The 7th Step Prayer in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a cornerstone of the recovery journey, offering those of us in recovery a profound way to connect with God and ask for help in removing our character defects. This prayer reminds us that recovery is not something we can achieve alone—it requires humility, faith, and a willingness to surrender our shortcomings to a power greater than ourselves. Through the 7th Step Prayer, we open ourselves to the possibility of lasting transformation.
As we work through Step Seven, we move beyond merely recognizing our shortcomings and begin the process of letting them go. By humbly asking God to remove what stands in the way of our usefulness to Him and others, we align our lives with spiritual principles and embrace a life of purpose. This step isn’t about perfection but about progress and building a relationship with God.
For many of us, this step marks the beginning of true spiritual growth. By practicing humility and relying on God’s power, we find freedom from the patterns of addiction and discover a deeper sense of connection to life. In the following sections, we will explore how Step 7 transforms us, deepens our faith, and helps us live a life aligned with the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Understanding Step 7 in Alcoholics Anonymous
Step 7 in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) invites us to take a vital step in our recovery by humbly asking God to remove our shortcomings. This step builds on the foundation of the previous steps, where we admitted our powerlessness over alcohol and took a moral inventory of our character defects. Now, we turn to God with faith and humility, asking for His help in addressing what stands in the way of our growth and usefulness.
This step reminds us that recovery is about progress, not perfection. By trusting in God’s power, we learn to accept our imperfections while striving for personal growth. Step Seven is not just about identifying our flaws but also about recognizing the need for spiritual assistance to overcome them. This act of surrender marks a turning point in our journey, helping us let go of old patterns and embrace a life of purpose and humility.
Acknowledging God’s Power in Recovery
In The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, acknowledging God’s power is a transformative act that sets the tone for Step Seven. As we face our shortcomings, we recognize that overcoming them requires a strength far greater than our own. Our character defects, such as pride and self-centeredness, have kept us trapped in the cycle of addiction, blocking us from becoming the people we want to be. By turning to God, we begin to break free from these patterns and align ourselves with His guidance.
This acknowledgment goes beyond mere belief—it’s about building a relationship with God and relying on Him for help. The 7th Step Prayer reinforces this by inviting us to humbly ask for divine intervention. Through prayer and spiritual practice, we open our hearts to the possibility of real change. It is in this surrender that we find the strength to let go of what no longer serves us.
For many of us, trusting God’s power is not easy at first. Addiction often leaves us feeling isolated, but the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous teach us to lean on faith and community. As we work Step 7, we learn to accept that God is not only willing but able to remove our defects.
This reliance on God is not a sign of weakness but of strength. It allows us to stop thinking we have to fix everything ourselves and trust that a higher power is guiding us. By letting go of the defects of character that have hindered us, we begin to live with a sense of freedom and purpose.
Acknowledging God’s power in recovery changes everything. It helps us recognize that we are not alone, that change is possible, and that the burdens we’ve carried for so long can be lifted. This shift in perspective is a cornerstone of Step 7 and a fundamental part of finding lasting peace and humility.
The 7th Step Prayer of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
“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 my fellows. Grant me strength, as I go out from here, to do your bidding. Amen.”
Breaking Down The Step Seven Prayer
The 7th Step Prayer is a powerful expression of humility and trust in God. It begins with the acknowledgment of God as our Creator, reminding us of His ultimate authority and our reliance on Him for guidance. By addressing Him directly, we demonstrate our willingness to surrender both our strengths and weaknesses, opening ourselves to the possibility of meaningful change. This is where the journey of Step Seven begins.
In the prayer, we humbly ask God to remove every single defect of character that stands in the way of our usefulness. This request is not just about self-improvement but about aligning our lives with His will. By asking for help, we take an active step toward spiritual growth, trusting in God’s power to bring about transformation.
The final lines of the prayer ask God to grant us strength to carry out His bidding. This reflects the core of Step 7, where humility and action go hand in hand. We are not merely seeking personal relief but striving to become vessels for service and purpose. This prayer helps us stay grounded, connected to God, and committed to the process of recovery.
The Role of Humility in Step Seven
Humility is a fundamental aspect of working Step Seven in Alcoholics Anonymous. It involves recognizing that we cannot overcome the effects of substance abuse or address our character defects alone. Through the previous steps, we’ve done the work of taking a moral inventory and admitting our faults. Now, we come to the point where we humbly ask our higher power to remove these flaws, understanding that true transformation requires surrender and trust in spiritual guidance.
Practicing humility allows us to let go of pride and ego, which are often at the root of our struggles. By acknowledging that we need help, we open ourselves to a partnership with God, who has the power to remove every single defect that hinders our growth. Humility teaches us that this is not about being weak but about being willing to change and grow. This mindset shift is vital for achieving the personal change we seek in recovery.
Humility also helps us accept that progress takes time. As we work Step 7, we realize that embracing humility means letting go of the need for immediate results and trusting in God’s timing. It is through this ongoing surrender that we begin to notice real improvements in our lives and relationships.
For many of us, humility becomes a cornerstone of our recovery. It shifts our perspective from focusing solely on ourselves to considering how we can serve others. By aligning our lives with spiritual principles, we gain a sense of purpose that replaces the chaos of substance abuse.
In Step Seven, humility is not a one-time act but a lifelong practice. It requires daily effort to remain open to spiritual guidance, continue seeking help from God, and stay committed to the process of growth. By practicing humility, we take one more step toward freedom, peace, and meaningful recovery.
Recognizing and Letting Go of Character Defects
Recognizing our character defects is one of the most challenging yet rewarding parts of working Step Seven. These defects, often rooted in pride, fear, or self-centeredness, have fueled our addiction and harmed our relationships. By acknowledging how these traits have negatively impacted our lives, we take the first step toward letting them go. This awareness is a direct result of the moral inventory we took in the previous steps, giving us a clear understanding of what needs to change.
Letting go of these defects requires more than recognition; it requires action. Through the 7th Step Prayer, we humbly ask our higher power to remove the defects that have stood in the way of our progress. This act of surrender, combined with our willingness to trust in God’s power, allows us to begin the process of genuine transformation.
The process of releasing character defects is not about perfection but progress. By letting go of each single defect, we create space for spiritual growth and healing. This ongoing effort aligns us with spiritual guidance and helps us build a life rooted in humility, faith, and service. Letting go is not always easy, but it is the foundation for the peace and freedom we seek in recovery.
How God Removes Our Shortcomings Through Spiritual Assistance
In Step Seven, we learn to rely on God’s power to remove the character defects that have controlled us. Through spiritual assistance, we acknowledge that these shortcomings cannot be overcome by willpower alone. By humbly asking God to intervene, we embrace the idea that true transformation comes from faith and surrender, not from striving for perfection.
Letting go of each single defect of character is a gradual process that requires patience and trust. Through the 7th Step Prayer, we invite God to guide us, trusting that His wisdom will address what stands in the way of our growth. This act of surrender helps us focus on progress rather than being overwhelmed by our faults.
Spiritual guidance is a continuous process, one that deepens as we build a relationship with God. By engaging in prayer and meditation, we become more aware of His influence in our lives. This awareness helps us recognize the subtle but profound changes happening as our shortcomings are removed.
As we work Step 7, we begin to see how this reliance on God allows us to live more freely and fully. The removal of our defects of character brings peace, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose, enabling us to serve others and live with humility.
The Rewards of Step 7 and Long-Term Sobriety
The rewards of working Step 7 go far beyond the removal of our shortcomings. By surrendering to God’s Power and embracing humility, we experience a newfound freedom from the burdens of addiction and self-centeredness. This freedom allows us to rebuild relationships, serve others, and live with purpose.
As we practice Step Seven, we develop the spiritual tools needed for long-term sobriety. Trusting in God, we find peace, personal growth, and a life aligned with meaningful values and principles.
Moving Forward With Greater Humility
Moving forward with humility after working Step 7 means continuing to trust in God and practicing the principles of recovery daily. By recognizing that our character defects once stood in the way of our peace and purpose, we can now walk with a deeper sense of gratitude and responsibility. Humility helps us remain open to spiritual guidance, ensuring that we continue to grow and serve others.
As we embrace this ongoing journey, we stop striving for perfection and focus on progress. Humility allows us to live life on life’s terms, accepting challenges with faith and grace. By staying connected to God and the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous, we experience freedom from addiction and a fulfilling, purposeful life.
Freedom and Purpose Through the Seventh Step Prayer
The seventh step offers us the chance to experience true freedom from the grip of addiction and the weight of our character defects. By turning to God and humbly asking for His help, we begin to live a life free from the patterns that once controlled us. This freedom allows us to move forward with clarity and a renewed sense of purpose, grounded in faith and humility.
Through spiritual guidance, we discover how to align our lives with God’s will, creating meaning in our actions and relationships. The removal of our shortcomings paves the way for service to others, deepening our connection to those around us. This transformation is not about achieving perfection but about living with integrity, purpose, and peace.
Practicing Step 7 with Your Higher Power in Daily Life
Practicing Step 7 daily means consistently turning to your higher power for guidance and support. This involves prayer, meditation, and reflecting on the ways your shortcomings might appear in your actions or thoughts. By remaining open to God’s power, you allow spiritual growth to continue as part of your routine.
Humility is key to this practice. By acknowledging that progress takes time, we learn to accept life on life’s terms and trust in God’s guidance to help us navigate challenges. This ongoing reliance strengthens our faith and keeps us grounded.
Through daily practice, Step Seven becomes a way of life. We stop focusing solely on ourselves and instead look for ways to serve others, creating a life filled with meaning and purpose.
The Connection Between Step 7 and the Twelve Steps
Step 7 is deeply tied to the foundation of the twelve steps, as it builds on the work of the previous steps. Through the moral inventory, we identified our shortcomings and now, in humility, we ask our higher power to remove them. This step reinforces our trust in God and prepares us for further spiritual growth.
By practicing Step Seven, we align with the principles of the twelve steps, such as humility, faith, and service. This connection reminds us that recovery is a continuous journey, requiring us to rely on God’s power to live purposefully and help others.
Final Thoughts on the Seventh Step Prayer
The Seventh Step in AA is a profound turning point in our recovery journey, offering freedom from the character flaws that have kept us trapped in cycles of alcohol addiction and despair. By working this step, we develop a reasonable perspective about ourselves and our need for transformation. When we humbly asked our Creator to remove our shortcomings, we opened the door to a new way of living, one built on humility, faith, and service.
The seventh step is not just a moment of surrender; it involves making a daily commitment to align with spiritual principles. This step prepares us for the future work of making amends and serving others, ensuring that we grow in humility and accountability. By letting go of our pride and learning to admit our faults, we become better people, more useful to our fellows and those around us.
This step is also an ongoing opportunity for reflection and renewal. As we stay aware of our spiritual growth, we become more connected to our Creator and the values that guide our recovery. The importance of humility becomes clear as we continue to rely on AA’s principles to live a meaningful life.
By embracing the Seventh Step, we experience lasting change that transforms not only our relationships with others but also with ourselves. We become the kind of person who seeks to help, rather than harm, and who builds rather than destroys. This change is foundational to recovery from alcohol addiction.
The steps prepared us to live with purpose and integrity. The 7th Step Prayer reminds us of the vital role God plays in our growth, helping us move forward with humility and faith. Through this step, we find peace, freedom, and a new life rooted in love and service.
Adam Vibe Gunton is an American author, speaker and thought leader in addiction treatment and recovery. After overcoming homelessness and drug addiction, Adam found his life’s purpose in helping addicts find the same freedom he found. As Founder and Executive Director of the 501(c)3 nonprofit, Recovered On Purpose, and Managing Partner of Behavioral Health Partners, Adam has helped thousands find freedom from addiction all over the world.