It was suggested in the Navigation thread that I start a new topic on the proposed Third Step Prayer on the new MIP home page. So here it is!
Third Step Prayer:
God, I offer myself to Thee - to build with me and do as Thou wilt. Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do Thy will. Take away my difficulties, that victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of Thy power, Thy love, and Thy Way of life. May I do Thy always!
It is my understanding that ACA/Al-Anon/NA/CoDA/AA are not religious programs. Some of us are atheist, agnostic, etc. and chose to define our own Higher Power. I therefore propose that the Prayer be modified to read "Higher Power" instead of God.
I do hear you and have been in the same boat however I choose to vote NO on this issue We are a spiritual program and simply having a reference to "God" is this prayer does not force anyone to embrace a religion.
The prayer is the Third Step Prayer exact wording on page 63 of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. I would vote NO as well. For me I am not comfortable changing another fellowships program literature.
Step 12 reminds me... I need to put principles above personalities in that spirit, I disagree that this needs to be removed. The fellowships are spiritual programs. All the programs reference the word God in the steps and traditions and literature. The steps are clear that we come to believe in a power greater than ourselves, and turn our lives and our will over to the care of "God" as we understood him. The addressment of "God" is also covered in much of the literature with encouragement to seek our own under standing.
Tradition 10
Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the A.A. name ought never be drawn into public controversy.
No A.A. group or member should ever, in such way as to implicate A.A., express any opinion on outside issues - particularly those of politics, alcohol reform or sectarian religion. The Alcoholics Anonymous groups oppose no one. Concerning such matters they can express no views whatever.
This discussion is in contradiction of this tradition.
Removing or hiding the fact that we are a spiritual program feels like lying by omission. We lose the power of the program.
I do not think the prayer needs to be moved or changed and would ask this public discussion be removed from public board.
I think the word "God" is kinda exclusionary.....what if one is an Atheist?? Agnostic?? or their "higher power" is nature?? the Universe??? I think the word "Higher Power" as we understand "IT"...not male gender (trigger for me) but the "source of all things loving, kind, etc" why not just keep it real generic??? or remove it like Freetime and Princess K said........so I vote for removing it
I think the word "God" is kinda exclusionary.....what if one is an Atheist?? Agnostic?? or their "higher power" is nature?? the Universe??? I think the word "Higher Power" as we understand "IT"...not male gender (trigger for me) but the "source of all things loving, kind, etc" why not just keep it real generic??? or remove it like Freetime and Princess K said........so I vote for removing it
My name is mamalioness....I guess I don't have an account on THIS page, but would like to identify myself and I am not ashamed to say who I am and how I feel
Anonymous #1, agreed that "God" is used throughout much literature in all 12 Step Programs. However, I think there should be acknowledgement that some of us have different interpretations of "God".
I don't understand the need to remove this thread. This is just free discussion. No one has claimed to represent AA's opinion.
I vote not to remove it .. alanon isn't church .. it shouldn't matter what prayer is used .. it's a Perfect prayer to bring resentments up to the surface (where ironically they should be) if we plan to work the steps and keep our 4th an 5ths honest an thorough and make the one choice that matters Most whether we become willing to try to keep an open mind / heart to possibilities for personal growth .. God is always a dangerous topic because it hits home and brings Back the Real problem ... those painful darned Resentments. since searching ourselves an experiencing perception changes feels more comfortable than anything .. i think growing the faith an trust that everything happens for a reason in the steps is the best way to go .. Like the book reads .. the purpose of alanon is to find tolerance rooted in 'love for ourselves an others .. Real Love is free (or it isn't Real Love)
know some might say but newcomers would be so much more comfortable .. pretty sure we'd be robbing them and us of hidden gifts ..
the 3rd step prayer is a Great reminder to step out of self righteousness self ishness self sufficiency .. Smugness (closed minds an hearts) .. who doesn't need these reminders ..
(no criticism of anyone including myself --typing in a hurry)
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