How to Work Step Three in AA

The third step is the final building block upon which your recovery will rest. It is where we begin to use the higher power we discovered in Step Two of Alcoholics Anonymous. Step Three says "Make a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of a God, as we understand him." While that understanding may mature, AA suggests that any power is better than nothing.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Make the decision to trust a higher power to reveal itself in your life. Faith is required to work this step, but that faith will be rewarded with proof.

2. Study the meanings of "will power" and "life." Knowing what we have no control over will help in daily decision-making.

3. Let go of old ideas and allow this new higher power to work in your life. For millions of alcoholics, this process has worked. There is no reason to believe it will not work for you.

4. Bring your questions to your AA meetings. One of the main purposes of meetings is for people with time in the program to share their experiences, strength and hope with newly sober alcoholics. Old-timers appreciate being asked how they worked an AA step. Use what resonates with you and keep an open mind about other ideas.

5. Talk with your sponsor if you are finding too many opinions are clouding your ability to turn over your will and life to your higher power. While input from others who have come before you is valuable, there are as many different ways to work steps as there are kinds of drinkers. None of the ways are wrong if it helps you stay sober.