With each month, 12-Step programs feature a step that corresponds with the number of the month. Since this is July and the seventh month of the year, step seven will be discussed in meetings that read daily literature devotions and provide relevant topics.
If you have finished Steps one thru six, this would be the time to ask your Higher Power to take away your character defects root and branch, to make way for the positive attributes He will bless you with. By saying the seventh step prayer on page 76 from the big book of Alcoholics Anonymous with your sponsor, you can ask your Higher Power to remove all objectionable characteristics from your life. When you become ready, you would say something like this:
“My Creator, I am now willing that you should have all me, good and bad. I pray that you now remove from me every single defect of character that 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.”
The character defects that have started coming up for you in your steps correlate to the addictive behaviors that have been the source of your problems. Through taking action to change the very things which have continued to cause strife in your life, you can become liberated once again from continuing to working your steps. You must become willing to ask your Higher Power to help rid you of the addictive behaviors that have remained obstacles in achieving your sobriety. Step seven indicates that you are ready to make the necessary abiding changes.
“Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.”
With the first word in the step being “humbly”, you must accept that you cannot overcome your character defects without practicing some humility. Changing your self-centered perspective to one that is selfless and modest, your disposition can change to something that is more promising. Step seven is one more step that will edify your character while placing reliance on your Higher Power.
Just because you asked your shortcomings to be removed does not mean they will automatically disappear. Showing your Higher Power you are ready to be relieved of your character defects while taking action to do so, you will have a better chance to be amazed by the results you will encounter. Step seven will be instrumental in pointing out your strengths as you continue to eliminate the imperfections that will no longer stand in the way of your sobriety.
Serenity Oaks Wellness Center can help someone that is struggling with drugs and alcohol learn how to live a life in sobriety. Our holistic therapy and 12-Step aspects together can show you how to adorn your soul in recovery.
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