The Serenity Prayer.

Much mystery surrounds the exact origin of the serenity prayer, but most agree that its most popular version was authored by Dr Rheinhold Niebuhr who claims to have written the serenity prayer as an illustration for a sermon he was to deliver in 1943. Here are the words to the serenity prayer:

God, give us grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed, courage to change the things which should be changed, and the wisdom to distinguish the one from the other.

Whatever the doubts concerning its authorship, what is certain is that the serenity prayer has proved to be a powerful spiritual resource for those who read it. The prayer was a comfort and inspiration to soldiers in the second World War, to whom it was circulated on specially printed cards.

The serenity prayer's strongest connection, however, is with the support group Alcoholics Anonymous.

What Does the Serenity Prayer Mean?

The serenity prayer starts with a simple cry to 'God'. It is to God, all powerful creator of the world, in whom we can trust, that the prayer is addressed. When life seems without hope, when our lives are under threat from the actions of others or ourselves, God offers serenity, or peace, for those who turn to Him in faith.

The prayer then makes 3 simple petitions.

Firstly, for the strength to accept what cannot be changed. What is done is done - we cannot turn back time and have, literally, a second go at life. We must ask God for the strength, through his grace (his free love for us), to accept what we cannot change.

Secondly, empowered by our faith in God, following Jesus Christ's example, and supported by His Holy Spirit, we must find the courage to make the changes we know we can make. We can apologise for words we should not have said. We can stop doing the things that are hurting others or ourselves. Whilst we may think this difficult, with God's help we can do it! Moreover, we can also find strength and support from others, either practically, or at least in knowing that many others are sharing the serenity prayer in circumstances not unlike our own.

Thirdly, the words of the serenity prayer recognise that in times of distress and depression our vision and direction is often clouded. We need God's guidance in knowing what can be achieved and which steps we should take in order to secure those achievements. The life and ministry of Jesus is often the example we need to follow.

"God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that everyone who has faith in him may not perish but have eternal life."
Gospel of John 3:16.