuit as opposed to an accidental beneficial occurrence. Since the center of my alcohol problem existed in my mind, it is there that vital change must occur. But my mind, unfortunately, does not possess the capability to transform my mind; the broken hammer cannot fix the hammer that's broken. As you point out, The Twelve Steps are sequential and are in place, when incorporated into my daily life, in order to awaken my spirit and, thereby, enable me to receive the gift of The Power Within me. It is only from That Power that I have experienced the ability to abandon myself fully, and to trust through inspiration. That awareness has not only brought peace to my mind, it has given me the opportunity to share this transformation with others in the hope that they, too, will be freed from the bondage of themselves.
ReplyDeleteMichael Dr.Silkworth in his letter to AA spoke of a psychic change that must occur and is essential for an alcoholic or an addict to recover. The Third Step Prayer is a decision to subrogate our thought process to the will of God...Thank you...Armand
ReplyDeleteThis Is From A Gratefully Recovering Alcoholic
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing Armand,
How many years were waisted trying to plot the day's journey using an outdated map with missing pages over harrowing terrane impossible to navigate only to finally discover the GPS in my glove box had been there all along. Just plug it in, follow the directions and enjoy the ride, assured of arrival at the final destination. As each day begins with opportunities masquerading as complex problems I need not fear any outcome for by His grace I've decided to place all that I am or ever hope to be firmly in the hands of the Master Planner. And so, I begin each day with a simple prayer:
"Lord God, as I begin this day I acknowledge my total dependence upon You. Revelation of Your truth comes in relationship with You, and Your inspiration is given when I am illuminated with Your Spirit. Therefore, as I enter and prepare for this day's decisions I now open my innermost mind to the inflow of Your Spirit as I lay this days problems and perplexities at your feet"
A Gratefully Recovering Alcoholic.
A Grateful Recovering Alcoholic Not much to add to something so well said...Thank you...Armand
ReplyDelete