The prayer consists of a few short, simple lines that capture the essence of finding serenity in the face of life’s challenges. It begins with the famous opening, “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change.” These words serve as a reminder to accept
Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971) was a very infuential American theologian. He wrote what came to be known as the Serenity Prayer for a sermon, and used it in a variety of forms, including a longer-form poem. Below is the best-known version of it.
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.
— Reinhold Niebuhr
See also our version of it: Courage, Serenity & Wisdom.
The Serenity Prayer is a well-known and widely cherished prayer that has provided solace and guidance to people facing various challenges and obstacles in life. Its origins can be traced back to Reinhold Niebuhr, a renowned American theologian and social thinker. The full Serenity Prayer by Reinhold Niebuhr is a source of inspiration for many and has become a cornerstone in various recovery and self-help programs.
The Origin of the Serenity Prayer
The Serenity Prayer, often associated with Reinhold Niebuhr, has a fascinating history. Reinhold Niebuhr, a theologian who lived in the early 20th century, composed this prayer as a part of his sermons and writings. It is important to note that there are various versions of the Serenity Prayer, with slight variations in wording and length. The most well-known version is as follows:
“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.”
This concise and profound prayer encapsulates a powerful message of acceptance, courage, and wisdom in facing life’s challenges.
The Original Version of the Serenity Prayer
While the version mentioned above is the most popular one, the original version of the Serenity Prayer is somewhat longer. The original prayer is thought to have been written by Reinhold Niebuhr in the early 1930s, and it goes like this:
“God, give us grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed, Courage to change the things that should be changed, And the wisdom to distinguish the one from the other. Living one day at a time, Enjoying one moment at a time, Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace, Taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, not as we would have it, Trusting that You will make all things right if we surrender to Your will, So that we may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with You forever in the next. Amen.”
This original version of the Serenity Prayer offers a more detailed and comprehensive perspective on life’s challenges, emphasizing the importance of accepting hardship and surrendering to a higher power’s will.
How to Start the Serenity Prayer
Starting the Serenity Prayer can be a deeply personal and reflective experience. Whether you are seeking solace in times of trouble or guidance in making difficult decisions, the Serenity Prayer can be a valuable tool. To start the Serenity Prayer:
- Create a Quiet Space: Find a quiet and peaceful place where you can concentrate and meditate.
- Center Your Thoughts: Take a few moments to clear your mind and focus on the present moment.
- Recite the Prayer: Whether you choose the shorter or original version of the Serenity Prayer, recite it slowly and deliberately. Allow the words to resonate with you and contemplate their meaning.
- Reflect and Meditate: After reciting the prayer, take some time to reflect on its message and how it relates to your current situation. Consider the aspects of your life that you cannot change, the areas where you can summon courage to effect change, and the wisdom to distinguish between them.
- Surrender and Trust: Acknowledge the role of a higher power or your own spiritual beliefs in guiding you through life’s challenges. Trust that, as you surrender to a greater plan, you will find peace and happiness.
The 3 Powerful Prayers
In addition to the Serenity Prayer, there are several other powerful prayers that are often recited for various purposes. Here are three notable prayers that hold significance in different contexts:
- The Lord’s Prayer: This is one of the most well-known prayers in Christianity, taught by Jesus to His disciples. It covers themes of worship, repentance, and seeking God’s guidance in daily life.
- The Prayer of St. Francis: Often associated with St. Francis of Assisi, this prayer focuses on being an instrument of peace, love, and understanding in a troubled world.
- The Serenity Prayer: As discussed earlier, this prayer emphasizes acceptance, courage, and wisdom when facing life’s challenges. It has become a staple in recovery programs and self-help circles.
These three prayers, including the Serenity Prayer, offer guidance and comfort to people in their spiritual journeys, providing a source of strength and inspiration in times of need.
In conclusion, the Serenity Prayer, with its various versions, has touched the lives of many, offering guidance and solace in the face of life’s challenges. Whether you recite the shorter or the original version, this prayer encourages us to accept what cannot be changed, find courage to change what can be, and seek the wisdom to distinguish between the two. It is a testament to the enduring power of prayer to provide comfort and guidance in times of uncertainty.
Reinhold Niebuhr’s poem:
God, grant me the serenity
to accept the things
I cannot change,
Courage to change the
things I can, and the
wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardship 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
all things right if I
surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy
in this life, and supremely
happy with Him forever in
the next.
Amen
Reinhold Niebuhr (1926)