Step 7 of the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) program is a profound act of humility: “Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.” Following Step 6, where individuals become entirely ready for change, Step 7 focuses on seeking God’s help in removing the character defects identified during the recovery process.
The Step 7 AA Prayer embodies this act of surrender and trust. It is a declaration of humility, recognizing that transformation is a partnership between human willingness and divine power. By inviting God’s intervention, individuals move closer to freedom, peace, and spiritual growth.
The Serenity Prayer and Step 7
“God, grant me the courage to change the things I can.”
Step 7 aligns with the Serenity Prayer’s call for courage and trust. This step requires boldness to admit dependence on God and to seek His assistance in addressing personal shortcomings. It’s a moment of faith, knowing that divine grace can achieve what human effort alone cannot.
Scriptural Connection:
- 1 Peter 5:6: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.”
- James 4:10: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.”
- Philippians 2:13: “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.”
A Step 7 AA Prayer for Humility
Heavenly Father,
I come to You humbly, acknowledging my need for Your help. I ask You to remove my shortcomings, those traits that hinder my growth and my ability to serve You and others. Lord, I trust in Your power to transform me and to fill the spaces once occupied by my defects with Your love and grace.
Help me to walk in humility, relying on Your strength rather than my own. Thank You for Your faithfulness and for the work You are doing in me. I surrender this process to You, trusting in Your perfect timing and purpose.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Practical Reflections and Activities
- Daily Reflection: Begin each day with the Serenity Prayer and the Step 7 AA Prayer, affirming your humility and trust in God’s transformative power.
- Journaling Prompt: Reflect on the character defects you are asking God to remove. How have these shortcomings impacted your relationships, decisions, and self-perception?
- Scripture Study: Meditate on 1 Peter 5:6, considering how humility opens the door to God’s transformative work in your life.
- Gratitude Practice: List the changes you’ve already experienced through God’s grace, and thank Him for His ongoing work in your life.
Testimony: Finding Freedom Through Humility
One individual shared their experience with Step 7: “Humbly asking God to remove my shortcomings felt like handing over a heavy burden. I realized I didn’t have to fix myself—that was God’s job. As I surrendered my defects to Him, I began to notice subtle but profound changes. Humility became my strength, and I found freedom in trusting God’s process.”
Encouragement for Step 7
Step 7 is a moment of profound humility and faith. The Step 7 AA Prayer reminds you to rely fully on God’s grace, trusting Him to remove your shortcomings in His perfect timing. This step is not about achieving perfection but about embracing God’s transformative work in your life.
Building on the willingness of Step 6, Step 7 deepens your dependence on God and opens the door for spiritual growth. Remember, humility is not weakness—it is the strength to admit your need for God and to invite Him to lead your transformation. Trust that He is faithful to complete the good work He has begun in you.
Next Step: Move forward to Step 8: Preparing for Reconciliation. Learn how to make a list of those you’ve harmed and prepare for the healing process of making amends.
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