SESSION 6
Listen to Joe Hawk's sixth tape.
The third step - "Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him."
We arrive at STEP THREE by being convinced that:
- We are alcoholic and cannot manage our own lives.
- Probably no human power can relieve our alcoholism.
- God can and will if He is sought.
Why do we have to even consider turning our lives and our will over to the care of God as we understand God?
This exercise uses the descriptions from the bottom of page 60, through pages 61 and 62.
Take every sentence and turn it into a question about myself. Then answer the question.
For example:
Do I try to live by self propulsion?
Do I begin to think that life doesn't treat me right? For me the answer is yes.
Answer the first sentence of the paragraph at the bottom of page 60 twice. This sentence starts "The first requirement is that we be convinced..."
Answer it once at the beginning of this exercise and then go back and answer it again at the end.
The description of the third step decision is found on the bottom of page 62. I'm going to
decide that God is going to be my director.
What is the difference between God and me? God is not trying to be me.
How do I turn my life and my will over to the care of God as I understand Him?
By doing the work in steps 4 through 9.
The Third Step Meditation
Read and meditate on the last paragraph of page 62 and the first paragraph of page 63,
changing the third person references into the first person.
For example:
When I (we) sincerely take (took) such a position, all sorts of remarkable
things [will] follow (followed).
At this point, we take the THIRD STEP PRAYER as a preparation for starting the FOURTH STEP.
God, I offer myself to Thee – to build with me and do with me 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 will always!