"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 at 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? He is our creator. He is the one who has been with us every day of our lives. As we become conscious of His presence with us we are able to find rest in our new life in recovery, not because all problems cease, but because we can now rely on the care and help of the God who promises to be with us and help us. So, we are praying to the only God who is the source of true serenity.
But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. (Isaiah 43:1-3 NIV) 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 55:8-9 NLT)
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. This is the God in whose presence we can find peace and safety -- deepest serenity.
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