Full Serenity Prayer: Words for Acceptance, Courage & Wisdom

Find Peace with the Full Serenity Prayer

Are you searching for the full Serenity Prayer? Perhaps you've heard the familiar opening lines, "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change..." but long for the complete message. If so, you're in the right place. For decades, this prayer has offered solace and guidance to millions seeking inner peace. Today, we're diving deep into the full version of the Serenity Prayer, exploring its meaning and how it can help you navigate life's challenges with acceptance, courage, and wisdom.

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The Full Serenity Prayer

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

Who Wrote the Serenity Prayer

This famous prayer is commonly attributed to Reinhold Niebuhr, an American theologian, and it gained widespread popularity in the mid-20th century. However, its exact origins are a subject of some debate, as variations of the prayer have been found in writings dating back even earlier. Nonetheless, Niebuhr is widely recognized as popularizing the prayer in its modern form.

Where Did the Serenity Prayer Come From

Made popular by the work of Alcoholics Anonymous during the 20th Century, the Serenity Prayer is a firm favourite amongst this group, so much so that it is has become known as the “AA Prayer”.

What Is The Main Idea Of The Serenity Prayer?

The Serenity Prayer centers around four key ideas:

Serenity: This refers to a state of calmness and peace of mind, even in the face of difficulties. This refers to a state of calmness and peace of mind, even in the face of difficulties. The Serenity Prayer offers a path to this inner peace. Which is the same feeling David talked about in Psalm 23:1-2: "The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters."
Acceptance: The prayer acknowledges there are things beyond our control, and acceptance is crucial for inner peace. The prayer acknowledges there are things beyond our control, and acceptance is crucial for inner peace. The Bible offers verses that echo this sentiment, such as Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
Courage: It emphasizes the importance of having the bravery to change the things we can influence in our lives. It emphasizes the importance of having the bravery to change the things we can influence in our lives. The Bible provides encouragement for finding courage, such as Joshua 1:9: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Wisdom: The prayer recognizes the need for discernment to know the difference between what can and cannot be changed. The Serenity Prayer acknowledges the need for wisdom, and James 1:5 beautifully captures this idea. The verse tells us that God gives wisdom generously to those who seek it.

Essentially, it's a plea for the strength to accept what we can't control, the courage to change what we can, and the wisdom to know the difference. This allows us to focus our energy on areas where we can make a positive impact and find peace with the things we cannot change.

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How Many Versions Of The Serenity Prayer Are There?

The Serenity Prayer exists in several versions, with 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."

The Serenity Prayer has one widely recognized core version, but there are several things to consider:

Variations: While the core message remains the same, minor wording changes exist. Some versions might say "grant me" instead of "give me," or use "strength" instead of "courage."
Adaptations: The prayer has been adapted for use in various 12-step programs, with slight modifications to fit their specific focus. It has also been adapted for different situations such as accepting people, self-compassion and more.
Informal Alterations: People sometimes personalize the prayer for their own beliefs or situations.

Why Do People Use The Serenity Prayer?

People use the Serenity Prayer for a variety of reasons, but some of the most common include:

Finding Peace: Life can be full of challenges and uncertainties. The Serenity Prayer offers a path to inner peace by encouraging acceptance of what's outside our control and focusing our energy on what we can influence. It doesn't require any specific religious belief or practice.
Managing Stress and Anxiety: The act of reciting the prayer itself can be calming and help individuals center themselves during stressful situations. It can be a mantra or a grounding technique, even for those who don't traditionally pray.
Guiding Action: The prayer encourages taking action to change what we can, promoting a sense of empowerment and personal agency.
Gaining Perspective: By acknowledging the limitations of our control, the prayer helps us step back and see situations with greater clarity.
Finding Strength: The prayer offers a sense of support and guidance, reminding individuals they're not alone in facing challenges. It can be a source of strength even for those who don't subscribe to a particular faith.
Not Knowing How to Pray: The beauty of the Serenity Prayer is its simplicity. It doesn't require any specific religious practice or knowledge of formal prayer. You can simply say the words or reflect on their meaning.
Spiritual Growth: While originating in a theological context, the prayer resonates with people of all backgrounds seeking a deeper sense of meaning and purpose. It can be a tool for personal growth, regardless of religious affiliation.

Overall, the Serenity Prayer provides a powerful framework for navigating life's complexities with acceptance, courage, and wisdom. It's a simple yet profound tool that can benefit anyone seeking greater peace and inner strength, even those who don't know how to pray in the traditional sense.

Final Thought On the Serenity Prayer

The Serenity Prayer, with its timeless message of acceptance, courage, and wisdom, continues to resonate with people from all walks of life. For us Christians, the prayer echoes the teachings of Jesus Christ, who himself embodied acceptance, courage, and trusting in God's will.

Philippians 4:6-7: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

As we navigate the ups and downs of life, may we draw inspiration from both the Serenity Prayer and the teachings of Jesus, finding serenity in acceptance, courage in action, and wisdom in discernment.

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About the Author:

Corine Williams, Ph.D. is Clinical Psychologist that is currently seeing clients in the States of Maryland, New Jersey, and New York. You can find out more about her practice by visiting www.therapyforchristians.com/corinewilliams. In addition to providing individual therapy, Dr. Williams is also passionate about writing books and designing merchandise that educate, uplift, and normalize mental health subject in the Christian community. You can find out more about her at www.booksbycorine.com or by visiting her amazon profile here: https://www.amazon.com/Corine-Hyman/e/B00AWZ5FL2

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