Discovering the Full Serenity Prayer
Have you ever heard the full version of the Serenity Prayer? I’m sure many of you are familiar with the first few lines, but there’s so much more to this beautiful prayer! The prayer reminded us to seek God’s guidance in all our lives, especially when facing challenges and uncertainties. First, we must look at the full Serenity Prayer, and then explore how it can help us find peace, courage, and wisdom in our daily walk with God.
The Full Serenity Prayer
“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.”
Embracing Peace and Wisdom with the Serenity Prayer
The first paragraph of this prayer is one that I’ve heard and know. I thought the prayer was smart for applying to our lives and that if I could apply it, I would have less anxiety and worry. However, when I read the full serenity prayer, I was blown away. It is simple and powerful, all at the same time.
1. Finding Serenity: Accepting What We Cannot Change
The first part of the Serenity Prayer focuses on serenity—finding peace in accepting the things we cannot change. It’s so easy to get caught up in worry and frustration over situations beyond our control. He is in control and will guide us through whatever comes our way.
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
“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.”
2. Courage to Change: Taking Steps of Faith
The Serenity Prayer also speaks of courage—the courage to change the things we can. I believe in doing everything in my power and then accepting what I can’t change. True serenity comes from surrendering our anxieties to God, but He expects us to do our part. That could look like going to a doctor when you’re sick, a marriage counselor when your marriage is rocky, or finding a financial advisor when your finances are in shambles.
Joshua 1:9 NIV
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
3. Seeking Wisdom: Knowing the Difference
The prayer also asks for wisdom—to know the difference between what we can change and what we must accept. For me, this is the hardest part of the prayer. Wisdom comes from seeking God’s guidance and trusting His plan. It’s about understanding when to act and when to be still. I’m guilty of not knowing when to be still and let God do the work.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
4. Living One Day at a Time: Embracing the Present
The full Serenity Prayer encourages us to live “one day at a time” and “enjoy one moment at a time.” It’s a beautiful reminder to stay present, appreciate the small moments, and not get overwhelmed by the future. I like to look out the window each morning and greet it with, “This is the Day the Lord has made. I will Rejoice and be Glad in it!”
Matthew 6:34 NIV
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Trusting God’s Will and Finding True Happiness
The Serenity Prayer ends with a powerful call to trust God’s will and find contentment in His plan for our lives. Let’s focus on today, trust God with our tomorrows, and find joy in the journey.
Romans 8:28 NIV
“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.”
I hope everyone finds peace, courage, and wisdom in their daily walk with God by embracing His plan with an open heart. It might be hard, but surrendering all our worries and trusting in His guidance is how to have peace in your life. The post on Why The Prayer Of Jabez Is So Powerful is one you might want also to read.
Let’s end with a prayer:
Dear God, grant us serenity to accept the things we cannot change, courage to change the things we can, and wisdom to know the difference. Help us to live each day fully, trusting in Your will and finding joy in Your presence. Amen.
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