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STEP THREE, PART 4
Hi friends.
My name is Shlomo and I am a food addict and compulsive overeater.
After discussing how and why we take step 3 it is time to make the decision
and take it.
The Big Book suggests saying a prayer that will express our making a
decision.
Here is the third step prayer:
"Many of us said to our Maker, as we
understood Him: 'God, I offer myself to Thee -- to build with me and
to 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!' We thought well
before taking this step, making sure we were ready; that we could at
last abandon ourselves utterly to Him. " page 63.
In this prayer, we ask God to help us do His will, so that we will be a
living proof of His Power, Love, and Way of life.
Then the Big Book suggests how to say that prayer:
"We found it very desirable to take this spiritual step with an
understanding person, such as our wife, best friend, or spiritual
adviser. But it is better to meet God alone than with one who might
misunderstand. The wording was, of course, quite optional so long as
we expressed the idea, voicing it without reservation. This was only
a beginning, though if honestly and humbly made, an effect, sometimes
a very great one, was felt at once. " page 63.
The words of the prayer are just a suggestion. We can use our own words as
long as they convey the ideas in the Big Book prayer. We also have to say
the prayer aloud to someone who understands what we are about to do.
This person can of course be our sponsor, or another OA member, or any
understanding person.
By saying that prayer in this way, we take step three. That is all there is
to it.
Step 3 is only a decision and as such can be considered only as a prelude to
what has to follow. It cannot stand by itself and has no lasting effect if
we don't continue immediately with the rest of the steps.
We have to understand that the only way to carry out the decision we made in
step 3 is to continue immediately to take step 4. The only way in this
program, to remove the obstacles that block us from the care, direction and
guidance by H.P., is by working all the 12 steps.
Here is how the Big Book says it:
"Next we launched out on a course of vigorous action, the first step
of which is a personal housecleaning, which many of us had never
attempted. Though our decision [step 3] was vital and crucial step, it could
have little permanent effect unless at once followed by a strenuous
effort to face, and to be rid of, the things in ourselves which had
been blocking us. Our food was but a symptom. So we had to get down
to causes and conditions. Therefore, we started upon a personal inventory.
THIS WAS STEP FOUR." pages 63-64.
So when do we begin step 4? AT ONCE!!!! The minute after I take step 3.
INTO ACTION AND SHARING SUBJECTS:
1. Take step 3 by reading the step 3 prayer aloud to your sponsor or to
another suitable person.
2. The Big Book gives some conditional promises about how we may feel after
taking this step.
"If honestly and humbly made, an effect, sometimes a very great one, was felt at once." page 63.
What was the effect of taking this step, on you?
3. After taking step 3, are you willing to begin immediately to take step 4?
If not, than pray to H.P. for willingness, and be ready to take it with us.
4. Do you like riddles? Here is a riddle for you.
How do I know if I have taken step 3 properly?
Next post will be on step 4.
Have a nice day.
Shlomo
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