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
Written by Armand
You've identified and isolated the essential problem - my thought process. If no human power can overcome my alcoholism, how then can my thought process be transformed? In Bill's Story, he iterates that when men of religion spoke of a personal God, the were speaking of three things: love, superhuman strength, and direction. This is exactly where The Third Step was most effective for me. In making a final choice to turn my thoughts and my behavior over to The Power Within me through the integration of all Twelve Steps into my life until they became my life. Hence, I was relieved of the bondage of me and freed to pursue life as the spirit would move me. And, it is the spirit that moves me. Away from myself and my thoughts towards you, and then back to the me I was born to be. In experiencing The Third Step prayer, my hope is to become that prayer. I believe that we can all do that. I believe that is the program of recovery.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing Armand,
ReplyDeleteHow 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:
"Dearest 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. Lord, flood my mind with Your thoughts and my spirit with Your Presence so that all whom I encounter throughout this day may know of a certainty that You truly abide deep within my soul. Amen..
A Gratefully Recovering Alcoholic.