The Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous provide more than a roadmap for sobriety—they offer a deeply spiritual path for transformation. Among them, the Seventh Step Prayer stands out as a moment of true surrender. For Christians walking the road of substance abuse recovery, this step prayer offers a rich opportunity to integrate faith into healing.
Whether you’ve progressed through the previous steps or are just beginning your life in recovery, the 7th Step Prayer calls us to invite God to transform not just our behaviors, but our very hearts.
Understanding the Seventh Step Prayer
The Seventh Step in the Twelve Steps reads: “Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.” This is a call to surrender our character defects and trust in a higher power to guide the rest of the journey.
The Seventh Step Prayer that accompanies this step is:
“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 isn’t about perfection—it’s about humility. We ask God to remove what no longer serves Him, recognizing that our self will, our character flaws, and our pride keep us from fulfilling His purpose.
Comparing the Seventh Step Prayer to the Third Step Prayer
Many recovering individuals also find strength in the Third Step Prayer:
“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 will, 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.”
Both prayers underscore the power of surrender—to let go of self pity, to reject the illusion of control, and to walk in alignment with God’s will. These prayers reflect the deep truth that real freedom comes from letting go.
Christian Interpretation of the Seventh Step Prayer
For Christians, the 7th Step Prayer echoes Biblical teachings in every line:
“Remove from me every single defect of character” echoes David’s cry in Psalm 51:10: “Create in me a pure heart, O God…”
“Which stands in the way of my usefulness to You” reflects Romans 12:1, which calls us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices to serve others.
“Grant me strength as I go” is a faithful echo of Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
This prayer invites God’s grace to work in us, not only to remove sin and weakness, but to empower us to serve others in love.
How to Integrate the Seventh Step Prayer Into Daily Life
Applying the Seventh Step Prayer is not a one-time ritual—it’s a daily invitation for God to refine our character and shape our life. Here are a few suggestions:
Morning & Evening Prayer: Begin and end the day by reciting the 7th Step Prayer, asking God to reveal what stands in the way of your usefulness.
Scripture & Step Work: Pair this step prayer with meditation on Scriptures about humility and grace. Let your moral inventory and prayer life inform one another.
Journaling Through the Steps: Reflect on how God is revealing your character flaws and areas for growth. Revisit your journals as a testament to His work in you.
Service Through Faith: Embody the prayer’s message by living out Galatians 5:13—serve one another in love.
How LINKS Helps Christians Apply the Seventh Step Prayer
At LINKS, the Christian Tract of Northbound Treatment Network, we specialize in helping clients connect faith and recovery in a deeply personal way. We know that simply working through the Twelve Steps without spiritual anchoring can feel hollow, especially for those seeking God’s purpose in their healing.
That’s why our program includes:
Faith-based counseling and mentorship rooted in Scripture
Guidance through the twelve steps and twelve traditions from a Christian perspective
Safe spaces to explore the role of a higher power—not just any power, but God, revealed through Christ
Prayer integration throughout the recovery journey, including the Seventh Step Prayer, the Third Step Prayer, and more
Biblical insight into how to remove from me every obstacle that stands in the way of your God-given calling
We help clients understand that surrendering to “Thy power, Thy love, and Thy way” leads to the kind of renewal that only God can bring. This isn’t just about sobriety—it’s about becoming the person God created you to be.
Closing Encouragement: Let Go, Let God
You don’t have to carry your burdens alone. If you’re ready to surrender your self will, trust in God, and walk a new path, the Seventh Step Prayer can be your guide. Let it become part of your routine. Let it shape your heart.
“I pray that You now remove from me every single defect of character which stands in the way of my usefulness to You…”
If you need help walking this journey with others who share your faith, reach out to LINKS today. You were never meant to do this alone. With Christ at the center, recovery is possible—and your life can become a living witness of “Thy power, Thy love, and Thy way.”
Contact us now to begin faith-based recovery with a team that honors both the power of the Twelve Steps and the truth of the Bible.
