The Serenity Prayer – Prayers That Bring Change

The Serenity Prayer is by far one of the most famous prayers that was written in the 1800's by Reinhold Neibuhr (1892-1971).

Its popularity grew even more in the 19040's when Alcoholics Anonymous took up using shortened version for their recovery program.

Despite how popular the prayer is, many have not taken a deeper look at the words and their meanings.

The Serenity Prayer is powerful and it can make a lasting change on your walk of faith with God.

The Serenity Prayer – Full Version (composed in 1940s)

God grant me the serenity

To accept the things I cannot change;

Courage to change the things I can;

And wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;

Enjoying one moment at a time;

Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;

Taking, as He did, this sinful world

As it is, not as I would have it;

Trusting that He will make things right

If I surrender to His Will;

So that I may be reasonably happy in this life

And supremely happy with Him

Forever and ever in the next.

Amen.

Shortened Version Of The Serenity Prayer

God grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change,
the courage to change the things we can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.

What religion is the Serenity Prayer?

It won't take long for you to discover that there is some controversy over the authorship of the Serenity Prayer. Although you'll find more answers than one, the primary belief of who authored the prayer is thought to be the Protestant theologian Reinhold Niebuhr.

How do you accept things you cannot change?

Believe it or not, but you can learn to accept things that you cannot change. Here are three ways to do just that:

1. Let go and let God. Forgive yourself and move on.
2. Focus in on what is in your hand. You can always do something in the present that will affect your future.
3. Discover what you can learn from the situation and take it to heart.

What does the Bible say about serenity?

Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.   (Read More...)

Ephesians 6:10-18 - Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.   (Read More...)

Hebrews 11:6 - But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Micah 6:8 - He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

Romans 8:1-39 - There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Psalms 82:1-8 - (A Psalm of Asaph.) God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods.   

Psalms 119:89 - LAMED. For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.

What is the true meaning of serenity?

Ultimately, the true definition of serenity is being in a state of peacefulness. It's finding yourself settled and calm. When you are in this place in life, the storms of life may be raging around you yet, you're not moved.

Applying The Serenity Prayer To Your Life

The truth about life is that we cannot change people and most situations. All we can really do is change ourselves.

Trying to change what we should not, only leads to frustration. It's important that we accept that God's Word is true and that He has a plan. We can have great peace knowing that despite the storm we may be facing, God is guiding us to green pastures.

Here are some steps you can take to applying peace to your life by examining the shortened version of the Serenity Prayer.

1. "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change."

As was just mentioned, there are certain things in life that we simply cannot change. We can never control everything that happens in our life.

The only way to true and lasting peace can be found in God's Word. We may not know what tomorrow holds but, we do know Who holds tomorrow in His hands.

God promises a perfect peace when we set our minds on Him and His plans. Take time to be still and know that He is God.

2. "the courage to change the things I can,"

One of the most wonderful gifts we receive when we give our life to Jesus is the mighty Holy Spirit. He has been given to us to help guide us through life. As this part of the Serenity Prayer states, there are some things we can change.

With God on our side, we can be courageous enough to face our fears and not run from what is challenging. We can call on the Name of the Lord and He will rescue us.

So be strong and bold in your life when it comes to changing the things you can.

3. "and, the wisdom to know the difference."

Wisdom is not as common as we'd like to think amongst people. The great news is that we have access to the wisdom of God any time we need it.

We can call on Him to show us what we can and cannot change each and every day.

Knowing the difference will save us so much time and heartache! Through prayer and time with God, He will show us how to navigate life successfully.

How To Pray The Serenity Prayer

Praying the Serenity Prayer is easy to do during your normal daily prayer. Asking God for His divine serenity and peace can done using the following steps:

1. Take the words to heart. Many find it easy to memorize after writing the prayer down. See how long it takes you before you no longer need the card.

2. Open your heart and talk to God like you would a friend. You may feel like you're simply reading the prayer at first and that is okay. Over time, it'll become more natural.

3. Keep notes during your time of prayer. Yes, write down any thoughts that come to mind after praying. You may not have anything stand out at times but when you do, write down what God is saying to you.

Bible Verses About Addiction and Recovery

1 Corinthians 10:13 - There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

1 Peter 5:8 - Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

James 1:12-15 - Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

1 John 2:16 - For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

1 Corinthians 15:33 - Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

1 Peter 5:10 - But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

James 4:7 - Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.