barserenity.jpg (6156 bytes)
 

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 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.

serenity.gif (13574 bytes)

No-one is totally sure who write this prayer, although Reinhold Niebuhr is often credited with it.  However, some link it with  Friedrich Oetinger, an 18th century theologian, whilst others attribute the prayer to the Roman philosopher Boethius, living in the early part of the sixth century.

The prayer was popularised by the A.A. movement, who adopted it at the core of their twelve steps, and had it printed on small cards for members to carry in their wallets.
Pointers for Prayer : The ability to accept things that we may not like, courage and wisdom are three qualities that build our character.  Pray for these three qualities, that God would grow them within you, and pray specifically about any particular situations where you need the wisdom to seek whether you should accept or change your approach to it.
Many of the psalms also offer great prayers for the reality of facing lifes challenges


All material is copyright to The Teal Trust, 2002, but may be reproduced with permission for non-profit use.