Seventh Step Prayer In Aa

The Seventh Step: Seeking God's Will and the Power to Carry It Out in Alcoholics Anonymous

The Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) provide a framework for recovery from alcoholism, offering a path toward spiritual awakening and lasting sobriety. While each step is crucial, the Seventh Step—"Humility: Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings"—holds a unique position, acting as a bridge between acknowledging our powerlessness (Steps 1-3) and actively working to improve our lives (Steps 4-12). This step delves into the core of self-improvement, focusing on identifying and surrendering our character defects to a Higher Power. Understanding its depth requires exploring its meaning, process, and integration within the overall AA program.

Understanding the Seventh Step: More Than Just Asking

The Seventh Step isn't merely a request; it's a profound act of surrender. It's about recognizing our limitations and asking for help in overcoming them. The "shortcomings" referenced aren't just about alcoholism; they encompass the entire spectrum of character flaws that contribute to our addiction and hinder our ability to live a fulfilling life. These might include anger, resentment, selfishness, dishonesty, fear, or pride. The step acknowledges that we cannot overcome these flaws on our own; we need divine assistance.

This "Him" refers to a Higher Power, a concept personalized by each individual within AA. It doesn't necessarily mean a traditional God; it could be a higher power as understood by the individual, such as nature, a spiritual force, or even the collective consciousness of humanity. The crucial element is acknowledging a force greater than oneself, capable of guiding and strengthening us on our journey. The process necessitates sincere introspection and a willingness to examine ourselves honestly and without judgment.

The Process of Working the Seventh Step:

Effectively working the Seventh Step requires a structured and contemplative approach. It's a deeply personal journey, but certain guidelines can be helpful:

• Step 4 Inventory as a Foundation: The Fourth Step, a thorough moral inventory, lays the groundwork for the Seventh. This inventory identifies specific character defects and their impact on our lives. It's not about self-flagellation, but about self-understanding. The more thorough the Fourth Step, the clearer the picture for the Seventh.

• Prayer and Meditation: Prayer and meditation are vital tools for connecting with one's Higher Power. This isn't about ritualistic prayer but about sincere, heartfelt communication with the force that we believe can help us change. Meditation helps to quiet the mind, allowing for deeper introspection and a clearer connection to inner guidance.

• Identifying Specific Shortcomings: The Seventh Step isn't about vague requests. We should clearly identify the character defects revealed in our Fourth Step inventory. Specificity allows for targeted prayers and increased clarity in understanding our needs. For example, instead of praying for “less anger”, one might pray for "help in controlling my anger when faced with criticism."

• Surrender and Acceptance: True surrender is essential. This isn't a passive resignation but an active release of our control over these flaws. It's accepting that we are not capable of fixing these issues alone and entrusting them to a Higher Power. This includes accepting the imperfections inherent in oneself.

• Seeking Guidance: Prayer is a two-way street. We ask for guidance in recognizing and overcoming our flaws, but we must also be open to receiving that guidance. This might come in the form of intuition, inspiration, insights from others, or even challenging circumstances that reveal our weaknesses.

• Ongoing Process: The Seventh Step isn't a one-time event; it's an ongoing process. As we grow and change, new shortcomings may emerge, and our prayers and requests for assistance will evolve accordingly. It's about continuous growth and refinement.

The Scientific Perspective (Neuroplasticity and the Seventh Step):

While the Seventh Step is primarily a spiritual practice, it aligns with modern understanding of neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. Through repeated actions and conscious choices, we can rewire our brains, changing ingrained patterns of behavior. The Seventh Step’s emphasis on prayer and meditation can contribute to this process:

• Mindfulness and Meditation: Meditation practices, often incorporated alongside the Seventh Step, promote mindfulness. Mindfulness helps us to become more aware of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, allowing us to identify patterns and make conscious choices to change them.

• Cognitive Restructuring: The process of identifying and surrendering our shortcomings involves a form of cognitive restructuring. By acknowledging and accepting our flaws, we begin to challenge negative thought patterns and beliefs that perpetuate harmful behaviors.

• Spiritual Practices and Stress Reduction: Spiritual practices, including prayer and meditation, have been shown to reduce stress and enhance emotional well-being. This creates a more favorable environment for neuroplasticity, as stress can hinder the brain's ability to adapt and change.

The Seventh Step and Other Steps:

The Seventh Step is inextricably linked to other steps in the AA program. Its effectiveness relies heavily on the preceding steps:

• Step 1-3: Foundation of Powerlessness: The honest admission of powerlessness (Steps 1-3) is the bedrock upon which the Seventh Step is built. Without acknowledging our inability to conquer our flaws alone, the request for help becomes insincere and ineffective.

• Step 4: Self-Examination: The Fourth Step provides the detailed inventory necessary to identify specific shortcomings. Without this self-assessment, the prayer remains vague and lacks direction.

• Step 5-6: Confession and Willingness: Confessing our shortcomings to another person (Step 5) and preparing to make amends (Step 6) creates a climate of openness and honesty, making it easier to surrender our flaws to a Higher Power.

• Step 8-12: Action and Growth: The Seventh Step sets the stage for active amends-making (Step 8) and continued growth and service (Steps 9-12). Without the willingness to change, the prayer remains a hollow gesture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

• What if I don't believe in God? The "Higher Power" is defined individually. It can be anything that you believe is greater than yourself and can offer guidance and strength. This might be nature, a spiritual force, the collective consciousness of humanity, or even a strong sense of ethical principles.

• How often should I pray for the removal of my shortcomings? There's no set frequency. The important thing is to maintain a consistent connection with your Higher Power. This might involve daily prayer, or it could be a more intermittent practice. The key is consistency and sincerity.

• What if I don't see immediate results? Recovery is a process, not an event. Don't get discouraged if you don't see immediate results. The process of change is gradual, and the progress will be noticeable over time. Trust in your Higher Power and the process.

• What if I relapse? Relapse doesn't negate the work done in the Seventh Step. It's a setback, not a failure. Use it as an opportunity for further self-reflection and to renew your commitment to recovery. Return to prayer and seek support from your sponsor and AA community.

Conclusion:

The Seventh Step in Alcoholics Anonymous represents a crucial turning point in the recovery journey. It moves beyond mere acknowledgment of problems to active seeking of divine assistance in overcoming them. It’s a deeply personal process that demands humility, self-reflection, and a genuine willingness to surrender to a power greater than oneself. By embracing this step with honesty and openness, individuals can unlock transformative changes in their character and create a foundation for a sustainable and fulfilling life free from the grip of addiction. Remember, the journey is not a race; it's about continuous growth and improvement, consistently seeking guidance from your Higher Power and maintaining a strong connection with the supportive AA community. The Seventh Step, combined with the other steps and continuous effort, provides a potent path towards lasting sobriety and personal transformation.