The 7th Step Prayer is central to the spiritual architecture of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). It corresponds to Step 7 of the Twelve Steps:
Step 7: Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
This step marks a shift away from self-reliance toward a humble willingness to be changed. The prayer itself reflects surrender, humility, and the desire to be useful to others.
Although associated most closely with AA, the Step 7 principle resonates across many recovery programs, including NA, CA, Al-Anon, and secular or interfaith adaptations.
The Seventh Step Prayer (Original Version)
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
Credit: Lifted from page 76 of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous
Origins of the 7th Step Prayer
The 7th Step Prayer appears in the AA Big Book and was written in the 1930s. It is part of the larger section describing how to take Steps 6 and 7. These prayers were influenced by:
Oxford Group practices (surrender, guidance, quiet time)
Christian devotional traditions (especially the language of humility)
Bill W.’s own spiritual experiences and moral inventory
The wording is meant to express:
Humility
Willingness to grow
A desire to be useful to God and others
Relief from character defects
The Meaning of Step 7
Step 7 is a spiritual turning point. It involves several key components:
i). Humility: Humility does not mean humiliation. It means acknowledging:
I can’t fix myself by willpower alone.
I am willing to be changed.
ii). Imperfection: AA teaches that shortcomings are part of human nature. Step 7 does not demand perfection—only willingness to grow.
iii) Service: The prayer emphasizes being useful. The removal of shortcomings is not for self-purity but for becoming more helpful to others.
iv). Relationship with a Higher Power: Regardless of religious background, Step 7 asks the individual to:
Seek help beyond the self
Trust a process greater than personal control
The Structure of the 7th Step Prayer
The prayer from AA Big Book contains three main moves
Humbly approaching a Higher Power
Asking for the removal of shortcomings that interfere with usefulness
Seeking guidance to do God’s will so one may help others
These themes appear in nearly all later versions and adaptations.
Well-Known Paraphrases and Public-Domain Versions
Because the original Seventh Step Prayer which we quoted above is copyrighted, so many people adopt the faithful paraphrases and public-domain alternatives inspired by Step 7. Below are are some well known Paraphrases and Public-Domain Versions that still preserve the meaning without using copyrighted language.
Classic Paraphrased Version (closest to AA Big Book)
Higher Power, I come to You in humility and ask that You remove the flaws and limitations that stand in the way of my usefulness.
Free me from the self-centeredness that keeps me from doing Your will.
Guide me so I may serve You and my fellows with love, integrity, and willingness.
Universal/Interfaith Version
Source of strength and compassion,
Help me release the traits that no longer serve my highest good.
Clear away the barriers that keep me from being helpful and kind.
Inspire me to act with humility, clarity, and love in all I do.
Secular/Humanist Version
I acknowledge my limitations and ask for the clarity and courage to let go of the behaviors that harm myself and others.
Help me grow into a more honest, responsible, and compassionate person.
Guide my actions so I can contribute positively to the world around me.
Recovery Community Version (used in some groups, public domain)
Spirit of recovery, remove the defects that block me from showing up fully in life.
Help me be willing, teachable, and useful.
Let my actions reflect honesty, humility, and service.
“Surrender & Service” Version
I humbly ask for freedom from the thoughts and behaviors that keep me stuck.
Strengthen my willingness to follow Your guidance.
Make me a channel of love, truth, and service.
Morning Practice Version
Today I ask to be relieved of the patterns that block my usefulness.
Help me act with humility, patience, and kindness.
Guide my thoughts and actions toward service and compassion.
“Letting Go” Version
I release the defects that no longer serve my recovery.
Give me openness to Your will and the strength to live it.
Help me show up for others in the best way I can.
How Do I Use the 7th Step Prayer in My Daily Life?
1. Morning Practice: Many people start each day with the prayer to set a tone of humility and service.
2. In Moments of Defect Awareness: When you feel impatience, fear, anger, pride, or self-seeking arise, Step 7 can be silently repeated.
3. Before Difficult Conversations: It helps to pause and ask for defects to be set aside in order to approach the situation with clarity and compassion.
4. During Meditation: Some integrate Step 7 into a short meditation:
Breathe
Identify a defect
Ask your Higher Power to remove it
Visualize acting with humility and usefulness
What are the Themes of the 7th Step Prayer?
- Humility: Recognizing limitations, not punishing oneself.
- Transformation: Letting go of old patterns that no longer work.
- Willingness: Not perfection, but openness to change.
- Service: Becoming useful to others is a core AA spiritual value.
- Alignment with a Higher Power: Living less from ego, more from guidance.
Why is Step 7 Essential in Recovery?
Ego shrinks
Spiritual growth accelerates
Character changes become real
Defects stop controlling behavior
This step is transformative because it moves recovery from “fixing myself by myself” to “allowing something greater to work through me.”
Conclusion
The 7th Step Prayer is a profound spiritual tool used by millions in recovery.
It represents humility, willingness, freedom from old patterns, and a commitment to serving others.