O 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 hardships as the pathway to peace. Taking, as he did, the 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.
The legacy of Serenity Prayer
The Serenity Prayer is a famous Catholic prayer that asks for the courage to accept things that cannot be changed, the serenity to accept the things that can be changed, and the wisdom to know the difference. The prayer is often used in addiction recovery programs and has become widely known outside of Catholicism.
The Serenity Prayer was written by Reinhold Niebuhr, an American theologian, in the early 20th century. Niebuhr was a prominent Christian thinker and writer who wrote extensively about the relationship between faith and politics.
The prayer was later adopted by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other twelve-step recovery programs, where it is used as a tool for spiritual reflection and personal growth. The prayer is often recited at the beginning or end of meetings, and it is considered an important part of the AA philosophy and approach to recovery.
The Serenity Prayer has also become widely known and used outside of AA and Catholicism, where it is seen as a universal prayer for anyone seeking guidance and insight on dealing with life’s challenges. The prayer has been used in song lyrics, popular culture references, and even in political speeches, demonstrating its enduring power and relevance in modern society.
Overall, the Serenity Prayer continues to be a meaningful and inspiring Catholic prayer that serves as a reminder to remain centered in the midst of life’s ups and downs, and to seek the wisdom and guidance of a higher power.