Step 6 AA Prayer: Embracing Willingness to Change

Step 6 of the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) program invites individuals to embrace transformation: “Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.” Building on Step 5, where faults are confessed, Step 6 challenges us to cultivate a willingness to let go of old habits, attitudes, and patterns that hinder growth.

The Step 6 AA Prayer anchors this willingness, offering strength and grace to face the vulnerabilities that come with change. This step is about surrendering completely to God’s refining process and trusting Him to work within us for lasting transformation.

The Serenity Prayer and Step 6

“God, grant me the courage to change the things I can.”

Step 6 resonates with the Serenity Prayer’s call for courage, as it requires readiness to allow God’s power to address the defects of character uncovered in prior steps. This willingness is a partnership with God, acknowledging His role in making lasting changes while remaining committed to personal accountability.

Scriptural Connection:

• Ezekiel 36:26: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”
• 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
• Philippians 1:6: “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

A Step 6 AA Prayer for Willingness

Heavenly Father,

I come before You with an open heart, entirely ready for You to remove the defects of character that hold me back. I acknowledge my weaknesses and trust in Your power to transform me. Grant me the courage to let go of my old ways and the strength to embrace the changes You are making in my life.

Renew my heart and mind, Lord, and help me to trust in Your refining process. Thank You for Your grace that sustains me and for the promise of becoming the person You created me to be.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Practical Reflections and Activities

1. Daily Reflection: Use the Serenity Prayer to ask God for the courage to release character defects and embrace His transformation.
2. Journaling Prompt: Reflect on specific defects of character you are ready to release. How have these habits or attitudes hindered your growth?
3. Scripture Study: Meditate on Ezekiel 36:26, envisioning God’s promise to give you a new heart and spirit. Allow this truth to guide your readiness for change.
4. Support System: Share your readiness for change with a sponsor or trusted friend. Their encouragement and accountability can strengthen your commitment.

Testimony: The Power of Willingness

One individual shared their experience with Step 6: “For years, I held onto behaviors that hurt me and those around me. Step 6 taught me that willingness is the key to transformation. When I surrendered my defects to God, I began to see changes I never thought possible. Trusting God’s process brought me closer to Him and gave me hope for a better future.”

Encouragement for Step 6

Step 6 is a call to courageously trust God with your weaknesses and allow Him to work in your life. The Step 6 AA Prayer provides the spiritual grounding to approach this step with humility and hope. Remember, willingness is not about perfection but about being open to God’s transformative work.

Building on the transparency of Step 5, Step 6 moves you closer to freedom by releasing the old to embrace the new. Trust that God, who began this work in you, will be faithful to complete it. Let this step be a turning point toward becoming the person He created you to be.

Next Step: Move forward to Step 7: Humbly Asking for God’s Help. Discover the power of humility in inviting God to remove your shortcomings.