Most of us can quote the Serenity Prayer by heart. “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.” I first came across this prayer when I was involved in Al-Anon years ago, and I have used it many times in my life whenever I needed to be reminded that God is the one who is in charge and that I must accept what I can and cannot control.

Did you know that there is more to the Serenity Prayer than the words quoted above? I didn’t, until recently when I attended a funeral. The remembrance card for the deceased included a version of the prayer which included additional words. In doing some research, I discovered the prayer is attributed to American Theologian Dr. Reinhold Niebuhr. Here is the original full version:

“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.

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 I would have it,

Trusting that You will make all things right,

If I surrender to Your will,

So that I may be reasonably happy in this life,

And supremely happy with You forever in the next. Amen.”

I really like the additional words in this original version, and I am going to post them in my home. How important it is for me to remember to live one day at a time, and to accept whatever is placed in front of me, including difficulties. When I surrender to God’s will, He will provide me the right things I really need. When I recall these wise words, I can calm my mind in the midst of the chaos we find in this world.

Are you feeling stress these days? Do you find yourself in the middle of problems, and want to find peace? Perhaps the Serenity Prayer can help. I encourage you to read through the entire prayer, and maybe even post it where you can see it each day. It could be the source of many blessings for you!

Have a blessed Monday!

Faye

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