A.A. Big Book page 62 63 occupies a central place in the literature of Alcoholics Anonymous, specifically within the chapter titled "How It Works." These two pages detail the "Third Step Prayer" and the foundational surrender that many members cite as the turning point in their recovery journey. Understanding this specific section requires a look at both the text as it is written and the practical application intended by the authors of the original 1939 manuscript.
Quick Facts: The Third Step in Context
- Location: Found in the chapter "How It Works," pages 62-63 of the First Edition Big Book (original 1939 publication).
- Core Subject: The formal decision to turn one's will and life over to the care of God as one understands Him.
- Key Phrase: "God, I offer myself to Thee, to build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt."
- Purpose: To transition from an internal struggle with self-reliance to an external reliance on a higher power.
Understanding the Shift from Page 62
The text leading into the famous prayer on page 62 centers on the realization that self-reliance has failed. The authors frame this not as a sign of weakness, but as a necessary shift in perspective. Before reaching this point in the book, the reader has been guided through the concept that alcohol was a symptom rather than the root issue.
On page 62, the authors argue that the alcoholic has been living under the illusion that they are the director of their own internal show. By the time someone reaches this passage, the narrative suggests they are ready to admit that their best thinking has led them to a dead end. The transition occurring here involves letting go of the need for total control.
It is often described in these essential readings as a "jumping-off point" where the reader stops analyzing the problem and starts executing a decision.
The Significance of the Third Step Prayer
The actual prayer found at the top of page 63 is often misunderstood as a one-time event. However, the text clarifies that it is a "thought out" decision that serves as a beginning, not a conclusion. When the authors write the words, "God, I offer myself to Thee," they are providing a framework for someone who may have no prior religious affiliation.
By including the phrase "as Thou wilt," the authors emphasize a lack of conditions. This surrender is presented as the only way to effectively manage the "restlessness, irritability, and discontent" mentioned earlier in the book. If you have been struggling with a sense of unmanageable life circumstances, the text suggests that this prayer acts as a psychological reset.
It moves the focus from the individual's limited perspective to a broader, more stable outlook.
Practical Application: How to Take the Third Step
Taking the third step, as described in these pages, is a process of preparation rather than a magical occurrence.
- Preparation of Mind: You are encouraged to contemplate the gravity of the decision. The text notes that this is a "serious" step, though it shouldn't be taken with fear.
- The Formal Decision: On page 63, the authors explicitly state that you should kneel or stand with a mentor or another person to say the prayer. This creates a moment of accountability and commitment.
- Ongoing Maintenance: The decision is not a contract that you sign and forget. The authors describe it as a principle that you continue to revisit throughout your daily life. It is less like a locked door and more like a path you must choose to walk down each morning.
If you find this process difficult, consider reading about the nature of personal resilience to help put the necessity of this surrender into perspective. Many find that understanding their own limitations makes the act of handing over control feel more like a relief than a sacrifice.
Addressing Common Misconceptions
A frequent mistake people make when reading these pages is the assumption that they must possess a specific type of faith before they can begin. The authors are quite clear that this is a program of action, not a theological debate. You do not need to be a member of any church or subscribe to a specific dogma to use the framework provided on pages 62 and 63.
The focus remains on the "God as you understand Him" clause, which keeps the process inclusive.
Another misunderstanding is that this step fixes everything instantly. The text suggests that the third step is the "key" to the door, but you still have to walk through it. It is merely the decision to turn your life over; the subsequent steps, starting with the fourth step, are where the actual labor of recovery begins.
If you are looking for ways to build stronger team-like support in your life, remember that the Big Book emphasizes this step as the start of a partnership with a higher power, which then necessitates a change in how you interact with other people.
Comparison: Why the Third Step Matters
To understand why this section is so important, it helps to see what happens when it is skipped.
| Approach | Focus | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Reliance | Personal Will | Recurring frustration and relapse |
| Third Step Reliance | External Higher Power | Reduced inner conflict and stability |
When you try to handle everything alone, you are effectively betting against the very nature of the illness described in the book. The official resources from the Alcoholics Anonymous World Services office maintain that the recovery process described in these chapters is based on a collective experience rather than individual theory.
Why the Wording on Page 63 is Precise
The specific language used in the prayer on page 63 was crafted to avoid ego-driven requests. Notice that it does not ask for riches, health, or specific outcomes. Instead, it asks for the strength to do God's will.
This phrasing is designed to strip away the "self-centeredness" that the authors identify as the primary obstacle to sobriety. By moving the focus to being of service to others and carrying out a higher purpose, the alcoholic is freed from the cycle of obsession that comes from constantly monitoring their own internal state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Third Step prayer have to be said exactly as written on page 63?
No. The text uses the prayer as a suggestion or a template. The authors clarify that you can say it in your own words, provided the intent of turning your will over remains the same.
What if I don't believe in God when I read pages 62 and 63?
The program is designed to be accessible to those without traditional faith. Many interpret "God" as a group of people, the laws of nature, or simply a power greater than themselves that can keep them sober. The "as you understand Him" wording is the most important part of this section.
Why is this step placed so early in the book?
It is positioned here because the authors believe it is the foundation for all subsequent work. Without the decision to let go of self-will, the work of the fourth step, which involves a searching and fearless moral inventory, would be far too painful to handle.
Is it normal to feel resistance when reading these pages?
Yes, it is very common. The ego often recoils at the idea of surrender. Many people find it helpful to pair their reading with stories of others who have found grace during difficult transitions, as this can normalize the fear of letting go.
Should I take this step alone?
The text strongly suggests doing it with another person. The presence of a witness or sponsor helps turn a internal thought into a concrete, external action, which is a recurring theme throughout the entire book.
The importance of A.A. Big Book page 62 63 lies in its simplicity. It does not promise that life will become perfect.
Instead, it promises that you will no longer have to carry the burden of trying to be the sole architect of your life. By accepting that your own methods have brought you to where you are, you open the door to a different way of existing, one based on admission, reliance, and continued action. If you feel like your current circumstances are overwhelming, the text offers this section as a way to stop fighting and start living.
