As one of the core components of the 12-step program, did you know that the Seventh Step Prayer can play a significant role in supporting a person’s journey toward long-term sobriety and personal development?
Simple but effective, this prayer outlines a daily practice of humbly giving up control to a higher power, letting go of flaws in one’s character, encouraging responsibility, and creating an inner calm that fortifies one against relapse.
One can find an honest-to-goodness transformation within oneself and create a more meaningful commitment to recovery by incorporating the seventh step of this prayer into one’s daily spiritual routine.
What prayer is the 7th step?
Step 7 in AA is the closest to what might be regarded as a religious petition to God, even if earlier steps are frequently repeated as a prayer or mantra. It says this:
“Now, my Creator, I permit you to have everything about me, good and evil. I ask that you now purge me of every single character flaw that prevents me from being of service to you and my fellow citizens. Give me the courage to carry out your instructions as I leave here. Amen.”
The language used in step 7’s prayer should appear less intimidating because those who have made it this far have already created their conception of what God or a higher power means to them. The use of “My Creator” and “Amen” may align with more conventional depictions of a higher power. Still, members with different perspectives on their higher power should be able to understand the meaning behind these phrases.
Asking for assistance humbly entails accepting humility, pleading with a higher force to erase one’s inadequacies, and seeking spiritual guidance. While some people can give up completely, many others can’t. Abruptly ending alcohol consumption (e.g., due to a severe alcohol use problem) can often result in serious health issues, including death. Support contributes to the process’s continued support.
One can no longer accomplish this alone by humbly asking for assistance. There’s much more to recovery. However, if you wish to extend your support for a loved one who has been recovering, a 7th step prayer would be an ideal present to remind them of your support.
What does the Seventh Step prayer aim to achieve?
The earlier AA steps helped the individual recognize who they are, acknowledge that they need help from others to kick their alcohol addiction and force them to examine and assess their moral landscape. These introspections encourage humility, a necessary quality for finishing the steps.
Those following the 12-step program can only genuinely surrender to a higher power to aid in removing their character flaws through humility and the removal of pride and arrogance from their lives. Step 7’s lesson in humility also strengthens the preceding steps and enhances one’s capacity for introspection regarding past deeds and behaviors.
How Is AA Recovery Relevant?
To combat alcoholism, sober men and women gather together as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and share their tales of overcoming adversity and the effectiveness of positive self-talk. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) was established in 1935 by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith. The organization offers a Twelve-step program to assist individuals in overcoming alcoholism. Alcoholics Anonymous, a group that helps people recover from alcoholism, places a strong emphasis on spirituality, introspection, and reliance on a higher power.
By attending meetings, completing the Twelve Steps, and offering support, members assist one another in maintaining sobriety and growing spiritually.
How to Finish AA’s Seventh Step
You should feel proud of your progress after finishing the first six AA steps. These pointers can assist you in completing the Seventh Step of AA as you go with your recovery.
1. Mindfulness Exercises and Step 7 of AA
Practicing mindfulness is one technique to work on Step 7 of AA. Being in the present moment, whether via prayer or meditation, maybe a very effective method to get perspective on who you are and what you’re doing. Changing your viewpoint can also help you think back on what you’ve done, which can lead to introspection and change.
2. Seeking Assistance for AA’s Step 7
As previously said, Step 7 of the 12-step process signifies the beginning of implementing the reflecting adjustments to the real world. It may, therefore, be difficult for many to practice this step. It can be crucial to ask a sponsor, friend, or qualified expert for assistance. Admitting one needs assistance is not only a humble gesture, but it can also assist in understanding how others see one’s actions and behaviors.
Is weakness and humility similar?
Admitting that they are “weak” to their addiction and the aspects of their character that show up in drinking-related behaviors is one of the 12 steps that many people find difficult to follow. Admitting that you are helpless against your addiction is the first step in treating this, but some people are unable to fully embrace this truth because of a sense of pride.
To accomplish Step 7, one must exhibit modesty and humility. Some people may need to start at Step 1 and go through it again to fully acknowledge that they are in need of assistance from a power greater than themselves.
The steps assist a person in developing the strength necessary to completely embody the act of introspection and humility. Even though an addict will always be helpless against their addiction, the 12 steps develop and shape character traits in other domains to enable the recovered addict to lead a successful and sober life.
In the end!
Step 7’s main objective is identifying and correcting any flaws or shortcomings contributing to problematic drinking. Moreover, step 7 focuses on developing humility and acknowledging that you are not perfect. Ultimately, the next step is to pray to a higher power to remove these imperfections.