Saying the Third Step

[caressa]

You are reading from the book Each Day a New Beginning

When action grows unprofitable, gather information; when information grows unprofitable, sleep.

—Ursula K. LeGuin

Sometimes we need to turn away from what's troubling us. Turn it over, says the Third Step. hanging onto a situation for which no solution is immediately apparent, only exaggerates the situation. It is often said the solution to any problem lies within it. However, turning the problem over and over in our minds keeps our attention on the outer appearance, not the inner solution.

Rest, meditation, quiet attention to other matters, other persons, opens the way for God to reveal the solution. Every problem can be resolved. And no answer is ever withheld for long. We need to be open to it, though. We need to step away from our ego, outside of the problem and then listen fully to the words of friends, to the words that rise from our own hearts. Too much thinking, incessant analyzing, will keep any problem a problem.

I will rest from my thoughts. I will give my attention wholly to the present. Therein will come the solution, and when least expected.

[caressa]

This is a prayer I say daily along with the Serenity Prayer and the Seventh Step Prayer.

I call it getting out of the way so my God can work through me instead of having to work around me.

I can't, my God can, just for today, I choose to let Him. The beaver is the totem animal Jamie Sam's book Medicine Cards) of my masculine side, my survivor side. Busy as a beaver, I can get so busy and get caught up in self, that I forget to give to others and give myself the loving care I need.

[majestyjo]

Third Step Prayer AA

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!


Third Step Prayer (Dr. Bob)

Dear God,

I’m sorry about the mess I’ve made of my life. I want to turn away from all the wrong things I’ve ever done and all the wrong things I’ve ever been. Please forgive me for it all. I know You have the power to change my life and can turn me into a winner. Thank You, God for getting my attention long enough to interest me in trying it Your way. God, please take over the management of my life and everything about me. I am making this conscious decision to turn my will and my life over to Your care and am asking You to please take over all parts of my life. Please, God, move into my heart. However You do it is Your business, but make Yourself real inside me and fill my awful emptiness. Fill me with your love and Holy Spirit and make me know Your will for me. And now, God, help Yourself to me and keep on doing it. I’m not sure I want You to, but do it anyhow. I rejoice that I am now a part of Your people, that my uncertainty is gone forever, and that You now have control of my will and my life. Thank You and I praise Your name.

Amen.


Third Step Prayer NA

Take my will & my life,

Guide me in my recovery,

Show me how to live.


Native American Third Step Prayer

Oh Great Spirit whose voice in the winds I hear,

And whose breath gives life to all the world-

Hear me.

Before you I come

One of your many children.

I am small & weak.

Your strength & wisdom I need.

Let me walk in beauty & make my eyes ever behold the sunset.

Make my heart respect all You have made,

& my ears sharp to hear Your voice.

Make me wise that I may know all You have taught my people,

The lessons You have hidden in every rock.

I seek strength, not to be superior to my brother,
but to fight my greatest enemy – myself.

Make me ready to stand before You with clean & straight eyes,

So when life fades as the fading sunset,

may my spirit stand before You without shame.

–Mitakuye Oyasin

[caressa222]

Prayers good any time.