When people search for the 3rd step prayer, they are usually not just looking for words to repeat. They are looking for relief. They are looking for freedom from control, fear, addiction, and inner struggle. At its heart, the 3rd step prayer is about surrender a decision to stop running life on self-will and to trust God with everything.
In recovery programs like Alcoholics Anonymous, this prayer marks a turning point. But its message goes far beyond recovery. For many believers, the 3rd step prayer reflects a deeply biblical truth: real change begins when we place our lives fully in God’s hands.
In this guide, we will explore what the 3rd step prayer truly means, where it comes from in the AA Big Book, how it is practiced, and how Christians can understand and pray it with confidence and faith.
What Is the 3rd Step Prayer?
The 3rd step prayer comes from Step Three of Alcoholics Anonymous, which says:
“Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.”
The prayer connected to this step helps a person express that decision out loud. In simple terms, the 3rd step prayer is a prayer of letting go. It is about releasing control, self-direction, and pride, and choosing trust instead.
The meaning of the 3rd step prayer is not perfection. It is surrender. It is the moment when someone says, “I cannot fix myself alone. I need God’s guidance.”
That is why this prayer is often described as the spiritual foundation of recovery.
The Origin of the 3rd Step Prayer in Alcoholics Anonymous
To understand the 3rd step prayer of AA, we need a little background. Alcoholics Anonymous was founded in the 1930s by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith. Both men believed that lasting recovery required more than willpower it required a spiritual change.
The early AA members drew inspiration from Christian principles, especially humility, confession, surrender, and reliance on God. Over time, these ideas were shaped into the Twelve Steps.
The 3rd step prayer was created to help members personally commit to Step Three. It gave people a way to express surrender in words, especially when fear and resistance were strong.
Today, the same prayer is also used in Narcotics Anonymous, making the narcotics anonymous 3rd step prayer an important part of recovery across many fellowships.
The 3rd Step Prayer in the AA Big Book
Many people ask: Where is the 3rd step prayer in the Big Book?
The prayer appears in Alcoholics Anonymous (commonly called the Big Book) in the chapter that discusses Step Three. Rather than presenting it as a magic formula, the book explains the spirit behind the prayer a willingness to let God lead.
The AA Big Book 3rd step prayer is not meant to be rushed or memorized mechanically. It is often prayed after discussion with a sponsor and reflection on what surrender truly means.
Because the Big Book is copyrighted, it’s important to understand the prayer rather than simply copy it word-for-word. The power of the prayer comes from the heart, not the exact wording.
The Original 3rd Step Prayer – Explained Simply
The original 3rd step prayer asks God to take away self-will, fear, and selfishness, and to use the person’s life for His purpose.
At its core, the prayer says three things:
- God, I give myself to You.
- Free me from what blocks me spiritually.
- Use my life to help others.
This is why the prayer is so transformative. It shifts the focus from “What do I want?” to “What does God want to do through me?”
For believers, this mirrors Jesus’ own words of surrender:
“Not my will, but Yours be done.”
The 3rd Step Prayer in My Own Words (Faith-Centered Version)
Many people search for the 3rd step prayer in my own words because AA encourages honesty and personal expression. Below is a faith-centered version that keeps the heart of the prayer while using simple, natural language:
God, today I place my life in Your hands. I admit that my own way has not brought me peace. Teach me to trust You, guide my decisions, and remove anything in me that separates me from Your will. Use my life for good, for healing, and for service to others. I choose surrender over control and faith over fear. Amen.
This kind of prayer is deeply powerful because it is personal, sincere, and surrendered.
The Spiritual Meaning of the 3rd Step Prayer
The deeper meaning of the 3rd step prayer is spiritual alignment. It is about moving from ego-driven living to God-centered living.
Spiritually, this prayer teaches:
- Dependence instead of self-reliance
- Humility instead of pride
- Trust instead of fear
- Obedience instead of control
For Christians, this aligns closely with biblical discipleship. Surrender is not weakness it is faith in action.
3rd Step Prayer Meditation – How to Pray It Daily
Many believers and recovering individuals practice the 3rd step prayer meditation as a daily discipline.
Here’s a simple way to do it:
- Begin in silence for one minute
- Take slow breaths and acknowledge God’s presence
- Pray the 3rd step prayer slowly
- Pause after each line and reflect
- End with gratitude
This practice helps keep the heart centered on God, especially during moments of temptation, anxiety, or decision-making.
3rd Step Prayer vs 7th Step Prayer – What’s the Difference?
People often confuse the 3rd and 7th step prayer, but they serve different purposes.
- Step Three focuses on surrendering control and will to God
- Step Seven focuses on asking God to remove character defects
In simple terms:
- Step Three is about who leads your life
- Step Seven is about what God changes in your character
Both are important, but Step Three comes first because surrender always precedes transformation.
Can Christians Pray the 3rd Step Prayer?
Yes many Christians find the 3rd step prayer deeply compatible with biblical faith.
While AA uses inclusive language like “God as we understood Him,” Christians can confidently pray this prayer with a Christ-centered understanding of God. The themes of surrender, humility, and trust are foundational to Christianity.
When prayed with faith, the 3rd step prayer becomes not just a recovery tool, but a daily discipleship prayer.
FAQs: About the 3rd Step Prayer
What is the 3rd step prayer?
It is a prayer of surrender connected to Step Three of AA, expressing a decision to trust God with one’s life and will.
Where is the 3rd step prayer in the Big Book?
It appears in the Step Three discussion in the AA Big Book, emphasizing willingness and surrender.
Is the 3rd step prayer biblical?
While not directly from Scripture, its message closely aligns with biblical teachings on surrender and trust in God.
Can I write the 3rd step prayer in my own words?
Yes. Personal honesty and sincerity are encouraged, and many people pray it in their own words.
Final Thoughts: Why the 3rd Step Prayer Changes Lives
The 3rd step prayer is not about religion, rules, or perfect faith. It is about a willing heart. It is the moment a believer or seeker says, “God, I cannot do this alone anymore.”
Whether you are walking through recovery, spiritual renewal, or a season of surrender, this prayer invites God to take the lead. And when God leads, healing follows.
“This prayer reflects the same heart of surrender we see in powerful ‘Your Will Be Done’ prayers that teach us to trust God’s plan completely.”