Step 7 Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
Sponsor:
Well dear one, are we now ready for step 7?
Newbie:
I guess so - let me read the paragraph:
Big Book page 76:
When ready, we say something like this: "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." We have then completed Step Seven.
This doesn't seem to be a frightening step!
Sponsor:
No, I don’t think it is. Let me summarise - Steps one said we were powerless, but in step two we saw that there was a power that could help us. Then in step 3 we made a decision to seek HP’s help. Of course, it was a decision, not action - so we followed this with an inventory of our "handicaps" in step 4 and we admitted our part in step 5. And then step 6 got us to the point were we were ready to have these defects removed.
Newbie:
Yes, it didn’t seem it at the time, but now I see it as a journey:)
Sponsor:
Did you notice the Step 3 prayer did not have an "Amen" at the end?
Newbie:
Oh! no I didn’t to be honest!
Sponsor:
I like to think that it’s because the step 3 and seven prayers go together - I am willing (step 3) and I will do it (step 7)
Newbie:
Yes, that makes sense - because the decision I made in step 3 is no good all by itself. It makes me sad when I hear of people who are "stuck" on step 3.
Sponsor:
Yes dear one I understand - but that is their recovery. And sometimes it is necessary for someone to go out and hurt some more, before they are ready to fully accept the principles of this programme.
Newbie:
Well I pray that is not me!
Sponsor:
And notice that the prayer is quite specific - it says "take away the issues that stop me being helpful to others" so - anything else, I can keep:)
Newbie:
My will would be that they all be removed - but HP’s will, not mine be done!
Sponsor:
Good Answer!!! - Well, I cannot see what HP’s plans for me are, but I try to be willing to do whatever HP wants me to do:)
Newbie:
Yes, and I am willing to be willing too! I really think I am ready to say the step seven prayer and mean it - can we all say it together with the step 3 prayer, do you think?
Sponsor:
That would be an excellent idea:)
Step 3
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!
...
Step 7
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