The second step (ShiftCTRLOptionPower) is intended to reset your MBP's System Management Controller (SMC), as shown in this About.com video (more details about the SMC are contained in this Apple Support KB - look for specifics in the Portable computers that have a battery you should not remove on your own expandable section). This Wikipedia article indicates that this step is used to reset the Power Management Unit.
I don't have any specifics regarding the third step (ShiftCTRLOptionRPower), but I suspect that the R stands for reboot, as indicated by the behavior you experienced.