Monday, September 24, 2012 -- Serenity Prayer (1)

"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."

The Serenity Prayer, in either the short or full version, is said in 12- step meetings around the world.  What are we praying when we say these words?

In the first place we are addressing God. Who is this God?  As much as we try, we will never understand how wonderful God really is.  The Twelve-Step program invites us to turn our wills and our lives over to the care of God as we understand Him. “ My thoughts are completely different from yours, says the Lord.  And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.  For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts."  (Isaiah 55)

For many years we didn't know how good God really was and how close to us God is at all times.  As we walk forward with a clear mind and an open heart, we have the opportunity to get to know God and for the rest of our lives to learn about His character and His compassion.  The happy reality is that with whatever we are able to learn, there will still be infinitely more wonderful aspects to God than what we will ever know. 

The Lord forgives our sins, heals us when we are sick, and protects us from death. His kindness and love are a crown on our heads. Each day that we live, he provides for our needs and gives us the strength of a young eagle. For all who are mistreated, the Lord brings justice. The Lord is merciful! He is kind and patient, and his love never fails. The Lord won’t always be angry and point out our sins;  he doesn’t punish us as our sins deserve. (Psalm 103:3-6, 8-10 CEV)

This is the God we address when we pray the Serenity Prayer.

(Adapted from: "The God Of My Understanding" - Life With God in Recovery) Copyright 2012 Partners in Hope Recovery Society