If you are searching for the 7th step prayer AA, you likely want more than a short quote. You want the complete wording from the Big Book, a clear explanation of what it means, and guidance on when and how to pray it during recovery.
Step Seven in Alcoholics Anonymous focuses on humility. After identifying character defects in Step Six, members ask their Higher Power to remove those shortcomings. The 7th Step Prayer expresses that surrender in simple, direct language.
In this guide, you will find:
- The full 7th Step Prayer from the AA Big Book
- Where it appears in the text
- A clear breakdown of its meaning
- The difference between the 3rd and 7th Step prayers
- Printable and PDF guidance for personal or meeting use
Whether you are working the Steps with a sponsor or studying the Twelve Steps independently, this article will help you understand the prayer deeply and use it intentionally in your recovery journey.
What Is the 7th Step Prayer of AA?
The 7th step prayer AA is a short but powerful prayer found in the Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book. It is prayed after completing Step Six, when a member becomes entirely ready to have their defects of character removed.
Step Seven reads:
“Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.”
The prayer gives voice to that action.
The Role of Step Seven in the Twelve Steps
Step Seven marks a shift from awareness to surrender.
In Step Four and Five, members identify their character defects.
In Step Six, they become ready to let them go.
In Step Seven, they actively ask their Higher Power to remove them.
This step centers on humility. It acknowledges:
- We cannot remove our deepest flaws by willpower alone
- Change requires spiritual dependence
- Growth happens through surrender, not control
Many sponsors emphasize that Step Seven is not about perfection. It is about willingness and trust.
Direct Answer – The 7th Step Prayer AA
The 7th Step Prayer in AA is a humble request to a Higher Power to remove character defects that block usefulness to others. It begins with the words “My Creator” and focuses on surrender, service, and spiritual growth.
In the next section, we will look at the full official wording from the Big Book and examine why its language carries such lasting impact in recovery circles.
You can also reflect on the powerful Serenity Prayer used in recovery to better understand surrender and spiritual growth in AA.
7th Step Prayer AA – Big Book Version (Official Wording & Breakdown)
The 7th step prayer AA appears in the book Alcoholics Anonymous (commonly called the Big Book) within the section that explains Step Seven.
It is widely known as the “My Creator” prayer because it begins with the words:
“My Creator, I am now willing that You should have all of me, good and bad…”
The prayer continues as a humble request for the removal of character defects that block usefulness to God and to others. It closes with a commitment to move forward in strength and freedom to carry out God’s will.
Rather than being long or poetic, the wording is simple and direct. That simplicity is intentional. It reflects the core principle of Step Seven: humility.
Why the Prayer Begins With “My Creator”
The phrase “My Creator” reflects AA’s spiritual foundation without promoting a specific religion.
In Alcoholics Anonymous:
- Members define their own Higher Power
- Spiritual language remains personal, not doctrinal
- The focus is on relationship, not theology
By saying “My Creator,” the prayer emphasizes:
- Personal surrender
- Individual responsibility
- Willingness to change
In practical recovery terms, this opening line signals a shift from self-reliance to spiritual reliance. It acknowledges that deep character change requires help beyond ego and willpower.
In the next section, we will look at exactly where this prayer appears in the AA Big Book and why its placement in the Step Seven chapter matters.
Where Is the 7th Step Prayer in the AA Big Book?
Many people searching for the 7th step prayer AA big book want to know its exact location in the original text.
The prayer appears in the book Alcoholics Anonymous (the Big Book), within the chapter that explains how to work the Twelve Steps. It is found in the section that discusses Step Seven, immediately after the explanation of becoming ready in Step Six.
In most standard editions of the Big Book, the prayer appears on page 76. However, page numbers may vary slightly depending on the edition or format (hardcover, paperback, large print, or digital version).
Context of the Prayer in the Big Book
The placement of the prayer is intentional.
Before presenting the prayer, the Big Book discusses:
- The importance of willingness
- Letting go of character defects
- The need for humility
The text emphasizes that defects are not removed automatically. Instead, members must first become entirely ready. Only then does the prayer follow.
This structure shows a clear spiritual progression:
- Identify defects (Steps 4–5)
- Become ready to release them (Step 6)
- Humbly ask for their removal (Step 7)
The aa big book 7th step prayer is not presented as magic words. It is shown as the natural outcome of inner preparation and honesty.
In the next section, we will break down the deeper meaning of the prayer and what it practically asks for in recovery.
Meaning of the 7th Step Prayer in AA
The 7th step prayer AA is not simply a request for improvement. It is a spiritual turning point in recovery.
By the time a member reaches Step Seven, they have already identified their patterns, admitted their faults, and become willing to change. This prayer gives structure to that willingness.
It centers on three core ideas: removal of shortcomings, humility, and usefulness to others.
“Remove My Shortcomings” Explained
In AA language, shortcomings are character defects that repeatedly cause harm.
These may include:
- Pride
- Resentment
- Dishonesty
- Self-centeredness
- Fear
The prayer does not ask for comfort or success. It asks for the removal of traits that block spiritual growth and healthy relationships.
From a practical recovery perspective, this means:
- Recognizing patterns that sabotage progress
- Accepting that self-will alone is not enough
- Inviting spiritual help to reshape behavior
The focus is transformation, not image management.
The Principle of Humility
Step Seven begins with the word “Humbly” for a reason.
Humility in AA does not mean weakness. It means accurate self-awareness.
It involves:
- Accepting limitations
- Letting go of ego-driven control
- Becoming teachable
In meetings, experienced members often describe Step Seven as a daily posture rather than a one-time event. Humility becomes a practice, not a moment.
Surrender vs Action in Step Seven
A common misunderstanding is that praying the 7th Step Prayer replaces personal effort.
In reality, the prayer works alongside action.
Members still:
- Make amends
- Change behavior
- Practice honesty
- Develop spiritual habits
The prayer aligns intention with effort. It asks for internal change while encouraging external responsibility.
In the next section, we will compare the 3rd and 7th Step prayers to clarify how their purposes differ in the recovery process.
3rd and 7th Step Prayer AA – Key Differences
Many members search for 3rd and 7th step prayer AA because the two prayers sound similar but serve very different purposes in recovery.
Both involve surrender to a Higher Power.
However, they address different stages of spiritual growth.
Understanding this distinction helps prevent confusion while working the Steps.
Purpose of the 3rd Step Prayer
The 3rd Step Prayer focuses on turning one’s will and life over to the care of a Higher Power.
It centers on:
- Surrender of control
- Letting go of self-direction
- Trusting divine guidance
Step Three establishes the foundation of faith. It is about decision and commitment.
In practical recovery terms, it answers the question:
“Am I willing to stop running the show?”
Purpose of the 7th Step Prayer
The aa 7th step prayer moves beyond the initial decision of surrender.
Instead of focusing on control, it focuses on character transformation.
It addresses:
- Removal of defects
- Humility
- Increased usefulness to others
Step Seven assumes the decision of Step Three has already been made. Now the work becomes internal refinement.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Here is a simplified breakdown:
3rd Step Prayer
- Focus: Turning over will and life
- Theme: Trust and surrender
- Timing: Early in Step work
7th Step Prayer
- Focus: Removing shortcomings
- Theme: Humility and transformation
- Timing: After moral inventory and readiness
The 3rd Step Prayer opens the door to spiritual dependence.
The 7th Step Prayer asks for deeper change within that dependence.
In the next section, we will explore printable and PDF options for the 7th Step Prayer and how members commonly use them in meetings or personal study.
7th Step Prayer AA Printable & PDF Options
Many people search for 7th step prayer AA printable or AA 7th step prayer PDF because they want a clean copy for meetings, sponsorship sessions, or personal reflection.
While the official wording belongs to the Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book, members often create simple formatted copies for personal use.
How to Create a Printable Version
If you want a printable copy for study or meetings, keep it simple:
- Use clear, readable font
- Center the prayer text
- Avoid adding commentary to the page
- Include a small note referencing the Big Book
Many sponsors recommend printing it on a single sheet so it can be kept inside a Big Book or Step workbook.
For personal meditation, some members:
- Highlight key phrases
- Write reflections underneath
- Use it during morning prayer routines
Is There an Official AA 7th Step Prayer PDF?
Alcoholics Anonymous does not typically provide standalone PDFs of individual prayers outside approved literature formats.
Because of copyright protection:
- The safest source is the official Big Book
- Digital versions are available through authorized AA platforms
- Meeting handouts usually reference the original text rather than distributing modified copies
If you download or share a PDF, make sure it comes from an official or permitted source to respect AA publishing guidelines.
Using the Prayer in Meetings or Sponsorship
In many groups, the prayer is read:
- After completing Step Six
- During Step Seven discussions
- At the close of Step study meetings
Sponsors often encourage members to read it slowly and reflect on each phrase rather than rushing through it.
The value comes not from repetition alone, but from intentional willingness.
In the next section, we will look at how and when to pray the 7th Step Prayer in daily recovery practice.
How and When to Pray the 7th Step Prayer
Understanding the 7th step prayer AA is important.
Knowing when and how to use it makes it powerful.
Step Seven is not just a line in a book. It becomes meaningful when practiced intentionally.
During Step Work With a Sponsor
Most members pray the 7th Step Prayer after completing Step Six and reviewing their character defects with a sponsor.
At this stage:
- Defects have been clearly identified
- Patterns are no longer denied
- Willingness has been expressed
Many sponsors suggest reading the prayer together for the first time. Some pause between sentences to reflect on specific shortcomings discussed in Step Five.
This slows the process and deepens sincerity.
In Personal Daily Practice
Experienced members often return to the 7th Step Prayer beyond formal Step work.
It can be used:
- During morning prayer
- After recognizing a character defect in action
- Before making difficult decisions
- During emotional triggers like resentment or fear
For example, if pride or impatience shows up during the day, a member might quietly repeat the core idea of the prayer and ask for humility in that moment.
This transforms the prayer from a one-time ritual into an ongoing spiritual discipline.
As a Tool for Self-Examination
The prayer also serves as a mirror.
When asking for defects to be removed, members may reflect:
- Am I still holding onto certain behaviors?
- Do I truly want this trait removed?
- What action must I take alongside prayer?
The 7th step prayer in AA works best when paired with honesty and accountability.
In the final step of this guide, we will answer the most frequently asked questions about the 7th Step Prayer and clarify common misunderstandings.
Conclusion – 7th Step Prayer AA
Reinforce the central role of humility in Step Seven: the prayer is about willingness and sincere surrender, not quick fixes.
Emphasize the importance of aligning intention with action: working the Steps requires both prayer and practical change.
Summarize the difference between the 3rd and 7th Step prayers: Step Three establishes surrender; Step Seven focuses on character transformation.
Highlight Big Book authority: always reference the official Alcoholics Anonymous text for authenticity.
Encourage personal and meeting use: reflective reading, daily practice, and mindful integration strengthen recovery.
Strengthen topical authority: this guide covers the prayer’s text, meaning, context, comparison, practical application, and format options, offering a complete, expert resource for anyone working Step Seven.