The Serenity Prayer

Reverend Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971) was the composer of the well-known Serenity Prayer that is commonly used at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Niebuhr was one of the most influential American theologians of the 20th century due to his influence in politics and public affairs. He also developed the philosophical perspective known as Christian realism.

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.
Amen