“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.” – Big Book page 76
For me, this was a new relationship with my Creator. Prior to AA, I was very ashamed to take my “bad” to God. I felt ashamed and not good enough to take these things before my Creator. I also felt this way in my home growing up. This led to a lot of emotional dysregulation and confusion and also many spiritual blocks that prevented me from spiritual growth.
By the time I got to AA, I also had a very difficult time believing anything good was even in me. So, again, this approach that I am composed of both good and bad was a new thing for me. Gradually, through inventory, through living the program one day at a time, I was able to see that when I aligned my will with the divine will of my Higher Power, there was plenty of good not only in me but all around me.
On a daily basis, the seventh step prayer really helps set the tone for my mornings. I am able to take everything before my Higher Power and hand it over, freeing me to put all my energy toward seeking my Higher Power and seeing my Higher Power’s will for me. Which boils down to being of maximum service to HP and others, which AA makes really straightforward and simple in the approach of Trust God, Clean House and Help Others.
All of this together on a one day at a time basis has brought inner peace into my life and helped guide me in the process of clearing away the wreckage of my past. And clearing that wreckage has brought about restoration and healing in so many places in my life that I had accepted were to be forever dark and bankrupt. My kids are in my life today, my parents are in my life today, God is in my life today, amazing sober women are in my life today, love is in my life today and that is all thanks to this program for showing me the way.
I would love to hear of your experience with the Seventh Step Prayer and any of the ways the Steps led you to repair and restore what had previously been broken.
A very happy Mother’s day to anyone celebrating and a big hug to any of us who struggle with our memories and emotions today. Sending you all love and hope from Ohio.