The Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) offer a spiritual framework for overcoming addiction, with each step serving as a guide for personal transformation. The Seventh Step is especially significant, as it focuses on seeking divine help to remove character defects. For Christians, this prayer can be a profound addition to their spiritual practice, reinforcing their faith and reliance on God. This article delves into the Seventh Step Prayer, its alignment with Christian teachings and its role in the recovery journey.
Understanding the Seventh Step Prayer
The Seventh Step of AA states: “Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.” This step involves recognizing one’s own limitations and asking a higher power for help in overcoming personal flaws. The corresponding Seventh Step Prayer reads:
“My Creator, I am now willing that You should have all of me, good and bad. I pray that You now remove from me every single defect of character which stands in the way of my usefulness to You and to my fellows. Grant me strength, as I go out from here, to do Thy bidding. Amen.”
This prayer encapsulates a plea for God’s intervention to overcome self-will and enhance one’s ability to serve others.
The Seventh Step prayer is often compared to the Third Step prayer, which 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. Amen.”
In both the Third Step prayer and the Seventh Step Prayer, God is positioned as an all-knowing and loving force that ultimately wants our greatest good, and has the power to change our hearts. Often, AA’s will repeat to themselves, “Thy will, not mine, be done.” This encapsulates the spirit of both prayers, affirming that God has the ultimate knowledge of what is best.
The Christian Interpretation of the Seventh Step Prayer
For Christians, the Seventh Step Prayer resonates deeply with biblical principles, emphasizing humility, transformation, and service. Key aspects of the prayer reflect Christian values:
Complete Surrender to God: The prayer begins with a total surrender to God’s will, echoing the call in James 4:7 to submit fully to God. This surrender is a cornerstone of the Christian faith, highlighting trust in God’s plan and love.
Eliminating Character Defects: By asking God to remove every single defect of character, the prayer aligns with the Christian pursuit of holiness and purification, as seen in Psalm 51:10. Christians seek transformation through God’s power, believing that true change is facilitated by the Holy Spirit.
Requesting Divine Strength: The prayer’s request for strength to follow God’s will acknowledges human frailty and the need for divine support, as expressed in Philippians 4:13. Christians understand that they can achieve all things through Christ’s strength.
Service to God and Others: The desire to be useful to God and fellow humans mirrors the Christian call to serve others with love and compassion, as encouraged in Galatians 5:13. Christians are called to bear witness to God’s love through their actions and service.
Integrating the Seventh Step Prayer into Christian Recovery
Incorporating the Seventh Step Prayer into a Christian’s daily routine can provide essential spiritual support during the recovery journey. Here are practical ways to integrate this prayer with Christian practices:
Daily Prayers: Recite the Seventh Step Prayer each morning and evening, reflecting on its meaning and seeking God’s guidance throughout the day.
Scripture Meditation: Pair the prayer with Bible readings that focus on humility, transformation, and service. Meditating on these scriptures can deepen the understanding of the prayer’s themes.
Journaling: Write reflections on the prayer’s impact on daily life, noting any insights or progress in character transformation. This practice can help track spiritual growth and recovery.
Community Involvement: Join prayer groups or Bible studies that focus on the themes of the Seventh Step Prayer. Sharing experiences with others can provide mutual support and encouragement.
Acts of Kindness: Engage in community service or church ministries, embodying the prayer’s call to be useful to God and others. Serving others can reinforce the principles of humility and selflessness.
When viewed through a Christian lens, the Seventh Step Prayer of AA becomes a vital tool for spiritual and personal growth. Its themes of surrender, divine strength, and service align with core Christian values, providing a framework for deepening one’s faith and commitment to recovery. By embracing this prayer, Christians can find strength and guidance in their journey, trusting in God’s power to transform their lives.
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